India Temples of Tamil Nadu, in Photos and Stories

LORD GANESHA created from Shiva laughter

LORD GANESHA, the remover of obstacles and patron of the arts and sciences, is widely revered in Hinduism for his kind and friendly nature, as well as his sense of humor and cleverness. As the god of beginnings, he is often honored at the start of rituals and ceremonies, and his statues are commonly found in homes and shrines across India.

In fact, according to one popular myth I like so much, Ganesha was created from the laughter of his father, Lord Shiva. This humorous origin story adds to Ganesha's reputation as a playful and lighthearted deity, while also embodying the idea that even the smallest things in life contain divine essence.

With his ability to control the human ego and promote abundance and success, Lord Ganesha has become one of the most important and beloved of all Hindu gods. Whether it's blessing a new home or adding a touch of humor to a religious ceremony, Ganesha is always there to bring joy and laughter to his devotees. Embodies the ideal image of a Hindu family.

The Ekamba Temple in Kanchipuram is dedicated to Lord Shiva

The Ekamba Temple in Kanchipuram, also known as the Ekambareswarar Temple, is not only dedicated to Lord Shiva, but also revered as one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams, or the Five Temples representing the five elements of nature.

The temple is specifically associated with the element of Earth, and its presiding deity, Lord Shiva, is worshipped here in the form of a lingam. Spread across 25 acres, the temple complex is a fascinating mix of ancient and modern architecture.

The most notable feature of the temple is its towering gopuram, which stands at an impressive height of 59 meters, and is adorned with intricate carvings of gods and goddesses. The temple also boasts of a 1000-pillar hall, which is said to be one of the largest in South India.

Legend has it that the temple was built in the 6th century by the Pallava dynasty, and underwent several renovations over the centuries by subsequent rulers. The temple also played a significant role in the religious and cultural history of the region, with many famous saints and scholars visiting the temple and contributing to its rich legacy.

As a visitor of Ekamba, I was amazed by its grandeur and beauty and had the opportunity to witness India's rich cultural and religious heritage.

Lord Ganesha, with his big belly round,
Is known as the god of obstacles unbound.
With an elephant head and a tiny mouse as his steed,
He's a sight to see indeed.

His trunk is long and versatile,
Used for wisdom and for a smile.
And with his many arms he can do it all,
Writing, blessing, and even taking a call.

But don't you dare make him mad,
Or you might end up feeling quite sad.
For this jolly god has a temper, you see,
And can wreak havoc with his trunk and glee.

So let us honor Lord Ganesha with cheer,
And keep his blessings always near.
For with his humor and his might,
We'll overcome all obstacles in our sight.

Symbolism and Meaning behind Lord Shiva's Iconography

Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism, is often depicted with a variety of unique and distinctive features. The third eye, crescent moon, trident, multiple heads, and serpent adornments are just a few of the iconic elements that make up Lord Shiva's visual representation. Each of these features holds a special meaning and symbolizes a particular aspect of Lord Shiva's character and influence.

When Lord Shiva loses patience, his third eye opens, burning and turning all into ashes. The waxing and waning moon on his head represents the cycle of creation, while his trident is a symbolic unity of the three worlds of man - his inner world, the next world, and the general world.

Lord Shiva also has six heads, with only five visible, and smears his body with ashes to represent the end of all material existence. In the Mahabharata, Lord Shiva is depicted as a standard of integrity, power, and terror, as well as a form of honor, joy, and radiance. The duality of the terrible and beautiful attributes of Lord Shiva appears in contrasting names, and he is known as both an ascetic yogi and a gracious host.

Holding an ax and bow and arrow, Lord Shiva is also known for painting three streaks of ashes on his forehead, a symbol that is still practiced today by Sadhus and Shaivitus. Overall, Lord Shiva's iconography is rich with symbolism and meaning, providing a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of this powerful deity.

The Symbolism of Nataraja, One of the Names of Lord Shiva

Nataraja is one of the many names of Lord Shiva, and his depiction as a dancer is one of the most iconic representations of the deity in Hindu mythology. In this portrayal, Nataraja is seen with his left leg raised, pointing to the right and bent at the knee. The symbolism in this image runs deep, and every aspect of the deity's appearance holds great significance.

Nataraja is seen holding various objects in his multiple arms, with each item symbolizing a different aspect of creation, sustenance, and destruction. His upper right hand holds a drum, signifying the initial sound of creation and the passage of time. The upper left hand holds fire, which represents destruction. The lower left hand points to the raised foot, representing liberation, while the second right hand is in a mudra gesture manifesting patronage against evil and ignorance for those who live in righteousness of Dharma.

Nataraja's long hair is tied in a knot, which becomes undone when he is dancing. His hair hits the planets and stars, throwing them out of their orbits or completely destroying them. The surrounding flames represent the manifest universe.

The meaning behind Nataraja's dance can be interpreted in three ways. Firstly, it symbolizes the rhythm game, the source of all movement within the universe. Secondly, it represents the purpose of the dance, which is to free the souls of all people from the snares of illusion and ignorance. Thirdly, the place of the dance, which is presented as the center of the universe, is actually in the heart.

Overall, Nataraja's depiction is a powerful representation of the multifaceted nature of Lord Shiva and his significance in Hindu mythology. Every aspect of his image holds a deeper meaning, reflecting the complexity of the deity and his role in the universe.

MAHABALIPURAM SHORE TEMPLE

The Shore Temple in Mamallapuram is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture. The temple complex is situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. It's a beautiful romantic temple, destroyed by the wind and the sea, built in the middle of the 7th century AD century, later rebuilt. Two towers of the temple contain shrines for Shiva. A third and earlier shrine is dedicated to Vishnu and houses his reclining image.

Meaning Shore Temple is so great that a few years ago was placed on the World Heritage List. After that was built a giant rock wall, which is designed to protect the temple from further erosion. Although most of the details of sculptures disappeared over the centuries, an extraordinary amount remains, especially inside the shrines.

The Mani Temple

The Mani Temple, located in the town of Thanjavur, is a unique temple that features a tower made entirely out of glass. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a popular destination for tourists. The tower, known as the "Mani Vimanam," is made up of thousands of glass pieces that have been intricately crafted and assembled to create a stunning sight.

The temple complex also features several other shrines and halls, each with their own unique architectural style and intricate carvings. I was lucky to spend hours exploring the complex and admiring the beauty and grandeur of the Mani Temple.