Chithiram Pesuthada

Agastheeswarar Temple – The Fiery Agni Lingam of Noombal, Chennai!
அக்னி தத்துவத்தின் ஆலயம் – நூம்பல் அகஸ்தீஸ்வரர்!

Did you know Chennai houses a temple representing Agni, the Fire Element, among the Pancha Bhoota Linga shrines? Welcome to Sri Agastheeswarar Temple, where ancient energy still radiates with fiery devotion.

📍 Directions / Location:
Located at Noombal, near Vanagaram, Chennai, easily accessible from Porur Junction (about 4 km).

🕉️ Highlights Not to Miss:
✦ Presiding deity: Sri Agastheeswarar (Shiva Lingam), facing east.
✦ Goddess: Anandavalli Ambal, facing south.
✦Believed to be Agni Sthalam—one among the Pancha Bhootha Sthalams around Chennai.
✦ Saint Agastya is said to have installed and worshipped the Lingam here.
✦ A sacred Sthala Vriksham – Vanni Tree (Prosopis cineraria) and a small temple pond to the east.

🏛️ Architectural Wonder:
✦ Features a Gajaprishta (elephant-back)-shaped sanctum, typical of early Pallava-Chozha architecture.
✦ Simple granite base with minimal ornamentation, signifying its early medieval origin.
✦ The temple has been renovated during the Vijayanagara–Nayak period, retaining traces of older masonry.

#AgastheeswararTemple #AgniLingam #NoombalTemple #ChennaiHeritage #PallavaArchitecture #PanchaBoothaSthalam #ChithiramPesuthada #SureshPriyan #IndianHeritage #TempleTrails #TamilArchitecture

Agastheeswarar Temple, Noombal, Agni Lingam, Chennai Heritage, Fire Element Temple, Pancha Bhootha Sthalam, Chithiram Pesuthada, Suresh Priyan

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14 minutes ago | [YT] | 2

Chithiram Pesuthada

Built by Rajasimha Pallava, the Mukunda Nayanar Temple of Mamallapuram enshrines Shiva as ThiruMukalippa Mudaiyar, later called Mukalinathan under the Cholas. A rare Saiva shrine blending Pallava finesse with Chola devotion.
#ChithiramPesuthada #SureshPriyan

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1 day ago | [YT] | 26

Chithiram Pesuthada

In the heart of Hampi stands a quiet Jain marvel — Ganagitti Temple (1386 CE), built under Harihara II.
Dedicated to Tirthankara Kunthunatha, it reflects Jain simplicity amidst Vijayanagara grandeur.
#HampiHeritage #ChithiramPesuthada #SureshPriyan

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2 days ago | [YT] | 23

Chithiram Pesuthada

Arinjaya Choleeshwaram — The Forgotten Pallipadai of the Cholas!
அரிஞ்சய சோழன் பள்ளிப்படை!

Did you know the mighty Raja Raja Chola I built a temple not for a god first — but for his grandfather?
Welcome to Melpadi, where the Arinjaya Choleeshwaram stands as one of the earliest Chola Pallipadai temples, marking both memory and empire.

Directions / Location:
📍 Melpadi Village, near Arcot, Ranipet District, Tamil Nadu.
Located about 25 km from Vellore on the Arcot–Chittoor route, this serene site once formed the northern frontier of the Chola realm — known in inscriptions as Rajaraja Chaturvedimangalam.

Highlights Not to Miss:
✦ The Pallipadai (memorial temple) of Arinjaya Chola, grandfather of Raja Raja I.
✦ Inscriptions of Raja Raja I, referring to the deity as Arinjigai-Isvaram Udaiya Mahadevar.
✦ A Vishnu temple nearby, said to be built for Arinjaya’s queen — showcasing early Shaiva–Vaishnava dual patronage.
✦ The village also preserves hero stones (Veerakkal) and traces of ancient trade routes.

Architectural Wonder:
✦ The shrine is east-facing, built of granite in early Chola style — compact, sturdy, and minimally ornamented.
✦ The Vimana is eka-tala (single-tiered) with clean Pallava-Chola transition features.
✦ Later brick additions and a restored adhisthana hint at continuous worship from the 10th century onward.
✦ Look for fine inscriptions etched on the base — the true storytellers of this memorial.

