Njana Pazham Nee Appa..

The Hill Temple of Palani is one of the most famous temples of Lord Muruga in India and lot of Keralites considered Palani as the apex of Sri Muruga worship. It is located in the town of Palani, 100 km southeast of Coimbatore and at a similar distance northwest of Madurai, and in the foot-hills of the eponymous Palani Hills and at its foot is the temple of Thiru-avinan-kudi, one of the Arupadaiveedu.

Sage Narada once visited the celestial court of Lord Shiva at Kailasa to present to him a fruit, literally, the fruit of knowledge or 'Njana Pazham' that held in it the elixir of wisdom. Upon Lord Shiva expressing his intention of dividing the fruit between his two sons, Ganapathi and Muruga, the Sage counseled him against cutting it. He decided to award it to whichever of his two sons first circled the world thrice. Accepting the challenge, the Lord Muruga started his journey around the globe on his sacred bird, the peacock.

However, Lord Ganapathi, who knows that his vehicle is mouse and is no match in speed compared with the peacock, cleverly surmised that the world was no more than his parents Shiva and Shakti, circumambulated them. Pleased with their son's discernment, Lord Shiva awarded the fruit to Lord Ganapthi. When Lord Subrahmanya returned, he was furious to learn that his efforts are in vain. In deep dudgeon, he decided to leave Kailasa and take up his abode in a place where the land and people would be unequivocally his and for him. Thus, it was that he came to what is today known as Palani, a name derived from the manner of his parents trying to mollify him and prevail upon him to return to Kailasa, 'Pazham Nee' (which means "You are the fruit of wisdom sire"), implying that, being the embodiment of wisdom, he doesn't need any fruit. Thus, being the abode of wisdom, the place took on its master's name, Pazham Nee or Pazhani, anglicized as Palani.

Going by legend, the idol of the Lord Muruga in Palani, was created and consecrated by the Sage Bhogar, one of the eighteen great ascetics or siddhas, out of an amalgam of nine poisons or navapashanam. The legend also holds that, since it was a quick-setting paste, the sculptor had to work very rapidly to chisel its features, but that he spent so much time in creating the exquisitely beatific face, he did not have time to bestow but a rough grace upon the rest of the body, thus explaining the contrast between the artistic perfection of the face and the slightly less accomplished work upon the body.

A shrine to Bhogar exists in the southwestern corridor of the temple, which, by legend, is said to be connected by a subterranean tunnel to a cave in the heart of the hill, where Bhogar continues to meditate and maintain his vigil, with eight idols of the Lord.

Another legend holds that the deity, after centuries of worship, fell into neglect and was engulfed by the forest. One night, Cheraman Perumal, a King of the Cheras, who controlled the area between the second and fifth centuries AD, wandered from his hunting party and was forced to take refuge at the foot of the hill. It so befell, that the Lord Subrahmanya, appeared to him in a dream and ordered him to restore the idol to its former state. The king, thereat commenced a search for the idol, and on finding it, constructed the temple that now houses it, and re-instituted its worship.

The idol of the deity is said to be made of an amalgam of nine substances. It is placed upon a pedestal of stone, with an archway framing it and represents the Lord Subrahmanya in the form he assumed at Palani, that of a very young recluse, shorn of his locks and all his finery, dressed in no more than a loincloth and armed only with a staff, the dhandu, as befits a monk. It is from his youthful appearance and the staff he bears, that the appellation Bala-dhandayudha-pani, meaning the young wielder of the staff-weapon, is applied to him.

One curious aspect of the deity is that he faces west rather than east, the traditional direction at most Hindu temples. This is held to be on account of the temple having been re-consecrated by the Cheras, whose dominions lay to the west which includes Kerala, and the guardian of whose eastern frontier was supposed to be the Lord Subrahmanya of Palani. Another fact that will be remarked upon by any observer, are the rather disproportionately large ears the Lord is endowed with. This is reflective of the faith that the Lord listens carefully to each of his many devotees' prayers and requests.

Housed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, the deity may be approached and handled only by the temple's priests, who are members of the Gurukkal community of Palani, and hold hereditary rights of sacerdotal worship at the temple. Other devotees are permitted to come up to the sanctum, while the priests' assistants, normally of the Pandaram community, are allowed up to the ante-chamber of the sanctum sanctorum.

