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Margatha Natarajar murthi - Uthirakosamangai temple near Ramanathapuram,TN
#ArudraDarisanam
Unique Natarajar made of emerlad is abt 6 feet tall.
It is always covered with sandal paste.Only on Thriuvadhirai Star in month Margazhi-Nataraja can be worshipped without sandal paste.
After removing the sandal paste,day long rituals & various abhishekam will be https://t.co/e1Ye8DrNWb day Maragatha Nataraja sannandhi will be closed after anointing the murthi with fresh sandal paste.Maragatha Natarajar is covered with sandal paste throughout the year
as Emerald has scientific property of its molecules getting disturbed when exposed to light/water/sound.This is an ancient Shiva temple considered to be 3000 years old -believed to be where Bhagwan Shiva gave Veda gyaana to Parvati Devi.This temple has some stunning sculptures.
#ArudraDarisanam
Unique Natarajar made of emerlad is abt 6 feet tall.
It is always covered with sandal paste.Only on Thriuvadhirai Star in month Margazhi-Nataraja can be worshipped without sandal paste.

After removing the sandal paste,day long rituals & various abhishekam will be https://t.co/e1Ye8DrNWb day Maragatha Nataraja sannandhi will be closed after anointing the murthi with fresh sandal paste.Maragatha Natarajar is covered with sandal paste throughout the year

as Emerald has scientific property of its molecules getting disturbed when exposed to light/water/sound.This is an ancient Shiva temple considered to be 3000 years old -believed to be where Bhagwan Shiva gave Veda gyaana to Parvati Devi.This temple has some stunning sculptures.

#sculpture #story -
Chandesha-Anugraha Murti - One of the Sculpture in Brihadeshwara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram - built by Raja Rajendra Chola I
This Sculpture depicts Bhagwan Shiva along with Devi Paravathi blessing Chandeshwara - one of the 63 Nayanmars.
#Thread
Chandeshwara/Chandikeshwara is regarded as custodian of Shiva Temple's wealth&most of Shiva temples in South India has separate sannathi for him.
His bhakti for Bhagwan Shiva elevated him as one of foremost among Nayanmars.
He gave importance to Shiva Pooja&protection of cows.
There are series of paintings, illustrating the #story of Chandikeshwar in the premises of
Sri Sathiyagireeswarar #Temple at Seinganur,near Kumbakonam,TN
Chandikeshwara's birth name
is Vichara sarman.He was born in the village of Senganur on the banks of River Manni.
His Parent names were Yajnathatan and Pavithrai.
Vichara Sarman was a gifted child and he learnt Vedas and Agamas at a very young age.
He was very devout and would always think about Bhagwan Shiva.
One day he saw a cowherd man brutally assaulting a cow,Vichara Sarman could not tolerate this. He spoke to cowherd: ‘Do you not know that the cow is worshipful & divine? All gods & Devas reside in https://t.co/ElLcI5ppsK it is our duty to protect cows &we should not to harm them.
Chandesha-Anugraha Murti - One of the Sculpture in Brihadeshwara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram - built by Raja Rajendra Chola I
This Sculpture depicts Bhagwan Shiva along with Devi Paravathi blessing Chandeshwara - one of the 63 Nayanmars.
#Thread

Chandeshwara/Chandikeshwara is regarded as custodian of Shiva Temple's wealth&most of Shiva temples in South India has separate sannathi for him.
His bhakti for Bhagwan Shiva elevated him as one of foremost among Nayanmars.
He gave importance to Shiva Pooja&protection of cows.

There are series of paintings, illustrating the #story of Chandikeshwar in the premises of
Sri Sathiyagireeswarar #Temple at Seinganur,near Kumbakonam,TN
Chandikeshwara's birth name
is Vichara sarman.He was born in the village of Senganur on the banks of River Manni.

His Parent names were Yajnathatan and Pavithrai.
Vichara Sarman was a gifted child and he learnt Vedas and Agamas at a very young age.
He was very devout and would always think about Bhagwan Shiva.
One day he saw a cowherd man brutally assaulting a cow,Vichara Sarman could not tolerate this. He spoke to cowherd: ‘Do you not know that the cow is worshipful & divine? All gods & Devas reside in https://t.co/ElLcI5ppsK it is our duty to protect cows &we should not to harm them.

