Koorathangudi Yamasamhareshwara Temple Kumbabhishekam

Thanks to the Blessings of the Almighty, the Consecration Ceremony of the renovated Yamasamhareshwara Temple took place on September 11 2011. On the same day another temple in the Village which was also renovated simultaneously was also consecrated

A Video of the ceremony is available on You Tube at    http://youtu.be/awnTgaDml_4 and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDqOQ1e4SQE

Recounted below is a narration on the Historical Significance of the temple:

The account has been compiled by Mrs.Indu Balaji and translated into English by Mr.K.Subramanian.

In the ancient Chola Kingdom, we can say with confidence that there are no towns or villages without any Temples. We can offer prayers even in remote villages having large temples. Each of these famous temples known for having been worshipped either by the King of Kings (DEVADHI DEVAS), or Saints in their ultimate stage of spiritual attainment, or well known AVATARA STHALAMS of the GOD. The STHALA PURANAMS of each of these holy temples take us to a totally different level of devotion instilling absolute Bhakthi. All these places are resplendent with our ancient value systems and Hindu culture and remind us all as to how to codify our way of living in this materialistic world.

Unfortunately, a good number of these holy shrines are in a dilapidated condition. The renovation and resurrection of several these temples have been constructively undertaken by Smt. Mahalakshmi Subramanian with the involvement and backing of the villagers living in different parts of the country and the world. One such holy shrine dedicated to Kunkumavalli Ambal Samedha Yamasamhareswarar is located in the village known as KOORATHANGUDI. 

Greatness of this STHALAM: This shrine is known as Parikara Sthalam for VRISCHIKA Rasi (those born with Visakam-4, Anusham and Kettai Stars) is located 15 Kms south east of the famous Thiruvarur known to give salvation on just thinking of the Lord Thiyagaraja. This shrine is located on the southern banks of the river Pandavaiyaru. Pandavas during their long exile were to live incognito for one year and they created this river Pandavaiyaru as a branch of the river KORAIYARU. They Pandavas are said to have worshipped the Goddess Kunkumavalli and the Lord Yamasamhareswarar and invoked their blessings to start the incognito period of one year. This shrine is where the Lord Shiva enabled Yama (the God of Death) to ward of his sins and attain salvation and regain his erstwhile status. Because of this act, this shrine famously known as KOOTRU ATTRAAN KUDI is now called KOORATHANGUDI. Lord Yama is known to have separate sanctum only in three locations (Thirukkadayur, Srivanjiyam and THIRUPAINGEELI) but the only shrine where Lord Yama got rid of his curse and sins (for having thrown his rope [PASAKKAYIRU]) around the Lord is KOORATHANGUDI. And this is the place where the Goddess is uniquely named as Kunkumavalli. This shrine is said to have been sung by the saint Thirugnanasambandar as Vaippu Sthalam and also reverently mentioned by Saint SEKKIZHAR in his PERIYA PURANAM. Even a visit this place would instill Bhakti in all.

STHALA PURANAM:  The childless saintly couple of MRIGANDU Maharishi and MARUTHUVATHI were blessed by the Lord Shiva with an intelligent and spiritually devoted child whose life period was fixed as 16 years. This child christened as MARKANDEYA was being brought up with tender care, love and devotion to Lord Shiva. He learnt all the Shastras in his young age and when he attained the age of 15 years, his parents were worried that their devoted child has only one more year of life. But MARKENDEYA consoled them stating that the Lord Shiva would take care of him and undertook pilgrimage to worship the LORD in several famous shrines. He lastly reached Thirukkadayur and was praying the God AMRITHAGADESWARAR (also popularly known as KALASAMHARA MOORTHI) when Yama approached him to take him away. As Markandeya was chanting SHIVA PANCHAKSHARAM by embracing the Lord, Yama threw his ROPE around Markandeya. This rope also encircled the Lord; enraged by this unholy act of Yama the Lord KalasamharaMoorthi annihilated Yama. With cessation of death, the load on the earth increased many folds and BHOOMA DEVI (Mother earth) pleaded with the God. The God relented and gave life back to Yama and restored his routine task.

