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Pettavaithalai Temple of Madhyarjuneswarar (Trichy - Tamil Nadu)

The temple for Women's health - Pregnancy & Menstruation

After reading an article in the Tamizh magazine ‘Aval Vikatan’ about one of this remote, road less traveled temples to visit in Trichy, I had to see the place for myself. Pettavaithalai temple of Madhyarjuneswarar is one of the very unique Trichy temples.

Pettavaithalai Madhyarjuneswarar Temple - Temples to visit near Trichy

Pettavaithalai Village

TRICHY TEMPLE OF PETTAVAITHALAI
So on the holiday of Vinayakar/Ganesh Chaturthi (that’s Lord Ganesha’s Birthday), I took a bus from Karur to Pettavaithalai. I have seen this railway station several times in my several train travels. It is one of the important railway stations next to Kulithalai when on a journey from Karur. But I seriously wonder why the bus journey takes this much time. By train Pettavaithalai to Karur is only 45 mins, then bus journey does take a long 1.5 hrs.... But since it was not a local train and was only an intercity passenger, the timings were not suitable for me. So I took the bus. As I crossed Kuliththalai I realized the biggest stupidity that I had done. I had forgotten my camera. There is no point going back to get the camera as the temple would get shut for noon, if I did that. I immediately deleted all the songs from my cellphone and used it as my cam there. So yeah, all photos in this blog-post were clicked using my dearest, Samsung D780.

Pettavaithalai near Trichy

How to reach Pettavaithalai Temple

PETTAVAITHALAI VILLAGE:
My plan was to visit Pettavaithalai Devasthanam Shiva temple and then visit Kadambar Koil in Kuliththalai. Little did I know, He had other plans for me…!!! As usual as I alighted at Pettavaithalai, I enquired a flower seller in the bus-stand to direct me to the Iswaran Koil (Lord Shiva’s temple as it is called in every little to big village or town in Tamil Nadu). I was told to walk straight, in the path I had come for about half a km and I would find the arch of the temple. A turn to the left and a km walk would lead me to the temple. I enquired if it’s walk-able. She said, ‘Kind of…!’ So I started walking. The initial half km was in the National highway NH 67, and as it was in Paramathi, it was a lonely road apart from the occasional screeches of the high speed vehichles. In quarter km was this bridge below which a branch of Cauvery bellowed with all its might, thanks to the Tamil month if Aadi, the Cauvery was brimming.
Then I saw the arch that welcomed me to the Madyarjuneshwarar Temple. I turned and kept walking. It was nice to see the manual railway gates, which is almost a rarity, nowadays. I stood in the mid-track and took admired the long tracks that met at the horizon. I loved it. I kept on walking and the greenery came to life. It was an absolute visual treat. The green pastures and meadow was so pleasing. Also, I observed this occasional damaged historic rock sculptures on the roadsides. I kept walking and at one fine place was the lane parted into two. I enquired locally which lane was I supposed to take. I was directed in one direction and I kept walking. The road to the temple seemed obvious with the so many people dressed in their best on their way to the temple, to wish Ganesha/Vinayaka, on his birthday. The greenery on either side was so refreshing and after some time, I realized that the road seemed to end. Again I enquired where the temple was. The lady gave a funny look and showed her arm towards my left and in between the tall coconut trees and thick greenery on my left, the temple’s tall gopuram was playing peek-a-boo. I embarrassingly thanked her and went in.

As I reached the north facing temple entrance, I found the temple pretty crowded. I managed to get in and realized it was a nice wedding that was happening inside. And the whole crowd was in the Maha Mandapam of the temple. So I went past the crowd and reached the Ardha Mandapam where the priest was there. He showed me a good darshan of Madhyarjuneswarar and Balambikai. I enquired him about the lore and legends of the temple and he did too.

