Temples

South India has most of its temples intact and spared. South India was very lucky as sadly, nearly all the ancient temples of north India was destroyed by ignorant invasive forces.

It is amazing that the immensely beautitul and yet deeply ingrained in wisdom of temple forms have had the inner shrine diety worshipped without break everyday for many thousand years.

The secret behind the Siva temples, especially the ones that are over 1000 years old is- they are Siddha Samadhis. These Siddhars, after serving life forms in the earthly plane as Boddhisatvas, decide to go to higher realms. To ensure that thier work, which is a duty to help and respond to our call, have thev Lingam above thier Samadhi within which they are still present in the earthly realm. So when we worship the Diety within the shrine, we connect to the ancient energy that seeks to protect, guide, sustain and evolve.

Ekambareswara Natha- Siva of the Earth element.

Notice the word "Natha" in all the ancient Siva temples all over India.

The Siddhar is the Natha.

Siva's name in this temple- Ekambaresranathar

The photo on the right is of this ancient tree in the heart of the temple. It feels like being so grounded in this temple! Its like being absorbed of any left over karma!

Thiruchendur Muruga- Ancient temple of the Son of Siva born from the Third Eye.

Lord Muruga is called the Adi-Guru, ie,Primal Guru. He is the Siddhar's Adi Guru.

Muruga and the six divine dimensions are the mystical elements of the path beyond enlightenment.

The Sixth Sense that is born from the surrender of the five senses, enables the higher wisdom as the Adi-Guru to guide the mind and the body through the yogic tradition of the Siddhars.

Below is the Siddha temple in Pavannasam, in as place called "Kalyana Thirtham", which means, Sacred Water of the Divine Marriage.

The story behind this sacred place is that Siddhar Agasthyanathar was sent by Siva to south India. It was about the time when Siva and Parvathi (Sakthi) were to get married.

Siddhar Agasthyanathar prayed to Siva for him to have a vision of this grand wedding, the union of the Eternal and the Manifestations.

Siva granted him this sacred vision on this spot beyond the waterfalls, above the streams.... there is a Siddha Siva shrine above called, "Kodi Lingeswaranathar".

Siddhar Agasthyanathar is said to be still meditating in this spot!

Kalyana Thirtham

Aum Namah Sivaya!

source:http://www.nandhi.com/temples.htm