Location

Thirumullaivasal is situated at a distance of about 12 kms from Sirkazhi. Sirkazhi is on the Chidambaram to Mayiladuthurai route.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams near this place are – Sirkazhi, Thirukkolakka, Thiruvenkadu, Chayavanam, Poompukar, Mahendrapalli, Thirukkurukavur and Achalpuram.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 7^th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested) and the lingam is quite tall.
• This east facing temple has no main tower (Rajagopuram) but it has an arch at the entrance.
• The last Consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) of this temple took place on 07.09.1989.

History of the Temple

This temple is situated near the coast of Bay of Bengal and the sea shore is just half a kilometre away from this temple. The temple is believed to have been built about 1,300 years ago by the Chola King Killivalavan.

There are two places with the same name of “Thirumullaivayil”. One is located near Sirkazhi and the other near Chennai. Both of these places are home to very ancient temples. Thirumullaivayil near Seerkazhi is called “Then Thirumullaivasal” and the one near Chennai is called “Vada Thirumullaivoyal” (“Then” meaning south and “Vada” meaning north in Tamil).

“Thirumullaivoyal” or “Thirumullaivasal” gets its name from the belief that Lord Shiva emerged from a Jasmine bush in both these places. “Thiru” is a respectful prefix, “Mullai” means Jasmine and “Vassal” means place in Tamil.

Now this temple is under the control and administration of the Dharumapuram Adheenam.

Legend

It is believed that Goddess Parvathy worshipped Lord Shiva here to learn the “Panchakshara Mantra” (the five-letter mantra), “Na Ma Shi Va Ya” and its meaning from him. Pleased with her worship, Lord Shiva imparted the knowledge of the mantra (Upadesam). Hence the lord here is considered as a teacher (Guru) and the goddess as a pupil. Because of this, there is no “Palli Arai” (bed chamber) and the poojas associated with it.

It is believed that Lord Indran, King Yudhishthira (Dharmar) and serpent Karkkodagan have worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Chandiran (Moon) is also believed to have worshiped the lord here after taking a dip in the Chandra Theertham. He is also believed to have recovered from his illness and relieved from his curse.

Another legend is that the Chola King Killi Valavan, grandfather of Karikal Valavan, was suffering from skin disease. As advised by his doctors, he came to this place for a holy dip in the sea and in the temple’s Chandra Theertham. The place was densely covered with jasmine (Mullai) plants which entangled the legs of his horses. In order to clear the way, the king started hacking the plants with his sword but was shocked to see blood oozing from there. He cleared away the shrubs and found a bleeding Shivalingam there. The king was overcome by grief that he had damaged the Shivalingam. In order to repent for his mistake, the king tried to sever his head but Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi appeared before him and stopped him from doing so.

The king built a temple where he found the Shivalingam and named the lord as “Mullaivana Nathar” (“Mullai” means jasmine, “Vanam” means forest and “Nathar” is a respectful suffix in Tamil). This lingam still bears scar marks due to the cut from the king’s sword.

Another legend is that of Susavi, a scholar and teacher of Vedas who lived in the erstwhile Pandiya Naadu. He performed many yagnas. After his death and as per his wish, Vamadeva, his eldest son placed his bones and ashes in a pot in order to immerse it in the holy waters of many Shiva temples. When he reached this place, he met Markanda Rishi in his Ashram. The rishi advised him to dissolve the bones in this temple’s Vishnu Theertham. When he put the bones in the waters, they turned into diamond stones. He then performed all the last rites for his father here to enable him to obtain salvation.

Deities in the temple

Other than the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, shrines and idols of lords Vinayakar, Shanmuga Subramaniar, Dakshinamurthy, Murugan, Mahalakshmi, few lingams, Durgai, Navagrahams, Suryan, Chandran, Nalvar and Bairavar can be seen in the corridors.

Salient Features

It is believed that the holy river Ganga springs in this temple’s well.

This is one of the “Panchavaneswaram” temples – the other four being Chidambaram, Chayavanam, Thiruvenkadu and Pallavanecharam.

Lord Dakshinamurthy’s idol is big and very beautiful. He can be seen with the four sages (Sanakathars).

In the corridors, there are beautifully carved reliefs that depicts the sthala puranam.

Greatness of this temple

It is strongly believed that devotees who chant the Panchakshara mantra in the temple on Solar and Lunar eclipse days and on new moon days (Amavasya) will be blessed with prosperity and happiness. It is believed that by doing so devotees will be able to break away from the repetitive cycle of birth and re-birth.

Since this is the place where Lord Shiva imparted knowledge to Goddess Parvathy, lots of students worship the lord here to seek his blessings for their educational pursuits.

Important Festivals

The Masi Maham Theerthavari festival is celebrated in a grand manner in the Tamil month of Masi (February-March). During this time, the procession idols of Lord Mullaivana Nathar and Goddess Kothaiyammai are taken to the seashore.

Other important festivals celebrated in this temple are Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar) and Vinayakar Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (Aug-Sept).

Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

From 08.00 AM to 12.30 PM and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM. 

Temple Address

Sri Mullaivananathar Temple,
Thirumullaivasal Post,
Sirkazhi Taluk,
Nagapattinam District,
Tamil Nadu – 609 113.

Tele: +91 94865 24626.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration 

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

துளிமண்டி யுண்டு நிறம்வந்த கண்டன்
நடமன்னு துன்னு சுடரோன்
ஒளிமண்டி யும்ப ருலகங் கடந்த
உமைபங்கன் எங்கள் அரனூர்
களிமண்டு சோலை கழனிக் கலந்த
கமலங்கள் தங்கு மதுவின்
தெளிமண்டி யுண்டு சிறைவண்டு பாடு
திருமுல்லை வாயி லிதுவே.

“Thuḷimaṇṭi yuṇṭu niṟamvantha kaṇṭaṉ
naṭamaṉṉu thuṉṉu suṭarōṉ
oḷimaṇṭi yumpa rulakaṅ kaṭantha
umaipaṅkaṉ eṅkaḷ araṉūr
kaḷimaṇṭu chōlai kazhaṉik kalantha
kamalaṅkaḷ thaṅku mathuviṉ
theḷimaṇṭi yuṇṭu siṟaivaṇṭu pāṭu
thirumullai vāyi lithuvē”.

பருவத்தில் வந்து பயனுற்ற பண்பன்
அயனைப் படைத்த பரமன்
அரவத் தொடங்க மவைகட்டி யெங்கு
அரவிக்க நின்ற அரனூர்
உருவத்தின் மிக்க வொளிர்சங்கொ டிப்பி
யவையோத மோத வெருவித்
தெருவத்தில் வந்து செழுமுத் தலைக்கொள்
திருமுல்லை வாயி லிதுவே.

“Paruvaththil vanthu payaṉutṟa paṇpaṉ
ayaṉaip paṭaiththa paramaṉ
aravath thoṭaṅka mavaikaṭṭi yeṅku
aravikka niṉhṟa araṉūr
uruvaththiṉ mikka voḷirsaṅko ṭippi
yavaiyōtha mōtha veruvith
theruvaththil vanthu chezhumuth thalaikkoḷ
thirumullai vāyi lithuvē”.

வாராத நாடன் வருவார்தம் வில்லின்
உருமெல்கி நாளும் உருகில்
ஆராத இன்பன் அகலாத அன்பன்
அருள்மேவி நின்ற அரனூர்
பேராத சோதி பிரியாத மார்பின்
அலர்மேவு பேதை பிரியாள்
தீராத காதல் நெதிநேர நீடு
திருமுல்லை வாயி லிதுவே.

“Vārātha nāṭaṉ varuvārtham villiṉ
urumelki nāḷum urukil
ārātha iṉpaṉ akalātha aṉpaṉ
aruḷmēvi niṉhṟa araṉūr
pērātha chōthi piriyātha mārpiṉ
alarmēvu pēthai piriyāḷ
thīrātha kāthal nethinēra nīṭu
thirumullai vāyi lithuvē”.

