Temple info -964 Karkodeswarar Temple, Kamarasavalli, Ariyalur கார்கோடேஸ்வரர் கோயில், காமரசவல்லி, அரியலூர்

 Temple info -964

கோயில் தகவல் -964

Karkodeswarar Temple, Kamarasavalli, Ariyalur

Karkodeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kamarasavalli Village in Ariyalur Taluk in Ariyalur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Karkodeswarar / Soundareswarar and Mother is called as Balambika / Valambal. The Temple is situated on the northern banks of Kollidam River. This Temple is an ideal Parihara sthalam for those who have Cancer zodiac sign with stars of this sign (Rasi) and Sarpa Dosham.

Legends

Karkodeswarar:

Parikshit was the grandson of the Pandava brothers. He was the son of Abhimanyu (son of Arjuna and his wife Subhadra) and Uthara. Ashwathama, son of Dronacharya aimed at Parikshit even while he was in the womb of her Mother to avenge his father’s death in the Mahabharata war. But he could not succeed due to the grace of Lord Krishna. He ascended the throne after the Pandavas. Parikshit, while on one of his hunting sprees, felt thirsty and he came to the nearby sage Shamika’s hermitage.

Sage Shamika was in deep meditation. And there was no one to give him water. He requested Sage Shamika in a loud voice asking for water. The sage did not hear him as he was in deep meditation. King Parikshit in anger took a dead serpent and threw it around the sage’s neck. The sage still did not wake up from his deep meditation. After a while, Sringin, the sage’s son comes home and sees a dead serpent round his meditating father’s neck.

The son knowing through intuition that the King Parikshit threw the dead serpent on his father Shamika curses the king Parikshit that he would die by a snake-bite on the seventh day. Though Parikshit came to know of the curse with his own moral powers and through others, he could not escape the impact of the curse. Parikshit fearing his death, questions the sages what he should do to attain Moksha.

Sages advised him to listen to Bhagavatha Purana stories from Sage Shukamuni. However, after seven days Parikshit is bit by a snake called Karkodaka according to Devi Bhagavatham (While other scriptures suggest that king Parikshit was bitten by a snake called Takshaka). Karkodaga is the son of Kathru and the head of 8 great serpents (Ashtama Nagas). Janamejaya, son of Parikshit decided to avenge the death of his father and began a special Yajna to destroy the whole Naga species.

All the Nagas were drawn to the yajna fire and were burnt, but Karkodaga was determined to escape the vengeance and sought the help of Lord Maha Vishnu. Lord Vishnu directed Karkodaga to this place – Kamarasavalli – under the grace of Lord Soundareswarar and advised him to perform intense penance. Karkodaga scrupulously followed Vishnu’s advice. Lord Shiva (Soundareswarar) appeared before Karkodaga and assured protection to his life and also to the serpent families from extinction.

Lord also assured that no Kala Sarpa Dosha would affect the residents of the place and if any such that would be compromised. After this event, Lord Soundareswarar came to be praised as Karkodeswarar. According to inscriptions here, no one had died of snake bite in this place. This happened on a day ruled by Cancer Lagna and Cancer Rasi. Hence, those belonging to this Lagna and Rasi are advised to pray in the temple for relief.

Kamarasavalli:

Manmatha, the god of love who provokes people to fall in love with women had once shot arrows of love on Lord Shiva Himself, while he was in deep meditation. Lord Shiva enraged at this opened his third eye and burnt him down. Manmatha’s wife Rathi lost her Mangal Sutra in Manmatha’s death. She performed severe penance to Lord Shiva here at this place and begged Lord Shiva to bring back her husband to life.

Lord Shiva with the intention of restoring population growth and to bless Rathi, made Manmatha alive but visible to the eyes of Rathi Devi only. As Lord graced Rathi Devi, the place came to be known as Rathi Vara Puram and Kama Rathi Valli. Later the name changed as Kamarasavalli. To confirm this story, a copper idol of Rathi Devi is in the temple in the posture as begging the Lord seeking her Mangal Sutra boon. There is a temple pond called Sundara Theertham in front of the temple in which Rathi is said to have had a dip in the waters.