#ArinjayaCholanPallipadai #CholaArchitecture #Melpadi #RajarajaChola #PallipadaiTemple #TamilHeritage #VelloreHeritage #ChithiramPesuthada #SureshPriyan

Arinjaya Cholan, Arinjaya Choleeshwaram, Melpadi, Pallipadai Temple, Early Chola Architecture, Raja Raja Chola I, Tamil Nadu Temples, Chithiram Pesuthada, Suresh Priyan

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4 days ago (edited) | [YT] | 32

Chithiram Pesuthada

🛕 Timeless Shiva Shrine of Ayanavaram – Where the Chola Stones Still Whisper!
ஆயனாவரம் பரசுராம லிங்கேஸ்வரர் கோவில் – சோழர் காலச் சிவாலயம்?
Hidden amid Chennai’s bustle stands this serene shrine — a quiet witness to centuries of devotion. The east-facing sanctum houses a slender yet tall Shiva Lingam, and its Gajaprishta (apsidal) vimana hints at a Pallava origin (8th–9th CE).

Later Chola renovations under Rajaraja I or Kulothunga I added stone and brick layers that still endure.

The temple’s Brahma Sastha (Murugan) idol, ancient koshta reliefs, and calm atmosphere make it a rare Pallava–Chola gem in the heart of Ayanavaram.
#ParasuramaLingeswararTemple #AyanavaramTemple #PallavaArchitecture #CholaArchitecture #HeritageOfChennai #HiddenMonumentsOfChennai #ChithiramPesuthada #SureshPriyan

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5 days ago | [YT] | 37

Chithiram Pesuthada

A forgotten gem from Thirumalaicherry, Ranipet District —
The Rashtrakuta-era Mahishasura Mardini,
Eight-armed, fierce yet graceful,
Her sword raised in triumph over Mahishan —
Granite breathing faith, power, and beauty.
#ChithiramPesuthada #SureshPriyan

1 week ago | [YT] | 53

Chithiram Pesuthada

A tiny Chola-era gem at Senji–Panambakkam: 16-fluted dhāra-liṅga, dancing-lady pillars, green-stone kōṣṭhas & superb façade panels—Tiruvallur’s stone syllabus in one stop. #ChithiramPesuthada #SureshPriyan #TiruvallurHeritage

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1 week ago | [YT] | 36

Chithiram Pesuthada

The Flawless Gem of Thirumullaivoyal – Sri Masilamaneeswarar Temple
திருமுல்லைவாயில் மாசிலாமணீஸ்வரர் திருக்கோவில்

Did you know Chennai hides a 1,000-year-old temple where inscriptions speak of Chola queens, Pandya kings, and Vijayanagara emperors? Let’s step into this unmissable heritage site.

Directions / Location:
Located in Thirumullaivoyal, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, about 22 km from the city centre. Accessible via Chennai–Tiruvallur High Road (CTH Road), and well-connected by suburban trains and buses.

Highlights Not to Miss:
✦ Paadal Petra Sthalam: praised in Tevaram hymns.
✦ Unique Nandi: facing outward as if ready to march.
✦ Epigraphic Treasures: Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara records (ARE 662, 669, 672, 674, 681–684, 698 of 1904).

Architecture Wonder:
✦ Sanctum crowned by a Gaja Prishtam (apsidal elephant-back) vimana, a rare form in Dravidian architecture.
✦ Ancient Vellerukku (Calotropis) wood pillars are still remembered in the site tradition.
✦ A 16-pillared mandapa with fine early Chola artistry.

Little History:
✦ Sembiyan Mahadevi’s grant (ARE 669, 1904) marks the temple in her endowment network.
✦ Rajendra I’s gifts (ARE 677–678, 1904) include jewels and wealth, reflecting prosperity.
✦ Later inscriptions from Kulottunga III, Rajaraja III, Pandya Jatavarman Sundara Pandya I, and Vijayanagara rulers Harihara II & Mallikarjuna Raya show continuous patronage.

