Dharisanam ENதமிழ்
A red and yellow gateway with a small tiered tower, and a taller temple tower behind it on the left
Swayambu

Thirukkollamputhur Sri Vilvaaranyeswarar Temple 113th of 129 on the south bank of the Kaveri · Chola Nadu · Temples near Kumbakonam

Darshan today8:00 am – 12:00 noon, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Moolavar
Vilvaranyeswarar, Vilva Vana Nathar, Kollambuthur Udaiyar
Ambal
Soundara Nayagi, Azhakiya Nayagi
Theertham
Brahma Theertham, Agasthiya Theertham, Ganga Theertham, Kaandeepa Theertham, River Vettaru
Sthala vriksham
Vilvam tree
Pathigam by
Thirugnanasambanthar

Temple

Visited on: 1st April, 2018.

Location

Thiru Kollampudur (Thiru Kalampur) is situated at a distance of about 20 kms from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam to Thiruvarur route (Via Kudavasal, Sellur and Koradacheri). From Koradacheri, this place is about 6 kms and from Kudavasal, it is about 7 kms.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are – Thirucherai, Kudavasal, Thalaiyalangaadu, Peruvelur, Karaveeram, Naalur Mayanam, Kaduvaikarai Puthur (Andankoil), Penu Perunthurai, Thiru Naraiyur Siththecharam, Arisirkarai Puthur, Sivapuram, Karukkudi and Kalayanallur.

General Information

Moolavar
Sri Vilvaranyeswarar, Sri Vilva Vana Nathar, Sri Kollambuthur Udaiyar
Ambal
Sri Soundara Nayagi, Sri Azhakiya Nayagi
Theertham (Holy water)
Brahma Theertham, Agasthiya Theertham, Ganga Theertham, Kaandeepa Theertham, River Vettaru
Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree)
Vilvam tree
Pathigam (Hymn) rendered by
Saint Thirugnanasambanthar
  • This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 113th Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai).
  • Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
  • This temple is one of the “Pancha Aaranya Sthalam”.
  • Saint Thirugnanasambanthar sang a pathigam here in order to keep his raft afloat on a flooded river. He crossed the river without the help of a boatman to reach this temple.
  • This east facing temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers.
  • In front of the main tower, there is an arch in the outside corridor with beautiful sculptures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, Vinayakar and Murugan.
  • The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 01.07.1979.

History of the Temple

According to legend, in ancient times, this region was a forest densely covered with Vilva trees. Vilvam trees are also called “Koovilam” and hence this place gets the name Koovilambuthur. Later it has been changed to Kollambuthur. These Vilva trees are said to have grown on the place where the celestial nectar “Amirtham” fell on earth. This sthalam is considered as auspicious as Kasi.

This ancient temple is situated on the bank of the river Vettaru (Mulliyaru), a tributary of the river Cauvery. This river is also known as Agathiya Cauvery.

The historical names of this place are Panchatchara Puram, Kandeepavanam, Brahmavanam, Koovilambuthur and Thiru Kalampur.

As per stone inscriptions, this temple was built by Chola Kings Kulothungan-III and Rajarajan-III.

A tall tiered gateway tower covered in painted figures above a stone wall and a dark entrance
A painted relief of a standing man and three seated companions in a boat, with a divine couple on the far bank

Pancha Aranya Sthalams
There are five Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams at different places in Thanjavur, Kumbakonam and Thiruvarur regions which are collectively revered as “Pancha Aranya Sthalams”. Thirukkollamputhur is one among them. “Pancha” means five and “Aranyam / Vanam” means forest in Tamil. In ancient times, these regions were densely forested. These five temples are –

1. Sri Mullaivananathar Temple at Thirukkarukavur with “Mullai” forest;
2. Sri Satchi Nathar Temple at Avalivanallur with “Paadhiri” forest;
3. Sri Paathaaleswarar Temple at Thiru Aradaipperumpazhi (Haridwara Mangalam) with “Vanni” forest;
4. Sri Aapathsahayeswarar Temple at Thiru Irumpoolai (Alangudi) with “Poolai” forest; and
5. Sri Vilvavaneswarar Temple at Thirukkollamputhur with “Vilva” forest.

Sage Agasthiyar is believed to have said that worshiping the lord in these five temples in a single day is very auspicious. By doing so, all our sins will be absolved and we will break free from the repetitive cycle of birth and re-birth. These temples should be visited in the same order given above at the following times - early morning, morning, noon, evening and night.