ஒன்றொன்றொ டொன்றும் ஒருநான்கொ டைந்தும்
இருமூன்றொ டேழு முடனாய்
அன்றின்றொ டென்றும் அறிவான வர்க்கும்
அறியாமை நின்ற அரனூர்
குன்றொன்றொ டொன்று குலையொன்றொ டொன்று
கொடியொன்றொ டொன்று குழுமிச்
சென்றொன்றொ டொன்று செறிவாய் நிறைந்த
திருமுல்லை வாயி லிதுவே.

“Oṉtṟoṉṟo ṭoṉtṟum orunāṉko ṭainthum
irumūṉṟo ṭēzhu muṭaṉāy
aṉtṟiṉtṟo ṭeṉtṟum aṟivāṉa varkkum
aṟiyāmai niṉtṟa araṉūr
kuṉtṟoṉtṟo ṭoṉtṟu kulaiyoṉtṟo ṭoṉtṟu
koṭiyoṉtṟo ṭoṉtṟu kuzhumich
cheṉtṟoṉtṟo ṭoṉtṟu ceṟivāy niṟaintha
thirumullai vāyi lithuvē”.

கொம்பன்ன மின்னின் இடையாளோர் கூறன்
விடைநாளும் ஏறு குழகன்
நம்பன்னெம் அன்பன் மறைநாவன் வானின்
மதியேறு சென்னி அரனூர்
அம்பன்ன வொண்க ணவரா டரங்கின்
அணிகோபு ரங்க ளழகார்
செம்பொன்ன செவ்வி தருமாடம் நீடு
திருமுல்லை வாயி லிதுவே.

“Kompaṉṉa miṉṉiṉ iṭaiyāḷōr kūṟaṉ
viṭaināḷum ēṟu kuzhakaṉ
nampaṉṉem aṉpaṉ maṟaināvaṉ vāṉiṉ
mathiyēṟu ceṉṉi araṉūr
ampaṉṉa voṇka ṇavarā ṭaraṅkiṉ
aṇikōpu raṅka ḷazhakār
sempoṉṉa sevvi tharumāṭam nīṭu
thirumullai vāyi lithuvē”.

ஊனேறு வேலின் உருவேறு கண்ணி
யொளியேறு கொண்ட வொருவன்
ஆனேற தேறி யழகேறு நீறன்
அரனேறு பூணும் அரனூர்
மானேறு கொல்லை மயிலேறி வந்து
குயிலேறு சோலை மருவி
தேனேறு மாவின் வளமேறி யாடு
திருமுல்லை வாயி லிதுவே.

“Ūṉēṟu vēliṉ uruvēṟu kaṇṇi
yoḷiyēṟu koṇṭa voruvaṉ
āṉēṟa thēṟi yazhakēṟu nīṟaṉ
araṉēṟu pūṇum araṉūr
māṉēṟu kollai mayilēṟi vanthu
kuyilēṟu chōlai maruvi
thēṉēṟu māviṉ vaḷamēṟi yāṭu
tihrumullai vāyi lithuvē”.

நெஞ்சார நீடு நினைவாரை மூடு
வினைதேய நின்ற நிமலன்
அஞ்சாடு சென்னி அரவாடு கையன்
அனலாடு மேனி அரனூர்
மஞ்சாரு மாட மனைதோறும் ஐயம்
உளதென்று வைகி வரினுஞ்
செஞ்சாலி நெல்லின் வளர்சோ றளிக்கொள்
திருமுல்லை வாயி லிதுவே.

“Neñchāra nīṭu niṉaivārai mūṭu
viṉaithēya niṉtṟa nimalaṉ
añchāṭu cheṉṉi aravāṭu kaiyaṉ
aṉalāṭu mēṉi araṉūr
mañchāru māṭa maṉaithōṟum aiyam
uḷatheṉṟtu vaiki variṉuñ
señchāli nelliṉ vaḷarchō ṟaḷikkoḷ
thirumullai vāyi lithuvē”.

வரைவந் தெடுத்த வலிவா ளரக்கன்
முடிபத்து மிற்று நெரிய
உரைவந்த பொன்னின் உருவந்த மேனி
உமைபங்கன் எங்கள் அரனூர்
வரைவந்த சந்தொ டகிலுந்தி வந்து
மிளிர்கின்ற பொன்னி வடபால்
திரைவந்து வந்து செறிதேற லாடு
திருமுல்லை வாயி லிதுவே.

“Varaivan theṭuththa valivā ḷarakkaṉ
muṭipaththu mitṟu neriya
uraivantha poṉṉiṉ uruvantha mēṉi
umaipaṅkaṉ eṅkaḷ araṉūr
varaivantha santho ṭakilunthi vanthu
miḷirkiṉtṟa poṉṉi vaṭapāl
thiraivanthu vanthu seṟithēṟa lāṭu
thirumullai vāyi lithuvē”.

மேலோடி நீடு விளையாடல் மேவு
விரிநூலன் வேத முதல்வன்
பாலாடு மேனி கரியானு முன்னி
யவர்தேட நின்ற பரனூர்
காலாடு நீல மலர்துன்றி நின்ற
கதிரேறு செந்நெல் வயலிற்
சேலோடு வாளை குதிகொள்ள மல்கு
திருமுல்லை வாயி லிதுவே.

“Mēlōṭi nīṭu viḷaiyāṭal mēvu
virinūlaṉ vētha muthalvaṉ
pālāṭu mēṉi kariyāṉu muṉṉi
yavarthēṭa niṉtṟa paraṉūr
kālāṭu nīla malarthuṉtṟi niṉtṟa
kathirēṟu sennel vayaliṟ
sēlōṭu vāḷai kuthikoḷḷa malku
thirumullai vāyi lithuvē”.

பனைமல்கு திண்கை மதமா வுரித்த
பரமன்ன நம்பன் அடியே
நினைவன்ன சிந்தை அடையாத தேரர்
அமண்மாய நின்ற அரனூர்
வனமல்கு கைதை வகுளங்க ளெங்கு
முகுளங்க ளெங்கு நெரியச்
சினைமல்கு புன்னை திகழ்வாச நாறு
திருமுல்லை வாயி லிதுவே.

“Paṉaimalku thiṇkai mathamā vuriththa
paramaṉṉa nampaṉ aṭiyē
niṉaivaṉṉa sinthai aṭaiyātha thērar
amaṇmāya niṉhṟa araṉūr
vaṉamalku kaithai vakuḷaṅka ḷeṅku
mukuḷaṅka ḷeṅku neriyach
chiṉaimalku puṉṉai thikazhvāsa nāṟu
thirumullai vāyi lithuvē”.

அணிகொண்ட கோதை யவள்நன்று மேத்த
அருள்செய்த எந்தை மருவார்
திணிகொண்ட மூன்று புரமெய்த வில்லி
திருமுல்லை வாயில் இதன்மேல்
தணிகொண்ட சிந்தை யவர்காழி ஞான
மிகுபந்தன் ஒண்ட மிழ்களின்
அணிகொண்ட பத்தும் இசைபாடு பத்தர்
அகல்வானம் ஆள்வர் மிகவே.

“Aṇikoṇṭa kōthai yavaḷnaṉtṟu mēththa
aruḷseytha enthai maruvār
thiṇikoṇṭa mūṉtṟu purameytha villi
thirumullai vāyil ithaṉmēl
thaṇikoṇṭa chinthai yavarkāzhi gñāṉa
mikupanthaṉ oṇṭa mizhkaḷiṉ
aṇikoṇṭa paththum isaipāṭu paththar
akalvāṉam āḷvar mikavē”.