This temple was built by Kulothunga Cholan about 800 years ago. Kulothunga Cholan had built 64 Shiva temples to get rid of his Brahmahathi dosham. This was one among those. A relief sculpture of Brahmahathi is seen in one of the pillars in the Ardha Mandapam. Finally, at Thiruvidaimarudhur, he was set free from this Dosham where he was told to exit through the Ambal’s (Lord Shiva’s consort) Sanctum Sanctoram while the Brahmahathi waited for him at the Shiva’s Ardha Mandapam.

In another pillar is the relief of Pottralam Poovai Siththar, who was an ancient medic who found several medicines esp. for women’s health issues. Till date, it is believed that a sincere prayer to him would cure women’s health issues like menstrual problems, menopause problems, and pregnancy related issues. Even when I went there were 2 women sitting in front of the pillar and sincerely praying.

Pettavaithalai Madhyarjuneswarar Temple - Pottralam Poovai Siddhar

Wedding in South Indian Temple

There were 2 huge panels of ancient inscriptions in Ardha Mandapam recently discovered 2 yrs ago by the archaeologists from nearby town, Bhavani. Hymns were sung on this temple by Saiva Nalvar (the 4 poet-saints of Saivism), making this a paadal-petra-sthalam. The placement of their sculptures was so perfect in front of a low window in the ardha mandapam. It looked like a halo behind them. I came out and started to take the circum-ambulation. On the eastern wall were the reliefs of Uchchishta Ganapathy, Sri Subrahmaniar and a little sculpture of Nardhana Ganapathy, who was very much twisted and turned than unusual. On the southern wall was this separate sanctum sanctorum for Vinayakar. On the south facing side was the shrine of Dakshinamurthy and Durga and also sculptures of Brahma, Lingodhbhavar. Dakshinamurthy’s tree was awesome. The leaves were so intricately done. On the wall were the shrines of Gajalakshmi and Valli Deivanai Samedha Murugan. On the western side were the shrines of Chandigesar, Navagraha and also a well brimming with water. In the Maha Mandapam were the sculptures of Bhairavar, Suryan and Chandran.
I guess I have this kid luck wherever I go. Last time at Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple, I got a cute pic of kids and this time too. Of those several relatives of that wedding that was happening, kids were restless as usual and roaming by. And one of the child, with a sweet little kitten. I did manage to get a peek-a-boo of the wedding too.
I said a hearty thanks to the priest and came out. As soon as I came out, I saw this shrine of Varadaraja Perumal at the entrance. I went in again and enquired about it. He said that it was found in the nearby fields and the entrance of this temple seemed to be the best place to keep the sculpture with all its respect.

I enquired him about the nearby temples and he said, Thirupparaiththurai, which was 8 miles from here and I was told to take town bus no.97. I instantly dropped the plans of Kuliththalai and decided to find this new place. Just across the road, opp. to the temple, leads to the Nangalaaram Vaaikkal. It’s the branch of Uyyakondan river which I had seen on my walk on the highway flowing under the bridge. Uyyakkondan River is a branch of River Cauvery. The Nangalaaram Vaaikkal was just 3 feet deep. But still I didn’t venture into it. If at all I was accompanied by local friends who generally have excellent life skills, I would have jumped into it. Being alone, errrr…. Ahem. Well, I didn’t explore that part. I walked back and had a second look at the Uyyakkondan River and reached the bus-stop and waited for town bus no. 97. Coming soon with Thirupparaiththurai…..

Nangalaaram Channel of Uyyakondan river of Cauvey

Kids of a South Indian village

While Tiruchirappalli temple at Malaikottai & Trichy Srirangam temple are the famous temples, Pettavaithalai temple is one of the lesser-known temples near Trichy, with a very unique specialty.