It is believed that Saint Thirugnanasambanthar worshiped Lord Shiva at these temples in this order.

This temple is under the administrative control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Government of Tamil Nadu (HR&CE).

Legend

According to legend, when Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this place with his followers, the river Vettaru (Mulliyaru) was flooded and nobody dared to operate the boats. He came to this place after visiting the rest of the four Aaranya sthalams and he wanted to complete his worship in this temple. He sang a Pathigam “Kottame kamazhum koḷḷam puthur nattam ... ..…” and crossed the river on a raft along with his followers. The beauty of this pathigam is that it helped his stay afloat without the help of any boatman even during the torrid conditions. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy gave darshan to him on the river bank itself.

It is believed that this incident took place on the day of Deepavali. Everybody was waiting for Sambanthar’s arrival but he was getting delayed due to the floods. As the time for the last pooja was nearing, the priests were in a dilemma about what they should do. At this point, it is believed that the lord’s divine voice was heard saying that Sambanthar would arrive shortly and that they should wait for his arrival before conducting the day’s last pooja (Ardhajama pooja).

This event is celebrated even now on the Deepavali day (new moon day in the Tamil month of Aippasi) when the idol of Sambanthar is taken in a procession to the other side of the river and then brought back to the temple. On his arrival at the river bank, the idols of Lord Vilwavaranyeswarar and Goddess Soundara Nayaki give dharisanam to Sambanthar.

There is a small shrine for Saint Thirugnanasambanthar on the other side of the river bank of Vettaru. This shrine is known as “Nambar Koil” – nambar refers to the saint. This river is also known as “Odam Pokkiya Aaru”.

As per Sthala Puranam, Lord Shiva himself tells the “Panchatchara Mantra” – Na Ma Si Va Ya – to the people who die in this place. The lord tells this mantra in the right ear of the deceased and bless them with salvation. Hence this place also gets the name “Panchatchara Puram”.

Lord Shiva is believed to have given darshan of his cosmic dance to Sage Dhurvasar here. Also, Lord Shiva is believed to have given his wedding darshan to Sage Agasthiyar.

It is believed that Lord Vinayakar, Lord Brahma, Arjunan, Ganga, Kaveri, serpent Adhiseshan, sages Biruku, Kasyabar, Vashistar, Vamadevar, Kanva, Idaikkadar, King Kochenget Cholan and King Varaguna Pandiyan have worshiped the lord here.

Deities in the temple

Other than the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, shrines and idols of

Poyyatha Vinayakar, Dandapani, Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Katchi Koduthavar, Lakshmi Narayanar, Gajalakshmi, Saraswathi, Visalakshi, Gangai Amman, Navagraham, Iyanar, Mariyamman, Bairavar, Suryan, Chandran, Saneeswarar, Nalvar, Valampuri Vinayakar and Mahishasuramarthini can be seen in the main hall and the corridors. There is also an idol of a Chola king along with his wife.

There are three Shivalingams here named Gajamuktheeswarar, Mahaalingam and Aadhi Vilvanathar.

Pancha aranya shivalingams - Mullaivana Nathar, Satchinathar, Pathala Varadhar, Vilvanathar and Aapathsahayeswarar can also be seen in the corridor.

In the “koshtam” (place surrounding the sanctum sanctorum), idols of Narthana Vinayakar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai can be seen.

Separate shrines for Vinayakar and Dandapani can be seen on either side of the main tower.

There is a separate shrine for Goddess Soundara Mahalakshmi in the outer corridor.

A carved stone arch frames a view down a corridor to a lamp-lit shrine, with idols on either side
A hall of carved stone pillars with statues, a Nandhi at right and a lit shrine entrance at the far end
A black stone Vinayakar draped in a white cloth, standing in a niche between two small carved figures
A black stone idol in a wall niche wearing a white cloth, with a smaller figure on each side
A small seated stone idol in a green dotted cloth with a carved animal figure on each side
A black stone goddess with four arms in an orange silk sari, seated in a blue-framed shrine
A row of black stone idols dressed in red, gold and white cloths on a low platform against a stone wall

Salient Features

This temple is considered to be significant for its three important attributes – Moorthy, Sthalam and Theertham - glory of Lord, sacredness of the land and the auspicious temple tank.