A #story from Bhagavatham
- #Krishna's childhood leelas
This sculpture depicts Krishna leela that happened when he crawled around with Ural/mortar that was tied with rope on his waist.
#Thread
📸 - A panel from Sri Amruteshwara Temple , Amruthapura,Karnataka
Bhagwan Krishna was a very naughty child.Yashoda being fed up by pranks of Krishna tied him to a mortar/ural with a rope after a great https://t.co/AgI4HLU48u Krishna is called as Damodara- दाम(dam) means-rope,उदर (udara)means stomach. Later,Yashoda goes inside to do her work.
Left alone in the courtyard,
Krishna started moving about around with the mortar rolling behind him on the move.
On the way,there were 2 huge trees close to each other. Krishna crawled in between the trees & mortar got stuck in between.He tried to pull with all his strength.
As result,uproots twin trees causing them to fall down.The trees transform into 2 Gandharvas - Nalakuvara & Manigriva (sons of Kubera). They were cursed by Rishi Narada into becoming Arjuna trees.Liberated from curse,they thank Bhagwan Krishna.
📸- sculpture at Cheluvanaryana Temple,Melukote,Karnataka
All 📸 in this thread credit to TeamGsquare,stonestories and google
Source text - based on details in TeamGsquare,stonestories blogs
- #Krishna's childhood leelas
This sculpture depicts Krishna leela that happened when he crawled around with Ural/mortar that was tied with rope on his waist.
#Thread
📸 - A panel from Sri Amruteshwara Temple , Amruthapura,Karnataka

Bhagwan Krishna was a very naughty child.Yashoda being fed up by pranks of Krishna tied him to a mortar/ural with a rope after a great https://t.co/AgI4HLU48u Krishna is called as Damodara- दाम(dam) means-rope,उदर (udara)means stomach. Later,Yashoda goes inside to do her work.

Left alone in the courtyard,
Krishna started moving about around with the mortar rolling behind him on the move.
On the way,there were 2 huge trees close to each other. Krishna crawled in between the trees & mortar got stuck in between.He tried to pull with all his strength.

As result,uproots twin trees causing them to fall down.The trees transform into 2 Gandharvas - Nalakuvara & Manigriva (sons of Kubera). They were cursed by Rishi Narada into becoming Arjuna trees.Liberated from curse,they thank Bhagwan Krishna.

📸- sculpture at Cheluvanaryana Temple,Melukote,Karnataka
All 📸 in this thread credit to TeamGsquare,stonestories and google
Source text - based on details in TeamGsquare,stonestories blogs
Kanhopatra and Panduranga Vittala #Thread #story
Bhakti of Kahnopatra is matchless.
Kahnopatra was daughter of a daasi,she mastered the art of singing &dancing.She was not interested to perform in front of Rajas.Once she saw a group of devotees singing the praise of Vittala
They were travelling to Pandharpur to see Vittala Panduranga.Kanhopatra wanted to go along with them,she went home informed mother&took her tambura& joined those devotees. After Darshan,decided to stay there itself.She would always remain in of the temple & sing vittala's praise.
One man told Badshah of Bedar about her &her beauty.On hearing this,Badshah sent his guards to go get Kanhopatra from Pandharpur temple.Guards reached temple gates&told Kanhopatra Badshah’s orders&that if she failed to listen to them,they would have to take her away forcefully.
She then told guards that she would visit Vittal for one last time&come back.She went in & prayed to Vittal&told that if he abandons her now whole world will blame https://t.co/frNkzsgWZg she pleaded to Vittala,her soul got united with him.Took her in his lap&she died on his lap.
Vittala then asked Pujari to bury her body at southern gate of https://t.co/rFYF7AjZyO soon as they buried her a tarati tree sprang up in that very place & everyone were surprised. We can till date see this tree in Vitthal Rukmani #temple in Pandharpur.
Bhakti of Kahnopatra is matchless.
Kahnopatra was daughter of a daasi,she mastered the art of singing &dancing.She was not interested to perform in front of Rajas.Once she saw a group of devotees singing the praise of Vittala

They were travelling to Pandharpur to see Vittala Panduranga.Kanhopatra wanted to go along with them,she went home informed mother&took her tambura& joined those devotees. After Darshan,decided to stay there itself.She would always remain in of the temple & sing vittala's praise.
One man told Badshah of Bedar about her &her beauty.On hearing this,Badshah sent his guards to go get Kanhopatra from Pandharpur temple.Guards reached temple gates&told Kanhopatra Badshah’s orders&that if she failed to listen to them,they would have to take her away forcefully.
She then told guards that she would visit Vittal for one last time&come back.She went in & prayed to Vittal&told that if he abandons her now whole world will blame https://t.co/frNkzsgWZg she pleaded to Vittala,her soul got united with him.Took her in his lap&she died on his lap.
Vittala then asked Pujari to bury her body at southern gate of https://t.co/rFYF7AjZyO soon as they buried her a tarati tree sprang up in that very place & everyone were surprised. We can till date see this tree in Vitthal Rukmani #temple in Pandharpur.

