Dhenupureeswarar Temple (Madambakkam) - Auspicious Visit to Suyambu Lingam

 Happy New Year 2024.    

We recently visited to a very old shrine of Lord Shiva in Madambakkam, at the outskirts of Chennai city and had a wonderful darshan of Lord Dhenupureeswara

·   This temple is the place I wanted to write about as the first post this year as I  visited this temple, recently .  Dhenupureeswarar Temple, is located in Madambakkam near Tambaram, Chennai.  Dhenupureeswarar is the local name for the Hindu deity Shiva

Here are few updates on this wonderful age-old temple and pictures from our visit

•    Today Madambakkam Sivan Temple of Dhenupurishwarar is one of the famous temples of Chennai, especially because of the sculpture of God Sarabeswarar present here.
•       Thenupureeswarar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is called Thenupureeswarar in local language. The name is given to Lord Shiva in this region is because he had once given Moksha to a cow.
•       The temple is more than 1000 years old and has immense importance in Chennai. Lord shiva and his consort Dhenukambal are worshipped in the temple. The temple boasts of beautiful sculptures of Lord Shiva and other deities in different postures.
•       There are 18 more temples which are built around the temple forming Om shape. The temple is counted amongst the 163 notified megalithic areas in Tamil Nadu. The temple has an inscription from the period of Cholas and Pandya. The area where the temple is located is a residential area with a large population.

HISTORY

•       Thenupureeswarar temple is more than 1000 years old and has a rich history associated with it. The temple is believed to be built during the reign of Parantaka Chola II in the year 956-973 AD. He was the father of Raja Raja Chola I. He constructed the famous Brihadeeshwarar temple of Thanjavur. 
•         The sanctum of the temple is apsidal in shape similar to other Chola temple in the state. The shape resembles the back of a sleeping elephant and is a popular design of temple in South India. During the reign of Kulothunga Chola I, the temple was consolidated with stones. 
•     You can find Chola sculpture which is kept in the temple in a well preserved condition. Carved pillars from the period of Chola are also found inside the temple. An archaeological survey of India has conducted many conservation and restoration task of the temple. The temple is also listed under monuments of national importance by ASI.

IMPORTANCE/SIGNIFICANCE

•       There is a cultural significance associated with the temple. First that it is temple that preserves the sculptures and artefacts of Chola dynasty and second that it is listed under National Monument authority notified sites. 
•     The temple finds mention in the 15th Century Tamil Poet Arunagirinathar's work. The temple also has religious significance as there is a self manifested Shivaling in the temple.
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• FACTS/MYTHOLOGY
•       According to the Hindu Mythology, at the site of the temple, Thenupureeshwarar had granted Moksha to a cow. 
•         The cow was no one but sage Kapila Maharishi who was cursed to become a cow because he had performed worship of Shivalinga with left hand. The cow released milk on the site where there was a Shivling inside the ground. 
•         The cowherd reprimanded the cow for wasting the milk. After the shivalinga was unearthed by the villagers, Thenupureeshwarar blessed the cow and released it from the curse. 
•         The King Parantaka Chola II dreamt of this entire event and decided to build the temple at this site to commemorate the event and give respect to Thenupureeshwarar and his consort.

FESTIVALS/EVENTS/GATHERINGS

•       Many festivals dedicated to Lord Shiva are celebrated in this ancient temple. Many people gather around the temple to commemorate and celebrate these festivals and events like Pradosha, Uttiram and Panguni. Also during Navaratri, many devotees pay a visit to the temple to perform Pooja.
•      Every Sunday, during Rahu Kalam time,  between 4.30 to 6 pm, devotees throng around the pillar which has the sculpture of Lord Sarabeshwarar and offer their special prayers to wade of evil.

 References: 

https://travel.bhushavali.com/2011/08/madambakkam-dhenupurishwarar-temple.html

https://www.nativeplanet.com/travel-guide/dhenupureeswarar-journey-towards-a-1000-year-old-temple-003343.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhenupureeswarar_Temple_(Madambakkam)

https://veludharan.blogspot.com/2017/08/sri-dhenupureeswarar-temple-madambakkam.html

FEW PICTURES from our visit

Have a wonderful and prosperous New Year 2024.  God bless you all.  Om Namah Shivaya!