Location

Thirukkurukavur is located at a distance of about 6 kms from Sirkazhi. Sirkazhi is on the Chidambaram to Mayiladuthurai route.

It is very near to Thirumullaivasal temple. Other Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams near this place are – Sirkazhi, Thirukkolakka, Achalpuram, Mahendrapalli, Thirumullaivasal, Thiruvenkadu, Chayavanam and Poompukar.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 13^th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai). 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has a single corridor. Although it has no main tower (Rajagopuram) or dwajasthambam (Flag post), there is a beautiful arch at the entrance.
• The water in this temple’s well is believed to turn white on the new moon day in the Tamil month of Thai.
• The last consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) took place on 18.06.1986.

History of the Temple

The historical name of this village is Kurukavur and that of the temple is Velladai. Now the village is known as Thirukkadaavur.

The stone inscriptions available in this temple are from the periods of Kings Rajendra Cholan, Kulottunga Cholan-I, Vikrama Cholan, Parakesari Varman and Rajathirajan. The temple was rebuilt in stone in the 10th century during the period of King Uttama Cholan.

Legend

It is believed that lords Mahavishnu, Brahma, Indiran, Varunan and Goddess Saraswathi have worshiped the lord of this temple.

Lord Mahavishnu is believed to have taken the form of a white bull (Rishabham) and worshiped Lord Shiva here, hence this place is called Velladai (“Vellai” means White in Tamil), Rishabapuram, and Vishnupuram.

Velladai also means “Paramakayam” in Sanskrit.  This can roughly be translated to “abode of deity”.

It is also believed that Lord Shiva instructed Kuberan to provide a poor devotee with a gift of gems, hence the lord here is also praised as “Sri Ratnagireswarar”. (“Ratnam” means gems in Tamil).

It is believed that Agni took the form of a pigeon to test King Sibi. Afterwards, in order to regain his original form, he created a river and offered its water as prayer to Lord Shiva. Hence this place is called “Kurukavur” (“kuruvi” means pigeon in Tamil).

Another legend is that when Saint Sundarar was approaching Thirukkurukavur, he was quite hungry and tired. Lord Shiva came in the guise of an old man and made a small shelter and waited for him. He received Sundarar and his followers and offered them food and water. He also asked them to take rest there. After resting, Sundarar wanted to thank the old man but to his surprise both the old man and the tent were nowhere to be found. Sundarar realised that this was a play of Lord Shiva himself. With tears of thanks and affection, he rendered his Pathigam there. The place where Lord Shiva provided meals to his devotees is known as “Varisaipatru” or “Daddiyonnapuram”. 

Another legend associated with this place is that Saint Thirugnanasambanthar fought the Jains who had waged a war against Saivism. Sambanthar overcame all the challenges that the Jains put forth and re-established the glory of Saivism in Tamil Nadu. As was agreed between Sambanthar and the Jains, the latter were hanged after Sambanthar emerged victorious in all the challenges. However, Sambanthar had to incur the sin of causing the death of the Jains and wanted to go to Kasi (Banaras) to seek respite from the sin. As Sirkazhi was his birthplace, he went to the Sirkazhi temple to seek Lord Shiva’s permission to proceed to Kasi. Lord Shiva appeared before Sambanthar and asked him to go to Kurukavur instead.

When Sambanthar came to this temple, the lord is believed to have brought the Ganges itself in a well near the temple. The Saint took a dip in the holy Ganges and got relieved of his sins. This well is known as “Pal Kinaru”. On the new moon day in the Tamil month of Thai, Theerthavari festival is celebrated here. During this time, the colour of the water in the well become while. Hence the name “Pal Kinaru” (“Pal” means milk and “Kinaru” means well in Tamil). Devotees are allowed to take a dip on this day only and the well remains closed during the rest of the year.

Deities in the temple

Other than the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, shrines and idols of lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Natarajar, Dakshinamurthy, Kasi Viswanathar and Vishalakshi, Lingothbhavar, Brahma, Durgai, Vishnu and Mohini, Nalvar, Gajalakshmi, Sivalokanathar, Bhulokanathar, Sage Dhurvasar, Bairavar, Suryan  Iyyanar and Mariamman can be seen in the corridors.

Here Lord Vishnu is named Kariamaanikka Perumal and his consort is Sri Bumi Devi. Lord Saneeswaran graces from a separate shrine.

Salient Features

Traditionally, idols of Lord Murugan are east facing. However, in this temple Lord Murugan can be seen facing the south, a direction that is usually attributed to Lord Guru.

There is no shrine for Navagraham in this temple.

Greatness of this temple

Lord Murugan is revered as Dakshinamurthy in this temple. He graces with his consorts Valli and Deivanai. Special poojas are performed to him on Thursdays, a day considered to be auspicious for Guru.

Since Lord Shiva of this temple offered food to saint Sundarar, devotees believe that worshipping him here would ensure that they never face shortage of food.

Important Festivals

The event of Shiva blessing Sundaramoorthy Nayanar with food is enacted on Chitra Pournami (full moon day) in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May).

The event of Lord Shiva blessing Sambanthar with water from the Ganges is celebrated on Thai Amavasai (new moon day) in the Tamil month of Thai (January-February). The water turns white on this day. On this day, the procession idol of Sambanthar is brought to this temple from the Sirkazhi Brahmmapureeswarar temple. The presiding deities of this temple - Sri Velladainathar and Goddess Kavianganni grants darshan to Sambanthar and give him the Theertham. Sambanthar returns to Sirkazhi in the evening. This event is celebrated in a grand manner.

Thai Poosam, Skanda Sashti and monthly Pradosham are also celebrated here.

Temple Timings

From 08.30 AM to 10.30 AM only. 

Temple Address

Sri Velladai Eswarar Temple,
Thirukkurukavur,
Vadakal Post,
Sirkazhi Taluk,
Nagapattinam District,
Tamil Nadu – 609115.

Temple priest Sri Muthu Mani Gurukkal can be contacted at: +91 96555 23342 and 94892 53941.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Sundararamurthy Nayanar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

இத்தனை யாமாற்றை அறிந்திலேன் எம்பெருமான்
பித்தரே என்றும்மைப் பேசுவார் பிறரெல்லாம்
முத்தினை மணிதன்னை மாணிக்கம் முளைத்தெழுந்த
வித்தனே குருகாவூர் வெள்ளடை நீயன்றே.

“Ithaṉai yāmātṟai aṟinthilēṉ emperumāṉ
pitharē eṉtṟum'maip pēsuvār piṟarellām
muthiṉai maṇithaṉṉai māṇikkam muḷaithezhuntha
vithaṉē kurukāvūr veḷḷaṭai nīyaṉtṟē”.

ஆவியைப் போகாமே தவிர்த்தென்னை ஆட்கொண்டாய்
வாவியிற் கயல்பாயக் குளத்திடை மடைதோறுங்
காவியுங் குவளையுங் கமலஞ்செங் கழுநீரும்
மேவிய குருகாவூர் வெள்ளடை நீயன்றே.

“Āviyaip pōkāmē thavirththeṉṉai āṭkoṇṭāy
vāviyiṟ kayalpāyak kuḷaththiṭai maṭaithōṟuṅ
kāviyuṅ kuvaḷaiyuṅ kamalañcheṅ kazhunīrum
mēviya kurukāvūr veḷḷaṭai nīyaṉtṟē”.

பாடுவார் பசிதீர்ப்பாய் பரவுவார் பிணிகளைவாய்
ஓடுநன் கலனாக உண்பலிக் குழல்வானே
காடுநல் லிடமாகக் கடுவிருள் நடமாடும்
வேடனே குருகாவூர் வெள்ளடை நீயன்றே.

“Pāṭuvār pasithīrppāy paravuvār piṇikaḷaivāy
ōṭunaṉ kalaṉāka uṇpalik kuzhalvāṉē
kāṭunal liṭamākak kaṭuviruḷ naṭamāṭum
vēṭaṉē kurukāvūr veḷḷaṭai nīyaṉtṟē”.

