Kshetradanam (Temple Visits) Continuation

Temple 4 -11th July 2026

The Arulmigu Gneelivaneswarar Temple,

located at Thiruppaingneeli (often written as Thirupanjali) in Mannachanallur Taluk of Tiruchirappalli is one among the most-visited Hindu temples in the region. This antique Hindu temple is one among the 275 Paadal Petra Sivasthalangal and Lord Shiva here offers his blessings in the name of Arulmigu Gneelivaneswarar. Thirupanjali Shiva Temple is just 25 km away from the city center of Trichy, 5 km away from the notable Thiruvellarai Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple. The temple is easily accessible from Manachanallur as mini-buses are operated at regular intervals.

Let's get to know more about the significance of the Thirupanjali Arulmigu Gneelivaneswarar Temple in detail.

This is temple is popularly called as 'South Kailash' and 'Melai Chidambaram' by the devotees of Lord Shiva. This holy abode of Lord Shiva is intricately glorified by the Saiva poet-saints Thirugyana Sambandar, Appar Tirunavukkarasar Nayanar and Sundarar in their divine literary compositions. The Thirupanjali Temple is the 61st sivalayam, situated on the southerly bank of River Cauvery that is named in the Saiva devotional verse of Tevaram. Arulmigu Gneelivaneswarar (Lord Shiva), the presiding deity of this temple is a Swayambhu Murthy (self-manifested) deity and is called by several names which include

• Gneelivaneswarar (most common name)

• Paramasambu

• Aaraniya Vallaver

• Kathali Vasanthar

• Eluthariya Peruman

• Sorudiya Eswarar

Legend has it that Lord Shiva defeated Yamadharman (Lord of Death) in Thirukadaiyur (Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu), in order to rescue the distinguished rishi Markandeya, from the grip of death. As the 'lord of death' Yamadharma himself lifeless, people were not subjected to death and the world turned overly populated. People stopped going to temple and poojas were stopped all over. Goddess Bhumadevi (Mother Earth) could not endure the burden of the Earth, which is full of immortal population.

On the other hand, the Thirupanjali Arulmigu Gneelivaneswarar Temple was functioning as was common and daily poojas were not discontinued at all. Hence, Goddess Bhumadevi along with the creator and protector of the universe, Lord Brahma and Lord Mahavishnu and several other devotees of Lord Shiva visited Thirupanjali temple. They pleaded Lord Shiva to give rebirth to Yamadharma. Their prayers were answered that Lord Shiva offered a new birth to Yamadharma on the day of Thaipoosam, through 'pilathuvaram'.

There are several others who received blessings of Lord Shiva in this temple, who include Lord Indra (King of the Gods), Kamadhenu aka Surabhi (Mother of Cows), Sheshanaga aka Adishesha (King of all Nagas), Lord Vayu Deva (Lord of the Winds), Lord Agni (god of Fire), Lord Rama, Arjuna (3rd of the Pandava Brothers), Saint-poet Appar, Sage Vashishta, Soothamamunivar and so on. The main temple tower (rajagopuram) of this temple was constructed by the Pandyan king Sundara Pandyan and the tower is not completed fully.

The second tower is called as the 'Ravana Vayil' and just before the entrance is the rare shrine of Yamadharma. The lord of death is in the form of a child as he got his new birth here. The Yamadharma sannadhi is in a cave under the ground level. Devotees offer special poojas to Yamadharma, seeking longevity. Another small sannadhi of Lord Shiva is located close to the second temple tower and the deity here is called as Sorudiya Eswarar. Another unique feature of this temple is that there is no separate shrine for Navagrahas is found. The nine steps leading from the second temple tower are regarded as the Navagrahas that were at the dictation of Ravana.

The primary deity of Gneelivaneswarar (Lord Shiva) offers his blessings in the sanctum sanctorum and there are two separate sannadhis present for goddesses, Arulmigu Visalakshi Amman and Arulmigu Neela Nedunkann Amman. There is a separate sannadhi for Ravanan is also present in this temple.