The most esteemed form of worship at the temple is the abhishekam, anointment of the idol with oils, sandalwood paste, milk, unguents and the like and then bathing it with water in an act of ritual purification. The most prominent abhishekams are conducted at the ceremonies to mark the hours of the day. These are four in number, early in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening and at night, immediately prior to the temple being closed for the day. These hours are marked by the tolling of the heavy bell on the hill, to rouse the attention of all devotees to the worship of the lord being carried out at that hour. On a quiet day, the bell can be heard in all the countryside around Palani.

After the abhishekam, it is the practice to dress the idol of the Lord, in an act called alangaram, in one of several guises, the most common being the Raja or King called Rajalangaram, the Vaitheekan or priest, the Vedan or hunter and the Aandi or monk, which is the most celebrated in Palani, because it is the nearest to the natural form the Lord assumed at Palani as an anchorite, having withdrawn from all the celestial riches of his father's court at Kailasa.

In addition to worship within the precincts of the temple, an idol of the Lord, called the Uthsavamoorthy, is also carried in state around the temple, in a golden chariot, drawn by devotees, most evenings in a year.

Priests of these ancient temples accept and agree that the ancestors of Devendra Kulathar are the ancient Tamil Kings namely Chera, Chola, Pandya. There are ownership documents (Pattayam signed during 1500s) that show that the Palani Murugan Temple and numerous ancient Temples belong to people of Devendrakulam.

The temple is situated upon the higher of the two hills of Palani, known as the Sivagiri. Traditionally, access to it was by the main staircase cut into the hill-side or by the elephant's path, used by the ceremonial elephants. Pilgrims bearing water for the ritual bathing of the idol, and the priests, would use another way also carved into the hill-side but on the opposite side. Over the past half-century, three funicular railway tracks have been laid up the hill for the convenience of the pilgrims, and supplemented by a rope-way within the past decade.

The sanctum of the temple is of early Chera architecture while the covered ambulatory that runs around it bears unmistakable traces of Pandya influence, especially in the form of the two fishes, the Pandyan royal insignia. The walls of the sanctum bear extensive inscriptions in the old Tamil script. Surmounting the sanctum, is a gopuram of gold, with numerous sculptures of the presiding deity, Kartikeya, and gods and goddesses attendant upon him.

In the first inner prahara, or ambulatory, around the heart of the temple, are two minor shrines, one each, to Shiva and Parvati, besides one to the Sage Bhogar who is by legend credited with the creation and consecration of the chief idol. In the second outer prahara, is a celebrated shrine to Ganapati, besides the carriage-house of the Lord's Golden Chariot.

One of the chief traditions of the temple, is the tonsuring of devotees, who vow to discard their hair in imitation of the Lord of Palani. Another is the anointing of the head of the God's idol with chandanam, or sandalwood paste, at night, prior to the temple being closed for the day. The paste, upon being allowed to stay overnight, is said to acquire medicinal properties, and is much sought after and distributed to devotees.

Traditionally, the hill-temple of Palani is supposed to be closed in the afternoon and rather early in the evening to permit the Lord to have adequate sleep, being but a child, and therefore, easily tired by the throngs of devotees and their constant importunations.

A tradition that is not very well known is that of the bedroom, wherein, each night, the Lord is informed of the status of the temple's accounts for the day, by the custodians of the temple, and then put to sleep to the singing of a bard.

Besides regular services, days sacred to the Lord Subrahmanya are celebrated with pomp and splendour every year, and are attended by throngs of devotees from all over South India. Some of these festivals are the Thai-Pooyam, the Piankuni-Uthram, the Vaikhashi-Vishakham and the Soora-Samharam. 

Panthalayani - at the abode of Aghora Shiva..

The Aghora Shiva temple, an ancient among the temples of Kozhikode district, is located one km north east of Koyilandi municipal town in Panathalayani village. Aghora is the fiercest disposition of Lord Shiva as worshipped by Aghori sect. Aghora is also one of the five major dispoitions (as seen in five faced Sadashiva) of Lord Shiva, viz., Sadyojata(West face), Vamadeva(North face), Aghora(South face), Tatpurasha (East face), Eesana(Skyward face). 