வெப்பொடு பிணியெல்லாந் தவிர்த்தென்னை ஆட்கொண்டாய்
ஒப்புடை ஒளிநீலம் ஓங்கிய மலர்ப்பொய்கை
அப்படி அழகாய அணிநடை மடவன்னம்
மெய்ப்படு குருகாவூர் வெள்ளடை நீயன்றே.

“Veppoṭu piṇiyellān thavirththeṉṉai āṭkoṇṭāy
oppuṭai oḷinīlam ōṅkiya malarppoykai
appaṭi azhakāya aṇinaṭai maṭavaṉṉam
meyppaṭu kurukāvūr veḷḷaṭai nīyaṉtṟē”.

வரும்பழி வாராமே தவிர்த்தென்னை ஆட்கொண்டாய்
சுரும்புடை மலர்க்கொன்றைச் சுண்ணவெண் ணீற்றானே
அரும்புடை மலர்ப்பொய்கை அல்லியும் மல்லிகையும்
விரும்பிய குருகாவூர் வெள்ளடை நீயன்றே.

“Varumpazhi vārāmē thavirththeṉṉai āṭkoṇṭāy
surumpuṭai malarkkoṉtṟaich chuṇṇaveṇ ṇītṟāṉē
arumpuṭai malarppoykai alliyum mallikaiyum
virumpiya kurukāvūr veḷḷaṭai nīyaṉtṟē”.

பண்ணிடைத் தமிழொப்பாய் பழத்தினிற் சுவையொப்பாய்
கண்ணிடை மணியொப்பாய் கடுவிருட் சுடரொப்பாய்
மண்ணிடை அடியார்கள் மனத்திடர் வாராமே
விண்ணிடைக் குருகாவூர் வெள்ளடை நீயன்றே.

“Paṇṇiṭaith thamizhoppāy pazhaththiṉiṟ suvaiyoppāy
kaṇṇiṭai maṇiyoppāy kaṭuviruṭ chuṭaroppāy
maṇṇiṭai aṭiyārkaḷ maṉaththiṭar vārāmē
viṇṇiṭaik kurukāvūr veḷḷaṭai nīyaṉtṟē”.

போந்தனை தரியாமே நமன்தமர் புகுந்தென்னை
நோந்தன செய்தாலும் நுன்னல தறியேன்நான்
சாந்தனை வருமேலுந் தவிர்த்தென்னை ஆட்கொண்ட
வேந்தனே குருகாவூர் வெள்ளடை நீயன்றே.

“Pōnthaṉai thariyāmē namaṉthamar pukuntheṉṉai
nōnthaṉa seythālum nuṉṉala thaṟiyēṉnāṉ
sānthaṉai varumēlun thavirththeṉṉai āṭkoṇṭa
vēnthaṉē kurukāvūr veḷḷaṭai nīyaṉtṟē”.

மலக்கில்நின் னடியார்கள் மனத்திடை மால்தீர்ப்பாய்
சலச்சல மிடுக்குடைய தருமனார் தமரென்னைக்
கலக்குவான் வந்தாலுங் கடுந்துயர் வாராமே
விலக்குவாய் குருகாவூர் வெள்ளடை நீயன்றே.

“Malakkilniṉ ṉaṭiyārkaḷ maṉaththiṭai mālthīrppāy
chalachala miṭukkuṭaiya tharumaṉār thamareṉṉaik
kalakkuvāṉ vanthāluṅ kaṭunthuyar vārāmē
vilakkuvāy kurukāvūr veḷḷaṭai nīyaṉtṟē”.

படுவிப்பாய் உனக்கேயாட் பலரையும் பணியாமே
தொடுவிப்பாய் துகிலொடுபொன் தோலுடுத் துழல்வானே
கெடுவிப்பாய் அல்லாதார் கேடிலாப் பொன்னடிக்கே
விடுவிப்பாய் குருகாவூர் வெள்ளடை நீயன்றே.

“Paṭuvippāy uṉakkēyāṭ palaraiyum paṇiyāmē
thoṭuvippāy thukiloṭupoṉ thōluṭuth thuzhalvāṉē
keṭuvippāy allāthār kēṭilāp poṉṉaṭikkē
viṭuvippāy kurukāvūr veḷḷaṭai nīyaṉtṟē”.

வளங்கனி பொழில்மல்கு வயலணிந் தழகாய
விளங்கொளி குருகாவூர் வெள்ளடை உறைவானை
இளங்கிளை ஆரூரன் வனப்பகை யவளப்பன்
உளங்குளிர் தமிழ்மாலை பத்தர்கட் குரையாமே.

“Vaḷaṅkaṉi pozhilmalku vayalaṇin thazhakāya
viḷaṅkoḷi kurukāvūr veḷḷaṭai uṟaivāṉai
iḷaṅkiḷai ārūraṉ vaṉappakai yavaḷappaṉ
uḷaṅkuḷir thamizhmālai paththarkaṭ kuraiyāmē”.

Note: Presently this temple is under renovation and the expected date for Consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) is 5^th July, 2017. 

Location

Thirukkolakka is situated on the outskirts of Sirkazhi and is about 1.5 kms away from the Sirkazhi bus stand. It is about 4 kms away from Sirkazhi railway station.

Sirkazhi is on the Chidambaram to Mayiladuthurai route.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams near this place are – Sirkazhi, Thirumullaivasal, Thiruvenkadu, Chayavanam, Poompukar, Mahendrapalli, Thirukkurukavur and Achalpuram.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 15^th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has no main tower (Rajagopuram) or dwajasthambam (flag post). But there is an arch at the entrance. 
• Saint Thirugnanasambanthar received golden plates (“thalam”) from Lord Shiva here.

History of the Temple

The historical name of this temple is Thirukkolakka. However, it is now known as Thiru Thalam Udayar Koil.

Legend

It is believed that the wedding of Goddess Mahalakshmi with Lord Mahavishnu took place here.

Lord Shiva here is believed to have been worshipped by lords Indira, Suryan and sages Agasthiyar and Kanva Maharishi.

This is the first pilgrimage temple of Saint Thirugnanasambanthar after he received the blessings of Goddess Parvathy at Sirkazhi. He also rendered his first hymn there.   It is believed that when Sambanthar was rendering his pathigam (hymn) here and clapping his hands in ecstasy, Lord Shiva noticed that the young child’s hands had gone red from pain. In order to relieve him from the pain, Lord Shiva gave him two golden plates (“Thalam”). Since striking two gold plates does not produce any sound, Goddess Parvathi infused divine energy into them to make them produce musical notes.

Hence, the lord is praised as “Sri Thalapureeswarar” and the Goddess “Sri Osai Kodutha Nayaki”. “Osai” means sound, “Kodutha” means given and “Nayaki” means Goddess in Tamil. The temple’s name “Thiruthalam Udayar Koil” is also derived from this legend.

Deities in the temple

Other than the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, shrines and idols of lords Periya Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Somaskanthar, Natarajar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Vishnu, Mahalakshmi, Durgai, Chandikeswarar, Nalvar, Saneeswaran, Suryan, Chandran and Bairavar can be seen in the corridors.

Goddess Osai Nayaki graces from a separate temple. Lord Vinayakar and Lord Dandapani can be seen on either side of her shrine.

Salient Features

Procession idol of Lord Natarajar can be seen with Goddess Sivakami and Sambanthar. Sambanthar is holding the two golden plates in his hands which he is believed to have received from the lord here. There is another idol of Sambanthar where he can be seen holding a cup. 

In his hymn of this temple - “Nalum innisaiyal… …”, Saint Sundarar mentioned the golden plates that Sambanthar received from the lord.