A #story from #Thiruvilayadal puranam-one of divine leelas of Bhagwan Shiva
#threadseries #Madurai
Story 17- it is about Bhagwan Shiva as merchant selling precious navaratna stones
மாணிக்கம் விற்ற படலம்
Veerapandian was happily ruling the Pandya kingdom.Apart from the queen,he had many wives.Though he had children born to him from his other wives,but the queen was not blessed with a child.Queen was sad due to this & urged Veera pandian to do Shiva puja & Vrathams along with her.
After following several rituals& Vrathams they were blessed with a son.He named him as SelvaPandyan & taught him vedas & sastras.Once when veerapandian went to forest for hunting,he was attacked by a tiger & was killed.
The sudden demise of Raja brought sorrow to family& people.
The other sons of Raja used this opportunity to loot the riches from treasury,took away precious jewels,crowns & many other treasures.Ministers unaware of this decided to sworn in young prince as the Raja.They were shocked when the treasury was opened.The crown was not there.
Enough Gems were not there to make a new crown.With great worry, ministers along with prince SelvaPandyan decided to go to Alayam of Bhagwan Shiva & Meenakshi devi to guide them on next https://t.co/v5UhkQnxv6 they nearing Alayam,a charming jewel trader walked towards them.
#threadseries #Madurai
Story 17- it is about Bhagwan Shiva as merchant selling precious navaratna stones
மாணிக்கம் விற்ற படலம்

Veerapandian was happily ruling the Pandya kingdom.Apart from the queen,he had many wives.Though he had children born to him from his other wives,but the queen was not blessed with a child.Queen was sad due to this & urged Veera pandian to do Shiva puja & Vrathams along with her.
After following several rituals& Vrathams they were blessed with a son.He named him as SelvaPandyan & taught him vedas & sastras.Once when veerapandian went to forest for hunting,he was attacked by a tiger & was killed.
The sudden demise of Raja brought sorrow to family& people.
The other sons of Raja used this opportunity to loot the riches from treasury,took away precious jewels,crowns & many other treasures.Ministers unaware of this decided to sworn in young prince as the Raja.They were shocked when the treasury was opened.The crown was not there.
Enough Gems were not there to make a new crown.With great worry, ministers along with prince SelvaPandyan decided to go to Alayam of Bhagwan Shiva & Meenakshi devi to guide them on next https://t.co/v5UhkQnxv6 they nearing Alayam,a charming jewel trader walked towards them.
A #story from #Thiruvilayadal puranam-one of divine leelas of Bhagwan Shiva
#threadseries #madurai
Koodal Kaandam
Story 24 - it is about why Nataraja in Velliyambalam/Silver Dance Hall changed his pose to stand on left leg & raise right leg.
கால் மாறி ஆடிய படலம்
Earlier,Bhagwan Shiva performed Sadhya thadavam as per requests of Pathajali & Vyaghrapada Rishis after Wedding as the convyed to Sundareswarar that they usually have food only after seeing the dance of Thillai https://t.co/VIpzT0n0Kc see this story 👇
After Vikrama Pandyan, his son Rajasekara Pandyan ruled Madurai Kingdom.Rajsekaran mastered various art forms.Out of 64 art form,except for Natyam- he mastered 63 art forms.
He was very devoted towards Chokkanathar & Velliyambalam Nataraja who is Supreme master of Dance/Bharatam
He didn't attempt to learn Bharatam. He considered it will be a disrespect to practice due to his bhakti towards Nataraja/Bhagwan shiva.
During that time,Chola kingdom was ruled by Karikala Cholan.He was a great king&he patronized all art forms.He has learnt all 64 art forms.
Once a poet from Chola kingdom visited the court of Rajasekara Pandyan.After paying tributes,the poet said that his Raja was master of 64 arts,but pandyan knew only 63.Pandyan felt insulted,but realised that it might be God's will to make him learn Natyam.
#threadseries #madurai
Koodal Kaandam
Story 24 - it is about why Nataraja in Velliyambalam/Silver Dance Hall changed his pose to stand on left leg & raise right leg.
கால் மாறி ஆடிய படலம்