Aghora is the destructive aspect of Lord Shiva. He is often depicted as the 'Keeper of burial and cremation grounds' and is associated with death. He is said to devour life and make way for new creation or regeneration. If we stand facing east, south is our right. Hence right side is called as 'Bala'. As important as right hand is for humans, The South face is important to Lord Shiva. This is also famously known as Dakshina Moorthy.

To know about the essence of the Aghora principle of Lord Shiva, one has to understand the meaning of the Aghora Mantra (hymn) among the Pancha Brahma Mantra.

According to Aghoris, there is no such thing called inauspicious in this world because all that exists is Shiva himself. They generally nude and live in graveyards. They use those things which the world has branded as inauspicious. They perform harsh penance. Those who worship Aghora form of Shiva are saved from natural catastrophe, water hardships and life threats. 

This Aghora aspect is correlated with the following;

To “Ma” Beekakshara in Panchakshara Mantra
To “Prana Maya Kosha” amongst the five Koshas
To “Jala” principle among five principles “Pancha Bhuta”
To “Svadhishthana Chakra” among Six Chakras
To “Madhyama (Ma)” Swara among the Seven Swaras
To “U” in 'Omkara'.

It is believed that the consecration of the idol was done by Lord Parasurama. The concept of the idol is that of Lord Siva after killing Daksha and hence fierce in nature. Sri Sankaracharya worshipped did penance here. Kodungallur Kunhikuttan Thampuran had also worshipped the deity of the temple. This is one of the three temples where Othootu is performed. Krishnanattam, which is rarely staged in Shiva temples, is used to stage here. The temple administration was controlled by Kurumbranad Raja in ancient period. Later it was looked after Kaliyamathu tharavadu. 

Lord Shiva in the disposition of Aghoramoorthy is worshipped as the principal deity. Lord Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappa and Lord Sri Krishna are the other sub-deities worshipped here. The idols of Uma-Maheswara and Dakshinamoorthy in the form of shila-linga are also consecrated in the temple.

The temple celebrates annual festival ending on Shivarathri day and is the main festival. Navarathri is also celebrated here. In 1992 the temple was transferred to HR&CE department and now it is under Malabar Devaswom Board.

'Mahadevam Mahatmanam

Maha Paataka Nashanam

Maha Paapa Haram Vande

Makaaraaya Namo Namaha' 

अघोरेभ्योऽथ घोरेभ्यो अघोरघोरेतरेभ्यः।
सर्वतः शर्वः सर्वेभ्यो नमस्ते रुद्र रूपेभ्यः॥

I bow to those not terrible and those who are terrible,
And to those who are both terrible and not terrible.
Everywhere and always, Śarva, I bow to all Thy Rudra forms. 

Indianoor - Lord Ganapathy of the divine eccentric...

One of the famous Lord Ganapathi temple is situated in Indianoor, near Kottakal, of Malappuram district.  Although the presiding deities are Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, the importance is given to the sub-deity Lord Ganapathy. It is believed that the Lord Ganapathi was consecrated by the holy mad, Naranathu Branthan. It is also said that the idol was spitted out by Naranathu Branthan from his mouth just before the consecration.

The temple has Lord Mahavishnu facing the East inside circular sanctum sanctorum and considered to be the oldest of all, Lord Siva facing the East. Behind Shivalinga, there is a wooden idol of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, with Goddess Parvathy holding Lord Subrahmania after a bath. The idol is about six feet. The holy water flowing from the Sanctum Sanctorum of Lord Shiva is being worshipped as 'Ovungal thiruthali' here. On the side, there is a lamp (which is to be seen through a small hole) where Lord Subrhamania was given bath by Goddess Parvathy.

Another important fact about this temple, is that Nandi, the bull of Lord Shiva, is seen outside the main temple, and the main entrance to this temple is closed. Legend says that Lord Shiva got angry with Nandi and ordered him to sit outside and closed the door. The door is open only on yearly consecration ceremonial day otherwise the entrance is through Lord Vishnu or Lord Ganapathi temples.