As the Pasakkayiru had encircled the Lord, Yama in order to ward off this unholy act and sin, visited several places, created temples for Lord Shiva and worshipped him to ward off the Sin. The Lord was not satisfied with the devotion of Yama, and so he came to this place, created yet another temple and prayed the Lord with absolute devotion with tears rolling down his eyes.  Moved by the devotion of Yama, the Lord appeared before Yama in his full form (RISHABAROODAR) and blessed Yama whose unholy act and sins were warded off and he got a place in the Heavens. The Lord also ordained as pleaded by Yama that those who visit this Shrine and worship the presiding deity would be rid of the fear of death and would have a place in the Heavens. The Lord, who enabled Yama to get rid of his sins is since then worshipped as Lord Yamasamhareswarar. The Lord blesses all those who worship him with devotion to enable them to be rid of the fear of death and gain all the wealth. This shrine is also verily known as Parikara Sthalam for those born with the Sun Sign Vrischika who would be blessed by the Lord when they pray Him at this village KOORATHANGUDI.

The renovation and reconstruction of this dilapidated holy Shrine was undertaken after seeking divine sanction through PRASNA when one migrant of this village was reminded in his dreams that if the shrine (Family Deity for all the migrants) was restored to its past Glory, Eighty odd erstwhile families of this village would get united again. Accordingly some eight to nine families have already grouped themselves as their ancestors were past residents this village and got re-united. This makes us wonder with excitement about the Ways of the Lord.

Mother Goddess uniquely known as Goddess Kunkumavalli is “AVVYAJA KARUNAMOORTHI” who resides here as SARVANGA SUNDARI instantly moves the worshippers with tears of joy who get immersed in total devotion. The Goddess famously known as UDHIKKINDRA SENGATHIR UCHCHI THILAKAM with Sindhoor as her Hue, Kunkumavalli blesses all with Kunkumam. The unmarried girls who worship Her with absolute devotion are rid of the hurdles in the path to marriage and get the holy Knot tied soon. Those who pray this Goddess for by lighting Sesame oil lamp five consecutive Fridays from wherever they are, are rid of all the worries and sufferings. The mere utterance of the name of the Goddess is enough to invoke Bhakthi in all of us!

The Lord Vinayakar known as ARUMARUNTHU Vinayakar enabled one devotee to recover from an incurable disease, is said to rid people of their mortal sufferings. The Vishnu Durga in this shrine blesses us all with Prayoga Chakra VIPRA SAKTHI.

Lord Subramanya along with his consorts Valli and Devasena dwells here as KALASAMHARA SUBRAMANYA enables all to ward off the fear of death. Thus, like Father, the Son is also known as Kala SamharaMoorthi. The Magnificent Kala Bhairavar of this shrine said to have the powers akin to the KALA BHAIRAVAR of Varanasi and gives one the satisfaction of having worshipped him by visiting Kashi.

One non-resident devotee of this village was shocked to learn that the once resplendent Vishnu Temple was razed down to ground and only the holy waters of this Temple (Teertha Kulam) is there as a reminder of its existence! Another devotee who visited this village 15 years back incidentally found that the Lord Vishnu adorned with Conch and Chakra was being used as a cloth washing stone in the pond adjoining the Shiva Temple housed this Icon in the Shiva temple in the Sanctorum of Goddess Kunkumavalli with the assistance and concurrence of the villagers. As the situation and circumstances did not permit recovery of the temple land to construct a separate temple the villagers decided to construct a separate sanctum for “Lord Srinivasa” (as indicated in the scriptures) and perform the holy consecration simultaneously with the Shiva Temple. Who would have ever thought that the Lord of MAYA who used a hillock as an umbrella to protect his devotees would ever consent to remain as a washing stone!