Presiding Deity (Moolavar): Arulmigu Gneelivaneswarar

Goddess (Amman/Thayar): Visalakshi, Neelnedungannayaki

Temple Tree (Sthala Virutcham): Kalvazhai (Plantain tree)

Temple Tanks (Theertham): Visalakshi, Yama, Kalyana, Agni, Deva, Appar and Maniankarunai

Agamam (Pooja): Kameekam

Vimanam (Tower above Sanctum Sanctorum): Badra Vimanam

Name of the Vinayagar in this Temple: Vasantha Vinyagar

Location and Contact Information:

Arulmigu Gneeliwaneswarar Temple

Thiruppaingneeli (Po), Mannachanallur Taluk, Thiruchirapalli Dist, Tamil Nadu

Pin Code - 621005

Phone Number: 0431-2902654/2902655

Email: eothiruppaingneeli@gmail.com

Transport Information:

Nearest Bus Stand:

Chatram Bus Stand, Trichy - 17.9 km

(via MDR823, SH 62 and Salem - Namakkal - Trichy Road/Trichy Chennai Trunk Road)

Nearest Airport:

Tiruchirapalli International Airport - 28.1 km

Nearest Railway Station:

Srirangam Raiway Station

Temple Timings:

6 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM

Parihara Timings:

8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4 PM to 5:30 PM

 Kshetradanam (Temple Visits) Continution

Temple No. 3 -

11th July, 2026

Azhagiya Manavalan Perumal Temple

(also called Thirukozhi or Nachiyar Koil) in Uraiyur, a suburb Tiruchirappalli in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu God Azhagiya Manavalan (Vishnu) and Goddess Kamalavalli (Lakshmi). It is one of the 108 Divya desam dedicated to Lakshmi Narayana.

As per Hindu legend, the god Vishnu was pleased by the worship of the childless Chola king Nanda Chola. He blessed the king with a child that was an incarnate of Lakshmi, his consort. The king found the child in a 1000 petal lotus tank while hunting in a forest. Since the child was born out of lotus, she was named Kamalavalli by the king. Time came when Kamalavalli fell in love with Vishnu in the form of Ranganatha, the presiding deity of Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple. The Chola king readily got her married to Ranganatha, who appeared here as the groom. Since Vishnu appeared as Azhagiya Manavalan, meaning a beautiful groom, the temple built here is called Azhagiya Manavalan Temple.[1][2] The event is celebrated as Serthi Sevai festival every year

The temple is believed to be in existence much before the 7th century. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. An Executive officer appointed by the Board manages the temple along with Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple, Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple at Thiruvellarai, Sri Vadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple and Mariamman Temple at Anbil. Annadhanam scheme, which provides free food to devotees, is implemented in the temple by the Board. Under the scheme, free food is offered to hundred devotees every day in the temple and the expenditure is fully funded by the contributions from devotees.

As per Hindu legend, the god Vishnu was pleased by the worship of the childless Chola king Nanda Chola. He blessed the king with a child that was an incarnate of Lakshmi, his consort. The king found the child in a 1000 petal lotus tank while hunting in a forest. Since the child was born out of lotus, she was named Kamalavalli by the king. Time came when Kamalavalli fell in love with Vishnu in the form of Ranganatha, the presiding deity of Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple. The Chola king readily got her married to Ranganatha, who appeared here as the groom. Since Vishnu appeared as Azhagiya Manavalan, meaning a beautiful groom, the temple built here is called Azhagiya Manavalan Temple. The event is celebrated as Serthi Sevai festival every year.

The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavaite community. The temple rituals are performed six times a day: Ushathkalam at 7 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 8:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Azhagiya Manavalan and Kamalavalli. During the last step of worship, nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument) are played, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple.

Daily Darshan Timings

• Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:45 PM

• Evening: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM [1]

Address: Nachiyar Kovil Sannathi Street, Woraiyur, Trichy, Tamil Nadu.

Schedule Match: The temple typically coordinates its opening and closing times with the nearby Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple. Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat and local street congestion.

Contact No. +91-431-2762446 and +91-9443188716.

Photo (1) is the current temple and Photo (2) when it was built in 7th Century (old structure).

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 Kshetradanam (Temple Visits) - Continuation

Temple No. 2 - 11-7-2026

Jambukeswarar and Akilandeswari Temples, Thiruvanaikaval, Trichy -One of the Padal Petra Temples.

From Adhimooleswar Temple, we proceeded to Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval which is a Siva Temple in Tiruchirapalli. It is one of the five major shiva temples in Tamil Nadu representing the five elements; this temple represents the element of water. In this temple Siva is worshipped as Jambukeshwarar and his consort Parvat as Akilandeswari.