Behind the sanctum sanctorum, on either sides of Lord Lingothbavar, there are idols of Lord Mahavishnu and Lord Brahma in a worshipping posture. Devotees can enjoy the darshan of all the three lords (Trimurthys) – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. This is considered to be very auspicious.

The idols of Mahishasuramarthini, Gajalakshmi and Soundhara Mahalakshmi are very beautiful.

The front hall, built entirely using granite, has many beautiful pillars that are engraved with many intricate sculptures. There is a beautiful relief in a pillar depicting Saint Thirugnanasambanthar and his followers crossing the river on a raft.

In front of the hall of Goddess Parvathy’s shrine, on the ceiling, 12 zodiac signs (Raasi) are carved beautifully in stone. It is believed that by standing under one’s respective zodiac sign and praying to the goddess, one’s wishes will be fulfilled.

The statues of the Nagarathar (Chettiars) who built this temple using granite can be seen in front of the Goddess’s shrine.

A dark stone standing figure in an oval niche with a white cloth, and a small praying figure on each side
A square of carved zodiac panels around a round lotus-like centre on a stone ceiling
A long hall of square-sectioned granite pillars with carved bases, seen from a corner
A statue of a man in a turban and white dhoti, another figure in a green sari, and a small Nandhi in front
A stone relief of a peacock with a long neck beside a coiled snake
A stone relief of an elephant raising its trunk to the leaves of a tree, with a pot at its feet
A worn stone relief of two standing figures on either side of a large leafy tree
A stone relief of a rider on a rearing horse with one arm raised holding a weapon
A dimly lit stone relief of a standing figure holding a flute, with leaves above
A dimly lit stone relief of a peacock with its tail feathers fanned out

Greatness of this temple

Participating in this temple’s boat festival is considered very auspicious. Devotees believe by participating in this festival they would be blessed with prosperity and happiness.

Those suffering from mental ailments can worship the lord here to get relief.

Devotees also believe that by worshiping the five “Aaranya” temples in a single day, they will be freed from the harmful effects of any planetary position in their horoscope.

Important Festivals

Boat festival (“Odaththiruvizha”) on the day after the new moon in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct- Nov) is celebrated in a grand manner.

Brahmotsavam is celebrated here on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May).

Other important festivals celebrated in this temple are –

Aani Thirumanjanam in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July),

Aadi Pooram in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-Aug),

Vinayakar Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (Aug-Sept),

Navarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct),

Skanda Shashti and Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct–Nov),

Somavaram and Thiru Karthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec),

Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Markazhi (Dec-Jan),

Thai Poosam and Makara Sankranthi in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb),

Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar) and

Panguni Uthiram in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr).

Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

From 08:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Vilvaaranyeswarar Temple,
Thirukkollampudur (Thirukkalampur),
Kudavasal Taluk,
Thiruvarur District,
Tamil Nadu – 613 705.
Tele: +91-4366 262 239.

Sri Panchabakesa Gurukkal at +91 – 94448 08017.

*
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Today8:00 am – 12:00 noon, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Phone+91-4366 262 239
A stone shrine roof with a seated figure and bulls on top, and two painted temple towers rising behind it
A dirt road leading to the temple's red and yellow gateway, with palm trees and a boundary wall beside it
A tiered gateway tower of painted figures rising above a stone wall, with small shrine roofs on either side

Highlights

What makes this temple special

* Cards drawn from the temple write-up and photographs. “Read more” takes you to the full passage.

Greatness

What makes this temple great

The write-up names three important attributes of the temple and several rare sights inside it.

  1. Moorthy, Sthalam and TheerthamThe temple is significant for the glory of the Lord, the sacredness of the land and the auspicious temple tank.
  2. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva togetherBehind the sanctum, Mahavishnu and Brahma stand in a worshipping posture beside Lord Lingothbavar, so devotees have darshan of all three lords.
  3. A relief of the river crossingA pillar in the granite front hall carries a relief of Saint Thirugnanasambanthar and his followers crossing the river on a raft.
  4. Zodiac signs in stoneOn the ceiling in front of Goddess Parvathy's shrine hall, the 12 zodiac signs are carved beautifully in stone.
Significance

Its place in the tradition

A Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauvery, sung by Saint Thirugnanasambanthar.