From Karur:
        By Rail: Passenger and Express trains to Trichy stops at Pettavaiththalai
        By Road: 50 km on NH 67 via Kuliththalai - Frequent buses to Trichy available
From Trichy:
        By Rail: Passenger and Express trains to Karur and Coimbatore stops at Pettavaiththalai
      By Road: 28 km on NH 67 enroute to Kuliththalai / Karur - Frequent buses to Kuliththalai, Karur, Tiruppur available

How to reach Pettavaithalai Madyarjuneshwarar Temple from Pettavaiththalai Bus stop/railway station - Half a km walk enroute to Karur/Kuliththalai on NH 67. Left turn at the temple arch and 1 km walk from the arch to reach the temple.
HINDU PILGRIMAGE TOURISM IN INDIA - TRICHY TEMPLES:
Pettavaithalai Madyarjuneshwarar Temple Pinterest Pettavaithalai Madyarjuneshwarar Temple Pinterest

Bhushavali

An ardent traveler by passion. Being an ex - Art History Teacher, my area of interest especially lies in Nature and Heritage. Visited 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites as of June 2022. I've been listed among the Top 7 Women Travel Bloggers of India, Top 50 in UK. I have been interviewed in a couple of TV Shows, Radio Channels and Events as well. Read more about me and read the testimonials of different brands

42 comments:

  1. Ganesh RamanSeptember 1, 2009 at 8:41 AM

    Another Nice One about unknown temples in tamilnadu....to know more thiruvidaimarudur temple and brahamahathi dosam...you can find it here... http://kumbakonam-temples.blogspot.com/2009/05/thiruvidaimarudur-mahalinga-swamy.html

    ReplyDelete
  2. Baron's LifeSeptember 1, 2009 at 9:02 AM

    You are a very talented young lady with high quality reporting ability...your work is not only informative but a pleasure to read. I drank up every work you wrote..I savored every picture you posted here...a sheer joy...thanks

    ReplyDelete
  3. BhushavaliSeptember 1, 2009 at 9:46 AM

    Hi Ganesh,
    Thanks dear. I'll drop in soon to know about Thiruvidaimarudhur... :)

    Hey Baron,
    That's so flattering. Thanks a lot sweety... :)
    I'm so glad u liked it..

    ReplyDelete
  4. Phivos NicolaidesSeptember 1, 2009 at 9:53 AM

    Sooooo beautiful indeed! Very nice post. Bravo!

    ReplyDelete
  5. MaddySeptember 1, 2009 at 1:10 PM

    Another nice post and new information.

    If you are around karur, erode........why don't you visit Tiruchengode Arthanaareeswarar? Of course the temple is on the hill top. Guess buses are there to upto hill top

    ReplyDelete
  6. BhushavaliSeptember 1, 2009 at 2:19 PM

    @Phivos,
    Thanks dear... :)

    @Maddy,
    Thanks dear... Would visit Thiruchengode soon... Its in my list... :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. RajeshSeptember 1, 2009 at 8:14 PM

    Very informative post. I missed this temple when I had been to Trichy. It looks like lot of sculptures are in this temple.

    ReplyDelete
  8. MeowSeptember 1, 2009 at 9:21 PM

    Hey Bhusha... for women's health problem there is one poojai to Pottralam Poovai Siddhar!... My mom is performing that poojai :) It has to be performed for 11 weeks.. every friday.. probably I'll visit this temple, soon after my mom finishes the poooja... Nice informational post :) Thank You so much. now i know how to reach the temple :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousAugust 3, 2015 at 11:13 AM

      Hi sowmi can u please tell me what poojai it is? It will be a life saviour! lavsvish@gmail.com.

      Delete
  9. babYposeSeptember 2, 2009 at 5:12 AM

    That's the detailed travelogue, very informative too. I enjoyed, thanks :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anuradha ShankarSeptember 2, 2009 at 9:02 AM

    nice one,... hadnt heard of it... would love to visit it sometime.. have been to karur a couple of times,.. seems there are lots of interesting temples in the vicinity

    ReplyDelete
  11. AnonymousSeptember 2, 2009 at 4:40 PM

    Great shots for a mobile Mitr, a good back up.

