Ancient Temples of Tamizhnadu - Paadal Petra Sthalams
Ancient temples of Tamizhnadu are a delight to the
connoisseur of art, an authentic exhibition of the stupendous skills and
abilities of the crafts persons, revelation of the evolved techniques and approaches
in math and science in being able to build such vast monumental structures with
complex layouts, amazing symmetry, intricate designs and some with stunning
concepts (the likes of musical pillars) that have stood the test of time for
thousands of years.
The temples, within the magnificence of the structure,
elicit such solitude and bestow such spiritual bliss that is best experienced
than be described by words since however artfully articulated, words cannot
convey the vibrant sense of energy that can be felt by the human body and mind
when in presence.
Amongst these temples, are 276 Shiva temples visited and
glorified in hymns by sixty three (63) great saints known as Nayanmaars or
Nayanaars. These temples are Paadal Petra Sthalams (Padal – Hymn, Petra –
glorified by, Sthalam – place, Shrine). The glorious hymns of the Nayanmaars
are known as Thirumurai.
Likewise, there are 101 Vishnu temples – Divya Desams (Divya
– prominent, Desam – place, shrine) epitomised by Twelve (12) Alwars.
Visiting each of these temples is a pilgrimage in itself and
allows one to soak in the immense energy still effervescent in the ambience.
Each of these temples has sthala puranam (happenings related
with evolution of the temple). Like all ancient temples, each temple has sthala
teertham (the sacred water source, this may be more than one) and sthala
vruksham (tree associated with the temple).
I have started on a long-term pilgrimage, by the grace of
Shiva and Parvathi, to visit Padal Petra Sthalams since 2014 and the intent of
the blogpost is to share details from visits of the temples – sthala puranam(s),
theertham(s), vruksham, names of Shiva and Parvathi for the Sthalam,
Nayamaar(s) Visit(s), Padal Padhigam(s) coordinates, and groupings by geography
for coverage and photos* as record and reference for people interested in
exploring and experiencing the bliss with a view that contexts can help enhance
the experience.
* I avoid to
the extent I can, photographing parts of the temple consecrated through Vedic
rituals, to let the divine energy remain in the precincts ambience. The Gopura
Kalasams, the receptors of cosmic energy and the cosmic energy capacitors that
sustain the sacred waves within the temple premise are an exception. Same for
the Vahana Murthis and Dwarapalakas.
