Thiruneermalai complex consists of two temples. Neervanna Perumal in standing pose on the base temple. On the hill, there are sannadhis for Ranganatha (kidanda pose), Narasimha (in Irudna pose) and Trivikrama (Ulagalanda Perumal in nadanda pose) .
The temple ther has several carvings, including Narasimha, Ranganatha and Trivikrama as seen above.
The vimanam of Othandeswarar temple, Thirumazhisai seen through the door.
You can see many forms of Siva: Multi-headed, Dakshina Murthy, Veenadhara Dakshinamoorthy, Gaja Samharamurthy, Urdha Thandavamurthy etc.
The Othandeswarar temple in Thirumazhisai is an 11th-century Chola period temple, built by Kulothunga Cholan. There is a legend associated with the temple.
According to the legend, the king was returning home after a hunt near Thriumullaivasal when his path was obstructed by a thick vine. He cut through the vine with his sword, only to find blood oozing from the thicket. Upon closer examination, he discovered that he had accidentally slashed a Shiva lingam. Realizing his mistake, he cut off his hand to expiate the sin and offered it to the lingam. In response to his devotion, Shiva appeared to him with Parvati, restored his hand, and blessed him.
The Lord is also known as Kai Thantha Piran, while the Goddess is known as Kulirvitha Nayagi.
The temple is situated right on the Chennai-Thiruttani road about 25 km from the city.
Tamil Numerals
Guess what is this.
I captured this during the Chennai Photowalk #249 to Dhenupureswarar Temple at Madambakkam without realizing what it meant. Only a reading of the blog by Mr Veludharan made me aware that it is a ‘magic’ matrix. Those who are familiar with Tamizh numerals will be able to guess. The clue is No. 15. Others may visit the site: https://veludharan.blogspot.com/2015/07/10th-july-2015.html
The numbers add up to 15 in all directions – horizontal, vertical, and diagonal.
Found on the ‘mottai gopuram’ entrance.
The primary deity in the Shiva temple at Madambakkam, near Tambaram, is Shiva in the form of a Swayambhu lingam. According to belief, a cow was nourishing the lingam in the forest with milk until it was discovered by some individuals. The temple was constructed by Sundara Chola, the father of Raja Raja Chola I, around 950 C.E. Hence, it predates the Brahadeeswara temple in Thanjavur.
Subsequently, the Vijayanagara rulers renovated the temple and added the mandapam. The mandapam showcases fascinating sculptures, some of which I have included below.
Madambakkam is located approximately 4 to 5 kilometers from the Velachery-Tambaram Main road.
More on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhenupureeswarar_Temple_(Madambakkam)
Shivalingam is flanked by two Nandis. Vishnu on Anantha flanked by two hamsas. A depiction on the walls of Sri Kotravaaleeswarar (shiva) temple in Koviloor near Karaikkudi. These images were repeated at least 3 or 4 times on the peripheral wall.
From the Karaikkudi trip with The Photographic Society of Madras.
The emblem on the front wall of the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa.
IHS is derived from the Greek – Iesus Homimum Salvator – Jesus, the Saviour of Men (Humanity). I am unable to decode the other elements in this crest.
Photographing this from the ground was a challenge. I had to use software to correct the distortion and perspective. I am happy with the results.
This also took me back 60 years to the emblem and motto of my school, Christian College High School, Chetput. ‘In Hoc Signo’ which is derived from ‘In Hoc Signo Vince’ – Under this Sign Conquer.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the most important churches of Goa. It was consecrated in 1605. The main altar houses Ignatius Loyola with baby Jesus. The monument is declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The basilica also houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, a close associate of Loyola. St. Francis died somewhere in China and his body was brought to Goa after several months. The relic is taken out for public view once in ten years. The next exposition will be in November 2024.
The exterior laterite offers many interesting photo perspectives During this visit, photography was banned inside. Fortunately, I have some interior pictures from 2013 when there was no restriction on photography.
The laterite exterior with flying buttresses (added later) on one side gives it a unique look. Inside, the altars and twisted pillars are gilded. There are many wood carvings and paintings inside.
I learnt that there are 32 forms of Ganapathy. Some of them are, Bala Ganapathi, Heramba Ganapathi, Maha ganapathi, Nritya ganapathi, Sankatahara Ganpathi, Shakthi Ganapthi, Ucchishta Ganapthi etc.(No. Drishti Ganapathi is not one of them).
On a cue from Dr Chitra Madhavan, I saw this figure of Hermaba Ganapathy on the 2nd tier of Kapaliswarar koil Rajgopuram. Heramba Ganapathy has 5 heads with 10 arms bearing various weapons, modakam etc. He sits on a lion. This vahanam is believed to be a gift from his beloved mother, Parvati.
Heramba Ganapathi is not very common in South India. However, I found this Heramba Ganapati installed on the roadside in front of some sculpture workshops/ stores on Mamallapuram main road.
See also Nritya Ganapati Dancing Ganesha
And also Unique Ganapathy
The Pittu Paatti and the lazy labourer
The story so far in brief (in case you have not read the previous post): Manickavasagar was entrusted with a large sum by the king to procure horses for the cavalry. Manickavasagar spent the money on building a Shiva temple. To save Manickavasagar from the king’s wrath, Shiva transformed all the foxes and jackals in the area into horses and presented them to the king.
Now read on.
The next day, all the horses reverted to the foxes and jackals. The king was furious and he wanted to punish Manckavasagar by making him stand on the dry basin of river Vaigai in peak summer. To save his devotee, Shiva sent down torrential rains. The Vaigai was in a spate threatening to submerge Madurai. The king ordered a bund to be built to protect the city. He also ordered every family to send one able-bodied person for this work.
There was an old lady living all alone. She earned her livelihood by selling Puttu (Pittu) and was known as a Puttu paati. She was worried that she had no one to send for the manual labour and she herself was too old. She was praying to Lord Shiva when a young lad appeared in the doorway. He begged the paati to give him something to eat. In exchange, he was prepared to do any work for her. Paati gave the boy some puttu and sent him to work on the King’s project. At the work site, the boy dozed off under a tree, while the others were busy. Seeing this, the  King got furious and ordered the boy to be whipped. With every whiplash, the whole city trembled and everybody felt the pain. The King and all courtiers realized that the boy was none other than Lord Shiva and had come to protect his devotees. The King released Manickvasagar and handsomely rewarded the old lady.
The scene on Kapali Rajgopuram tier 2 probably represents this episode of the Puttu paati.
Stone stories 