  1. One of the 276It is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and the 113th on the Southern bank of the river Cauvery.
  2. A Pancha Aranya SthalamIt is one of the Pancha Aranya Sthalams, five temples in what were once dense forests; this one is the Vilva forest.
  3. A pathigam to keep the raft afloatSaint Thirugnanasambanthar sang a pathigam here to keep his raft afloat on a flooded river.
  4. As auspicious as KasiThis sthalam is considered as auspicious as Kasi.
Why devotees come

Why devotees come here

Devotees come for the boat festival, for relief and for blessings.

  1. For prosperity and happiness: the boat festivalDevotees believe that taking part in the boat festival brings prosperity and happiness.
  2. For relief from mental ailmentsThose suffering from mental ailments can worship the lord here to get relief.
  3. For wishes: pray under your zodiac signIt is believed that standing under one's zodiac sign and praying to the goddess fulfils one's wishes.
  4. For freedom from planetary effectsWorshipping the five Aaranya temples in a single day is believed to free devotees from harmful planetary effects in their horoscope.
The Rajagopuram from the front
276Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams

Paadal Petra Sthalams

The name Kollambuthur

  1. கூவிளம்Another name for the Vilvam tree

Vilvam trees are also called Koovilam, and so the place was named Koovilambuthur, later changed to Kollambuthur.

Panchatchara Puram, Kandeepavanam, Brahmavanam, Koovilambuthur, Thiru Kalampur

    Legends of the temple

    With the river Vettaru flooded, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar sang a Pathigam and crossed on a raft with his followers; Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy gave darshan to him on the river bank.

    As the last pooja neared and Sambanthar was delayed by floods, the lord's divine voice told the priests to wait for his arrival.

    Lord Shiva himself tells the Panchatchara Mantra into the right ear of those who die here, and blesses them with salvation.

    Lord Shiva is believed to have given darshan of his cosmic dance to Sage Dhurvasar, and his wedding darshan to Sage Agasthiyar.

    What devotees pray for

    • Relief from mental ailmentsThose suffering from mental ailments worship the lord here to get relief.
    • Wishes fulfilledDevotees stand under their own zodiac sign and pray to the goddess for their wishes.

    Prayers named in the write-up.

    Saints and sages

    1. Saint ThirugnanasambantharHe sang a pathigam here and crossed the flooded river on a raft.
    2. Sage AgasthiyarLord Shiva gave him his wedding darshan here, and he is believed to have said that worshipping at the Pancha Aranya Sthalams in a single day is very auspicious.
    3. Sage DhurvasarLord Shiva is believed to have given him darshan of his cosmic dance here.

    Saints and sages linked to this temple in the write-up.

    Kings of the temple

    1. Chola Kings Kulothungan and RajarajanAs per stone inscriptions, the temple was built by these Chola Kings.
    2. King Kochenget CholanHe is believed to have worshipped the lord here.
    3. King Varaguna PandiyanHe is believed to have worshipped the lord here.

    Kings named in the write-up.

    Festivals through the year

      The boat festival is celebrated in a grand manner, and Brahmotsavam is held on the full moon day in Chithirai.

      Deities

      The deities of this temple

      * Drawn from the temple write-up and photographs. Where there is no photograph, the card shows the name.

      From the sanctum to the corridors
      Moolavarவி
      Moolavar

      Sri Vilvaranyeswarar

      Also called Sri Vilva Vana Nathar and Sri Kollambuthur Udaiyar. Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).

      Ambalசௌ
      Ambal

      Sri Soundara Nayagi

      The Ambal is also known as Sri Azhakiya Nayagi.

      A black stone Vinayakar draped in a white cloth, standing in a niche between two small carved figures
      Shrine in the corridor

      Vinayakar

      Separate shrines for Vinayakar and Dandapani can be seen on either side of the main tower.

      Shrine in the corridorத
      Shrine in the corridor

      Dandapani

      A separate shrine for Dandapani can be seen on one side of the main tower.

      Shrine in the corridorம
      Shrine in the corridor

      Goddess Soundara Mahalakshmi

      There is a separate shrine for Goddess Soundara Mahalakshmi in the outer corridor.

      Idol in the koshtamதெ
      Idol in the koshtam

      Dakshinamurthy

      In the koshtam, the place surrounding the sanctum sanctorum, idols of Narthana Vinayakar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai can be seen.

      Idol behind the sanctumலி
      Idol behind the sanctum

      Lord Lingothbavar

      Behind the sanctum sanctorum, on either sides of Lord Lingothbavar, there are idols of Lord Mahavishnu and Lord Brahma in a worshipping posture.