Greatness of this temple

Lord Shiva gave the plate to the saint but it was Goddess Parvathy who infused it with sound. Those facing speech impairment can visit this temple, place honey at the feet of Goddess Parvathy and consume the honey after performing poojas. It is believed that by doing so, devotees can be cured of their speech problems. Furthermore, when this happens devotees make an offering of gold plates (Thalam) to the lord here.

Interestingly, there is a story that a mute child was able to speak by the grace of Lord Shiva of this temple in the year 1979. His father donated a golden thalam which can be seem at this temple. This temple also maintains a list of such miracles and till date there are about 473 recorded incidents.

Important Festivals

In the neighbouring temple at Sirkazhi, the second day of Brahmotsavam  - “Thirumulaippal Urchavam” is celebrated in a grand manner for Saint Thirugnanasambanthar. After this event, the procession idol (Utsavamoorthy) of Saint Thirugnanasambanthar is brought to the Thirukkolakka temple. The event where Sambanthar was given the golden thalam is symbolically celebrated on this day. Thereafter, the idol of Sambanthar is taken back to Sirkazhi temple in a palanquin bedecked with flowers (“Poo Pallakku”).

Other important festivals celebrated in this temple are –

Vinayakar Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (Aug-Sept),

Navarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct),

Skanda Shashti and Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct–Nov), Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Markazhi (Dec-Jan),

Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar).

Pradosham and Karthikai are also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

From 07.30 AM to 11.30 AM and 04.30 PM to 08.00 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Sapthapureeswarar Temple,
Thirukkolakka,
Sirkazhi Post and Taluk,
Nagapattinam District,
Tamil Nadu– 609 110.
Tele: +91 4364 274 175.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

மடையில் வாளை பாய மாதரார்            
குடையும் பொய்கைக் கோலக் காவுளான்            
சடையும் பிறையுஞ் சாம்பற் பூச்சுங்கீழ்      
உடையுங் கொண்ட வுருவ மென்கொலோ.   

“Maṭaiyil vāḷai pāya mātharār
kuṭaiyum poykaik kōlak kāvuḷāṉ
saṭaiyum piṟaiyuñ chāmpaṟ pūchchuṅkīzh
uṭaiyuṅ koṇṭa vuruva meṉkolō”.

பெண்டான் பாக மாகப் பிறைச்சென்னி    
கொண்டான் கோலக் காவு கோயிலாக்        
கண்டான் பாதங் கையாற் கூப்பவே        
உண்டான் நஞ்சை உலக முய்யவே.      

“Peṇṭāṉ pāka mākap piṟaichcheṉṉi
koṇṭāṉ kōlak kāvu kōyilāk
kaṇṭāṉ pāthaṅ kaiyāṟ kūppavē
uṇṭāṉ nañchai ulaka muyyavē”.

பூணற் பொறிகொள் அரவம் புன்சடைக்      
கோணற் பிறையன் குழகன் கோலக்கா      
மாணப் பாடி மறைவல் லானையே            
பேணப் பறையும் பிணிக ளானவே.  

“Pūṇaṟ poṟikoḷ aravam puṉsaṭaik
kōṇaṟ piṟaiyaṉ kuzhakaṉ kōlakkā
māṇap pāṭi maṟaival lāṉaiyē
pēṇap paṟaiyum piṇika ḷāṉavē”.    

தழுக்கொள் பாவந் தளர வேண்டுவீர்      
மழுக்கொள் செல்வன் மறிசே ரங்கையான்          
குழுக்கொள் பூதப் படையான் கோலக்கா            
இழுக்கா வண்ணம் ஏத்தி வாழ்மினே.

“Tazhukkoḷ pāvan thaḷara vēṇṭuvīr
mazhukkoḷ selvaṉ maṟisē raṅkaiyāṉ
kuzhukkoḷ pūthap paṭaiyāṉ kōlakkā
izhukkā vaṇṇam ēththi vāzhmiṉē”.

மயிலார் சாயல் மாதோர் பாகமா          
எயிலார் சாய எரித்த எந்தைதன்        
குயிலார் சோலைக் கோலக் காவையே        
பயிலா நிற்கப் பறையும் பாவமே.

“Mayilār sāyal māthōr pākamā
eyilār sāya erithah enthaithaṉ
kuyilār chōlaik kōlak kāvaiyē
payilā niṟkap paṟaiyum pāvamē”.   

வெடிகொள் வினையை வீட்ட வேண்டுவீர்            
கடிகொள் கொன்றை கலந்த சென்னியான்    
கொடிகொள் விழவார் கோலக் காவுளெம்    
அடிகள் பாதம் அடைந்து வாழ்மினே.  

“Veṭikoḷ viṉaiyai vīṭṭa vēṇṭuvīr
kaṭikoḷ koṉtṟai kalantta seṉṉiyāṉ
koṭikoḷ vizhavār kōlak kāvuḷem
aṭikaḷ pātham aṭainthu vāzhmiṉē”.

நிழலார் சோலை நீல வண்டினங்          
குழலார் பண்செய் கோலக் காவுளான்      
கழலான் மொய்த்த பாதங் கைகளால்      
தொழலார் பக்கல் துயர மில்லையே.  

 “Nizhalār chōlai nīla vaṇṭiṉaṅ
kuzhalār paṇsey kōlak kāvuḷāṉ
kazhalāṉ moyththa pāthaṅ kaikaḷāl
thozhalār pakkal thuyara millaiyē”.     

எறியார் கடல்சூழ் இலங்கைக் கோன்றனை          
முறியார் தடக்கை யடர்த்த மூர்த்திதன்        
குறியார் பண்செய் கோலக் காவையே      
நெறியால் தொழுவார் வினைகள் நீங்குமே.    

“Eṟiyār kaṭalchūzh ilaṅkaik kōṉtṟaṉai
muṟiyār thaṭakkai yaṭarththa mūrththithaṉ
kuṟiyār paṇsey kōlak kāvaiyē
neṟiyāl thozhuvār viṉaikaḷ nīṅkumē”.

நாற்ற மலர்மேல் அயனும் நாகத்தில்    
ஆற்ற லணைமே லவனுங் காண்கிலாக்        
கூற்ற முதைத்த குழகன் கோலக்கா        
ஏற்றான் பாதம் ஏத்தி வாழ்மினே.    

“Nātṟa malarmēl ayaṉum nākaththil
ātṟa laṇaimē lavaṉuṅ kāṇkilāk
kūtṟa muthaiththa kuzhakaṉ kōlakkā
ētṟāṉ pātham ēththi vāzhmiṉē”.          

பெற்ற மாசு பிறக்குஞ் சமணரும்        
உற்ற துவர்தோ யுருவி லாளருங்    
குற்ற நெறியார் கொள்ளார் கோலக்காப்
பற்றிப் பரவப் பறையும் பாவமே.

“Petṟa māsu piṟakkuñ chamaṇarum
utṟa thuvarthō yuruvi lāḷaruṅ
kutṟa neṟiyār koḷḷār kōlakkāp
patṟip paravap paṟaiyum pāvamē”.

நலங்கொள் காழி ஞான சம்பந்தன்        
குலங்கொள் கோலக் காவு ளானையே        
வலங்கொள் பாடல் வல்ல வாய்மையார்      
உலங்கொள் வினைபோய் ஓங்கி வாழ்வரே.

“Nalaṅkoḷ kāzhi gñāṉa sambanthaṉ
kulaṅkoḷ kōlak kāvu ḷāṉaiyē
valaṅkoḷ pāṭal valla vāymaiyār
ulaṅkoḷ viṉaipōy ōṅki vāzhvarē”.

Location

Mahendrapalli  is situated at a distance of about 12 kms from Kollidam. Kollidam is on the Chidambaram to Mayiladuthurai route. There is a railway station in Kollidam.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams near this place are – Achalpuram, Sirkazhi, Thirukkolakka, Thirukkurukavur, Thiruvenkadu, Chayavanam and Poompukar. 

