Cherukunnu Annapoorneshwari Temple in Kannur

Cherukunnu Annapoorneshwari Temple, also known as Cherukunnilamma Temple, is the only Durga temple in Kerala where Parvathi Devi Mahamaya is in ‘Annapoorna Bhavam’ (Mother of all meals). ‘Annam’ in Malayalam language means ‘food’ and ‘Poornam’ (purnam) means full. The meaning of the Bhavam Annapurna is one who gives food to every needy without restriction. The idol is with a ladle in one hand. Annapurna is the goddess with a golden ladle. Sree Annapoorneshwari Temple is situated in Cherukunnu, 15 km from Taliparamaba, in Kannur district of Kerala, India.
Annapoorneswari – Cherukunnilamma Temple
As the name Annapoorna indicates, Annadhanam (free food distribution) is a very important offering to the goddess. The food, rice with at least one gravy curry is given to the devotees as the prasaadams. This temple gives food to all devotees who come here for worship and want to take food. Food is offered two times, during lunch and dinner every day. The chuttambalam – naalambalam surrounding the sanctum sanctorum is vast to take care of the dining place (Outta Pura) for the devotees to partake the food offered. The temple is acclaimed as offering food in abundance to those who come here to worship.

Cherukunnu Annapurna Temple was supposed to have been built during the 5th century AD. This temple is the principal deity worshiped (family deity) by the erstwhile Ruling family of Chirakkal. The temple was renovated by the Avittam Thirunal Valiya Raja. The present form of the temple is more than century old. A Punah Prathista was done in the year 1994 on the Pooyam star day of Kumbha Masa of Malayalam era.

The Annapoorneswari Temple Pond

Situated next to Cherukunnu Temple on the right side is the temple pond (Ambala Kolam). The pond is of about 2.5 acres in area and is called as Chira. The temple pond will always have water at a very high level. In the center of this Chira there is a stambham – pole. The pond – chira has four major entrances. On the south west side of the pond there is shelter. This sheltered portion of the pond is exclusively for the use of the priests (poojarees).

The Temple Location

Cherukunnu Annapoorneswari Temple is in a beautiful locality called Cherukunnu with back waters around a large portion, and in the midst of hills with greenery all around. The temple is located in a village about 3 km from town. Cherukunnu is in Kannur District. This is a very famous temple of Kerala and especially of region formerly known as the Malabar. The belief about the structure of the temple is that the same is made of polished stones bonded with a mixture of flattened rice and jaggery (Avil and Vellam).

How the name Cherukunnu came into being

Cheru means small or little and kunnu means hill that is small hill. Around this place there are five small hills. Hence the place got the name Cherukunnu. There is a Mythological version, according to which a heap of cooked rice is made 'choru kunnu', to offer to the people who come here for their par-taking the food prasaadams (Annadhanam). The word 'Chorukunnu' later changed into 'Cherukunnu'.

Festivals of Sree Annapoorneswari Temple

The main festival is the Vishu Vilakku in April every year. This is celebrated for a full week with spectacular fireworks and performances of other forms arts.

The Prathistha dinam is observed on Pooyam star day of Kumbha month. Maha Shivaratri, Navami and Ekadasi are also celebrated in this temple.

Management of the temple is done by the temple committee under the Malabar Devasom Board.

Location and How to Reach Cherukunnu Temple

Cherukunnu Temple is 3 km from the Chirakkal Village and 12 km from Thaliparamba. Kannur is at 14 km distance. Buses and autos and taxis are available from major centers of Kannur.

Hindu Religious Places Near Cherukunnu

Thaliparamba Raja Rajeswara Temple, Payyannur Temple, small islets of Ayiram Thengu and Mungam, Trichambaram Sri Krishna Temple, Kanhirangad Vaidyanatha Temple and Mazhoor Dharmikulangara temple are some of the major Hindu places of worship near Cherukunnu Annapoorna Temple.