Today, it stands as a living monument—reminding us that Chennai has many heritage sites we often overlook, and this is one of the must-visit temples.

#ChithiramPesuthada #SureshPriyan #Masilamaneeswarar #Thirumullaivoyal #CholaArchitecture #TamilHeritage #TempleTrails #HiddenChennai

Chithiram Pesuthada, Suresh Priyan, Masilamaneeswarar Temple, Thirumullaivoyal, Chola inscriptions, ARE 1904, Gaja Prishtam vimana, Chennai heritage, Paadal Petra Sthalam.

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1 week ago | [YT] | 22

Chithiram Pesuthada

🌼 Wishing you a joyous Ayudha Pooja & Saraswati Pooja! 🌼
ஆயுத பூஜை & சரஸ்வதி பூஜை நல்வாழ்த்துகள் – துடையூரின் ஞான சரஸ்வதி!


On this auspicious occasion, we bow to Gnana Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom, arts, and learning. 🙏📚🎶
At Kadambavana Sri Vishamangaleswarar Temple, Thudaiyur, Saraswati is seated in Ardha Padmasana, adorned with her divine Jadamaguda crown, which is decorated with Padra Kundalam, Sarapalli, and Chavadi. Her lower right hand shines in Gnana Hastham, wearing Tholvalai, while her left hand holds the sacred palm leaves (suvadi) – symbol of knowledge. The upper hands gracefully carry the Akshamala and Kamandalu, framed by a glowing Jwala Thiruvasi.

May the blessings of Saraswati inspire wisdom, creativity, and clarity in every endeavour.


#AyudhaPooja #SaraswatiPooja #GnanaSaraswati #ChithiramPesuthada #SureshPriyan #TempleSculpture #HeritageIndia #SaraswatiBlessings

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 36

Chithiram Pesuthada

🌸 Navaratri Special Post – Mahishasuramardini at Mamallapuram 🌸
This Navaratri, as we celebrate Devi’s triumph over Mahishasura, did you know that Mamallapuram holds not one, but three depictions of this legendary battle — each carved in eternal Pallava stone?

🪷 The Three Faces of Mahishasuramardini in Mamallapuram:

1️⃣ Mahishasuramardini Cave (Mahishamardini Mandapa, Yamapuri)
Durga astride her lion, charging at Mahisha with fierce energy. One of the finest Pallava reliefs, alive with battle drama.

2️⃣ Atiranachanda Cave Temple (Saluvankuppam, north of Mamallapuram)
A 3×6 ft Shakti panel, hidden away from the crowds. Here, Durga’s victory comes alive in a quieter, intimate composition.

3️⃣ Mahishasura Rock (Shore Temple complex)
At the edge of the sea, near the iconic Shore Temple, lies a lesser-known Mahishasura sculpture, which links the goddess to the temple’s sacred landscape.

✨ Why it matters during Navaratri:
✦ Navaratri celebrates the nine forms of Durga and her cosmic victory over evil.
✦The Mahishasuramardini panels at Mamallapuram are not just sculptures — they are stone hymns echoing the goddess’s power.
✦ isiting them during Navaratri feels like walking into the very moment of Durga’s battle, frozen in time by Pallava artisans.

Next time you’re at Mamallapuram, don’t just stop at the Shore Temple. Hunt for these three Mahishasuramardini legends in stone — and feel the energy of Navaratri carved into granite.

🙏 Share this with someone who should know our goddess heritage stories.
📍 Save this post for your next trip to Mamallapuram.
❤️ Celebrate #Navaratri2025 with #ChithiramPesuthada

#Mahishasuramardini #Navaratri2025 #Mamallapuram #Mahabalipuram #Durga #Navadurga #TamilHeritage #PallavaArt #ChithiramPesuthada #SureshPriyan

Mahishasuramardini Mamallapuram, Mahishamardini Mandapa, Atiranachanda Cave, Shore Temple Mahishasura Rock, Pallava art, Chithiram Pesuthada, Navaratri goddess

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2 weeks ago | [YT] | 13