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 6^th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple’s main tower (Rajagopuram) has 3-tiers and it has a single corridor.
• The last consecration ceremony took place on 22.01.1999.

History of the Temple

This is a small sea shore temple and it was renovated recently. The temple is on the southern banks of river Kollidam. This river merges with the sea about 2 kms away from this temple.

The historical name of this place is Mayendirapalli but now it is known as Mahendrapalli. Another name of this place is “Koyiladippalayam”. 

Legend

It is believed that Indiran tried to woo Akalika, the wife of Maharshi Gautama. Indiran was cursed by the Rishi to have his body covered with eyes. He sought relief from this curse and came to Earth and prayed to Lord Shiva in many temples and this is one among them. As Indiran – “Maha Indiran” is believed to have worshiped the lord here, this place is known as “Mahendira Palli” (“Palli” means place in Tamil). 

The lingam in this temple is very small and lustrous. It is called “Thiru Meni Azhagar” (“Meni” means body and “Azhagar” means beautiful in Tamil). 

Lord Shiva is believed to have given the darshan of his cosmic dance to Indiran, Brahma, Suryan and Chandran.It is also believed that in the tank (pushkarini) of this temple, Lord Krishna performed Amavasya rituals (Tharpanam) on a new moon day before the Kurukshetra war. He created the “Bodhayana Amavasya”.

Deities in the temple

In the corridors, idols of Lords Vinayakar (having planets Ragu and Ketu on his either sides), Murugan with his consorts, Natarajar, Kasi Viswanathar, Goddess Visalakshi, Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Bhairavar, Saneeswarar, Suryan and Chandran can be seen. Chandikeswarar graces with his consort. There is no Navagraham here.

Salient Features

In his hymn, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar praised the lord here as “Azhagan” and “Anthamil Azhagan”.

It is believed that Lord Suryan (Sun) worships Lord Shiva of this temple by directing his rays on the lingam for seven days in the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April). 

This temple is also famous for its “Surya Pooja” in the month of Panguni.

Saint Arunagirinadhar has sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

Greatness of this temple

The holy water of this temple is believed to be attributed to Lord Brahma - the creator. Hence, devotees believe that by taking a dip in the holy water and worshiping the lord here, Lord Brahma would absolve them off their curses and sins. 

Important Festivals

Some of the major festivals celebrated in this temple are -

Thirukarthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec).

Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan),

Maha Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb-Mar),

Panguni Uthiram in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr),

Surya Pooja in the Tamil month of Panguni.

 Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

10.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 06.00 PM to 07.30 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Thirumeni Azhagar Temple,
Mahendirapalli Post,
Sirkazhi-Taluk,
Nagapattinam District,
Tamil Nadu – 609 101.

The temple priest, Sri Senthil Gurukkal can be contacted at  +91-4364- 292 309, 97511 00938.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

திரைதரு பவளமுஞ் சீர்திகழ் வயிரமுங்
கரைதரும் அகிலொடு கனவளை புகுதரும்
வரைவிலால் எயிலெய்த மயேந்திரப் பள்ளியுள்
அரவரை அழகனை அடியிணை பணிமினே.

“Thiraitharu pavaḷamuñ chīrthikazh vayiramuṅ
karaitharum akiloṭu kaṉavaḷai pukutharum
varaivilāl eyileytha mayēnthirap paḷḷiyuḷ
aravarai azhakaṉai aṭiyiṇai paṇimiṉē”.

கொண்டல்சேர் கோபுரங் கோலமார் மாளிகை
கண்டலுங் கைதையுங் கமலமார் வாவியும்
வண்டுலாம் பொழிலணி மயேந்திரப் பள்ளியிற்
செண்டுசேர் விடையினான் திருந்தடி பணிமினே.

“Koṇṭalsēr kōpuraṅ kōlamār māḷikai
kaṇṭaluṅ kaithaiyuṅ kamalamār vāviyum
vaṇṭulām pozhilaṇi mayēnthirap paḷḷiyiṟ
seṇdusēr viṭaiyiṉāṉ thirunthaṭi paṇimiṉē”.

கோங்கிள வேங்கையுங் கொழுமலர்ப் புன்னையுந்
தாங்குதேன் கொன்றையுந் தகுமலர்க் குரவமு
மாங்கரும் பும்வயல் மயேந்திரப் பள்ளியிற்
ஆங்கிருந் தவன்கழல் அடியிணை பணிமினே.

“Kōṅkiḷa vēṅkaiyuṅ kozhumalarp puṉṉaiyun
thāṅkuthēṉ koṉtṟaiyun thakumalark kuravamu
māṅkarum pumvayal mayēnthirap paḷḷiyiṟ
āṅkirun thavaṉkazhal aṭiyiṇai paṇimiṉē”.

வங்கமார் சேணுயர் வருகுறி யான்மிகு
சங்கமார் ஒலிஅகில் தருபுகை கமழ்தரும்
மங்கையோர் பங்கினன் மயேந்திரப் பள்ளியுள்
எங்கள்நா யகன்றன திணையடி பணிமினே.

“Vaṅkamār sēṇuyar varukuṟi yāṉmiku
saṅkamār oli'akil tharupukai kamazhtharum
maṅkaiyōr paṅkiṉaṉ mayēnthirap paḷḷiyuḷ
eṅkaḷnā yakaṉtṟaṉa thiṇaiyaṭi paṇimiṉē”.

நித்திலத் தொகைபல நிரைதரு மலரெனச்
சித்திரப் புணரிசேர்த் திடத்திகழ்ந் திருந்தவன்
மைத்திகழ் கண்டன்நன் மயேந்திரப் பள்ளியுள்
கைத்தல மழுவனைக் கண்டடி பணிமினே.

“Niththilath thokaipala niraitharu malareṉach
chiththirap puṇaricērth thiṭaththikazhn thirunthavaṉ
maiththikazh kaṇṭaṉnaṉ mayēnthirap paḷḷiyuḷ
kaiththala mazhuvaṉaik kaṇṭaṭi paṇimiṉē”.

சந்திரன் கதிரவன் தகுபுகழ் அயனொடும்
இந்திரன் வழிபட இருந்தஎம் மிறையவன்
மந்திர மறைவளர் மயேந்திரப் பள்ளியுள்
அந்தமில் அழகனை அடிபணிந் துய்ம்மினே.

“Chanthiraṉ kathiravaṉ thakupukazh ayaṉoṭum
inthiraṉ vazhipaṭa iruntha'em miṟaiyavaṉ
manthira maṟaivaḷar mayēnthirap paḷḷiyuḷ
anthamil azhakaṉai aṭipaṇin thuym'miṉē”.

சடைமுடி முனிவர்கள் சமைவொடும் வழிபட
நடம்நவில் புரிவினன் நறவணி மலரொடு
படர்சடை மதியினன் மயேந்திரப் பள்ளியுள்
அடல்விடை யுடையவன் அடிபணிந் துய்ம்மினே.

“Saṭaimuṭi muṉivarkaḷ samaivoṭum vazhipaṭa
naṭamnavil puriviṉaṉ naṟavaṇi malaroṭu
paṭarsaṭai mathiyiṉaṉ mayēnthirap paḷḷiyuḷ
aṭalviṭai yuṭaiyavaṉ aṭipaṇin thuym'miṉē”.

சிரமொரு பதுமுடைச் செருவலி யரக்கனைக்
கரமிரு பதுமிறக் கனவரை யடர்த்தவன்
மரவமர் பூம்பொழில் மயேந்திரப் பள்ளியுள்
அரவமர் சடையனை அடிபணிந் துய்ம்மினே.