Chintamani Vinayak Temple

Chintamani Vinayak Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesh, is one of the eight Ashtavinayak Temples of Maharashtra. Chintamani Ashta Vinayak Temple is situated at Theur, 25 km south-east of Pune, in Haveli Taluka of Pune District. Theur (Theyoor) is situated at the confluence of the Mula-Mutha, and Bhima rivers. It is believed that once Lord Brahma, the creator, was feeling restless and to ease his mind, he called upon Lord Ganesh. The place where Brahma achieved the serenity is known as the Sthavar region or as Theur. As Lord Brahma’s worries (Chinta) were removed by the Ganesha, Lord Ganesh is known here as Chintamani Vinayak. Chintamani Vinayaka Temple is also closely related to the Maratha ruler, Madhavrao Peshwa and is the 5th Ganesha Temple in the Ashtavinayak Yatra from Pune, Maharashtra.

Temple and Chintamani Vinayaka

The main entrance of the Chintamani Ashtavinayak Temple at Theur faces north and the Sabhamandap (temple hall) is made up of wood. A small fountain made up of black stone is seen in the hall. The idol of Lord Ganesh faces east and is swayambhu (self emanated), with its trunk turned towards the left side. His eyes are studded with precious stones. An interesting feature of the Chintamani Ganapati Temple is that there is a separate section for meditation, called as Overry. A small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is there in the premises of this temple.

Legend

The legend of Theur Chintamani Ganesh Temple is associated with the Chintamani gem. Sage Kapila was holding a gem called Chintaamani which was capable of granting one's desires. Once a young prince (son of Gunavati and Abhijita) by name Guna, visited the sage who offered a great meal to the prince, with the powers of the gem. Captivated by the power of the gem, the prince stole it from the sage. The sage prayed Lord Ganesh for help and the Lord restored the gem from the prince. However the sage refused to accept it and began to call Lord Ganesh as Chintaamani Vinayaka. Since the incident took place under a Kadamba tree, Theyoor was also known as Kadambanagar.

Chintamani Temple Festivals

Important Hindu Festivals are celebrated at Chintamani Vinayak Temple during the month of Bhadrapad Shuddh (the waxing period) from Pratipada to Saptami (from the first to the sixth) and in the month of Magh Shuddh till the ashtami (eighth day). During these days, the idols of Lord Ganesh in the nearby temples are worshipped and offered Naivedyam. This is called as Dwaryatra.

The annual Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi Festival is another major Hindu festival celebrated here which draws thousands of people from across the state.

How to reach Chintamani Ashtavinayak Temple, Theur

By Road

Theur village (Theyoor) is around 25 km south-east of Pune. From Pune, buses are available from Sarasbag or Poolgate bus stand. On Pune - Solapur highway, after Hadapsar and Loni, (about 3 km from Loni), a small road to the left leads to Theur.

Railway Station

Pune Junction Railway Station, managed by Central Railways, is the nearest railway station to reach Theur. Mumbai Chennai Express, Mumbai Thiruvananthapuram Express, Deccan Express, Mumbai Hyderabad Express, and Indrayani Express are some of the major trains which passes through Pune Junction Railway Station.

By Air

Pune Lohegaon Airport, about 10 km from the Pune city, is the nearest airport.

Tourist Attraction in & around Theur

Some of the famous tourist attractions near Theur Chintamani Vinayak Temple include the Sarasbaug Ganpati Temple and Garden, Khadakwasla Lake, Lal Mahal, Shaniwar Wada, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, and Aga Khan Palace. Shivaji Fort at Sinhagad or Sinhgad, Pashan Lake, and Kamla Nehru Park at Pune are a few kilometers drive from Theur.