This incident really moved several villagers who live outside the village due to force of circumstances. The fact that both Lord Yamasamhareswarar and Lord Srinivasa would be together in one temple to bless us all, loudly proclaims to the world that there is nothing to separate and differentiate the two Lords in the name of religion and caste and that Hari and Hara are nothing but one and the same omnipotent Lord.

Anyone setting foot on this Holy Shrine can ward off the fear of death and reap the benefits in the present life and life beyond as the shrine is the abode for Lord Yamasamhareswarar, Goddess Kunkumavalli, Lord Srinivasa, Lord Kalasamhara Subramanya, and Arumarunthu Vinayakar all together in one temple! This is an absolute Truth! They would get relieved of the Farce of material life and attain salvation! It is a must for all to visit this unique shrine and invoke the blessings of all the Gods and Goddesses!

ARULJOTHI ANANDAN, an ardent follower of VADALUR Vallalar Ramalinga Swmigal was instantly inspired with two couplets about this shrine and has penned them in Tamil. The compiler of this Sthala Puranam Smt. Indu Balaji has also coined a song on Goddess Kunkumavalli.

The Holy consecration of this Shrine and Goddess Mahamariamman was completed with grandeur and all glory on Sunday the September 11, 2011. Incidentally on this very day, the USA has taken steps to create ponds at the location of the Twin Towers of New York razed down 10 years ago! Wonderful reminder to humanity of the confluence of thoughts of followers of different FAITHS!

Karnataka - A Pilgrimage

Divinity calls and you pay heed to the call!! Thus was born a trip to South Kanara on what was to be a pilgrimage to some of the famous Hindu Religious spots - Udupi, Kollur, Sringeri and Hornadu. So a small group got together and hired a minivan and hit the road on 24th June 2011.

For the uninitiated; Udupi is famous for the temple of Lord Krishna. Actually a Krishna Mutt founded by the Vaishnavite saint Madhavacharya around the 13th Century A.D.
According to folklore, there was a storm in the sea at Malpe. Shri Madhvacharya was on the shore at the time and saw a ship which was in trouble. He helped the ship reach the shore to safety. The sailors were very grateful to him and gave him deities of Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama. He did the pratishte (installation ceremony) of the deity of Lord Balarama near Malpe. This temple is known as Vadabhandeshwara. He brought the deity of Lord Krishna and did the pratishte at Udupi. This temple is known as Krishna Mutt.

Kollur is a tiny hamlet situated about 37 kilometres (23 mi) from Kundapur Town, about 133 kilometres (83 mi) away from Mangalore City in Karnataka state in the southern part of India. This village lies at the foot of the Western Ghats and is famous for the Mookambika temple, a Hindu pilgrim center.Legend goes that a Maharishi (monk) Kolan was enchanted with nature’s beauty and decided to perform a penance on a rock near the Agnitheertham. Lord Shiva, delighted with Kolan, appeared before him and blessed him. The Maharishi wished for the welfare of mankind and nothing else. The Lord, happy with Kolan, granted him his wish. He assured that a swayambu (autogenetic) Lingam would appear for his daily worship. However, Kolan wanted to worship Devi also. So, a swarna rekha (gold line) appeared on the Lingam, signifying Shakti. Thus, Shiva and Shakti are worshipped together in the Lingam. Besides this, a unique feature is that the other Gods and Goddess of the Hindu pantheon also believed to reside in aroopa (non-form) in the Lingam. It is thus believed to be an abode of the entire celestial congregation.
It is believed that Adi Shankaracharya had a vision of Sri Mookambika Devi and installed the deity here. The legend goes that Adi Shankara meditated at Kodachadri hills and Devi incarnated before him asking for his wish. He revealed his wish to install the Devi idol in a place in Kerala to worship where he wanted. Devi agreed but put forward a challenge that she will follow Shankara and he should not look back till he reaches his destination. But to test Shankara, Devi deliberately stopped the voice of her anklets when they reached Kollur whereupon Shankara turned and looked back because of doubt. Devi then asked Shankara to install her vigraha, just as he sees her, at that very location in Kollur.