The Lord Ganapathi temple is towards the west of Lord Shiva temple and facing the South. Between this temple and the Shiva temple, there was a little shake once which was fixed by pushing a chisel by none other than Perumthachan, the legendary carpenter, which was seen there till a few years back according to the lores.

The temples are more than 1500 years old and were reconstructed between 917 and 947 AD. It is heard that during the reconstruction, all the prominent members related to temple had assembled and did 'Abhisheka' for the deity, but Naranathu branthan, the legendary holy mad, who was also supposed to be present for the ceremony, did not reach there on time, and hence an Abhisheka pot was separately kept for him. When he reached, he performed 'Abhisheka' not on the deity, but on a picture in the wall and hence, this is called as Chitrathil Ganapathy and a lamp is kept there behind the idol.

However, the mural is not very clear these days. It is said that the deities prefer calmness and serenity, hence festivals or any such celebrations are not conducted in this temple. Outside the Lord Ganapathi temple is a raised area, where deities like Lord Vettakorumakan, Lord Ayyappa and Serpent-Gods are insalled. Ottappam is the important offering in this temple. Offerings such as 101 nazhi, Mangalya pooja etc. are also done in this temple. This temple is owned by the Kizhakke Kovilakam family.

At Thulunadu Of Manjunatheswara...

Tulu Nadu is a region on the southwestern coast of Karnataka, consisting of the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. These districts were formerly the single district of Dakshina Kannada or South Kanara, but Udupi district was separated in August 1997. Also, northern Kasaragod of Kerala state was traditionally part of Tulu Nadu. Dakshina Kannada district is divided into five talukas, Mangalore, Bantwal, Puttur, Sullia, and Belthangady. Udupi district is divided into three talukas Udupi, Karkala and Kundapura.

Tulunadu is famous for its numerous temples. While the place is famous for its Vishnu, Shiva and Durga temples, there are hundreds of temples of other deities as well.

Shri Kshetra, Dharmasthala, located at a distance of about 65 Kms from Mangalore, is the abode of one of the most powerful deities, viz., Lord Manjunatha (Lord Shiva) and is considered highly sacred by Keralites as well as Kannadites.

800 Years ago, Dharmasthala was known as Kuduma in Mallarmadi, then a village in Belthangady. Here lived the Jain Chieftain Birmanna Pergade and his wife Ammu Ballathi in a house called Nelliadi Beedu. Simple, pious and affectionate people, the pergade family was known for its generosity and hospitality to all.

According to the legend, the guardian angels of Dharma assumed human forms and arrived at pergade's abode in search of a place where Dharma was being practiced and could be continued and propogated. As was their habit, the pergade couple hosted these illustrious visitors with all their wherewithal, and great respect. Pleased by their sincerity and generosity, that night the Dharma Daivas appeared in the dreams of Pergade. They explained the purpose of thier visit to him and instructed him to vacate his house for the worship of the Daivas and dedicate his life to the propogation of Dharma.

Asking no questions, the Pergade built himself another house and began worshipping the Daivas at Nelliadi Beedu. This continues even today. As they continued their worship and their practice of hospitality, the Dharma Daivas again appeared before the Pergade to build separate shrines to consecrate the four Daivas - Kalarahu, Kalarkayi, Kumaraswamy and Kanyakumari. Also, Pergade was instructed to choose two persons of noble birth to act as the Daivas's oracles and four worthy persons to assist Pergade in his duties as the Executive Head of the Shrines. In return, the Daivas promised Pergade protection for his family, abundance of charity and renown for the ' Kshetra '.

Pergade, as desired, built the shrines and invited Brahmin priests to perform the rituals. These priests requested Pergade to also install a Shivalinga beside the native Daivas. The Daivas then sent their vassal Annappa Swamy to procure the linga of Lord Manjunatheshwara from kadri, near Mangalore. Subsequently, the Manjunatha temple was built around the linga.