Kotilingeshwara Temple in Kolar Karnataka

Kotilingeshwara Temple or Koti Lingeshwara Temple is a famous Lord Shiva Temple situated in the village of Kammasandra in Kolar district of Karnataka, India. Kotilingala Temple is well known to have the biggest Shiva Linga in the world, measuring 108 ft (33 m), the only one of its kind. Associated with the tallest Shiva Lingam is a 35 ft (11 m) tall Basava, surrounded by numerous small Shivalingams which spread over an area of 15 acres. The entire project includes the installation of One Crore Shiva Lingams of various sizes and hence the name ‘Kotilingeshwara’. Kotilingeshwara Shiva Temple is about 5 km from Kolar Gold Fields and about 6 km from Aalamaram. The annual Maha Shivaratri Festival celebrated at the temple attracts thousands of devotees from all over India.
Kotilingeshwara Temple Features
A huge Nandi (Nandishwara – the Vahana of Shiv) which is 35 feet (11 m) tall lies in front of this huge Shiva Linga. The Nandi stands on a platform which is about 4 feet in height. About eleven small temples of various deities are constructed within the premises of the Koti Lingeshwara Swamy Temple. There are temples dedicated to Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Maheshwara, followed by the main deity temple Lord Kotilingeshwara. Other important temples are Lord Venkataramani Swamy Temple, Goddess Annapoorneshwari Temple, Lord Panduranga Swamy Temple, Lord Panchamukha Ganapathy temple, Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Sita Temple, Lord Anjaneya Temple, Goddess Kannika Parameshwari Temple and Goddess Karumaari Amma Temple.

A Shiva Linga called "Shiva Panchayathi" is installed inside the Goddess Kannika Parameswari temple. The idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Kumaraswamy, Goddess Parvati and Nandi are arranged around the Linga. These idols are displayed in a way that all these Gods are offering their prayers to the Linga. A water tank which is close to the Linga is used by the devotees for performing Abhishekam to the Lingam. There are two Naga Linga Flower Trees or Cannon Ball Flower Trees in which the unmarried women tie a yellow thread around it, offering prayers to Lord Lingeswara for a happy married life.

Kotilingeshwara Temple History

Ramayana, one of the greatest ancient Sanskrit epics, explains the battle between Lord Sri Rama (seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and the demon King Ravana. The long and deadly battle showed the victory of Lord Rama. It is said that he travelled to Rameswaram from Dhanuskodi and installed a Linga in the banks of the river. Here, Lord Rama offered prayers to the Linga and prayed for all the people who lost their lives in the battle. This was held in the Threta Yuga.

Likewise, in Kali Yuga, to encourage the culture of divinity, peace and prosperity, Lord Kotilingeshwara temple was constructed over 13 acres of land in Kammasandra. The first Linga was installed on 10th October1980, followed by many Lingas in the subsequent years.

Daily Pooja

Worship services are performed to all the Lingas everyday at 6:00 am and 6:00 pm by 10 priests, along with drums and music. Mantras are recited and water is poured by the priests on each and every installed Linga.

Special Pooja

Devotees can offer their prayers to Lord Kotilingeshwara by installing Lingas. The Lingas will be installed in the name of the devotee and the names of the devotees are carved on the Lingas. Prayers are offered everyday for the welfare of the donator.

Other activities

Every afternoon, Annadhanam (free food) is provided to all the devotees.

How to reach Kotilingeshwara Temple 

Kolar is about 68 km from Bangalore. Buses ply on regularly from Bangalore. Bangalore International Airport is the nearest airport. Bangarapet Railway Station and Marikuppam Railway Station are the nearest railheads to reach Kotilingeshwara Shiva Temple.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam is located about 7 km from Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) in Tamil Nadu, India. Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple is the first and foremost among the 108 Divya Desams, the holy abodes of Lord Vishnu, and also considered as one among the eight Svayam Vyakta Ksetras (self-manifested shrines) of Lord Vishnu. According to Sri Vaishnava philosophy, the eight Svayam Vyakta Ksetras of Lord Vishnu are Srirangam Temple, Srimushnam, Venkatadri, Saligram, Naimisaranyam, Totadri, Pushakara and Badrinath Temple.
Sree Ranganathaswamy Temple is also known by the names Thiruvaranga Tirupati, Periyakoil, Bhoologa Vaikundam and Bhogamandabam. Sri Ranganathar Temple at Srirangam lies on an island, enclosed by the Kaveri River and Kollidam River. Lord Vishnu is enshrined as Ranganatha - the reclining position of Lord Vishnu over the Shesha Nag (serpent Adisesha). It is believed that this is the form in which Lord Mahavishnu is open to listening to all of his devotee's woes, and blesses them. Lord Ranganatha or Ranganathar is also called by various names such as Nam-Perumal and Azhagiya Manavalan by the devotees.