Earlier,Bhagwan Shiva performed Sadhya thadavam as per requests of Pathajali & Vyaghrapada Rishis after Wedding as the convyed to Sundareswarar that they usually have food only after seeing the dance of Thillai https://t.co/VIpzT0n0Kc see this story 👇
After Vikrama Pandyan, his son Rajasekara Pandyan ruled Madurai Kingdom.Rajsekaran mastered various art forms.Out of 64 art form,except for Natyam- he mastered 63 art forms.
He was very devoted towards Chokkanathar & Velliyambalam Nataraja who is Supreme master of Dance/Bharatam
He didn't attempt to learn Bharatam. He considered it will be a disrespect to practice due to his bhakti towards Nataraja/Bhagwan shiva.
During that time,Chola kingdom was ruled by Karikala Cholan.He was a great king&he patronized all art forms.He has learnt all 64 art forms.
Once a poet from Chola kingdom visited the court of Rajasekara Pandyan.After paying tributes,the poet said that his Raja was master of 64 arts,but pandyan knew only 63.Pandyan felt insulted,but realised that it might be God's will to make him learn Natyam.
A #story from #Thiruvilayadal puranam-one of divine leelas of Bhagwan Shiva
#threadseries #madurai
Story 14- it is about how Ukkirapandian shattered the crown of Indra Dev using Valai( curved ring type bangle)
இந்திரன் முடிமேல் வளையெறிந்த படலம்
Due to the wrath of Indra Dev there was no rain in the kingdoms.There was a severe drought & people suffered a lot. Not only Pandya kingdom,but also Chera,Chola kingdoms were also facing famine.All 3 Rajas - Chera,Chola & Pandya raja decided to seek the advice of Agasthiya Rishi.
They travelled to pothigai malai to meet him.They explained the present situation on their kingdoms due to failure of monsoon.Agathisya Rishi analyzed &told them that due to planetary positions there will be no rains for another 12 https://t.co/3XzBe9GuBs he advised to meet Indra
They asked Agasthiya Rishi on how they can go to Indralok. Agasthiya Rishi advised them to take up -Somavara Vratham to get blessings of Bhagwan Shiva that will help them reach Indralok.Rishi shared on how one should perform this vrat.3 Rajas thanked Agasthiya Rishi for guidance.
They went back to their kingdoms & observed several Somavara Vrata.Later it reaped with benefits, they were able to travel to indralok.Knowing their intentions, Indra arranged 3 seats at a lower level than his throne in the court.He showed then seats & asked them to be seated.
#threadseries #madurai
Story 14- it is about how Ukkirapandian shattered the crown of Indra Dev using Valai( curved ring type bangle)
இந்திரன் முடிமேல் வளையெறிந்த படலம்

Due to the wrath of Indra Dev there was no rain in the kingdoms.There was a severe drought & people suffered a lot. Not only Pandya kingdom,but also Chera,Chola kingdoms were also facing famine.All 3 Rajas - Chera,Chola & Pandya raja decided to seek the advice of Agasthiya Rishi.
They travelled to pothigai malai to meet him.They explained the present situation on their kingdoms due to failure of monsoon.Agathisya Rishi analyzed &told them that due to planetary positions there will be no rains for another 12 https://t.co/3XzBe9GuBs he advised to meet Indra
They asked Agasthiya Rishi on how they can go to Indralok. Agasthiya Rishi advised them to take up -Somavara Vratham to get blessings of Bhagwan Shiva that will help them reach Indralok.Rishi shared on how one should perform this vrat.3 Rajas thanked Agasthiya Rishi for guidance.
They went back to their kingdoms & observed several Somavara Vrata.Later it reaped with benefits, they were able to travel to indralok.Knowing their intentions, Indra arranged 3 seats at a lower level than his throne in the court.He showed then seats & asked them to be seated.
A #story from #Thiruvilayadal puranam-one of divine leelas of Bhagwan Shiva
#threadseries #Madurai
Story 11- it about birth of Ukkira Pandyan-son of Meenakshi devi &Sundareswarar - incarnation of Murugan/Subrahmanya/Kartikeya
உக்கிரபாண்டியன் திருஅவதாரப் படலம்
Under the governance of Sundareshwarar/Sundara Pandyan- kingdom flourished. Shiva Bhagwan & Meenakshi devi wished that dynasty should flourish further.His will made Muruga himself to manifest as baby of Meenakshi devi. Meenakshi devi cherished the pregnancy at every stage.
All customs were followed & ceremonies were held& people were awaiting birth of child of Meenakshi devi.On an auspicious day - Thiruvathirai star a boy baby was born.Meenakshi devi & Sundareswarar were very happy &also the joy of people of Madurai Kingdom was endless.
All devas,rishis and kings from various Kingdoms arrived to see the beautiful child of Meenakshi devi & Sundareswarar.All were very happy.Sundara Pandyan named his son as 'Ukkira Pandyan'.
Ukkira Pandyan grew under great care of Meenakshi devi.
SundaraPandyan performed his Upanayanam at the age of 5. Bhrahaspati,devaguru himself became Ukkira Pandyan's guru.He taught him all sastras.Also trained him in usage of weapons.He mastered all art https://t.co/6v40Jh3y3a the age of 16,he was excelled in vidya, sastras &weaponary
#threadseries #Madurai
Story 11- it about birth of Ukkira Pandyan-son of Meenakshi devi &Sundareswarar - incarnation of Murugan/Subrahmanya/Kartikeya
உக்கிரபாண்டியன் திருஅவதாரப் படலம்