“Siramoru pathumuṭaich cheruvali yarakkaṉaik
karamiru pathumiṟak kaṉavarai yaṭarththavaṉ
maravamar pūmpozhil mayēnthirap paḷḷiyuḷ
aravamar saṭaiyaṉai aṭipaṇin thuym'miṉē”.

நாகணைத் துயில்பவன் நலமிகு மலரவன்
ஆகணைந் தவர்கழல் அணையவும் பெறுகிலர்
மாகணைந் தலர்பொழில் மயேந்திரப் பள்ளியுள்
யோகணைந் தவன்கழல் உணர்ந்திருந் துய்ம்மினே.

“Nākaṇaith thuyilpavaṉ nalamiku malaravaṉ
ākaṇain thavarkazhal aṇaiyavum peṟukilar
mākaṇain thalarpozhil mayēnthirap paḷḷiyuḷ
yōkaṇain thavaṉkazhal uṇarnthirun thuym'miṉē”.

உடைதுறந் தவர்களும் உடைதுவர் உடையரும்
படுபழி யுடையவர் பகர்வன விடுமின்நீர்
மடைவளர் வயலணி மயேந்திரப் பள்ளியுள்
இடமுடை ஈசனை இணையடி பணிமினே.

“Uṭaithuṟan thavarkaḷum uṭaithuvar uṭaiyarum
paṭupazhi yuṭaiyavar pakarvaṉa viṭumiṉnīr
maṭaivaḷar vayalaṇi mayēnthirap paḷḷiyuḷ
iṭamuṭai īsaṉai iṇaiyaṭi paṇimiṉē”.

வம்புலாம் பொழிலணி மயேந்திரப் பள்ளியுள்
நம்பனார் கழலடி ஞானசம் பந்தன்சொல்
நம்பர மிதுவென நாவினால் நவில்பவர்
உம்பரார் எதிர்கொள உயர்பதி அணைவரே.

“Vampulām pozhilaṇi mayēnthirap paḷḷiyuḷ
nampaṉār kazhalaṭi gñāṉasam banthaṉsol
nampara mithuveṉa nāviṉāl navilpavar
umparār ethirkoḷa uyarpathi aṇaivarē”.

Location

Thirukkazhippalai is situated at a distance of about 4 kms from Chidambaram and it is very close to Thirunelvoyil (Sivapuri) temple.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams near this place are – Chidambaram, Thiruvetkalam and Thirunelvayil (Sivapuri).

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 4^th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This is the Moovar Paadal Petra Sthalam.
• This temple has a 3-tiered main tower (Rajagopuram) and it has a single corridor. There is no flag post (dwajasthambam) here.
• The last consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) took place on 10.07.2003. 

History of the Temple

It is believed that this is a reconstructed / relocated temple. The original temple was about 12 kms away from this place and was called Kaaraimedu. It was on the banks of the Kollidam river. The old temple was totally destroyed due to floods. A devotee by the name of Palaniappa Mudaliar built a new temple in Sivapuri and relocated all the idols.

Legend

The Swayambu lingam is small in size and white in colour. The lingam has a peculiar in shape – the top portion is split in two with a narrow gap in between. It is believed that this lingam was installed and worshiped by Poet-Sage Kabilar during his pilgrimage. This lingam is believed to have been hit by the hoof of a horse which had caused it to split. Only milk is poured during abishekam and the rest of the offerings are placed at the base of the lingam. Since the lord here is white in colour, he is praised as “Sri Palvanna Nathar” – “Palvannam” means milk white and “Nathar” is a respectful suffix in Tamil.

It is believed that this place was once on the banks of a backwater (Uppankazhi). This is could be the reason why this place gets the name “Thirukkazhippalai” - Thiru is a respectful prefix, Kazhi is derived from Uppankazhi and Pal means land in Tamil.

It is believed that Saint Thirugnanasambanthar stayed in Thiruvetkalam, a neighbouring Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam, and visited this temple from there.

It is believed that sage Agasthiyar worshiped the lord here and he was blessed with the lord’s darshan.

Sage Valmiki also believed to have worshiped the lord of this temple.

Deities in the temple

Other than the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, shrines and idols of lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Natarajar, Dakshinamurthy, Chadura Durgai, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Vishnu, Durgai, Chandikeswarar, Balaganapathy, Nagar, Athmalingam, Jyothilingam, Kirathamurthy, Mahavishnu, Meipporul Nayanar, Nalvar, Sekkizhar, Bhuvaneswari Ambal, Navagrahams, Suryan and Chandran can be seen in the corridors.

There is a separate shrine for Kala Bhairavar.

Salient Features

In this temple, Kala Bhairavar is very famous and devotees perform poojas for him regularly. It is considered especially auspicious to worship him on Ashtami days (eighth day after the new moon or on the night of full moon). It is believed that the same sculptor who designed the Bhairavar idol in Kasi (Banaras) also made this idol. According to scriptures, worshipping Lord Bhairavar here is equivalent to worshiping him in Kasi. In fact, the Bhairavar is so famous that the locals call it a Bhairavar temple instead of a Shiva temple.

Saint Arunagirinadhar has sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh. 

Greatness of this temple

It is believed that those seeking “santhana prapthi” (child boon) can pray to the lord here and consume the milk used for abishekam of the lord.

Devotees also believe that worshipping the lord here would bless them with prosperity and happiness. 

Important Festivals

Some of the important festivals celebrated in this temple are -

Thai Poosam in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb),

Navarathri in the Tamil month Purattasi (Sept-Oct),

Somavarams (Mondays) in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec),

Annabishekam in in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct-Nov), and

Thiruvadirai in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan).

Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

From 07.00 AM to 10.00 AM and 04.30 PM to 07.30 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Palvanna Nathar Temple,
Thirukkazhippalai (Sivapuri),
Sivapuri Post,
Annamalai Nagar Via,
Chidambaram Taluk,
Cuddalore District,
Tamil Nadu – 608 002.

Tele: +91 98426 24580.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.
Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

செடியேன் தீவினையிற் றடுமாறக் கண்டாலும்
அடியான் ஆவவெனா தொழிதல் தகவாமே
முடிமேல் மாமதியும் அரவும் உடன்றுயிலும்
வடிவே தாமுடையார் மகிழுங்கழிப் பாலையதே.

“Seṭiyēṉ thīviṉaiyiṟ tṟaṭumāṟak kaṇṭālum
aṭiyāṉ āvaveṉā thozhithal thakavāmē
muṭimēl māmathiyum aravum uṭaṉtṟuyilum
vaṭivē thāmuṭaiyār makizhuṅkazhip pālaiyathē”.

எங்கே னும்மிருந்துன் அடியே னுனைநினைந்தால்
அங்கே வந்தென்னோடும் உடனாகி நின்றருளி
இங்கே என்வினையை அறுத்திட் டெனையாளும்
கங்கா நாயகனே கழிப்பாலை மேயானே.

“Eṅkē ṉum'mirunthuṉ aṭiyē ṉuṉainiṉainthāl
aṅkē vantheṉṉōṭum uṭaṉāki niṉtṟaruḷi
iṅkē eṉviṉaiyai aṟuththiṭ ṭeṉaiyāḷum
kaṅkā nāyakaṉē kazhippālai mēyāṉē”.

ஒறுத்தாய் நின்னருளில் அடியேன் பிழைத்தனகள்
பொறுத்தாய் எத்தனையும் நாயேனைப் பொருட்படுத்துச்
செறுத்தாய் வேலைவிட மறியாமல் உண்டுகண்டங்
கறுத்தாய் தண்கழனிக் கழிப்பாலை மேயானே.

“Oṟuthāy niṉṉaruḷil aṭiyēṉ pizhaihaṉakaḷ
poṟuthāy ethaṉaiyum nāyēṉaip poruṭpaṭuththuch
cheṟuthāy vēlaiviṭa maṟiyāmal uṇṭukaṇṭaṅ
kaṟuthāy thaṇkazhaṉik kazhippālai mēyāṉē”.