Srirangam Temple Features and Architectural Grandeur

Built between 11th and 17th century, Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple occupies an area of 156 acres and is regarded as the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world. Please note that Angkor Wat Temple in Cambodia is listed as the largest non-functioning Hindu temple in the world. Srirangam Vishnu Temple, renowned for its architectural grandeur, features 7 concentric walls, termed as prakarams and these walls are enclosed by 21 Gopurams. The 72m high 13 -tiered gopuram called Rajagopuram stands majestically above all other towers and is one of the tallest towers in Asia. It is said that the shore of Sri Lanka can be seen from the top of this Rajagopuram. The tower was built in 1987 and the other 20 gopurams were built between the 14th and 17th centuries.

Another awesome feature of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is the Hall of 1000 Pillars which has beautifully carved stone pillars. The main sanctum which houses Lord Ranganatha has a golden Ranga Vimana and is set at the center of the inner most prakaram. Ranganatha, who is seen reclining on the serpent Adisesha, is flanked by his consorts Bhoodevi and Sridevi. The Seshagirirayar Mandapam, with exquisitely carved pillars and the 17th century Krishnavenugopala Temple adorned with sculptures dating back to Vijayanagara period are other attractions. A small temple museum exhibits fine sculptures. The complex also has shrines for the different forms of Lord Vishnu such as Sudarshana Chakra, Narasimha, Rama, Hayagreeva, Gopala Krishna. There is a separate shrine for Goddess Ranganayaki and other shrines for the major saints in the Vaishnava tradition, including Ramanuja.

Major Festivals in Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam

There are a number of major and minor festivals celebrated at Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tamilnadu. The festivals at Ranganathaswamy Temple include

Viruppan or Chithirai Ther in March - April (Tamil month Panguni or Pankuni)
Jestabishekam in June - July (Tamil month Aani or Ani)
Pavithrothsavam in August – September (Tamil month Avani or Aavani)
Srikrishna Jayanti or Krishna Janmashtami in August – September (Tamil month Avani or Aavani)
Oonjal in October - December (Tamil Month Aipasi or Aippasi or Ippasi)
Kaisiga Ekadasi in November – December (30 days before Vaikunta Ekadesi Festival)
Vaikunta Ekadasi in December - January (Tamil month Margazhi or Markali)

Ankurarpanam (Sprouting the seeds) and Nagarasothanai (Street Investigation) are other Hindu festivals celebrated here.

Visit this link to read more about Vaikunta Ekadasi Festival in Srirangam Temple. Read more about the importance of Vaikunta Ekadasi here.

Srirangam Temple Pooja Timing – Visiting Hours

Sri Ranganathar Temple is open for devotees from 06:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Sri Ranganathar Sannathi darshan timings include

Viswaroopa seva – 6.00 am to 07.30 am
Seva - 08:45 am to 01:00 pm
Seva - 02:00 pm to 06:00 pm
Seva - 06:45 pm to 08:000 pm
Seva - 08:00 pm to 09:00 pm

Devotees please note that the timings of darshan are subject to change on Festival Days.

How to reach Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam

By Air / Flight

Tiruchirapalli International Airport or Trichy Airport, located on the NH 210 Tiruchirapalli - Rameswaram Highway, is the nearest airport (15 KM) to reach Srirangam Temple.

By Train / Railway Station

Srirangam Railway Station, situated on the Chennai - Kanyakumari Railway Line, is the nearest railway station. However the nearest major railway station is the Tiruchirapalli Junction Railway Station or Trichy Railway Junction, about 9 km from Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. Tiruchirappalli Junction railway line is the major connection point to Chennai, Thanjavur, Chidambaram, Tirupathi, Madurai, Tuticorin, Rameswaram, Bangalore, Mysore, Coimbatore, Kanyakumari, Kochi, and Mangalore. The station also has trains to some of the major North Indian cities including Delhi, Howrah, and Kashmir.

By Road / Bus

Regular bus services are available to most parts of Tamilnadu from Srirangam.