Once Parvati mocked Siva’s penance for betterment of the world. Siva wanted to condemn her act and directed her to go to the earth from Kailasa to do penance. Parvathi in the form of Akilandesari as per Siva’s wish found Jambu forest to conduct her penance. She made a lingam out of water of river cauvery under the Venn Naaval tree and commenced her worship. The lingam is known as Appu Lingam (Water lingam), Siva at last gave darshan to Akilandeswari and taught her siva gnana. Akilandeswari took upadesa(lessons) facing East from Siva who stood facing West. The Siva lingam is in the water.

Behind Siva’s temple there is a temple for Akilandeswari. Following the legend, a priest performs the pooja every day. It is believed that saint Adi Shankara offered ear rings with a Sri Yatra carving on it to goddess. Akhilandeshwari worshipped her husband Lord Siva in this temple, even today at noon the ‘Archakar” (chief priest) dresses like a female and does puja to Jambukeshwarar and cow. The noon pooja is very famous and a host of pilgrims attend it every day. A special variety of black cow, called Karum Pasu is used for occasion. Annabhishekam to lingam (ablution with cooked rice) is daily ritual performed in the temple.

The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu

The timings are 530 am to 1.00 pm and 3.00pm to 8.30pm (upto 9 pm on certain days).

Distance from Adhimooleswar Temple to this temple is 10 kms, even from City is also 10 kms.

Picture: Gopuram of Jambukeswarar, Trichy

 Kshetradanam (Temple Visits)

Happy Travel days are here!

This is the first travel of mine during this year. During the first quarter I was busy in disposing off my flat in Mumbai and in second quarter due to health reasons I could not travel. However in this quarter my friend Moorthy (he moved to Hyderabad from Coimbatore) decided to start our travel and we planned to visit Padal Petra and Divyam Desham temples in and around Trichy plus nearby temples. Hence we reached Trichy on 10th night at Trichy and checked in at Hotel Royal JT (Contact +91 431 246 0455) is a very decent hotel without a restaurant and the tariff is Rs. 2000 inclusive of all taxes. This hotel is located close to Trichy Rail Junction. There are several good restaurants in and around this hotel. Hence non-availability of a restaurant is not an issue.

Our plan was to visit around 14 Padal Petra and 6 Divya Desam temples in four days. All these temples are situated in and around 30 to 40 kms of Trichy city.

First day (11-7-2026)

Exactly at 6 am our driver Ramesh reported in the hotel to start our Kshetradanam trip.

First we decided to visit Adhimooleswar Temple, one of the Padal Petra temples, which is in Thirupalathurai and 19 kms from our hotel. This temple is a Syambu ( self-born) sthalam.

Legend

This temple is revered in the 7th century and has several inscriptions dating back to the Chola period. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and three yearly festivals on its calendar. The annual Brahmotsavam (prime festival) is attended by many pilgrims. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

As per Hindu legend, a Chola king was chasing a bird, on a hunting expedition in the region. The bird hid inside a bush. The king shot an arrow, towards the bush. Instead of the bird, he found an ant hill, oozing milk when the arrow hit. The frightened king returned to his palace. That night, the god Shiva appeared in the king's dream and informed about his divine presence in the anthill. Consequently, the king established a temple in the place of the anthill.

Temple Timings:

7:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The temple hosts six daily rituals (poojas) starting from 5:30 AM to 8:00 PM.

Contact details: +91 431 246 0455.

Photo of the gopuram of this temple is attached.

(To be continued)

Tulja Bhavani temple, Ranu

Tulja Bhavani temple is most popular temple which is situated in small village Ranu near Vadodra Gujarat.The temple is about 700 years old.The statue/ idol was found by one saint. The present mahant offered us food and it was blessing of mother. She is the family goddess worshipped by the Maharaja Gaikwad of Vadodara.During Navratri days, the idol of Tulja Mataji are decorated with precious diamonds & rare jewelry given by Maharaja Malharrao Gaekwad, 150 years ago. After the festival is over, the diamonds & jewelry are kept in locker in Padra.Tulja Mataji are kuldevi of the royal Gaekwad family. The family members still come here to seek the blessings on 8th day of Chaitra Navratri & Aaso Navratri.

Mahant Kavindragiri, the care taker of temple says that 700 years ago Brahmshree Vishwambhar Giriji Maharaj came to Ranu village for worshipping Mataji & to serve the people. From blessings of mataji, they lit an diya near a small temple there. At back side of temple, they dug a small place called Mansarovar, where they found statue of Mataji, which is the idol of Shri Tulja Mataji, now installed in the Temple. One can also see 700 year old diya till lit up inside the temple.