The presence of another village adjoining this place, called Azhagiyamanavalam (Azhagiya- Handsome, Manavalan-Husband, referring to Manmathan here), further confirms this story.  Remembering this event, the temple celebrates Kaman festival – Manmathan the God of Lust. During the festival, people bring a castor plant, cut it into two and then plant. Symbolizing the boon of Lord for Rathi-Manmatha unity, even now, rather as a committed promise, it comes to life within 8 days. As the marital life of Rathi with Manmatha was restored, it is the faith of people that anything separated earlier will come to life back with their prayers to Lord.

Other Names:

Kamarasavalli was also called as Tirunallur, Karkodeswaram, Chaturvedi Mangalam, Rathivara Puram and Kamarathi Valli.

History

According to one inscription, the temple was built in the year AD 962 by Parantaka Chola II (famously known as Sundara Chola, father of Rajaraja Chola I) (AD 957-974). The present structure may date either from the 9th year of Uthama Chola or from the 20th year of Rajaraja Chola (c. A.D. 1005 or earlier). There were about 45 inscriptions found in the temple premises. According to history, besides the Cholas, Pandyas and Hoysala Kings had also paid due attention for the maintenance of the temple.

There are various inscriptions dated to Sundara Chola, Uthama Chola, Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I, Kulothunga Chola I, Kulothunga Chola II and Kulothunga Chola III in the Temple. These inscriptions talks about gifts and grants bestowed on the Temple. These inscriptions also speak about the debates organized among the Vedic scholars, Margazhi Thiruvadhirai festival and the folklore dance called Chakkiyar Koothu.

Most of the inscriptions refer to gifts of land for various services in the temple such as preparation of sandal paste, provision of offerings to the gods, gifts to Vedic pundits who chant Vedas during festivals etc. The flower Garden, Nandavanam was then known as Picha Devan Nandavanam. There was also a family quarter for those maintaining the garden called Tiruthondan complex. It appears there was also a mutt in the name of Child Saint Thirugnana Sambandar.

One Sriranga Thanda Naicker, the commander of a Hoysala King renovated this temple in the year 1260. There is another inscription about a visit of a Hoysala King in 1240 to hear and deliver a verdict in a land dispute. The Lord was known by different names such as Tirunallur Srikoil Mahadevar, Tirunallur Mahadevar, Soundareswarar, Tirunallur Parameswarar, Karkoteswaram Udaiya Nayanar and Tirukkarkotaga Isvarattu Mahadevar. Mother was always known as Balambigai.

The famous Nanu Iyer who was the disciple of Saint Thyagaraja, the carnatic music composer, belongs to Kamarasavalli. He has performed concerts in front of the temple. The Temple was visited by Jagadguru Sri Kanchi Maha Swamigal in 1950 and Kumbabhishekam was done to this Temple at his presence.

The Temple

The temple faces the east. This temple may be assigned to the period of Sundara Chola with later additions. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Artha Mandapam, Mukhamandapam and Sanctum. The Artha Mandapam measures 24 feet length. Mukha Mandapam might be of later addition. The Ardhamandapam projects 24 feet (7.3 m.) forward. There is a later mukha-mandapa. There is a large idol of Vinayaga can be found at the entrance. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found on a high pedestal facing the sanctum.

Presiding Deity is called as Karkodeswarar / Soundareswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Vimanam over the sanctum is of three tiers and the shikara is of round shape. The foundation and the sanctum is of granite construction but the superstructure over the sanctum is of brick and mortar. The sanctum is of square shape with 16 feet. There are two central projections on each side of the outer wall of the sanctum.

The central devakoshta is enclosed by two pilasters adorned with koshta pancharas on either side. The kumudam is octagonal. There is a bhutagana frieze below the cornice and a Yali frieze above it. Nataraja, Ganapati, Dakshinamurti and Agastya (in the southern side); Ardhanarishvara, Lingodbhava and Gangalamoorthy (on the western side); Kalasamhara, Brahma, Bikshadana and Durga (on the northern side) are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.

Chandikeswarar Shrine can be found in his usual location. Mother is called as Balambika / Valambal. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. She is in standing posture. There are shrines for Vinayaka, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai, Mahalakshmi, Saraswathi and Navagrahas in the Temple premises.

The temple has a separate west facing Mandapam, houses Lord Nataraja and his consort Shivagami. There is a west facing shrine for Lord Bhairava can be found near Nataraja Sabha. He is without his Jwalakesa and his vehicle dog. There are many stone images of serpents where devotees pray for relief from the adverse effects of serpent planets (Raghu and Ketu - Sarpa Dosha).

There is a beautiful metal (Aimpon - an alloy of bronze, copper, etc) idol of Rathi Devi in this temple, in the posture of begging Lord Shiva seeking boon to save her Mangal Sutra (in local language Thaali or Mangalyam). There are beautiful sculptures and bronzes of Chola period in this temple. The temple has a sculpture in which Karkodaga is seen performing puja for Lord Shiva, with Vinayaka and Nandi (bull). It is said that people of the Cancer zodiac sign should pray here for relief. 

Every pillar is studded with sculptural beauty. The miniature sculptures (friezes) around the main shrine are examples of fine workmanship.  The temple has many palm sized miniatures representing Siva Lila. There is a beautiful bronze idol of Appar (Thirunavukkarasar) with cymbals in his hand. Theertham associated with this Temple is Sundara Theertham. Sukran Eri is situated on the back side of the temple.

Inscriptions

Karkodeswarar Temple, Kamarasavalli – Inscriptions

There were about 45 inscriptions found in the temple premises.

Cholas:

Aditya I Chola:

The temple seems to have been in existence as a brick structure even in the days of Aditya I, as two of its inscriptions refer to an irrigation channel called Kodandarama Vaikkal or Kodandarama – Peruvaikkal.

Parantaka I or Uthama Chola:

One of the earliest extant inscriptions found on the south wall of the central shrine belongs to the 9th regnal year of a certain Parakesarivarman. This inscription might be belonged to Parantaka I or to Uthama Chola. It contains the earliest mention of the Kodandarama Vaikkal named after Aditya I; and the Perunguri Perumakkal of the Brahmmadesam of Kamarasavalli Chaturvedimangalam on the northern bank (of the Kollidam) made a gift of land as for the conduct of Sribali and Thirupalli Ezhuchi services to the Lord Tirunallur Parameswara. This was the original name of the presiding deity of this Temple.

Sundara Chola:

The next important inscription is one of the 5th year of a certain Rajakesarivarman. A gift of land for Sidari to the deity of this temple, called here ‘Tirunallur Mahadevar’ is made by Balasriya Bhattan Sivan Kuttan of Adhanur. This inscription has been assigned to the reign of Rajakesarivarman Sundara Chola alias Parantaka II. The same donor makes an endowment in the same regnal year of Ko-Rajakesarivarman to the temple of Tiruppalturai Mahadevar (Adhimooleswarar Temple) at Uthamasili Chaturvedimangalam. The present temple structure of Kamarasavalli seems to have come into existence, if not earlier, at the latest, some time before the 5th regnal year of Sundara Chola.

Rajaraja I Chola:

There are eight inscriptions related to the reign of Rajaraja I. One of his 13th year inscription mentions a gift of 15 Kalanju of gold, the interest on which was to be given to those who recited the Talavakara Sama Veda on the day of Thiruvadhirai in the month of Margazhi. A portion of this inscription is engraved over an earlier inscription. One of his 15th regnal year inscription mentions a gift of land for the offering of adalai (sweet rice pudding) on the festival day of Margazhi Thiruvadhirai. A gift of gold for midday offerings on new moon days was made in the 17th year of Rajaraja I.

There is an interesting inscription on north wall of the central shrine dated to 20th regnal year of Rajaraja Chola I. This inscription talks about the strength of local assembly (consists of 80 members). A gift of tanks and ponds for supplying red lotuses daily during the month of Dhanus to the Mahadeva is recorded in an inscription of the 22nd year of Rajaraja I. A gift of land for sandal paste and another of gold for lamps are recorded in three other inscriptions of Rajaraja I.

Rajendra I Chola:

There are three inscriptions of Rajendra I; one of his 8th regnal year mentions a gift of land to this temple; but the assembly is said to have met at another temple in the locality called Sri Kailasam Udaiyar Temple. The next is one of the 17th regnal year of Vira Rajendra Chola Deva (Rajendra I). Portions of this are lost and it mentions a gift of land to the temple of Tirunallur Mahadeva (Karkoteswaram). Sakkai Kuthu was a form of dancing popular in the Tamil land from the Sangam age onwards. A grant of land by the Perunguri Sabhai of Kamarasavalli Chaturvedimangalam was made to Sakkai Marayan Vikrama Chola for performing Sakkai Kuthu thrice on each of the festivals of Margazhi Thiruvadhirai and Vaikasi Thiruvadhirai.

Kulothunga I Chola:

There is an inscription dated to the 26th regnal year of Kulotunga Chola I It is stated that this Siva temple called Sri Kailasam alias Rajendra Chola Isvaram was found in a state of neglect; neither the Sribali services not the procession were being conducted. So, the assembly of Kamarasavalli Chaturvedimangalam decided to revive these items of services in this temple by collecting one Kuruni of paddy from each harvested field of one ma in extent growing paddy, millet or gingelly, one nut from every areca tree, and one ulakku of oil from each vellan’s house (homestead) in the village and its hamlets. It was also decided that these collections were to be made by the revenue officials.

In the 27th year of Kulotunga I, a gift of land for a flower garden to the Karkoteswaram Temple is made by the assembly of Kamarasavalli Chaturvedimangalam a brahmadeya in Kurram, included in the sub-division of Geya Vinoda Valanadu. A gift of money for three lamps was made in the 50th year of Kulotunga I. Here the sub-division is called Vadagarai Ulaguyyavanda Chola Valanadu, evidently based on another title of Kulottunga I. Another temple in this locality called Tiruvagatisvaram (Agastisvaram) Udaiya Mahadevar at Valavan Puliyangudi in Vadagarai Ulaguyyavanda Chola Valanadu is mentioned in another inscription of the 50th year of Kulottunga I and it makes a gift of land for worship in this temple.

Vikrama Chola:

There are three inscriptions of Vikrama Chola. The first of the 4th regnal year concerns a gift of money for a lamp to the temple of Tiru Karkotaka Isvaram Udaiyar; the second of the 14th year mentions a gift of land; and the third also of the 14th year mentions a gift of ten Kalanju of gold for a lamp to this temple. The sub-division in which Kamarasavalli Chaturvedi Mangalam was situated is renamed Vikrama Chola Valanadu.

Kulothunga II Chola:

A gift of land for two lamps was made in the 3rd year of Rajakesarivarman Tribuvana Chakravarty Kulottunga Chola II.

Kulothunga III Chola:

A native of Alangudi makes a gift of money for a lamp and midnight offerings and for betel leaves, areca nuts, a knife (Kilikattu) and a pair of scissors to the God and Goddess in the 10th year of Tribuvana Chakravarty Kulottunga Chola who took Madurai. This inscription has to be assigned to the reign of Kulottunga III.

Rajaraja III Chola:

There are three inscriptions which might be assigned to the reign of Rajaraja III. The growing weakness of the Chola empire, the rise of local chieftains and the disturbed condition of the Chola country are reflected in a number of inscriptions of his reign. A local inscription of the 11th year of Tribhuvana Chakravarty Rajaraja III records that the Assembly of Kamarasavalli Chaturvedimangalam decided to have the Grama Karyam (affairs of village administration) attended to only by those who consented to vacate their seats by the year according to the old custom. This rule should have meant to prevent unruly elements grasping power and increasing it for selfish ends over a prolonged period.

In the 16th year of Rajaraja III, a gift of a silver forehead plate to the deity is recorded. A sale of land in Vannam alias Madurantakanallur, a devadana village belonging to the temple of Karkoteswaram in his 17th year is recorded. There are three more inscriptions of the time of Rajaraja III and they record a sale of land (17th year), a gift of oil for lamps (19th year) and a gift of oil (by the local oil merchants) for bathing the God on Saturdays (22nd year).

Rajendra III Chola:

An inscription of the 12th year of Tribhuvana Chakravarty Rajendra Chola Deva on the walls of the Chandikeswarar shrine of this temple records a gift of land to the Tiru Gnanasambandha Tirumadam by one Kunrankilan Tirunavukkarasu Deva, a devotee of the temple and a native of Urrukattu Kottam in Jayankonda Cholamandalam. Another of the 14th year of the same ruler makes a gift of land for a flower garden.

Pandyas:

The grand Chola empire had eclipsed and the Pandyas now made themselves masters of the Chola country. It is stated in an inscription of the 10th year of Jadavarman Tribhuvana Chakravarty Vira Pandya Deva that the people of 18 countries and 79 Valanadus assigned certain customs-duties on articles of merchandise towards repairs to the temple of Tirukkarkotakesvaram Udaiya Nayanar in Kamarasavalli Chaturvedimangalam.

Hoysalas:

This region had passed into the hands of the Hoysalas at the end of the 13th and early 14th century. An inscription of the 5th year of Hoysala Vira Someswara records the royal decision that king in settling the dispute between the temple managers and a private individual regarding the ownership of the village Vannam alias Madurantakanallur, decided that it should be enjoyed as a temple property.

Undated Inscription:

There is an undated inscription of a later date which records the construction of a mandapa in front of the central shrine by one Avvaiyar Tiruvarangamudiyan Appaninum nalla Sembiyadaraiyan of Pudukkudi. There is also another inscription which records that the same person covered the mandapa with flat tiles.

Temple Opening Time

The temple remains open from 09.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Festivals

Monthly Pradoshams; Tamil New year day falling almost on April 14; Aadi Pooram in July-August; Vinayaka Chaturthi in August-September; Navaratri in September-October; Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Margazhi Thiruvadhirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

The Kamadhagana Utsavam (Kaaman festival) is an important festival of this temple. It is celebrated in the month of Masi. This is a unique festival, native to this place, conducted here in memory of this event which marks the planting of a castor plant cut into two. Symbolic of the boon given by Lord Shiva to Rathi for her reunion with her husband Manmatha. Amazingly the castor plant comes to life after eight days. 

Prayers

People, undergoing horrible mental agony as a result of marital problems such as quarrels, separation, divorce, etc. come here for remedy and pray for reunion, Mangalya Bagyam (longevity of husband) besides other family problems. Childless couples and those whose marriages are getting delayed come her to get rid of the adverse effects of Sarpa Dosha caused by Ragu and Ketu. This place is also an ideal Parihara sthalam for those who have Cancer zodiac sign with stars of this sign (Rasi). They do prayers and seek blessings from Lord Karkodeswarar (Soundareswarar). Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.

Contact

Karkodeswarar Temple,

Kamarasavalli, Thirumanur,

Ariyalur Taluk – 621 715

Ariyalur District

Mobile: +91 98677 92299 / 96267 70804

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 13 Kms from Kabisthalam, 17 Kms from Thirumanur, 17 Kms from Pandaravadai Railway Station, 20 Kms from Pazhuvur, 22 Kms from Thiruvaiyaru, 44 Kms from Ariyalur and 81 Kms from Trichy Airport. Kamarasavalli is well connected to Ariyalur, Thirumanur, Pazhuvur and Thiruvaiyaru by buses.

Credit - Ilamurugan's blog

காமரசவல்லி கார்க்கோடேசுவரர் கோயில்

காமரசவல்லி கார்க்கொடேசுவரர் கோயில் அரியலூர் மாவட்டத்தில் காமரசவல்லி என்னுமிடத்திலுள்ள சிவன் கோயிலாகும்.