சுரும்பார் விண்டமலர் அவைதூவித் தூங்குகண்ணீர்
அரும்பா நிற்குமனத் தடியாரொடும் அன்புசெய்வன்
விரும்பேன் உன்னையல்லால் ஒருதெய்வம் என்மனத்தாற்
கரும்பா ருங்கழனிக் கழிப்பாலை மேயானே.

“Surumpār viṇṭamalar avaithūvith thūṅkukaṇṇīr
arumpā niṟkumaṉath thaṭiyāroṭum aṉpuseyvaṉ
virumpēṉ uṉṉaiyallāl orutheyvam eṉmaṉathāṟ
karumpā ruṅkazhaṉik kazhippālai mēyāṉē”.

ஒழிப்பாய் என்வினையை உகப்பாய் முனிந்தருளித்
தெழிப்பாய் மோதுவிப்பாய் விலையா வணமுடையாய்
கழிப்பால் கண்டடங்கச் சுழியேந்து மாமறுகிற்
கழிப்பா லைமருவுங் கனலேந்து கையானே.

“Ozhippāy eṉviṉaiyai ukappāy muṉintharuḷith
thezhippāy mōthuvippāy vilaiyā vaṇamuṭaiyāy
kazhippāl kaṇṭaṭaṅkach chuzhiyēnthu māmaṟukiṟ
kazhippā laimaruvuṅ kaṉalēnthu kaiyāṉē”.

ஆர்த்தாய் ஆடரவை அரையார் புலியதள்மேற்
போர்த்தாய் ஆனையின்றோல் உரிவை புலால்நாறக்
காத்தாய் தொண்டுசெய்வார் வினைகள் அவைபோகப்
பார்த்தா னுக்கிடமாம் பழியில்கழிப் பாலையதே.

“Ārthāy āṭaravai araiyār puliyathaḷmēṟ
pōrthāy āṉaiyiṉtṟōl urivai pulālnāṟak
kāthāy thoṇṭuseyvār viṉaikaḷ avaipōkap
pārthā ṉukkiṭamām pazhiyilkazhip pālaiyathē”.

பருத்தாள் வன்பகட்டைப் படமாகமுன் பற்றியதள்
உரித்தாய் ஆனையின்றோல் உலகந்தொழும் உத்தமனே
எரித்தாய் முப்புரமும் இமையோர்கள் இடர்கடியுங்
கருத்தா தண்கழனிக் கழிப்பாலை மேயானே.

“Paruthāḷ vaṉpakaṭṭaip paṭamākamuṉ patṟiyathaḷ
urithāy āṉaiyiṉtṟōl ulakanthozhum uthamaṉē
erithāy muppuramum imaiyōrkaḷ iṭarkaṭiyuṅ
karuthā thaṇkazhaṉik kazhippālai mēyāṉē”.

படைத்தாய் ஞாலமெலாம் படர்புன்சடை எம்பரமா
உடைத்தாய் வேள்விதனை உமையாளையோர் கூறுடையாய்
அடர்த்தாய் வல்லரக்கன் றலைபத்தொடு தோள்நெரியக்
கடற்சா ருங்கழனிக் கழிப்பாலை மேயானே.

“Paṭaithāy gñālamelām paṭarpuṉsaṭai emparamā
uṭaithāy vēḷvithaṉai umaiyāḷaiyōr kūṟuṭaiyāy
aṭarthāy vallarakkaṉ tṟalaipathoṭu thōḷneriyak
kaṭaṟsā ruṅkazhaṉik kazhippālai mēyāṉē”.

பொய்யா நாவதனாற் புகழ்வார்கள் மனத்தினுள்ளே
மெய்யே நின்றெரியும் விளக்கேயொத்த தேவர்பிரான்
செய்யா னுங்கரிய நிறத்தானுந் தெரிவரியான்
மையார் கண்ணியொடு மகிழ்வான்கழிப் பாலையதே.

“Poyyā nāvathaṉāṟ pukazhvārkaḷ maṉathiṉuḷḷē
meyyē niṉtṟeriyum viḷakkēyotha thēvarpirāṉ
seyyā ṉuṅkariya niṟathāṉun therivariyāṉ
maiyār kaṇṇiyoṭu makizhvāṉkazhip pālaiyathē”.

பழிசே ரில்புகழான் பரமன் பரமேட்டி
கழியார் செல்வமல்குங் கழிப்பாலை மேயானைத்
தொழுவான் நாவலர்கோன் ஆரூரன் உரைத்ததமிழ்
வழுவா மாலைவல்லார் வானோருல காள்பவரே.

“Pazhisē rilpukazhāṉ paramaṉ paramēṭṭi
kazhiyār celvamalkuṅ kazhippālai mēyāṉaith
thozhuvāṉ nāvalarkōṉ ārūraṉ uraiththathamizh
vazhuvā mālaivallār vāṉōrula kāḷpavarē”.

Location

Thirunelvayil is located at a distance of about 5 kms from Chidambaram. The temple is 2 kms away from Annamalai University. From the university, take the Kavarapattu road and then take the Perampattu road. The temple is on this road itself.

 Other Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams near this place are – Chidambaram, Thiruvetkalam and Thirukkazhippalai.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 3^rd Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has a single corridor and it has a 5-tiered main tower (Rajagopuram).
• The last consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) took place on 11.09.2008. Before that, the ceremonies were held on 01.09.1982, 16.06.1957 and 24.05.1928.

History of the Temple

The historical name of this place is Thirunelvoyil.  “Thiru” a respectful prefix, “nel voyil” means “sprawling paddy fields at the entrance of the village”. However, now this place is called “Shiva Puri”.

Legend

It is believed that Saint Thirugnanasambanthar stayed in Thiruvetkalam, a neighbouring Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam, and visited other temples from there. During one of his visits to this temple, he was blessed with food at noon time by Lord Shiva in the guise of the temple priest. Hence, the lord here is praised as “Sri Uchinatheswarar” – “Uchi” means noon, “Nathar” means lord and “Eswarar” is a respectful suffix in Tamil. In Sanskrit, the lord is called “Sri Madhyaneswarar”.

It is also believed that sage Agasthiyar and Kanva Maharishi have worshiped the lord of this temple.

Deities in the temple

Apart from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy’s shrines, shrines and idols of lords Vinayakar, Murugan, Narthana Vinayakar, Natarajar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Pancha Lingams, Saneeswaran, Chandiran, Suryan, Thirugnanasaambanthar, Kasi Viswanathar, Navagraham, Bairavar, Durgai and Chandikeswarar can be seen in the corridors.

Salient Features

Behind the main deity in the sanctum sanctorum, there is a sculpture that depicts Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi in their wedding form.

Saint Arunagirinadhar has sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

The pillars in this temple have beautifully carved reliefs.

Greatness of this temple

Devotees perform the ritual of “Annaprashan” (feeding the child rice for the first time) in this temple with the hope that their child would never have to face food shortage in his life.

Important Festivals

Some of the important festivals celebrated in this temple are –

Vaikasi Visakam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (Mar-Apr),

Navarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct),

Soma Varams (Mondays) in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec).

 Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

From 07.00 AM to 12.00 noon and 04.30 PM to 07.30 PM

Temple Address

Sri Uchinatheswarar Temple,
Sivapuri Post,
Annamalai Nagar Via,
Chidambaram Taluk,
Cuddalore District,
Tamil Nadu – 608002.

Tele: +91 98426 24580.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.
Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

புடையி னார்புள்ளி கால்பொ ருந்திய
மடையி னார்மணி நீர்நெல் வாயிலார்
நடையில் நால்விரற் கோவ ணந்நயந்
துடையி னாரெம துச்சி யாரே.

“Puṭaiyi ṉārpuḷḷi kālpo runthiya
maