Vada Naadu ( 6 Temples)
Tirupparuppadam – Srisailam
Place : Srisailam in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.
Location : 232 km south of Hyderabad, on the banks of the river Krishna.
Significance : The Pilgrimage Centre Sri Sailam, referred to as
Tirupparuppatham in the Tevaram hymns, is located near Nandyal, in Andhra Pradesh. It is a venerated Sivastalam, considered to be one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Shrines spread all over India. The presiding deity isMallikarjuneswarar and the Ambal Bhramarambika.The Theertham is Paalaazhi Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the Pathigam.The Srisailam temple is also the seat of Mahakali in the form of Bhramaramba. It is said that Vrishabha, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva performed penance here. Lord Shiva appeared before him, with his consort Parvati in the forms of Mallikarjuna and Bharamaramba. It is believed that the Siva lingam in the temple is the manifestation of the Lord Himself.It is also believed that at Sriparvata on the Srisailam Mountain, the resplendent Lord Siva abides with his consort Parvati, immersed in divine delight. Brahma also stays there along with other Gods. It is supposed that a bath in the sacred lake, with purity and self-control of mind, has the same efficacy as the performance of an Asvamedha sacrifice. Not only the pilgrim is benefited, but his entire race is also liberated. During his stay here, Adisankara composed those exquisite verses in praise of Mallikarjunaswamy in his celebrated work Sivanandalahari, as well in praise of Goddess Bhramaramba, in his Bhramaramba Ashtaka.This is a vast temple with several gopurams, on a hill, which is said to be a manifestation of NandiSiva is worshipped here in his form of Lord Mallikarjuna, and Shakti, his consort, as Sri Bharamaramba Devi.
Indraneelaparvatam
(This Siva sthalam is in the Himalayas near Katmandu in Nepal
The presiding deity is Neelachalanathar and the Ambal Neeelambika
The Theertham is Indra Theertham Sambandar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that Indra is believed to have worshipped Siva here. Arjuna obtained the Pasupatha Astram after offering prayers to Lord Siva.This shrine has not been visited by any of the Nayanmars, although Sambandar has sung its praises from Kalahasti.This towering peak of 6000 Meters tall can be reached by a long trek fromKathmandu . The peak is revered as the manifestation of Siva and a green rock atop is revered as that of Ambal.
The Theertham is Indra Theertham Sambandar composed the Pathigam.Legend has it that Indra is believed to have worshipped Siva here. Arjuna obtained the Pasupatha Astram after offering prayers to Lord Siva.This shrine has not been visited by any of the Nayanmars, although Sambandar has sung its praises from Kalahasti.This towering peak of 6000 Meters tall can be reached by a long trek from
Gowrikund - Anekatangavadam
Gowrikund is a popular Himalayan shrine at about 4000 Meters above sea level near Rishikesh.The presiding deity is Arul Manna Nayakar and the Ambal Manonmani, Gowri It is believed that Gowri (Parvati) meditated upon Siva. Gowrikund has several hot springs
Kedarnath
Located on the Himalayas at about 12,000 feet, this Siva sthalam is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers of the country. It is revered as one of the Twelve Jyotirlingams.The presiding deity is Kedara Nathar and the Ambal Gowri The Theertham is Mandakini Sambandar and Sundarar composed the Pathigam on this shetram from Kalahasti.Legend has it that Nara and Narayana - two incarnations of Vishnu practiced severe penances at Badrikashramam, in front of a Sivalingam fashioned out of earth. When Siva appeared in front of them, they requested him to take up a permanent abode as a Jyotirlingam at Kedarnath.Legend also has it that Parvati worshipped Kedareeshwar to be united with Siva as rdhanareeswarar. Kedara Munivar is said to have established this shrine, which was visited by the Pancha Pandavas. Tradition has it that pilgrims first visit Yamunotri and Gangotri and bring with them the holy waters from the sources of the rivers Yamuna and Ganga to offer abhishekams to Kedareshwarar.The temple at Kedarnath enshrining the Jyotirlingam of Siva, opens only when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Aries and it is closed when the sun enters Scorpio.
Kailasam–Tiru Kailayam
The towering 22,028 ft high peak Mt. Kailash in the Himalayas, 25 miles north of the Mansarovar Lake Himalayas . The Tibetians refer to Kailash as Kangrimpoche (Jewel of Snow). The presiding deity is Kailasa Nathar, Siva and the Ambal Parvati.Sambandar, appar and Sundarar have composed the Pathigam.Hindus regard Mt. Kailash Indian Territory . The Lipu Lekh pass is 16750 feet above sea level, and is at the Tibet Bhutan
Sri Kalahasti
Om Nama Sivaya
The presiding deity is Kaalahasti Naathar and the Ambal Vandaar Kuzhalaal, Gnana Prasoonambika The sthala vriksham is Vilvam and the Theertham SwarnamukhiSambaandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the Pathigam.The Sivalingam is shaped very slim and is covered with kavacham.The oil lamp in the sanctum can be seen fluttering, indicating that this is the panchabhoota sthala of Vayu (wind).Legend has it that Lord Siva is worshipped here in the form of Vayu Linga. The legend says that Sri (spider), Kala (cobra) and Hasti (elephant) worshipped Lord Siva here and attained Moksha. Hence this place is known as Srikalahasti. Kannappa Nayanar (a tribal hunter) attained salvation in this place by offering his eyes to Lord Siva.This is considered to be a Navagrahastalam where Rahu and Ketu worshipped Siva, and it is believed prayers offered at this shetram during Rahu kalam will ward off Navagraha dosham.Sambandar composed hymns in honour of Kailasam, and Gowrikundam from this shetram.Sivaratri is conducted here on a very grand scale.
Hara Hara Sankara Jaya Jaya Sankara