 Sringeri is a hill town and taluk headquarters located in Chikmagalur district in the Indian state of Karnataka, is the site of the first maţha established by Adi Shankaracharya, Hindu theologian and exponent of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, in the 8th century C.E. It is located on the banks of the river Tungā.
According to legend, Adi Shankaracharya is said to have selected the site as the place to stay and teach his disciples, because when he was walking by the

 Tunga river, he saw a cobra with a raised hood, providing shelter from the hot sun, to a frog about to spawn. Impressed with the place where natural enemies had gone beyond their instincts, he stayed here for twelve years. Adi Shankaracharya also established mathas in the northern (at Jyotirmath, near Badrinath), eastern (at Puri) and western (at Dwaraka) quarters of India.

Horanadu is a Hindu holy city located in Chickmagalur district, Karnataka, India. The deity at the Annapoorneshwari Temple at Horanadu is Annapurneshwari. The main deity of the goddess was put in place by Adi Shankaracharya; the new deity of goddess Annapurneshwari was consecrated in the temple in 1973.

The Annapoorneshwari Temple is located at Horanadu India 100 km from Chikmagalur in the thick forests and valleys of the Western Ghats of Karnataka. Also called "Sri Kshethra Horanadu", it is situated on the banks of river Bhadra in a remote corner of Chikmaglur district of Karnataka, surrounded by the natural vegetation, forest, green lands, and natural beauty of the Western Ghats. This ancient Hindu temple of Goddess Annapoorneshwari has been restored and renamed as the Adi-Shaktyatmaka Shree Annapoorneshwari. The single image is of the Goddess Annapoorneshwari standing on a peeta with Shanku, Chakra, Sri Chakra and Devi Gayathri in her four hands.

This wonderful experience ended with us returning back to the Commercial World on 26th June 2011 as we had to get back to work on Monday. Make the trip and experience for yourself the divinity of not only the shrines but nature at its best!!

Monsoon Paradise

Agumbe! Not many may know of this place! Probably the reason why the place remains what it is today. It was meant to be a weekend getaway from the bash and dash of the Office.

But it turned out to be one of the best weekend I have spent ever!!

I always prided myself on being a nature lover and fairly knowledgeable in matters related to nature. Man what a humbling experience it was!! 

Thank You Amogh for the opportunity and Gowri for the Hands on Experience!! No words can even begin to describe the pleasure and eye opening experiences that I had over the weekend. Not the least, the company of some wonderful folks from all over. Guys!! Hope we meet again sometime soon!!!

Office no longer seems to be a burden after seeing Life and Death battle at such close quarters. 

I'll let the pictures talk hereon. Hopefully I have been able to do some justice to the awesome beauty of the place and the creatures that call the rain forest Home!!

Blue Eyed Frog

Blue Eyed Frog

Blue Eyed Frog

Bush Frog

Cricket Frog

King Cobra

Golden Frog

Crab

Damsel Fly

Fungi

Pool of Reflection

Leaf Insect

Waterfall

Leech

Malabar Pit Viper

Malabar Pit Viper - At Night

Malabar Pit Viper in Hunting Mode

Undergrowth on Tree

Fungi

King Cobra Angry

King Cobra

Damsel Fly Making a Meal of A Spider

Red Damsel

Roux's Forest Lizard

Snail Tet a Tet with a Spider

Spider Profile - Note Eye on top of Head

Spider doing something nasty to the Snail

Vine Snake

Ant

Wood Fungi

Indian Pitta

The Indian Pitta, Pitta brachyura, is a medium-sized passerine bird. It breeds mainly in the sub-Himalayas and winters in southern India and Sri Lanka. These birds are found in thick undergrowth and are often more easily detected by their calls. They however often crash into houses during the migratory season and their brilliant colouration makes them an object of curiosity.

