Sri Gangadeeswarar Temple, Thakkolam, Ranipet

 

Moolavar: Sri Gangadeeswarar Temple, Thakkolam, Ranipet

Amman: Sri Mohanavalli Ambal

Situated on the serene banks of the Kosasthalaiyar River, this ancient temple is one of the seven historic Shiva temples of Thakkolam. It is located just behind the renowned Sri Jalanatheeswarar Temple, one of the revered Thevara Paadal Petra Sthalams. The moolavar is also known as Umapatheeswarar

Thakkolam occupies a significant place in South Indian history. It was here that the famous Battle of Thakkolam was fought, a turning point in the history of the Cholas, during which the Chola prince Rajaditya (Rajadhithan) was slain in battle against the Rashtrakutas.

Temple history narrates that Uthitha Maharishi’s son, Sage Theerkathar, lost his eyesight due to a curse incurred from Kamadhenu. Seeking relief from the curse, Uthitha Maharishi came to the sacred banks of the Kosasthalaiyar River at Thakkolam, installed a Shiva Linga along with a Nandi, and performed intense worship. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva caused the sacred waters of the Ganga to emerge through the mouth of the Nandi. After bathing in these divine waters, Sage Theerkathar was freed from the curse and regained his eyesight. Even today, devotees believe that the water which once flowed from the Nandi’s mouth originated from the holy River Ganga, making this shrine a place of immense spiritual significance.

According to the Periyapuranam, Sekkizhar records that after worshipping Lord Shiva at Thiruvirkolam Temple, Thirugnanasambandar visited this sacred shrine. Sekkizhar further narrates that Lord Shiva here was pleased with the intense penance performed by Sage Samvardha, the younger brother of Deva Guru Brihaspati (Vyazhan). This temple is also one of the revered Thevara Vaippu Sthalams praised by Thirunavukkarasar.

Within the inner prakaram are the shrines of Goddess Mohanavalli, Sri Subramanya with Valli and Devasena, Chandikeswarar, and the sacred Nandi (Rishabam), which is traditionally believed to have once discharged holy water through its mouth.

The shrine of Goddess Mohanavalli is situated to the right of the main sanctum and faces east. The Goddess stands gracefully in a standing posture, holding the Pasa and Ankusha in her upper hands, while her lower hands display the Abhaya and Varada mudras, symbolizing protection and blessings.

The mukha mandapam houses shrines for Karpaga Vinayagar, Kasi Viswanathar with Visalakshi, and Goddess Annapoorani. A Shiva Linga enshrined here is believed to have been consecrated and worshipped by Sage Uthitha Maharishi.

Contact: Kurukal Sri Banu can be reached on 99947 86919 he also takes take care of Jalanadhreswaar padal petra sthalam

Location: Sri Gangadeeswarar Temple, Thakkolam, Ranipet 

Sri Manikandeswarar Temple, Thirumalpur, Ranipet

   

Moolavar: Sri Manikandeswarar

Amman: Sri Anjanakshi Ambal

A Padal Petra Sthalam, one of the 276 revered Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu and the temple is mentioned in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work, Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars. This is the 11th Shiva temple in Thondaimandalam region praised in the hymns of Gnanasambandar and Tirunavukkarasar.

This ancient temple is approximately 1500 years old and is believed to have been built by Parantaka Chola during the 5th century.

The temple is associated with several legends, including the story of Lord Mahavishnu worshipping Lord Shiva to regain his Sudarshan Chakra, which had lost its sharpness. Impressed by Mahavishnu's devotion, Lord Shiva restored the chakra and blessed him.

Another legend tells the story of Goddess Parvathi creating a Shiva Linga with sand to repent for covering Lord Shiva's eyes, causing the universe to come to a standstill. The linga is protected by a copper plate and is considered self-manifested or Swayambhu.

it's believed that a Naga Kanni worshipped Lord Shiva here, and the temple is known for its relief from Naga Doshas. 

The temple features a 5-tiered gopuram, with a vast area of 1.2 acres, and is surrounded by robust walls with two concentric prakarams. In the inner prakaram sannadhi for Suryan, Naalvar, Soleeswarar (Shiva Linga was installed in memory of Parantaka Chozha), Pancha matrikas, Balaganapathy, Uchishta Ganapathy, Chidambareswarar, Gajalakshmi, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Veerabhadra, Bhairavar and  Chandran.

In the saba mandapam, Natarajar with Ambal and Manickavasagar. Pancha murtis stucco images are on the top of the entrance. In the mandapam bas-reliefs of Dakshinamurthy, Suryan, Mahavishnu, Balasubramaniar, Appar, Sundarar, Thirugnanasambandar,  Vinayagar, Murugan, Brahma/Nanmugan (all the four faces are visible), Ambal worshiping Lord Shiva, Kalinga Narthanar, Kamadhenu, Bhairavar, Veerabhadra doing dhabas standing on one leg. Lord Vishnu as Senthamarai Kanna Perumal is near Lord Shiva in a worshipping form. 

Mahavishnu is in standing form before Lord in praying pose.Though a Shiva temple,  Lord Vishnu is worshipped here, Garuda Seva is celebrated during the Brahmmotsavam festival.

The moolavar is called here with many names like, Sri Manikandeswarar, Sri Dhayanatheeswarar, Sri Pravaleswarar, Sri Saatharupar, Sri Pavalamalaiyar, Sri Vaattamthavirthar, and Sri Malvanankesar.

Ambal is in a separate sannadhi facing south immediately after the Rajagopuram. Ambal Anjanakshi is also, known as Karunai Nayagi

Location: Sri Manikandeswarar Temple, Thirumalpur, Ranipet

Sri Ekambareswarar Temple, Annaikatta Pudhur, Ranipet

 

Moolavar: Sri Ekambareswarar

Amman: Sri Kamakshi Ambal

A beautiful 1200 years old temple belonging to the Pandya period and is now completely renovated to its original glory.

The Swamy and Ambal are both facing east representing the kalayana kolam or the Marriage pose. This place is very well known for pariharam for marriage delays. There are separate Sannidhis for Sridevi, Bhoodevi Samedha Sri Kalyana Srinivasa Perumal. 

The outer praharam has a beautiful vinayagar facing North under a Vanni tree. 

Contact: Daily one Kala puja happens and the contact person Annamalai can be reached on 9444729626

Location: Sri Ekambareswarar Temple, Annaikatta Pudhur, Ranipet