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!

 

 

 

#KnowYourCity, #KnowYourChennai- Magnificent Churches of Chennai City - Part- 3 - Little Mount National Shrine & St.Thomas Cave, Little Mount,, Chennai

 Little Mount National Shrine (Chinnamalai)

1. According to legend, St. Thomas, a disciple of Christ, lived out the remainder of his days in a rocky cave, known as Little Mount (Chinnamalai).
2. Today, Little Mount is home to a Portuguese church dating back to 1551, as well as a small altar to St. Thomas and a palm print believed to be left by Thomas himself as he fled.
3. This historical place has been made sacred by the presence of St. Thomas, the Apostle. He was the first missionary, a direct witness of Jesus, who handed over the Christian faith in the first century.
4. Little Mount is a cave in which St. Thomas hid in AD 68 and did penance. There is an opening to the east of the cave through which St. Thomas escaped when his pursuers caught up with him here. 
5. The palm print and hand print near the tunnel’s entrance are believed to be those of St. Thomas himself. 
6. We will also see the masonry cross cut at the top of the hill which is believed to be the cross before which St. Thomas prayed.   
7. Another interesting aspect of this cave is the spring inside the hill which is perennial and is supposed to be the miraculous creation of the St. Thomas himself
8. The cave at Little Mount is a treasured memory of St. Thomas, as it offered him a silent and serene space to reenergise himself in prayer and meditation to preach to the people and to baptise them.
9. An impression of the apostle’s own hand, the bleeding cross, the perpetual spring and the right foot impression of St. Thomas evoke revered memories of his presence at Little Mount, who exclaimed in profound faith: “My Lord and My God!”
10. He was stabbed to death and martyred at St. Thomas Mount. He was buried at Santhome, where the magnificent cathedral now stands.

Faith:  Roman Catholic,  Timings : 6 am - 8 pm Location:  

Little Mount, before Saidapet Court

https://littlemountshrine.org/

#KnowYourCity, #KnowYourChennai- Magnificent Churches of Chennai City - Part- 2 - Luz Church, Mylapore, Chennai

1.  Commonly referred to as the ‘Church of Our Lady of Light,’ the Luz Church was built by the Portuguese in the year 1516. 
2. Though it was renovated under the British rule, the architecture that we see at present has typical Portuguese designs. 
3. According to folklore, when Portuguese sailors were once caught in the rough sea, they saw a bright white light that guided them to the shore. 
4. Later, a church was constructed at the same place after a few years.
5. Besides the main altar, which is the key attraction of the church, the structure has beautiful patterns of Baroque ornamentation and Gothic arches. 
6. The gilt-carved wooden reredos cover the entire wall behind the altar and look beautiful.
7. Every year, on the 15th of August, a grand mass and car procession is organized to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Light
8. Location: Mylapore, Chennai
9. Timings: 08:00 am – 11:00 am, 01:00 pm – 05:00 pm (All days of the week)
10. Denomination/Affiliation: Roman Catholic

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!!!

#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)