Murugan Temples ( Chennai, TamilNadu )

image credit : ceepeegul

The Murugan temple at Tirupporur is one of the major temples dedicated to Lord Muruga in Tamilnadu. The Murugan temple is situated at a distance of about 45 Km from Chennai. It is an ancient temple, which was built during the reign of the Pallava rulers. The Murugan temple is associated with many legends. According to one legend, Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi were subjected to the curse of saint Kanva. Lord Shiva came to Tirupporur and relieved them from this curse.

iamge credit : joybrain

It is because of this reason the Tirupporur temple is so significant for Lord Shiva and his son Muruga, who are worshipped here. According to the Sthalapurana, Lord Muruga with his consorts Valli and Devayanai granted protection to the Gods and explained the meaning of Pranavam or reality to Agastya Muni at Tirupporur. Legend also has it that Vishnu worshipped Shiva on the Pranava Hill.

Skanda is enshrined in several forms at the Murugan temple and all the forms are related to legends from the Skanda Puranam. The most interesting of these is the depiction of Skanda as a warrior, “Samhara Subramanya”. At the Murugan temple, Skanda is also enshrined in the form of a child.

Madmaheshwar Temple ( Uttaranchal )

Situated in Rudraprayag, the Madmaheshwar Temple is one of the Five Kedar Temples. There is a legendary connection of this place to the birth of Lord Shiva, According to mythical source the stomach of Lord Shiva emerged from here. So devotees throng the temple premise during Shiva Ratri and other festivals related to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is one of the holy Trinities; Lord Brahma is the creator, Lord Vishnu is the preserver and Lord Shiva is the Destroyer.

image credit : santanu1977

Lord Shiva is enshrined in Madmaheshwar Temple. The unique North Indian architecture is noticeable in the construction of this temple focusing on the legendary issues and stories of Kings and warriors. The glorious temple is surrounded by natural vegetation of unparalleled scenic elegance. This sanctified place reflects the spirit of religiosity in India, speaking much of its endless panoramic pilgrim spots and heritage points.

If you want to implore the spiritual vista of India and indulge in sacramental acts, no other place would be more suitable. For a pilgrim as well as a common man, Madmaheshwar Temple is an apt place.

Chennakesava Temple( Belur, Karnataka )

image credit : Benjamin…B

A supreme example of Hoysala temple architecture, the Chennakeshava temple in Belur, Karnataka leaves one spellbound with its exquisite structure. The temple was constructed in 1117 AD by Hoysala king Vishnuvardhan to celebrate his victory over the Cholas at the battle of Talikad. A culmination of over hundred years of painstaking craftsmanship, the Chennakeshava temple is decorated with stories from the Puranas, the Upanishads and the epics of Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

image credit : mattlogelin

The worshipped deity of the temple is Chennakeshava or Vishnu and the sanctum contains a 2 m high Keshava image of touchstone. The star-shaped temple also has images of the 10 incarnations of Vishnu accompanied by those of his two wives- Bhu (earth) and Lakshmi (goddess of wealth). Friezes of charging elephants, mythological figures, military scenes, musicians, and elaborate decorative motifs adorn the walls of the Channakeshava temple.

A number of bracket figures portraying celestial nymphs or Madanikas singing, dancing or executing daily chores are sculpted on the walls of this temple. All these nimble figures are said to have been inspired by the sublime beauty of Shantala Devi, queen of Kind Vishnuvardhana. The winged figure of Garuda, Lord Vishnu’s carrier, stands at the entrance facing the temple, palms touching in homage.