      Visit & map

      Sacred geography
      2Thirukkollamputhur Kudavayil 1Thiru Irumboolai Naalur Mayanam Thirunaraiyur Thiru Penu Perunthurai Thiru Karaveeram Arisir Karai Puthur Kaduvaikarai Puthur Thiru Karukkudi Thiru Vanchiyam Thiru Sivapuram Kalayanallur
      You are hereThis temple

      Schematic. Distances as recorded on the visit; directions approximate.

      12a6a12p6p
      Darshan today8:00 am – 12:00 noon, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
      8:00 – 12:005:00 – 8:00 pm

      Hours as recorded on the visit. Festival days can differ.

      Plan the day around it

      Address and phone

      Sri Vilvaaranyeswarar Temple, Thirukkollampudur (Thirukkalampur), Kudavasal Taluk, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu – 613 705. Sri Panchabakesa Gurukkal at +91 – 94448 08017.

      +91-4366 262 239

      *

      A day of darshan nearby

      5 more sthalams within reach, nearest first: 15.4 km in straight lines.

      Map of Thirukkollamputhur and the sthalams nearby, in route order: Kudavayil, Naalur Mayanam, Thirunaraiyur, Kaduvaikarai Puthur, Arisir Karai Puthur. Thiru Irumboolai · 5.7 km Thiru Penu Perunthurai · 12.7 km Thiru Karukkudi · 13.7 km Thiru Vanchiyam · 13.9 km Thiru Sivapuram · 14 km Kalayanallur · 15 km Thirukkollamputhur 1 Kudavayil 2 Naalur Mayanam 3 Thirunaraiyur 4 Kaduvaikarai Puthur 5 Arisir Karai Puthur 5 km N
      Drawn from coordinates. Straight-line distances; roads are longer. Faint dots are other sthalams within 50 km.

      Temple plan

      A tall tiered gateway tower covered in painted figures above a stone wall and a dark entrance
      01

      The main tower

      Separate shrines for Vinayakar and Dandapani can be seen on either side of the main tower.

      1 / 5

      Summary written with AI help from the temple write-up.

      Pathigam

      Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

      Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

      3.006.

      V. Muthukumaraswamy

      Sung here by Thirugnanasambandar to cross the flooded river by raft. Verse 1 of 11.

      Koṭṭa mēkamazhuṅ koḷḷam pūthūr
      naṭṭam āṭiya nampaṉai yuḷkach
      chella vunthuka sinthai yārthozha
      nalku māṟaruḷ nampaṉē

      Meditating on the trusted Lord who danced at Kollam Puthur, where the fragrant kottam grows, the singer asks that the boat be pushed on across the river. He prays that the Lord grant the way of grace, so that devotees may worship.

      Tap any Tamil word for its meaning

      Verse text and transliteration as given in the write-up. Word meanings and the English meaning are AI-assisted drafts.

      All eleven verses

      1. 01

        கொட்ட மேகமழுங் கொள்ளம் பூதூர்நட்டம் ஆடிய நம்பனை யுள்கச்செல்ல வுந்துக சிந்தை யார்தொழநல்கு மாறருள் நம்பனே

        Koṭṭa mēkamazhuṅ koḷḷam pūthūr / naṭṭam āṭiya nampaṉai yuḷkach / chella vunthuka sinthai yārthozha / nalku māṟaruḷ nampaṉē

        நல்லமணம் கமழும் திருக்கொள்ளம்பூதூர் என்னும் திருத்தலத்தில்

        திருநடனமாடும் இறைவனைத் தியானிப்பதால், இந்த ஓடமாவது ஆற்றைக்

        கடந்து செல்லத் தனக்குத்தானே தள்ளப்படுவதாக. எம் நம்பிக்கைக்கும்,

        விருப்பத்திற்குமுரிய சிவபெருமானே! மனத்தால் உன்னைச் சிந்தித்து

        மகிழும் அடியவர்கள் புறத்தேயும் உன்னைத் திருக்கோயிலில் கண்டு

        வணங்க அருள்புரிவாயாக.