 

 

 

Chennai International Book Fair 2023- A annual ritual of visit to the world of books

Pics says it all.   Missed the Notion Press stall this year in the book fair, or probably, I missed being at the right stall.  Enjoyed Queer Publishing Stall,  been to Emerald Publishers owner by my friend Nalini Olivannan and Went in search of Sixth Sense Publications and happy to find the Chennai Bloggers club book - "After the floods'' which had 21 authors writing the anthology and happy being one amongst them.  It feels good to find your book amidst millions of the books in the Book fair !!!

First time the LGBTQ community found a voice at the International Book Fair,  The Queer Publishing stall was quite a big turn for inclusivity in the society.  It makes me feel proud of our Constitution for providing equal rights to all human beings in India.  I know the struggle these trans sisters had on the first couple of days of the book fair, but glad they won their way and finally are able to make few sales for the books through the stall

Felt happy meeting Perivavallavan's mother at the fair and appreciated her for the longest legal battle she fought and won for her son.   I am no one to comment on a judicial proceeding and aftermath long judicial custodies of those involved in a former Prime Minister's assassination.  

But the resilience of the mother, to single handedly fight, run behind court rooms and hearing after hearing., fighting for appeals, went for Presidential Plea and knocked the doors of every politician in search of justice for her son.  The mother showed utmost belief in justice, waited almost 30 long years, amidst long struggle for justice, managing the household, losses and unsurmountable hurdles her way.   

People were amazed to her will and courage, wisdom to understand complex IPC sections to support their case.  She did not hesitate to travel the length and breadth of the country seeking justice.   She left behind her typical shyness, and wore a sleeve of grit and determination with single motive to set her son free before she dies.  She walked thousands of miles and joined every call with the voices of justice,  and she emerged as victorious as any other woman in the history pages of India.  

Jai Ho, to the mothers of this Nation who take on courage as the only weapon as they fight the battles of life.    Jai Ho, to the mothers, who inspite of their own pain, withstand the turbulences to protect their children and families..  Jai Ho to the mothers, all around the world, who keep the wellbeing of the family first than themselves.   Jai Ho every mother,...to my grandmother who raised me, my mother who taught me,  my sisters who mothered me with wisdom and support,  to my daughter, who mothers me with the generational gap knowledge and mother in me who craves to provide love to all around.   Jai Ho Maa Darthi....Jai Ho Mother Earth!!!!  

Thanks to my better half who ensures we visit the book fair every year!!!

It was also so nice to Giri Traders stall having Pooniyan Selvan in English translated by Ms. Sumeetha Manikandan.  

Enjoy Reading..Paper back is the best!!!  Authors, keep writing...The Mighty Pen is powerful than the sword!!!

#Food Blogger #Food Review : Bhale Bhale food and hospitality at BANGHRA - Punjabi Restaurant near Mayajaal ECR Road, Chennai

After a sumptuous meal in the afternoon - celebrating PONGAL Festival at home, we as a family wanted to drive down in the famous ECR road, visit a temple and then have dinner outside.  

The crowds at ECR Chinmaya Mission Matsya Narayana temple, was too much and there was no parking possible anywhere near by.   So we decided to drive further down to Sri Jaganatha Puri temple opposite to Mayajaal crossing the Reddikupam fish market (Ofcourse, we did buy the fish coming back home)...and then when it was time for dinner, our young adults were sure that we go to 'Bhangra'... especially after seeing the 4.9/5 rating in the Google ((google uncle never tells lies))   

The restaurant was  overflowing when we visited, and we had a waiting time of around 20 mins and then got a table for 8 of us.   The menu card itself was tempting with so many options and authentic punjabi kanna...we went ahead ordering 3 big Thali's  - 2 non veg and 1 veg, and the Thali can be shared by 2 or 3 people easily.   The brocolli cream tandori starter was mouth-watering and finely cooked.  The corn stuffed starter was equally good, and crispy outside and creamy and softer inside with right blend of spices.   The papad and masala chutneys was equally good.    Then came the Soups, salad, 3 starters, naan, roti, pulov rice and a whole bunch of gravies including Mutton, Chicken, Egg curries and with the kheer and traditional lassi.   The veg side was equally appealing with aloo-mutter, rajma, finely made dal tadka,  dal  makhani and nice tomoto soup.  