Mammiyoor Temple in Guruvayoor

Mammiyoor Temple, also known as Mammiyoor Shiva Temple or Mammiyur Mahadeva Kshetram, is situated about 200 meters north-west to the world famous Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple in Thrissur District of Kerala. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity who is worshipped in the form of Uma Maheswara. The unique feature of Mammiyoor Mahadeva Temple is that the temple enshrines the idol of Lord Vishnu in a sanctum sanctorum, next to that of Lord Shiva. Mammiyur Shiva Temple is the only temple where Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are worshipped in equal status. Regarded as one of the biggest temples in Thrissur District, Mammiyoor Shiva Temple is one among the 108 Shiva Temples consecrated by Lord Parasurama, the legendary founder of Kerala. It is believed that the pilgrimage to Guruvayur Temple would be incomplete if the Mammiyur Shiva Temple is not visited.
Other Deities Worshipped in Mammiyoor Temple
Lord Ganesha Shrine
The Ganapathy Shrine is situated at the south western corner in the Nalambalam (a quadrangular building that surrounds the sanctum sanctorum). Ganapathy Homam, Karuka Homam and Pushapanjali are the offerings made to the Lord Ganesh.
Lord Muruga Shrine
A shrine dedicated to Lord Subramanya is installed in the western side of the Nalambalam. This idol resembles the idol of Palani Murugan Temple (Subrahmanya Temple at Palani) in Tamil Nadu. Milk abhishekam is performed here daily.
Lord Ayyappa Shrine
Lord Ayyappan is installed in the north-west corner of the Nalambalam. This idol is similar to the idol installed in Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. Lighting of Elluthiri and the lights made of gingely grains to avoid Shani Dosha are the main offerings here.

Picture of Mammiyoor Siva Temple

Goddess Bhagavathy

As the presiding deity here is Uma Maheswara, there is no separate shrine for Goddess Parvati. However, she is worshipped on the back side of the main sanctum of Lord Shiva. Pattu Charthal (offering of silk cloth) is the main offering to her. The idol of Goddess Bhagavathy is installed in a separate sanctum at the north-west corner of the temple. Poomoodal (covering the deity with flowers), Muttarukkal (breaking coconuts before the deity by the priest correctly into two exact half pieces for removing the obstacles), and Pattu and thali charthal are the important offerings.

Nagaraja and Nagarani Shrine

There is also a shrine for the Snake Gods, Nagaraja and Nagarani, in a separate enclosure in the Naga Kavu (abode of the Snake God) near the Bhagavathy Temple. Naga pooja and Sarpabali (a ritual done to get rid of Sarpa dosha) are performed here in the asterism Ayilyam in the Malayalam month of Kanni. Also, Sarpabali and Nagapattu also performed during the Athi Rudhra Mahayagam and Maharudhra yagam in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (mid December – mid January) every year.

Other deities worshipped here are Rakshassu and Brahma Rakshassu.

On the northern side of the temple is the sacred tank, Rudhratheertham where devotees take a holy bath.

Mammiyoor Temple Legend

The legend of Mammiyur Temple is associated with the consecration of the Guruvayur Temple. Brihaspathi (the planet Jupiter, known as Guru) and the wind god, Lord Vayu, were searching the spot on earth to consecrate the idol of Lord Krishna. They reached the banks of a lake called Rudratheertha, created by Lord Shiva. The Lord was doing penance there for a long time. He understood the purpose of the visit by Guru and Vayu and suggested that the idol could be consecrated on the bank of the lake. Lord Shiva willingly moved to the adjacent location, on the other side of the Rudhratheertha. Originally posted by hindudevotionalblog.com

Thus the place where Guru and Vayu consecrated the idol of Lord Krishna came to be known as Guruvayoor and the place where Lord Shiva preferred for himself and his consort was called Mahimayur which is later called as Mammiyur (Mammiyoor).