People from Gujarat, Maharashtra,Orissa, Kerala & from abroad come here to seek blessings from Mataji. During 8th day of Aaso Navratri & Chaitra Navratri, Havan is done for peace & prosperity of people & earth

Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple, the Shiva temple that disappears twice a day!

 

The Stambheshwar Mahadev Temple, is   located in the town of Kavi Kamboi, (90 kms from Baroda)in the state of Gujarat.This ancient Shiva temple is located on the betwixt of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Cambay. This is very simple temple with nothing extraordinary in the architecture for the on lookers, but it is still a very unusual must visit religious sites of India. What is so unique about the temple is, that the temple gets totally submerged into the Sea during the high tide hours and as the tide starts to get low it again starts emerging out of the sea inch by inch, unveiling the 4 feet high Shiva lingam.

Legends add that despite being a demon, Tarakasaur was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He had undergone intense penance to please him which, of course, managed to please Lord Shiva. It’s said that the demon took advantage of the opportunity and asked for a boon, which can shield him from death. But as death is inevitable, Lord Shiva asked him to ask for another boon. Tarakasur then wished for a blessing, which stated that none other than the six-day-old son of Lord Shiva can kill him. Lord Shiva then granted his wish, after which Tarakasur created havoc in the three worlds and caused massive destruction. To put an end to this, Lord Shiva created Lord Kartikeya from the flame of his third eye, which put an end to the story.

Also, there is another version that states Lord Kartikeya, who punished Tarakasur, was also in awe because of his devotion for Lord Shiva. As a gesture of appreciation, he installed a shivalinga at the site, where Tarakasur was executed.

A visit to Mahabalaleshwar, Maharasthra

Mahabalaleshwar is the highest hill resort in the Western Ghats. It has many sites offering breathtaking views. Prominent among them are Veena Lake, Lingmala Waterfalls, Kates Point, Connought Peak, Old Mahableshwar, Marjorie Point, Arthur Seat, Hunter Point, Dhobi Waterfalls, Lodwick Point, Elephant’s Head, Bombay Point, Chainman Waterfalls, Babbington Point, Helens Point and Wilson Point.

On the 16^th November, 2019 I had decided to visit Mahableshwar which I have not visited for several years. If not mistaken my first visit was in th.e year 1979, for my honeymoon, to be specific on the 6^th May 1997. Immediately I called up Hotel Mayfair and booked a room for self from 19^th to 21^st (2 nights) with a plan of cheking out on 21^st morning.  Accordingly I had booked my bus ticket on 19^th going and 21^st return.My main objective was to visit the famous Siva temple and see the hotel where I stayed during my honeymoon. 

Day 1: (19th November) The pickup point for my bus was at Malad East, Alka Travels. As usual the bus was late by 30 mts. Finally it picked me up around 6 am.  Neeta  bus company has hotel everywhere and this was at Lonavala. Around 9 am we reached Neeta Hotel at Lonaval.  After breakfast around 9.30 am we left. Finally the bus arrived at Mahbleshwar bus erminus (again the drop  point was Neeta  Hotel) around 2 p.m. Since the hotel was away from the drop point I chehecked up with few taxis drivers to drop me at the hotel. All of them refused as they were looking for a long distance drop.  When I came out I saw one gentleman standing next a two wheeler.  When he saw me coming from the terminus, he straight asked me  “which hotel”. I said Mayfair. He said “I will drop you for Rs.60/- instead of Rs.100 for a taxi”. I was happy and got in the two wheeler and he dropped me in 10 minutes time.

Though situated only a few minutes’ walk from the main market of the hill town, Hotel Mayfair is a quiet place. You may laze about within the confines of its tastefully done – up rooms or stroll under the cool shade of its trees. You may set out with ease to see any of the scenic spots of this pretty hill station or simply go on long refreshing walks.

Contact details: Hotel Mayfair, Dr. L.C. D'souza Road, Aram Center, Mahabalaleshwar.

Phone No.02168 260366.

Mr. Singh, the Manager was waiting for me.  I checked in around 2.30 pm and he allotted a key of Room No. 501. After dropping my bag, I straight went for lunch.  Lunch was pretty good and no complaints. They served hot chapattis, samosa, dal, curries, rice, pappads and salad which was  part of the deal.  Deal in the hotel was Rs. 3500/ per night inclusive of all taxes, breakfast, lunch and dinner.  After lunch I went back to my room and slept till 4.30 pm.  