It was great meeting the owner Navtej bhai,  who ensured every customer is attended aptly, he took time to come and speak to us if we would need anything else,  suggesting us dishes and ensuring we had a good time.   Finally we felt the experience truly enriching and definetly the restuarant is worth the raving ratings it is receiving.    Honestly we could not finish everything we ordered, for the quantities were also higher than what we expected.  No wasting of food, and the staff was courteous to ensure we get the food packed to take home on the extra orders we made.   

If you are driving down in the ECR, stop by Bhangra and you would surely not be disappointed.   For a rich spread of both veg and non-veg, your taste buds will be surely tickling long after you leave the place too.    If you have a group of food lovers, I am sure this place provides the best dining experience.     Bhale Bhale Bhangra!!!   Punjabi's are known for their hospitality and love in serving food and you will surely experience this at Bhangra.   

#KnowYourCity, #KnowYourChennai- Magnificent Churches of Chennai City - Part- 1 - Santhome Basilica and Tomb of St. Thomas (Thomas Cathedral Basilica, Chennai)

• First constructed by the Portugese in the 16th century, this church was subsequently renovated by the British in the late 19th century when they came into power.
• This church is significant because it is believed that St. Thomas stayed at the place where it was erected for approximately 20 years, making the land the church is built on divine.
• St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica is a minor basilica in Chennai and is one of the most important religious sites for Christians around the world.
• This stunning piece of architecture with an all-white facade is built in Neo-gothic style, naturally lit interiors and huge windows with coloured panes.
• As the church is close to the ocean, it won’t be an exaggeration to say that it is among the most beautiful churches in the world. The structure that you see today is a result of multiple renovations that the Basilica underwent over the last few centuries.
• The religious significance of the cathedral is linked to the belief that one of the 12 apostles of the Christ visited the place in the middle of the first century, and was put to death at St. Thomas Mount in 72 A.D. St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica was built on top of his final resting place.
• The church also houses a museum that has the fingerprint of the apostle and wall paintings depicting his life and death. The lance head that killed the apostle, a rare piece of precious bone, an episcopal chair and stone receptacle are also kept in the museum
• Christmas is a good time to visit this church. This is the biggest church in Chennai. Denomination/Affiliation: Roman Catholic
• Location: Santhome High Road, Chennai
• Timings: 06:00 am – 09:00 pm (All days of the week)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Travel to Rameswaram and Dhanushkodi - Feb 2020- Do's and Don't in Rameswaram

We planned a trip to Rameswaram - way in advance as it really gets booked for the place during weekends and during special days.   We did not realize the on the night of Mahasivaratri, we will be travelling to Rameswaram...one of the Jothirlinga's of Lord Shiva.   What a blissful journey travelling in the train from Chennai to Rameswaram in and enjoying the early morning showers of rains and the 15 mins of awesome experience in the Pamban Bridge....one of the kind in the world connecting the land of India (Tamil Nadu) to the island of Rameswaram

Do's in Rameswaram   (What we did and what we enjoyed)

1. Rameswaram has a great history from Hindu mythology and respect the place with santity
2.  There are no dress restrictions to the temple, however, please avoid shorts, any revealing clothes and sarees, salwars, long skirts are all ok for ladies and full pants and shirts, t-shirts are ok for men.
3.  Go early in the morning to take the dip and do the rituals on the banks of 'Agni Tirtham'  - the ocean of Bay of Bengal where Lord Rama is said to have taken the dip in the holy waters before proceeding to the temple
4.  Inside the temple. there are 22 wells out- where the water draws by the temple agents can be poured on you.   The actual entry fee is only Rs 25/- , however, if you take help of the agent, probably you will lucky to get a full small bucket of water from all the 22 wells for you and your family at the cost of Rs 100/- per head
5.  Enjoy the fun of hopping from one well to the other, understanding the significance of the 22 wells and also the nature at its best, as these wells give water of different taste and saltlessness despite being in the sea shore
6.  EAST Gopuram is the main entrance..However, getting in through the North gate makes it easy to the 22 wells and then to the changing rooms before proceeding to the main santum santorium
7.  Inside the temple, do not miss the main sanidhanam of Lord Rameshwar (Ramanathaswamy),   Goddess Parvathavardhini,  the big statue of Lord Nandiswar,  and then do not miss the Lord Vishwanathar on the right side of the Ramanathaswamy and his consort Goddess Kasi Visalakshi.   There is another Shiva Lingam of Lord Vishwanathar adjacent to the Lord Hanuman at the entrance of the South Gopuram.