Mammiyoor Temple Festivals

Maha Shivrathri in the Malayalam month of Kumbha (mid February - mid March) is celebrated with Sudhi, Laksharchana, Ekadasa Rudrabhisheka, Chuttuvilakku, Niramala and other special poojas. Vilakku ezhunnellippu is held at night with the procession of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu on two caparisoned elephants and chenda melam for Sree Bhootha bali. Notable feature is that the idols of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are taken on procession for Sree Bhootha bali. The celebrations are concluded with fireworks and followed with Krishnanattam, the classical performance by the Krishnanattam troop of Guruvayoor Devaswom.

Pradhishta Day of Lord Vishnu

The consecration of Lord Vishnu is celebrated here on the asterism Revathy in the Malayalam month of Makaram (mid January - mid February). Sudhikalasam, Laksharchana, Chuttuvilakku, Niramala and other special poojas are held during the festival. Here also, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva are taken in procession at night on two caparisoned elephants and chendamelam for Sree Bhootha bali.

Navarathri, Manadala Pooja, Vinayaka Chathurthy, Shashti, Ashtami Rohini and Vishu are the some of the other festivals celebrated here.

Temple Visiting Hours

The temple is opened from 4.45 am to 12.30 pm and 4.45 to 8.30 pm.

How to reach Mammiyoor Temple

Railway Station / By Train

Guruvayur Railway Station, situated on the east of Guruvayoorappan Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, is the nearest railway station to reach Mammiyoor Temple. However, Thrissur Railway Station is the nearest major railway station which is about 29 km from Guruvayoor.

By Road / Bus

Guruvayur is well connected by road network with various places of the country. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) as well as numerous private bus services runs interstate bus services which connects the Guruvayur temple town with all major cities in South India. National Highway 17 (NH 17) passes through Kunnamkulam around 8 km from Guruvayoor.

Airport / By Flight

Nedumbassery Airport (Kochi International Airport) is the nearest airport, situated 80 km from Guruvayur town. Another nearest airport is the Karipur Airport (Calicut International Airport), which is about 100 km from Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple.

Trimbakeshwar Temple Maharashtra

Trimbakeshwar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple located in the town of Trimbak, about 28 km from Nashik in Maharashtra, India. The word Tryambakeshwar means the abode of the three eyed one, that is, Lord Shiva and the temple is the eighth one among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Surrounded by mountains, Trimbakeshwar is the meeting point of two rivers named as Ahilya and Godavari. Tryambakeshwar Temple is located at the foothills of a mountain called Brahmagiri from which the river Godavari flows. The unique feature of Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is that it has three faces, symbolizing Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva whereas all other Jyotirlingas have Shiva as the main deity.
Trimbakeshwar Temple Architecture
Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple, built inside a courtyard, is made of black basalt stone in the Nagara style of architecture. It is said that it took thirty-one years to complete the construction. The temple comprises three Ardha Mandapas, one Gudha Mandapa, Antarala and sanctum. The Ardha Mandapas located at the three sides serve as three entrances to the Gudh Mandapa. The entrances of the ardhamandapas have fine carvings. In the Gudhmandapa are found six beautifully carved pillars. Rectangular antarala is found just before the square sanctum. The sanctum is internally a square and externally a planetary structure and houses a small self-emanated Shiva Lingam, the Tryambaka.
The Shivalingam is seen in a hole on the floor of the sanctum and water continuously comes out from its top. The Shivling is covered with a silver mask. On festive times, it is covered with a golden mask with five faces, each with a golden crown. The exterior walls and the whole structure of the temple are adorned with sculptural work of running scrolls, floral designs, and figures of gods and goddesses, yakshas, humans and animals. There are quite a few thirthas associated with this temple. They are Gangadwar, Bilwa Tirtha, Gautam Tirtha, Indra Tirtha, Ahilya Sangam Tirtha, Varaha Tirtha, Mukund Tirtha, Prayag Tirtha, Rama Kund and Lakshmana Kund.

Worship Services

Three worship services are carried out daily at Trimbakeshwar Mahadeva Temple. Snana, Abhisheka and Aarati are performed in the morning. In the afternoon an Aarati is performed, followed by a Mahanaivedya to the deity. At night, Shej Aarati is performed to the deity, and then the silver mask of the Linga is kept on the bed.