Under the governance of Sundareshwarar/Sundara Pandyan- kingdom flourished. Shiva Bhagwan & Meenakshi devi wished that dynasty should flourish further.His will made Muruga himself to manifest as baby of Meenakshi devi. Meenakshi devi cherished the pregnancy at every stage.
All customs were followed & ceremonies were held& people were awaiting birth of child of Meenakshi devi.On an auspicious day - Thiruvathirai star a boy baby was born.Meenakshi devi & Sundareswarar were very happy &also the joy of people of Madurai Kingdom was endless.
All devas,rishis and kings from various Kingdoms arrived to see the beautiful child of Meenakshi devi & Sundareswarar.All were very happy.Sundara Pandyan named his son as 'Ukkira Pandyan'.
Ukkira Pandyan grew under great care of Meenakshi devi.
SundaraPandyan performed his Upanayanam at the age of 5. Bhrahaspati,devaguru himself became Ukkira Pandyan's guru.He taught him all sastras.Also trained him in usage of weapons.He mastered all art https://t.co/6v40Jh3y3a the age of 16,he was excelled in vidya, sastras &weaponary
#Thread about a Shiva temple
where #ShivaRatri festival is said to have originated&then followed in other temples.
One of the Sthala Puranam of
Thiruvaikavur Vilvanavanathar
Kshetram is closely related to #Mahashivarathri day.
Here,Nandi's are facing away from Shiva Sannadhi.
Vilvaneshwarar Temple, Thiruvaikavur, Near Kumbakonam, TN - There is no Raja gopuram & no Dwajasthambam for this temple.There are no Navagrahas in this temple.
Here,we can have darshan of Dakshina moorthy is with a stick.
There is an interesting legend regarding the same
#storytimethread - Rishi Dhavanithi was performing tapas in this Kshetram.A hunter was chasing a deer.The deer came running &surrendered to Rishi Dhavanithi.The hunter threatened to kill the Rishi if he did not release the deer to him.
At that time,Bhagwan Shiva came in the form of a tiger in order to save the Rishi& deer.On seeing the tiger,hunter climbed on a tree.Tiger sat under tree &did not https://t.co/qyhqxhVSyV keep himself awake, hunter started plucking leaves one by one &was throwing it on the tiger.
Incidentally,that night was Maha Shivratri & the leaf was Vilvam. Pleased with the hunter’s act, Bhagwan Shiva blessed him with his darshan & gave him mukti.
Meanwhile,Yama raj had also reached this place,as hunter’s life was to end in the morning.
where #ShivaRatri festival is said to have originated&then followed in other temples.
One of the Sthala Puranam of
Thiruvaikavur Vilvanavanathar
Kshetram is closely related to #Mahashivarathri day.
Here,Nandi's are facing away from Shiva Sannadhi.

Vilvaneshwarar Temple, Thiruvaikavur, Near Kumbakonam, TN - There is no Raja gopuram & no Dwajasthambam for this temple.There are no Navagrahas in this temple.
Here,we can have darshan of Dakshina moorthy is with a stick.
There is an interesting legend regarding the same

#storytimethread - Rishi Dhavanithi was performing tapas in this Kshetram.A hunter was chasing a deer.The deer came running &surrendered to Rishi Dhavanithi.The hunter threatened to kill the Rishi if he did not release the deer to him.

At that time,Bhagwan Shiva came in the form of a tiger in order to save the Rishi& deer.On seeing the tiger,hunter climbed on a tree.Tiger sat under tree &did not https://t.co/qyhqxhVSyV keep himself awake, hunter started plucking leaves one by one &was throwing it on the tiger.

Incidentally,that night was Maha Shivratri & the leaf was Vilvam. Pleased with the hunter’s act, Bhagwan Shiva blessed him with his darshan & gave him mukti.
Meanwhile,Yama raj had also reached this place,as hunter’s life was to end in the morning.