 We had one such bird crashland in our Office parking lot at Bangalore. Thankfully a colleague picked up the bird and brought it in. The exhausted bird was too weak to even stand let alone fly.

 After a force feed of water and some rest; the Pitta gained some strength to try and escape. However lacked the energy to go too far.

 A small nesting box was made with a small cardboard carton and the bird was placed inside. It was an encouraging sign when the Pitta began to eat and also had a drink of water.

It was decided to let the bird rest overnight and was released early morning today. It was a very satisfying sight to see the bird regain strength and fly away since Pitta numbers are on the decline.

Hola!!

Hi All,

Been having a busy few weeks.....hence no updates!! Please visit http://www.photographtree.com

for more some of my pictures...

Cheers!!

Main Zindagi Ka Saath - Dev Anand - Hum Dono

I'm sure every one of us could do with this small but all encompassing lesson in LIFE !!!

Movie: Hum Dono; Singer Mohammed Rafi, Lyrics by Sahir Ludhianvi, Music: Jaidev

Main Zindagi Ka Saath Nibhata Chala Gaya

Har Fikar Ko Dhuen Mein Udata Chala Gaya

Barbadiyon Ka Shok/ Sod Manana Fizul Tha

Barbadiyon Ka Jashan Manata Chala Gaya

Har Fikar Ko Dhuen Mein Uda

Jo Mil Gaya Usi Ko Muqaddar Samajh Liya

Jo Kho Gaya Maein Usko Bhulata Chala Gaya

Har Fikar Ko Dhuen Mein Uda

Gham Aur Khushi Mein Farq Na Mehsoos Ho Jahan

Maein Dil Ko Us Muqaam Pe Laata Chala Gaya

Har Fikar Ko Dhuen Mein Uda

Translation:

I went with life all the way!! Blowing away sadness in a puff of smoke!!

Cyring over what is Lost is a waste of time! Celebrate loss as learnings and move on.

Consider what you get is what is written for you. Forget about what you lost!

My goal in life is to achieve a state where sadness and joy are essentially the same (Could say meaningless)

Strive for Emotional balance

The Pond Heron

There are some God's creations which are so normal and ordinary that we do not even notice them or the beauty they add to the awesome Nature. I aim to pay tribute to each of these God's Ordinary creatures; trying in my own way to in a very small way say Thank You to Mother Nature!!

The Pond Heron: The Indian Pond Heron or Paddybird (Ardeola grayii) is a small heron. Breeding in southern Iran and east to India, Burma, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. They are widespread and common but can be easily missed when the stalk prey at the edge of small water-bodies or even when the roost close to human habitations. They are however distinctive when put to flight, the bright white wings flashing in contrast to the cryptic streaked olive and brown colours of the body. The camouflage is so excellent that they will often allow humans to approach very close before taking to flight, and this has resulted in folk names and beliefs that the birds are short-sighted or blind.

They are very common in India, and are usually solitary foragers but numbers of them may sometimes feed in close proximity during the dry seasons when small wetlands have a high concentration of prey. They are semi-colonial breeders. They may also forage at garbage heaps. During dry seasons, they sometimes take to foraging on well watered lawns or even dry grassland. When foraging, they allow close approach and flush only at close range. They sometimes form communal roosts, often in avenue trees over busy urban areas.

Food and feeding

The Indian Pond Heron's feeding habitat is marshy wetlands. They usually feed at the edge of ponds but make extensive use of floating vegetation such as Water hyacinth to access deeper water. They may also on occasion swim on water or fish from the air and land in deeper waters. They have also been observed to fly and capture fishes leaping out of water. Sometimes, they fly low over water to drive frogs and fishes towards the shore before settling along the shoreline.

The primary food of these birds includes crustaceans, aquatic insects, fishes, tadpoles and sometimes leeches (Herpobdelloides sp.). Outside wetlands, these herons feed on insects (including crickets, dragonflies and bees, fish and amphibians.