dear freinds, last month i made a trip to thiru-avadu-thurai adheenam. i saw the gomuktheeswarar shrine and its serene campus. the nandi there is made up of several blocks of granite and is the largest in the state.
the adheenam has a library which was started in 1350. it contains olaisuvadis of 650 years.it is the ancient most surviving library in southindia. they have named it as saraswathy mahal library later. but its origins are certainly 650 years. they are well cared and many foreigners come here to take the photo copies. it is a small library with sanskrit,tamil,telugu,marathi works.
the adheenam complex is very big and reminds the 10th century palaces. the ceremonial procession of the pontiff is really amazing. i felt transported to 10th century and felt like a cholan citizen.
the place is well insulated from outside world and may soon loose its insularity and antique appearance. before that i would like people have a glimpse of this living cholan world!
first - your interest in Chidambaram related spritual and temple matters are amazing.
second: dating certain incidents.
In Vadalur, which is nearby to you, Thavathiru Ooran AdigaL, a spritual Master but very simple looking with easy access, has written 'SAIVA ADHEENANGAL' a woderful reference book on all adeenams of Tamilnadu. AdigaL, a scholar himself did post graduate in 'purvasramam' and undertaken various research activities on establishment of Mutts in Tamilnadu. The book contains various details on other interesting subjects also.
Umapathi Sivachariyaar of Chidhambaram (Cheif of moovaarivar in 'purvasramam') has laid the root for establishing Saiva Mutts (Mey-kandaar school of thought) in Tamilnadu. His period was 1300 to 1350 CE. But another two hundred years (nearly) has been taken to establish first mutt by Umapathi's disciples, that was Tiruvavaduthurai Adheenam.
Now, Tiruvavaduthurai Adheenam is nearly 500 years old and the first Adheenam Srilasri Navachivaayam who established this mutt probablye by year 1520 or so and during his time itsel his four crowned Adheenams had attained Samaadhi. Though the exact period of Namachivaaya Murthy was not known, his sixth Acharya's period was mentioned as year 1622.
TV Adheena Library: Yes, It was great source for research people. It has got 400 years old palm leaves and most important events were already safeguarded. Presently it was named as 'Saraswathi Mahal' but Thamizh Thatha Vu.VE.Saa, has set right initially and named the library as 'Vidhya Nidhi'. The Library was established casually from the days of year 1600s, but it came to existence only during 19th century (Ambalavana Desikar was Adheenam) and strengthened by Maha Vidwan Meenaatchi Sundaram Pillai, Mayuram Vedha Nayagam, Vu.VE.Saa and Bhaskara Sethupathi, who was important donor. The VIDHYANIDHI was opened in January 30, 1895.
TV Adheenam itself is an university. A true knowledge centre.
PS: When your next visit to TV Adheenam, please go there in the early hours to see the Abhishekam to SIRIYA CHITRAMBALANATHAR. The small and cute Nataraja vigraham belong to Umapathi Sivachariar and this Nataraja has an interesting story, once even delayed the 'uchikaala' puja of Thillai Natarajar.
> Umapathi Sivachariyaar of Chidhambaram (Cheif of moovaarivar in 'purvasramam') has laid the root for establishing Saiva Mutts (Mey-kandaar school of thought) in Tamilnadu. His period was 1300 to 1350 CE.
same as the author of kodikavi? then period should be checked 1300- 1350 the temple was looted twice and perhaps did not function from 1320- 1350 at all.
venketesh
But another two hundred years (nearly) has been taken to establish first mutt by Umapathi's disciples, that was Tiruvavaduthurai Adheenam. > > Now, Tiruvavaduthurai Adheenam is nearly 500 years old and the first Adheenam Srilasri Navachivaayam who established this mutt probablye by year 1520 or so and during his time itsel his four crowned Adheenams had attained Samaadhi. Though the exact period of Namachivaaya Murthy was not known, his sixth Acharya's period was mentioned as year 1622. > > TV Adheena Library: Yes, It was great source for research people. It has got 400 years old palm leaves and most important events were already safeguarded. Presently it was named as 'Saraswathi Mahal' but Thamizh Thatha Vu.VE.Saa, has set right initially and named the library as 'Vidhya Nidhi'. The Library was established casually from the days of year 1600s, but it came to existence only during 19th century (Ambalavana Desikar was Adheenam) and strengthened by Maha Vidwan Meenaatchi Sundaram Pillai, Mayuram Vedha Nayagam, Vu.VE.Saa and Bhaskara Sethupathi, who was important donor. The VIDHYANIDHI was opened in January 30, 1895. > > TV Adheenam itself is an university. A true knowledge centre. > > PS: When your next visit to TV Adheenam, please go there in the early hours to see the Abhishekam to SIRIYA CHITRAMBALANATHAR. The small and cute Nataraja vigraham belong to Umapathi Sivachariar and this Nataraja has an interesting story, once even delayed the 'uchikaala' puja of Thillai Natarajar. > > Anbudan > Dhivakar > >