Cheyyaru becomes the focal point with consecrations happening at two places close to the river, said to have been created by Lord Muruga. The temples of Sri Kodhanda Ramar at Anappathur village and Sri Kailasanathar temple at Aritharimangalam are ancient and have been renovated with the involvement of villagers and philanthropists.
Both Subramanya and Parvati installed Sivalingas at seven places on the banks of the Cheyyar. Legend has it that a thirsty Parvati asked son Muruga for water and the lance that he threw hit Tirthamalai after beheading seven sages doing penance. The water that gushed turned red and an aghast Subramanya, prayed for atonement and Siva advised him to establish lingas at seven places and worship Him.
To a dismayed Parvati, the Lord again suggested that she too installs as many Lingas and offer puja. The river got the name ‘Chey’ because of its colour and ‘Saey’ because it was created by Parvati’s child. The neighbourhood came to be known as Sapta Kailasam. Located on the bank of Cheyyar, 25 km from Tiruvannamalai, south of Parvatamalai, Aritharimangalam is known as Kailasa kshetram and the deities are Sri Kailasanathar and Sri Periyanayaki. The temple has shrines for Sri Selva Vinayakar and Sri Valli-Devasena sameda Sri Subramanya.
Legend also says that Mahavishnu, who went in search of the end point of the column of fire that Siva had turned into, stayed here for a while and hence the name (H)Aritharimangalam. It is believed that worship here bestows prosperity on the devotee.
Mahakumbabishekam will take place for all the vimanams on January 27, 8-9.30 a.m.
“There are not very many temples for Sri Kodhandaramar. Thus the Mahasamprokshanam of the temple at Anappathur village gains significance,” says Mahalakshmi Subramaniam, under whose guidance, renovation was taken up. Sri Rama, on his return from Sri Lanka, is said to have halted here with the entire entourage. The temple was constructed in commemoration of the event. Anappathur is 40 km from Kanchipuram, on the Cheyyar-Vandavasi route.
The sanctum sanctorum, vimanam, floor, mantapams compound wall, etc., have been constructed. Sri Ranga Ramanuja Maha Desikan Andavan Swamigal is expected to grace the occasion. Consecration will take place on January 18, 7.15-8.25 a.m., Sita kalyanam at 9.45 a.m. The utsava murtis will be taken in a procession at 6 p.m.
For details regarding both temples, contact 044-28152533/9840053289. Email: vcsmani@yahoo.com