Around the 16th Century, Devaraja Heggade invited Shri Vadiraja Swami of Udupi to visit the place. The Swamiji gladly came but refused to accept Bhiksha (food offering) because the idol of lord Manjunatha had not been consecrated according to vedic rites. Shri Heggade then requested the Swamiji to reconsecrate the Shivalinga himself. Pleased by the observance of the vedic rites and Heggade's charity to all, the Swamiji named the place Dharmasthala, the abode of religion and charity. Thus, the roots of charity and religious tolerance established by the Pergades 600 Years ago have been nurtured and strenthened by the Heggade family, Heggade being a derivative from Pergade. And today's Dharmasthala blossoms with the fruit of this selfless dedication.

The position of the Heggade of Dharmasthala is a unique one, unknown in any other religious center in India. In the tradition of this Kshetra, he represents Lord Manjunatha. He is a pious grahastha or householder with numerous religious, social and cultural responsibilities. After installation as the Heggade, his religious duties include propogating the tradition of Dharma in accordance to the command of the Daivas, who accept him as their foster son and ensure that the traditional rituals are observed regularly in the temple of Lord Manjunatha. Discharging his responsibilities true to his conscience and acting on the precepts of religion, the Heggade acquires an aura of divinity which enables him to function as a representative of Lord Manjunatha and other Dharma Daivas. He executes his social responsibilities by extending the four traditional Danas - Anna Dana, Aushada Dana, Vidya Dana and Abhaya Dana. These being the gifts of food, medicine, education and freedom from fear. With the powers he acquires by these, the Heggade is regarded as the law giver, saviour and voice of Lord Manjunatha. His duties include dispensing justice, advice and munificence to all that approach him with their problems and needs.

 Shrines to Visit at Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala:

1. Main Temple

Shri Manjunatheshwara
Shri Ammanavaru
Four Dharma Daivas: Kalarahu, Kalarkaayi, Kanyakumari and Kumaraswamy
Lord Ganapathi
Lord Annappa


2. Other shrines

Maha Ganpathy Temple at Annapoorna Choultry
Shrine of Annappa Swamy and the abode of Dharma Daivas, Badinade Hill
The Neliyadi Beedu: The original abode of the Heggades and the Dharma Daivas.
Shrine of Shri Chandranatha Swamy at Sri Chandranatha Basadi
The statue of Shri Bahubali at Ratnagiri Hill

3. Other places to visit at Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala

Vintage car museum
Manjusha vastu sangrahalaya (museum)
Pushpa vatika
Vasantha Mahal - Cultural Hall


4. Other places around Dharmasthala

Kukke Subrahmanya, is around 60 Kms from Dharmasthala
Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, Udupi.
Kateel Durga Parameshwari Temple, Kateel, near Mangalore
Horanaadu Annapoorneshwari Temple, Chikamagalur Dist., Mangalore

Dharmasthala is located approximately 300 kms from Bangalore, and is connected by National Highway. It is about 65 Kms from the port town of Mangalore and well connected by road and the nearest railway station is Mangalore Central. Dharamsthala is well connected to the rest of Karnataka state, Kerala, Pune and Mumbai through various public transport systems.

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Kadri Manjunatheshwara temple being one of the ancient historical temple dating back about 1068 AD is very interesting place. The Manjunatha temple, Kadri belongs to the Vijayanagara style of structure. From its present form, it may be inferred that during the 15th or 16th AD., it must have been given a solid structure. The scenic beauty of the Kadri hills, the presence of the pre-historic caves cut into the laterite mounds and the historical and religious importance of the Manjunatha temple lend particular enchantment to this centre. On the Kadri Hill is situated the biggest centre of the Natha Pantha (cult) in South India. The caves of Kadri hill have to be archeologically examined.

There is considerable construe on the name Kadri. It is derived from Kadari, meaning plantain and that Kadri was known to have been overgrown with plantain trees. But this could only be a too commonplace meaning. According to the Buddhist enumerator Kadarika means a hillside pastures land. The earliest reference to this place is in the epigraph dated AD 968 engraved on the pedestal of the famous Lokeshwara image. In it is mentioned that King Kundavarma of the Alupa Dynasty installed the image in Kadarika Vihara. From this we can know that Kadarika is the earliest form of this place name. Vihara is the name given in Buddhlet settlement while Buddhism flourished here during 10th AD.