      2. 02

        கோட்ட கக்கழனிக் கொள்ளம் பூதூர்நாட்ட கத்துறை நம்பனை யுள்கச்செல்ல வுந்துக சிந்தை யார்தொழநல்கு மாறருள் நம்பனே

        Kōṭṭa kakkazhaṉik koḷḷam pūthūr / nāṭṭa kaththuṟai nampaṉai yuḷkach / chella vunthuka sinthai yārthozha / nalku māṟaruḷ nampaṉē

        நீர்நிலைகளும், வயல்களும் கொண்டு விளங்கும் திருக்கொள்ளம் பூதூர்

        என்னும் தலத்தில் விரும்பி வீற்றிருக்கின்ற நம்பனைத் தியானிக்க, இந்த

        ஓடமானது ஆற்றைக் கடந்து செல்லத் தனக்குத்தானே தள்ளப்படுவதாக.

        மனத்தால் உன்னைச் சிந்தித்து மகிழும் அடியவர்கள் புறத்தேயும் உன்னைத்

        திருக்கோயிலில் கண்டு வழிபட அருள்புரிவாயாக.

      3. 03

        குலையி னார்தெங்கு சூழ்கொள்ளம் பூதூர்விலையி லாட்கொண்ட விகிர்தனை யுள்கச்செல்ல வுந்துக சிந்தை யார்தொழநல்கு மாறருள் நம்பனே

        Kulaiyi ṉārtheṅku chūzhkoḷḷam pūthūr / vilaiyi lāṭkoṇṭa vikirthaṉai yuḷkach / chella vunthuka sinthai yārthozha / nalku māṟaruḷ nampaṉē

        குலைகளோடு கூடிய தென்னை மரங்கள் சூழ்ந்த திருக்கொள்ளம்பூதூரில்,

        விலை கொடுத்து வாங்கிய பொருளைப் போன்ற அருமையுடன் என்னை

        ஆட்கொண்ட விகிர்தனாகிய உன்னைத் தியானிக்க இந்த ஓடமாவது

        ஆற்றைக் கடந்து செல்லத் தனக்குத் தானே தள்ளப்படுவதாக. நம்பனே!

        மனத்தால் உன்னைச் சிந்தித்து மகிழும் அடியவர்கள் புறத்தேயும் உன்னைத்

        திருக்கோயிலில் கண்டு வழிபட அருள்புரிவாயாக.

      4. 04

        குவளை கண்மலருங் கொள்ளம் பூதூர்த்தவள நீறணி தலைவனை யுள்கச்செல்ல வுந்துக சிந்தை யார்தொழநல்கு மாறருள் நம்பனே

        Kuvaḷai kaṇmalaruṅ koḷḷam pūthūrth / thavaḷa nīṟaṇi thalaivaṉai yuḷkach / chella vunthuka sinthai yārthozha / nalku māṟaruḷ nampaṉē

        பெண்களின் கண்களைப் போன்று குவளை மலர்கள் மலர்ந்துள்ள

        திருக்கொள்ளம்பூதூரில் வீற்றிருக்கின்ற திருவெண்ணீறு அணிந்துள்ள

        தலைவனான சிவபெருமானைத் தியானிக்க இந்த ஓடமானது ஆற்றைக்

        கடந்து செல்லத் தனக்குத் தானே தள்ளப்படுவதாக. நம்பனே! மனத்தால்

        உன்னைச் சிந்தித்து மகிழும் அடியவர்கள். புறத்தேயும் உன்னைத்

        திருக்கோயிலில் கண்டு வழிபட அருள்புரிவாயாக.

      5. 05

        கொன்றை பொன்சொரியுங் கொள்ளம் பூதூர்நின்ற புன்சடை நிமலனை யுள்கச்செல்ல வுந்துக சிந்தை யார்தொழநல்கு மாறருள் நம்பனே

        Koṉtṟai poṉsoriyuṅ koḷḷam pūthūr / niṉtṟa puṉsaṭai nimalaṉai yuḷkach / chella vunthuka sinthai yārthozha / nalku māṟaruḷ nampaṉē

        கொன்றை மரமானது பொன்னிறப் பூக்களை உதிர்க்கின்ற

        திருக்கொள்ளம்பூதூரில் எழுந்தருளியுள்ள நிமலனைத் தியானிக்க இந்த

        ஓடமானது ஆற்றைக் கடக்கத் தனக்குத் தானே தள்ளப்படுவதாக. நம்பனே!

        மனத்தால் உன்னைச் சிந்தித்து மகிழும் அடியவர்கள் புறத்தேயும் உன்னைத்

        திருக்கோயிலில் கண்டு வழிபட அருள்புரிவாயாக.