    ReplyDelete
  12. BhushavaliSeptember 3, 2009 at 10:43 AM

    Hi Rajesh,
    Its a rare temple which many people in Trichy do not know. Only people in Pettavaithalai are aware of this place.

    Hi Sow,
    Yes right. He is our ancient gynec medic. Do visit dear. Its a nice place.

    Hi Babypose,
    Thanks sweety.. :)

    Hi Anu,
    Welcome to my blog. Thanks for dropping by and commenting. Seen you following already, but this is your first comment.. :)
    Of course Karur is an ancient city and centrally located thus facilitating easier reach to soooooo many places.. :)
    Do drop in often. Would love your visits and comments... :)

    @Roy,
    Thanks dear. Totally in love with my mobile after this episode... :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. krish blogSeptember 3, 2009 at 11:18 AM

    Dedicated to my dearest Samsung D780......


    ithu konjam overaga illayo...... :D

    ReplyDelete
  14. BhushavaliSeptember 3, 2009 at 12:59 PM

    @Krish,
    Hee hee...

    ReplyDelete
  15. Joseph PulikotilSeptember 3, 2009 at 10:29 PM

    Hello my Friend:)

    Greetings:)

    There is one thing I admire in you. You are a go getter. No one can stop you if you set your mind to do something. Fantastic!

    Another thing I appreciate in you is that you have an excellent presence of mind. When you forgot to take your camera you did not panic and you used your mobile instead. The photos are really good.

    There is one more thing I admire you for. Your spirit of adventure. Amazing! Instead of sitting at home, you went to an unknown place on your own and explored to your hearts content. In the process, you have produced this wonderful post for us to read and enjoy. Kudos to you.

    Have a wonderful day my friend:)
    Joseph

    ReplyDelete
  16. BhushavaliSeptember 4, 2009 at 2:38 PM

    Hi Joseph,
    Thanks a lot. I am so glad and flattered on your admiration. Thanks a lot. :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. JanieSeptember 4, 2009 at 7:57 PM

    Interesting tour of the temple and very cute kids, too.

    ReplyDelete
  18. AnonymousSeptember 4, 2009 at 8:10 PM

    Hi Mitr! Beautiful photos, thanks for taking me along to a part of the world I don't think I'll ever see in person!!

    ReplyDelete
  19. BhushavaliSeptember 4, 2009 at 10:11 PM

    Hi Janie,
    The kids are cuuuute na... Thanks dear... :)

    Hey Rain,
    Thanks dear... It's my pleasure that I could show you my part of the world.
    And Rain please do visit Incredible India at least once in lifetime. Its a beautiful country.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sanjai GandhiSeptember 7, 2009 at 5:47 PM

    photos and infos are superb my dear Guru.. u r a great photographer.. keep it up.. all the best.. :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. BhushavaliSeptember 7, 2009 at 7:13 PM

    @Sanjai,
    Thanks Sanjai... Thanks a lot for ur appreciation... :)

    @Vandana,
    Thanks dear. Welcome to my blog. Do drop in often. Would love u visits n comments.. :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. SAFARISeptember 10, 2009 at 2:46 PM

    Hi, have you ever thought of writing a book? it might help travellers.

    ReplyDelete
  23. BhushavaliSeptember 10, 2009 at 3:18 PM

    Hi Safari,
    Welcome to my blog. Thanks for dropping by n commenting. Do drop in often..
    Thank you so much for the appreciation. I haven't thought of it but may be would do in future..

    ReplyDelete
  24. The Retired OneSeptember 13, 2009 at 3:03 AM

    The temples' architecture is awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  25. BhushavaliSeptember 14, 2009 at 10:01 AM

    Hey Retired One,
    Thanks dear.. :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. sekarDecember 2, 2009 at 10:34 AM

    I like the way you presented. nice travel blog.