Earlier to 10th AD, Kadri was an important centre of Buddhism. Documents supporting the fact are available in and around Kadri. During 10th AD, Buddhism began to loose its grip and new belief viz. Natha Pantha (cult) rooted in Kadri. Natha Pantha is a modified religious practice, which is, came from Vajrayana religious practice of Mahayana branch of Buddhism. In course of time it shined with Shiva beliefs. Local people as Jogis called them and their monastery is called as Jogimutt.

Buddhist monks who came from northern India made Kadri as their place of Vihara and settled here. In those days it was called as Kadarika Vihara. Subsequently, followers of Natha pantha were also came and settled here. The epigraph of 968 A.D. mentions Mangalore as 'Mangalapura' and Kadri as 'Kadarika Vihara'. In stone epigraph belongs to 12-13th century A.D. available in temple’s kitchen which is in Kannada and Malayalam script it is clearly mentioned that the then King with local landlords and other important people of the area contributed a land for construction of the temple. Since earlier portions of epigraph are damaged, the name of the King is unknown. As per the documents available the Alupa Queen Balli Mahadevi (1277-1288) called herself as a devotee of Lord Manjunatha.

The temple was built in 12th century according to Hindu Agama Shastra (architecture rule). In 14-15th AD, it was reconstructed with granite stone. The idol of Lord Manjunatha is made of Pancha Loha (mixed metal of five elements). The Jogis of Jogimutt are still residing on the Kadri Hill. As Lord Manjunatha is a form of Lord Shiva, they ardently worship him. The surroundings of the Jogimutt depict its ancient importance. There are caves around the Jogimutt, which are called as Pandava caves. But one can assume Jogis often used these caves for meditation and penance. There are small temples of Boothanatha, Matsyendranath, Gorakanatha and many other Natha protagonists surrounded by existing Jogimutt. Reserving its peacefulness and mystery the Jogimutt still arise feeling of holiness within a visitor. Further research and study on all aspect from archeological department may spotlight the hidden facts about the temple and surrounding monuments.

Kadri has its own story from Puranas (Hindu Mythology) regarding its sanctity and abode of Lord Manjunatha. This story is in Sanskrit and available in “Bharadwaja Samhita”. In ancient days Kadarika was a part of Siddhashrama were many sages, saints were often practicing meditation and penance. There was no fear of sin or wrong deed. Once a discussion regarding Lord Manjunatha’s sanctity and greatness were held between two great sages viz. sage Brigu and sage Kapila. Sage Bharadwaja heard this discussion and told the same to one of his follower viz. Sumanthu. Hence this called as Bharadwaja Samhita.

Lord Parashurama who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu destroyed egoistic Kshatriya kings and donated the confiscated land to sage Kashyapa. Thinking of that taking a shelter in donated land is not virtue, Parashurama made rigorous penance and meditation of Lord Shiva on Sahyadri Mountain region seeking a new land for his shelter. Lord appeared before him and told that he will incarnate as Manjunatha for a good of mankind and suggested to meditate upon him at Kadalivana (today’s Kadri). Parashurama gazed at Kadalivana, which was ten-yojana distance from Sahyadri Mountain and also was occupied by ocean. He asked Ocean King to leave that Kadalivana for him. But Ocean King did not granted his wish. Becoming angry upon this act of Ocean King, Parashurama took his axe (weapon) and roared upon Ocean King. Frightened King left behind by giving land and Parashurama got his shelter. As per the order of Lord Shiva Parashurama visited the new land and found there a Kadalivana (plantain field) and one Rasakoopa (well). In that Rasakoopa Lord Shiva appeared before Parashurama and ordered to construct a temple there with a help of Vishwakarma (a divine sculptor). Accordingly Vishwakarma constructed a temple and town. In course of time various scholars, sages, saints, philosophers came here and took shelter. Later Goddess Parvathi, wife of Lord Shiva decided to settle here. As per the Order of Lord Shiva, Saptakoti Mantras (seven crore holy enchants) settled here as Sapta Teerthas (seven ponds).

Situated just 4 km distance from the heart of the Mangalore City, a convenient public transport facility is available to reach temple. There are frequent bus facility and auto rickshaws at reasonable fare available. For new visitors these auto rickshaws (three wheeler motor vehicles) are convenient mean of transport.