      6. 06

        ஓடம் வந்தணையுங் கொள்ளம் பூதூர்ஆடல் பேணிய அடிகளை யுள்கச்செல்ல வுந்துக சிந்தை யார்தொழநல்கு மாறருள் நம்பனே

        Ōṭam vanthaṇaiyuṅ koḷḷam pūthūr / ādal pēṇiya adikaḷai yuḷkach / chella vunthuka sinthai yārthozha / nalku māṟaruḷ nampaṉē

        திருநடனம் செய்யும் தலைவனான சிவபெருமானைத் தியானிக்க ஓடமானது

        திருக்கொள்ளம்பூதூர் என்னும் தலத்தினை அடையும்படி ஆற்றைக் கடக்கத்

        தானாகவே தள்ளப்படுவதாக. நம்பனே! மனத்தால் உன்னைச் சிந்தித்து

        மகிழும் அடியவர்கள் புறத்தேயும் உன்னைத் திருக்கோயிலில் கண்டு வழிபட

        அருள்புரிவாயாக.

      7. 07

        ஆறு வந்தணையுங் கொள்ளம் பூதூர்ஏறு தாங்கிய இறைவனை யுள்கச்செல்ல வுந்துக சிந்தை யார்தொழநல்கு மாறருள் நம்பனே

        Āṟu vanthaṇaiyuṅ koḷḷam pūthūr / ēṟu thāṅkiya iṟaivaṉai yuḷkach / chella vunthuka sinthai yārthozha / nalku māṟaruḷ nampaṉē

        ஆறு வந்தடைகின்ற திருக்கொள்ளம்பூதூரில் இடபம் தாங்கிய

        இறைவனைத் தியானிக்க ஓடம் தானாகவே தள்ளப்படுவதாக. நம்பனே!

        மனத்தால் உன்னைச் சிந்தித்து மகிழும் அடியவர்கள் புறத்தேயும் உன்னைத்

        திருக்கோயிலில் கண்டு வழிபட அருள்புரிவாயாக.

      8. 08

        குரக்கினம் பயிலுங் கொள்ளம் பூதூர்அரக்கனைச் செற்ற ஆதியை யுள்கச்செல்ல வுந்துக சிந்தை யார்தொழநல்கு மாறருள் நம்பனே

        Kurakkiṉam payiluṅ koḷḷam pūthūr / arakkaṉaich chetṟa āthiyai yuḷkach / chella vunthuka sinthai yārthozha / nalku māṟaruḷ nampaṉē

        குரங்குக் கூட்டங்கள் மரங்களில் ஆடிக் குதிப்பதால் உண்டாகும் ஒலி

        நிறைந்த திருக்கொள்ளம்பூதூரில் எழுந்தருளியிருக்கின்றவனும்,

        இராவணனை மலையின் கீழ் நெருக்கியவனுமான ஆதிமுதல்வனான

        சிவபெருமானைத் தியானிக்க இந்த ஓடம் தானாகவே தள்ளப்படுவதாக.

        நம்பனே! மனத்தால் உன்னைச் சிந்தித்து மகிழும் அடியவர்கள் புறத்தேயும்

        உன்னைத் திருக்கோயிலில் கண்டு வழிபட அருள்புரிவாயாக.

      9. 09

        பருவ ரால்உகளுங் கொள்ளம் பூதூர்இருவர் காண்பரி யான்கழ லுள்கச்செல்ல வுந்துக சிந்தை யார்தொழநல்கு மாறருள் நம்பனே

        Paruva rālukaḷuṅ koḷḷam pūthūr / iruvar kāṇpari yāṉkazha luḷkach / chella vunthuka sinthai yārthozha / nalku māṟaruḷ nampaṉē

        பருத்த வரால்மீன்கள் துள்ளுகின்ற திருக்கொள்ளம்பூதூரில்

        எழுந்தருளியிருக்கின்ற, திருமாலும், பிரமனும் காண்பதற்கு அரியவனாய்

        நின்ற சிவபெருமானின் திருவடிகளைத் தியானிக்க இந்த ஓடம் தானாகவே

        தள்ளப்படுவதாக. நம்பனே! மனத்தால் உன்னைச் சிந்தித்து மகிழும்

        அடியவர்கள் புறத்தேயும் உன்னைத் திருக்கோயிலில் கண்டு வழிபட

        அருள்புரிவாயாக.

