Aradhana -Saptharisheeswara - The Eshwara (God) of the Seven Sages

Sri Saptharisheeswarar temple is located in Thiruthavathurai (Lalgudi), Tiruchi district, Tamil Nadu, India. It is in this temple that the seven sages (Saptarishis) worshipped Shiva to remove the curse on them.The legend goes that Kartikeya (Murugan, Skanda) after killing Tarakasura was fondly given to the Sapatarishis for nurturing. However, Arundhati and other woves of the Sapatarishis were a little negligent of their duties towards Skanda.This came to the notice of the Seven Sages, the progenitors of the human race and the wise ones infuriated by their spouses cursed them and asked them to leave home.When Kartikeya came to know of this, he in turn was in rage because of the misconduct of the Saptarishis towards their wives and in turn cursed them to be born on Earth. It was only after doing severe penance at the temple location of the Saptaisheshwara that the wise ones achieved the favor of Shiva and returned back to their heavenly abode and united with their spouses.
The sanctum of the Saptharisheeswarar temple is facing west and the Amman shrine the east. The five-tier majestic Rajagopuram with beautiful sculptures welcomes the devotees.
As one enters the temple via the Thiruvathirai mandapam, one can see the 12 rasis engraved on the ceiling. Separate shrines for Mahalakshmi and Saraswathi in the Maha Mandapam are special features. Close-by are the idols of Athri, Brigu, Pulasthiyar, Vasishtar, Gowthamar, Angeerasar and Marichi offering worship to the Lord.

A word or two

Dear readers,
Please accept my heartfelt apologies for not being able to devote much time on the blog as I could do (and did) earlier.
The reasons are manifold but I would like to reiterate that I remain the same person with same values and the same servant of the Lord.
I also apologize to many who had commented on my blog articles with questions and queries but I could not respond to them earlier.
I have responded to many posts today, please do check the article you commented on to see my response on them.
Solah Somvar Vrat has become a world-wide movement today. My friends, my colleagues, my lawyer, my doctor, my realtor, my on-line friends, my readers, my relations, my clients - everyone is getting benefited by this vrat and I am so glad that Shiva gave me an opportunity to spread this word, the little that I could.
Please do the Solah Somvar Vrat, please spread the word so that everyone can be benefited by this vrat.
I will soon write from the numerous mails I have received from people all around the world on this.
Love and share love!
~ Souvik

Ananda Utsav

Dear readers,

Happy Janmashtami to you and your loved ones!

"Yatra Yogeshwarah Krishno, Yatra Partho Dhanurdhara:Tatra Shreer Vijayo Bhooti:, Dhruvaa Neetir Matir Mama."

Wherever there is Yogeshwar Krishna and Dhanurdhar (the Great Archer) Arjuna, there exists prosperity, success and justice.

~ Souvik