நுழைவாயில்

அமைவிடம்

இக்கோயில் அரியலூர் மாவட்டத்தில் திருமானூர் அருகே காமரசவல்லி என்னுமிடத்தில் அமைந்துள்ளது. காமரசவல்லிக்கு திருநல்லூர், கார்க்கொடீஸ்வரம், சதுர்வேதிமங்கலம், ரதிவரபுரம், காமரதிவல்லி என்ற பெயர்களும் உண்டு. 

இறைவன், இறைவி தொகு

இக்கோயிலின் மூலவராக கார்க்கொடேசுவரர் உள்ளார். இறைவி பாலாம்பிகை ஆவார். கிழக்கு பார்த்த நிலையில் இறைவனும், தெற்கு பார்த்த நிலையில் இறைவியும் உள்ளனர். நாகங்களின் அரசரான கார்க்கோடன் இறைவனை வழிபட்ட தலமாகும். 

அமைப்பு

இக்கோயில் சுந்தர சோழனால் கட்டப்பட்டதாகக் கல்வெட்டுகள் மூலமாக அறியமுடிகிறது. போசள மன்னன் இக்கோயிலின் கட்டுமானப் பணிகளை மேம்படுத்தி உள்ளார். விநாயகர், நந்தி, கார்க்கோடயன் இறைவனுக்கு பூசை செய்த சிற்பம் ஆகிய சிற்பங்கள் உள்ளன. மண்டபத்தூண்களில் அதிகமான சிற்பங்கள் காணப்படுகின்றன. திருச்சுற்றில் விநாயகர், வள்ளி தெய்வானையுடன் கூடிய சுப்பிரமணியர், துர்க்கா, சண்டிகேசுவரர், நவக்கிரகங்கள் உள்ளனர். கோஷ்டத்தில் தட்சிணாமூர்த்தி, அர்த்தநாரீசுவரர், லிங்கோத்பவர், பிரம்மா ஆகியோர் உள்ளனர். நடராஜர் மண்டபம் உள்ளது. நாகர் சிற்பங்களும் காணப்படுகின்றன. 

வரலாறு

அபிமன்யுவின் மகனான பரீட்சித்து பிறப்பதற்கு முன்னரே மாலவனின் அருளைப் பெற்றதாகக் கூறுவர். அவர், காட்டில் தவம் செய்து கொண்டிருந்த முனிவரின் கழுத்தில் ஒரு பாம்பை எடுத்துப் போட்டார். கோபமடைந்த முனிவர் ஏழாம் நாளில் பரீட்சித்து சாவார் என சாபமிட்டார். பிற ரிஷிகளின் மூலமாகவும், தன்னுடைய தவ வலிமை மூலமாகவும் சாபத்தைப் பற்றி அறிந்துகொண்டாலும் அதிலிருந்து தப்ப இயலாமல் ஏழாம் நாள் பாம்பு கடித்து இறந்து போனார்.இவரைக் கடித்த பாம்பு கத்திரனின் புதல்வனான கார்க்கோடகன் ஆவார். தன் தந்தை இறந்ததைக் கேள்விப்பட்ட பரீட்சித்துவின் மகன் ஒரு யாகத்தை உண்டாக்கி அனைத்துப் பாம்புகளையும் அதில் இட்டு தீயில் பொசுங்கும்படி செய்தான். இதிலிருந்து தப்பிக்க கார்க்கோடகன் மகாவிஷ்ணுவை அணுக அவர் இத்தலத்திற்கு வந்து இறைவனை வணங்கினால் அவரும் அவருடைய குடும்பமும் காப்பாற்றப்படும் என்று கூறினார். அவர் சொற்படி கேட்டு நடந்து இறைவன் அருளைப் பெற்றார். ஆதலால் இத்தலத்தில் பாம்பு கடித்து எவரும் இறப்பதில்லை என்பர். 

திருவிழாக்கள்

பிரதோஷம், சித்திரை வருடப்பிறப்பு, ஆடிப்பூரம், விநாயகர் சதுர்த்தி, நவராத்திரி, ஐப்பசி அன்னாபிசேகம், திருவாதிரை உள்ளிட்ட விழாக்கள் இங்கு கொண்டாடப்படுகின்றன.