      10. 10

        நீர கக்கழனிக் கொள்ளம் பூதூர்த்தேர மண்செற்ற செல்வனை யுள்கச்செல்ல வுந்துக சிந்தை யார்தொழநல்கு மாறருள் நம்பனே

        Nīra kakkazhaṉik koḷḷam pūthūrth / thēra maṇsetṟa selvaṉai yuḷkach / chella vunthuka sinthai yārthozha / nalku māṟaruḷ nampaṉē

        நீர்வளம் மிக்க வயல்களையுடைய திருக்கொள்ளம்பூதூரில்

        எழுந்தருளியுள்ளவனாய், புத்தர்களும், சமணர்களும் பகைத்துப் பேசும்

        செல்வனான சிவபெருமானைத் தியானிக்க இந்த ஓடம் தானே

        தள்ளப்படுவதாக. நம்பனே! மனத்தால் உன்னைச் சிந்தித்து மகிழும்

        அடியார்கள் புறத்தேயும் உன்னைத் திருக்கோயிலில் கண்டு வழிபட

        அருள்புரிவாயாக.

      11. 11

        கொன்றை சேர்சடையான் கொள்ளம் பூதூர்நன்று காழியுள் ஞானசம் பந்தன்இன்றுசொன் மாலைகொண் டேத்தவல் லார்போய்என்றும் வானவ ரோடிருப்பாரே

        The last verse names Gnanasambandan of Kazhi and says that those who can sing this garland of words will stay for ever with the celestial beings.

        Koṉtṟai sērsaṭaiyāṉ koḷḷam pūthūr / naṉtṟu kāzhiyuḷ gñāṉasam banthaṉ / iṉtṟusoṉ mālaikoṇ ṭēththaval lārpōy / eṉtṟum vāṉava rōṭiruppārē

        கொன்றை மலர்களை அணிந்த சடைமுடியுடைய சிவபெருமான்

        எழுந்தருளியுள்ள திருக்கொள்ளம்பூதூரில் நற்புகழுடைய காழியில் வசிக்கும்

        ஞானசம்பந்தன் உரைத்த இப் பதிகப் பாமாலையால் இறைவனைப் போற்ற

        வல்லவர்கள் எப்பொழுதும் தேவர்களோடு கூடி மகிழ்வர்.

      Photos

      Photographs

      23 photographs, in the order they appear in the write-up. Captions are AI-assisted.

      A red and yellow gateway with a small tiered tower, and a taller temple tower behind it on the left
      A tall tiered gateway tower covered in painted figures above a stone wall and a dark entrance
      A painted relief of a standing man and three seated companions in a boat, with a divine couple on the far bank
      A carved stone arch frames a view down a corridor to a lamp-lit shrine, with idols on either side
      A hall of carved stone pillars with statues, a Nandhi at right and a lit shrine entrance at the far end
      A black stone Vinayakar draped in a white cloth, standing in a niche between two small carved figures
      A black stone idol in a wall niche wearing a white cloth, with a smaller figure on each side
      A small seated stone idol in a green dotted cloth with a carved animal figure on each side
      A black stone goddess with four arms in an orange silk sari, seated in a blue-framed shrine
      A row of black stone idols dressed in red, gold and white cloths on a low platform against a stone wall
      A dark stone standing figure in an oval niche with a white cloth, and a small praying figure on each side
      A square of carved zodiac panels around a round lotus-like centre on a stone ceiling
      A long hall of square-sectioned granite pillars with carved bases, seen from a corner
      A statue of a man in a turban and white dhoti, another figure in a green sari, and a small Nandhi in front
      A stone relief of a peacock with a long neck beside a coiled snake
      A stone relief of an elephant raising its trunk to the leaves of a tree, with a pot at its feet
      A worn stone relief of two standing figures on either side of a large leafy tree
      A stone relief of a rider on a rearing horse with one arm raised holding a weapon
      A dimly lit stone relief of a standing figure holding a flute, with leaves above
      A dimly lit stone relief of a peacock with its tail feathers fanned out
      A stone shrine roof with a seated figure and bulls on top, and two painted temple towers rising behind it
      A dirt road leading to the temple's red and yellow gateway, with palm trees and a boundary wall beside it
      A tiered gateway tower of painted figures rising above a stone wall, with small shrine roofs on either side