The silver mask of Tryambaka is placed in a palanquin and taken in procession to Kushavarta Tirtha on every Monday. The procession with golden mask is performed on Shivratris, full moon day in the month of Kartika and during other festive times. Pilgrims carry out two yatras (pilgrimage) here, namely, the Ashta Tirtha Yatra and Pancha Tirtha Yatra.

Trimbakeshwar Temple of Shiva is also renowned for certain religious observances such as Narayan-Nagbali, Kalsarpa Shanti and Tripindi Vidhi.

Trimbakeshwar Temple Festivals

Mahashivaratri Festival is celebrated on the 13th day of Krishna Paksha of the month Magha.

Godavari day is celebrated in the month of Magha (February) - the first twelve days of bright moon.

Nivrutti Natha Festival is a three-day festival held during the month of Pausha (in January).

Rathayatra of Trimbakeshwar is carried out on the full moon day of the month Kartika, called Tripuri Paurnima (November).

Sinhastha Kumbha Mela is held once in twelve years when Bruhaspati or Jupiter is in Sinha Rashi (zodiac sign Leo).

How to Reach Trimbakeshwar Temple

Nearest domestic airport is Nashik, 30 km away. Nearest international airport is at Mumbai, which is about 185 km from Nashik.

Nashik Road Railway Station, 44 km away, is the nearest railhead.

Regular buses ply from Nashik to Trambakeshwar.

Kethu Navagraha Temple Keezhperumpallam Tamil Nadu

The Kethu Naganathaswamy Temple or Kethu Navagraha Temple is one of the 9 Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu, located at Keezhperumpallam (Kizhaperumpallam), near Tarangampadi in Nagapattinam District. This renowned Kethu Sthalam is one of the most important Kethu Temples in Tamilnadu as well as in India. The temple presiding deities are Lord Naganathaswamy and his consort Soundaryanaki. It is said that Lord Kethu prayed to Lord Shiva to get rid of his sins. It is rare to find Ketu Bhagvan enshrined with head of a snake and body of an asura, which you can see here. In this Kethu temple, Lord Kethu faces west in the north praharam. Lord Ketu appears with the body in divine form, his head as a five-headed snake and the folded hands worshipping Lord Shiva. Kethu Naganathaswamy Temple is located 6 km from Thiruvengadu (Thiruvenkadu), which is famous for the Swetharanyeswarar Temple dedicated to Lord Budha.
Temple History
Keezhperumpallam is also called Vanagiri. The planets Kethu and Rahu, known as ‘Chaaya Grahangal’, are associated with the legend of the churning of the milky ocean. When the Devas and Asuras churned the ocean of milk with the Manthira Mountain as the churning stick and snake Vasuki as the rope, the amirtham emerged. This was consumed by an asura, who disguised himself as a Deva. Knowing this, Lord Narayana hit the asura on the head with the spoon in his hand. The head was cut off and fell on the ground. As the asura had consumed amirtham, his head and body continued to live. The head portion of the asura attached itself to a snake body and became Rahu Bhagavan. The body portion that was thrown away fell in Pothigai mountain region which was found and preserved by a Brahmin. The head of a snake got attached to the asura body to become Kethu.
Worship to Kethu
Kethu Bhagavan is adorned in multicolor and it is believed that offering pooja to the Lord Kethu at Keezhperumpallam with red Lilly, kollu (horse gram), and cloth will get relieved from illness, poverty and other doshams.
Daily Poojas Services
Besides the worship services that are offered six times daily, Abhishekam is performed by 08.30 AM. Pradhoshams are held great reverence here. The specialty of Kethu Temple at Keezhperumpallam is that the temple remains open even during Rahu kalam and Emakanda Kalam.
Temple Timings
Kethu Naganathaswamy Temple opens daily from 6 AM to 12.00 PM and 4 PM to 7 PM.
How to reach Kethu Navagraha Shrine at Keezhperumpallam
The Kethu Temple at Keezhperumpallam is located around 63 km from Kumbakonam. It can also be reached via the Sirkali (Sirkazhi) - Poompuhar Road.
Shiyali Railway Station, Thanjavur is the nearest railway station, about 15 km from the temple.