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Tamilnadu Anekathanga Paadeswarar Temple
The Paadal Petra Sthalam is a group of 275 temples that are revered in the verses of the Saiva Nayanars in the 6th to 9th century and are amongst the greatest temples in the Asian continent dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva. Even though India is full of Shiva Temples and around the world, the temples situated in Tamil Nadu are of special importance. These structures have been glorified in 'Tamil Tevaram' hymns and are called the 'Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalangal'. These temples were built over 1000 years ago and proof of this can be referred to the references found in Tevaram hymns which was composed by scholars who lived between the 7th and 9th century A.D.
Out of the 274 temples that are spoken about in the Tevaram hymn, 264 temples, or Shiva Sthalams are located in Tamil Nadu. Out of these 264 temples a majority are located in Chola Naadu, while few are located on the north side and others on the south side of the river Cauvery. 14 of the Shiva Sthalam are located in Kongu Naadu. Tondau Naadu also contains 31 Shiva Sthalam and Nadu Naady houses the remaining 22 Shiva Sthalam.
History
62 saints were referred as Nayanmar saints and they devoted their lives to the Hindu God, Shiva, one of the most ancient gods in the religion. The lives of all these 63 saints was researched and written about in Sekkizhaar's work entitled Periya Puranam in the 12th century AD. It is this group of 63 saints that make up the Nayanmars and wrote the majority of what is known today as Tevaram. These 3 saints were Tirugnanasambandar, Tirunavukkarasar and Sundaramoorthy Nayanaar.
It is believed that hymns went into oblivion and a part of them were later on discovered by Raja Cholan in early 11th century AD, and were collected and classified by the respected Nambiandaar Nambi.
How To Reach
Kanchipuram is a city located in the Southern part of Tamil Nadu, 72 kms away from the capital of Tamil Nadu- Chennai. Kanchipuram is very well connected to other parts of the country by both road and rail amenities. Kanchipuram is most easily reached by road. The national highway covers the route between Chennai and Bangalore.
By Air
Chennai International Airport is the nearest domestic and international airport and is located at Tirusalam in Kanchipuram district.
By Rail
Kanchipuram is also connected to the railway network through the Kanchipuram railway station. The Chengalpet- Arakkonam railway line passes through Kanchipuram. Daily trains go to Pondicherry and Tirupati from Kanchipuram and a weekly train goes to Madurai and a bi-weekly express train travels to Nagercoil. Two trains from both sides of Chengalpattu and Rakkonam go through Kanchipuram.
By Road
The temple is located 3 kms northwest of Kanchipuram in the locality known as Pilliarpalayam. One has to take the road to Kailasanathar temple via Putheri Street. Before reaching Kailasanathar temple, there is big school on the way. The small lane adjacent to the school leads to the temple. Bus facilities from Kanchipuram are available. Bus services are provided by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation toward Chennai, Bangalore, Villupuram, Tirupati, Thiruthani, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Salem, Coimbatore and Pondicherry.
Significance Of The Temple
The temples have existed for over 1200 years and most are still areas of worship, art and culture. The vast majority of the 275 shrines are mostly unheard. Despite several of them being large structures and have been visited by the Pallavas, the Imperial Cholas, the Pandas, the Marathas and the Nayak rulers of Tamil Nadu.
Inscription carved in stone have survived over 1200 years making these temples extremely significant from a historical point of view. The lavishly decorated sculptures also leave an architectural legacy. Stucco images on these temple walls represent legends from the colorful stories of the Indian continent.
However, a well-kept secret forms the greatest legacy of these temples. These temples have witnessed a social movement in history that has been preserved for over 1200 years. All 275 temples, except a handful share a tradition of grand festivals that celebrate existence itself - in synchronized with the movements of the earth and the moon with respect to the sun. Secondly, the tradition of an involved worship protocol is extremely common across almost all of these temples. Thirdly, adherence protocol in the alignment of deities and various structures within the temple exhibit an amazing level of similarity across a relatively wide landscape. All of these temples formed a tradition that fostered music and dance.
Weather And Time To Visit
Kanchipuram is subject to hot and humid climatic conditions throughout the year. With temperatures reaching an average of 37.5 degrees Celsius between April and July, visitors would be advised to constantly carry water with them to avoid dehydration. During summer, the heat during the daytime can be extremely uncomfortable for those who are not used to the climate. Humidity levels of 58% and 84% prevail throughout the year. Humidity levels are higher between the months of November and January and lowest during the month June.
Accomodation
Being a popular tourist destination for visitors in South India, plenty of hotels and guest houses are available for tourists to suit every budget.
Tips For Devotees
Carry water at all times in hot and humid weather. Extreme weather conditions.
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