    ReplyDelete
  27. BhushavaliDecember 5, 2009 at 10:08 PM

    @Amrita Raj,
    Thank you so much dear... Glad you liked it. Thanks for dropping by and commenting. Do drop in often.. :)

    ReplyDelete
  28. UnknownNovember 15, 2010 at 10:33 PM

    U r an elaborate touring person...!
    Ur blogs are very useful to me and many others...!!
    Wonderful descriptions about places..Hat Off to u!
    Keep it up!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. BhushavaliNovember 20, 2010 at 10:22 PM

    @Suresh,
    Thank you so much. Thanks a lot for dropping by and commenting!!! :) Do drop in often!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. leobrammanJanuary 10, 2011 at 4:39 AM

    My mom is from this village (Pettavaithalai)...I have spent countless hours of our childhood (me and my brother) in this village (and also in my dad's village)...I was actually trying to find some pictures (with less hope of finding some) to show my girlfriend (she is American)...I am very excited to see pictures and see someone has visited this village as a tourist...I am so excited that I had to leave this comment first before reading the rest of the entry...
    Ciao!
    muthurocks@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. BhushavaliJanuary 11, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    @Leo,
    Thanks a ton!!! My heart warmed to know that you showed your village thru my blog, to your gf far away from India!!! :)
    Do drop in often!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. UnknownOctober 9, 2013 at 5:44 PM

    Nice post.I am staying in Pettavaithalai.My mail Id is muthucassannova@gmail.com.I really like this post.

    ReplyDelete
  33. UnknownDecember 22, 2013 at 1:54 PM

    very nice to see your post and know about pettavaithalai temple , i am happy i got interest information about the temple . thanks
    sathish.s (anil4roz@yahoo.co.in)

    ReplyDelete
  34. UnknownDecember 22, 2013 at 2:08 PM

    it's pleasure and excited to know about my pettavaithalai village and the temple, i really like ur post ,
    ton thanks

    ReplyDelete
  35. BhushavaliFebruary 26, 2014 at 2:21 PM

    @Muthu & Sathish,
    Thanks for your comments. Glad you liked the post! Glad to know you're form this village! :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. Bhakri vadirajaJuly 18, 2015 at 12:19 PM

    Nice info

    ReplyDelete
  37. UnknownFebruary 2, 2016 at 1:26 PM

    Hi...

    I was looking for rare temples in Trichy... Thanks for your detailed info about Pettavaithalai temple... Will try to include it in my list...

    ReplyDelete
  38. AnonymousFebruary 5, 2016 at 1:16 PM

    http://www.justknow.in/Trichy/Temple/25/Sri-Mathiyarjunaeswarar-Temple-(Pettavaithalai)/i-0/pg-3

    Executive Officer
    Sri Mathiyarjunaeswarar Temple, Pettavaithalai, Trichy. Tamilnadu.
    Phone
    0431-2612442
    Mobile
    9788066312

    ReplyDelete
  39. AnonymousFebruary 5, 2016 at 1:16 PM

    http://www.justknow.in/Trichy/Temple/25/Sri-Mathiyarjunaeswarar-Temple-(Pettavaithalai)/i-0/pg-3

    Executive Officer
    Sri Mathiyarjunaeswarar Temple, Pettavaithalai, Trichy. Tamilnadu.
    Phone
    0431-2612442
    Mobile
    9788066312

    ReplyDelete
  40. UnknownJanuary 19, 2018 at 12:01 PM

    MY BIRTH PLACE NEAR BY THE VILLAGE PETTAVAITHALAI LORD SIVA & BALAMBIKAI TEMPLE VERY WONDERFUL PLACE IN PLACE FULL LIFE TIME..................

    ReplyDelete
  41. SubhaNovember 16, 2022 at 11:09 AM

    Hi, Thanks to explore such a place. i will be visiting there in a month

    ReplyDelete

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