Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Thanjavur Temples - Thittai Gurusthalam

Vasishteswarawamy Temple at Thittai is an ancient temple near Thanjavur. This is one of the Nava Graha ( Nine Planets) Temples. The presiding deity is a Swayambu Lingam and gets his name because he was worshipped here by Saint Vashishtar.The Goddess is Ulaganayaki or Sugantha Kundalambal.
 A unique feature of this temple is a drop of water falls on the Lingam (Main Diety) exactly every twenty four minutes  from the roof of the Vimanam(tower above the sanctum). Two stones “Suryagaanthakkal”(sun stone) and “Chandragaanthakkal” ( moon stone) are placed at strategic points above the Vimana. These 2 stones absorb moisture from the atmosphere, convert into one water droplet, performing a natural Abhishegam to the diety, every 24 minutes.  Another special here is that the “Guru Bhagavan” has a separate sanctum  inside this temple itself.
I am going to be away for a fortnight on a tour of the State of Gujarat (Western India) and hence will not be posting/commenting until my return. Bye for now.
The Chettiar who contributed financially to the construction of this temple
The Chettiars wife
The four holy saints who have visited this temple between 7th-9th centuries and sung hymns in praise of the Lord
Siva and Parvati seated on the celestial bull
Lord Ganesha seated on his mushika vahana ( mouse vehicle)
The holy Teertham or water tank
The Vimanam or entrance tower
Our group posing in front of the Vimanam

22 comments:

  1. It makes one wonder in awe at the great talent and amazing skill that our sculptors and temple sthapathis had in bygone days.Thank you for bringing these out

    ReplyDelete
  2. those sculptures are amazing... enjoy your time away... stay safe

    ReplyDelete
  3. the colors of the temple are very pretty. i like the water droplet! be safe and well.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hey I thought you were visiting Kutch?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Your group look small in front of a pretty statue, large

    ReplyDelete
  6. Looks like we are missing something interesting that the fellow at the far left saw.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Such lovely sculptures. Thanks for sharing this lovely post!

    ReplyDelete
  8. The Chettiar and his wife's sculptures are so beautiful with sharp features. I have to bookmark this temple now. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh wow Ram, I can't believe the astounding ingenuity of organizing a droplet every 24 min exactly, how brilliant is that! Wonderful details once more. I hope you have a wonderful trip, have a safe journey.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wonderful sculptures of the temple. I never knew of this temple.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Beautiful photos on the temple and sculptors! That’s great knowing about the drop of water falling on the Lingam.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great pics, it really shows how talented those sculptors were!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lovley place Rama! Have a great trip to Gujrat!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Wow! What a great post with wonderful pictures of the temple and of these sculptures!
    Love the photo of your group posing in front of the Vimanam.
    PS: Many thanks for your nice comment on my daughter's photos on my post "Summer Holidays". Yes, would be great to have your visit at my house someday. You and your family would be very welcome! :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Statues are so vigorous. I feel they give me energy. And the temple is colorful, cute.
    Enjoy your trip!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I've heard about this temple, but I don't remember being there.
    I dunno. I might have gone there when I was 2-3 yrs old!!! :) :) :)
    Let me go and search my old photos....
    Bhusha's TRAVELOGUE

    ReplyDelete
  17. Lovely temple ... First pictures is amazing . Nice to know about this temple.

    ReplyDelete

RAMAL RAMANATHAN'S 95th BIRTHDAY

Wedding Studio Photo Appa's 90th Birthday Ayushhomam at Coimbatore: 2006 Wedding Photo Photos clicked on Birthday at Coimbatore Special ...