 Around 5 pm got out of the hotel and walked towards the main market which is less than one km. From the hotel. Before leaving the hotel I had decided to visit few places on the market road.. (1) Sangam Hotel where I stayed during my honeymoon (2) Aram restaurant (3) Imperial Hotel and (4) the famous Elisies Dairy & Baikery where we used to go and sit in the evenings.

During the year 1979 Sangam Hotel was very small with a shop in the ground floor, where the family of the owner stayed.    It was a small hotel with five rooms on the first floor.  Then we used to eah at Aram Restuarant (a veg joint). Thail used to be very good. Evenings were spent at Imperial and the bakery.

After visiting all these places I walked the other end (bus stand) of the road. Lot of changes had happened to the market road mainly it was very crowded and more new shops etc.

Around 7pm  returned to the hotel and clicking few photos and around 8 pm they served the dinner. After watching the TV, I hit the bed around 9.30 pm.

Day 2;   (20th November) As usual got up at 5 am, thought to go for a walk. Due to sever cold, I dropped the idea.  Did pranayama and meditation for one hour.  Around 7 am I went to the restaurant and picked up a cup of tea. Since the breakfast was getting late, I walked down to market road (aram restaurant) and had hot poha and a cup of tea and returned to my room around 8.30 am.  Immediately I booked a taxi to take me to Pancha Ganga, Mahableshwar Siva and Ganesha temples which are very old temples in Mahabuleshwar.

When I was returning after breakfast from Market Road, I saw the road which is leading to my hotel is getting suddenly crowded. On enquiry I was told that they set up a market in the road on every Tuesdays. Hence the hotel people said please leave the place before 9.30 am otherwise no vehicles can come through this road.  Hence I called for a taxi around 9 am to visit Pancha Ganga, Mahabuleshwar Siva and Ganesha temples which are very old in Mahabuleshwar.

Pancha Ganga temple

Constructed at the confluence of five rivers, Krishna, Venna, Savitri, Koyna and Gayatri, this temple is a site of major religious importance and is thronged by devotees all through the year. The temple has a beautifully carved gaumukhi, out of which the waters of the five rivers flow. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and has a lovely idol of him. The legend behind the temple is closely linked to Savitri's curse on the Trimurtis, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, who flow here as Koyna, Krishna and Venna rivers.

It was constructed by Raja Singha Deo, the ruler of the Yadavs of Devgiri, in the 13th Century. In the 16th and 17th Centuries, Raja Chanda Rao More of Jaoli and the Maratha ruler Shivaji improved upon its structure on a large scale, to whom the temple owes much of its present grandeur.

Photography inside is not allowed but one can carry camera inside the temple.

Mode of transport : Local taxis. 

Mahabuleshwar  Siva temple

Located at a distance of 6 km from the city of Mahabaleshwar; Mahabaleshwar temple is an ancient shrine and an ideal example of the Maratha heritage. Popularly known as the Mahabali, the temple is flocked by tourists and devotees throughout the year to bask in the serenity and tranquillity offered here. The temple is extremely popular among the Hindus, as Lord Shiva is the presiding deity here. Set up amidst the hilly terrain, this picturesque temple glorifies the Maratha Empire and its rule during the 16th century.

This temple is  one of the ancient temples of Maharashtra. It was built by Chanda Rao More dynasty in the 16th century. The magnificent temple is guarded by a five feet wall and has two sections- the inner area and the outer area. The inner part, known as the sanctum sanctorum, has Shiva as the presiding deity. There are many belongings of Lord Shiva in the premises of this temple, like his bed, damru, Trishul, carvings of his sacred bull and Kalbhairav (his bodyguard); that aptly defines his presence here.

The main and central attraction of this temple is the 6 feet long Shiva lingam of which only the tip is visible, depicting the stone incarnation of Lord Shiva. The Mahabaleshwar Temple has a very serene and spiritual environment. Devotees visit the temple around the year to witness the calm and peaceful aura of Lord Shiva. The site has two more temples nearby, namely the Atibaleshwar temple and the Panchganga temple. Mahabaleshwar Temple is quintessential of the authentic Hemadant architectural style of South India.

Lingamala Waterfall

Went to see Linhgamala waterfall.  Unfortunately due to fogg, I could not see the water fall.  However, I saw a mini-waterfall on the way back.

I returned back to the hotel around 2 pm and had my lunch.  

Day 3:  (21st November) After breakfast checked out and took my return bus back to Mumbai at 9.30 am..  Reached in Mumbai around 5 p.m.

Overall it was an excellent trip. I treat this trip as a kick off trip for my 2019 travel .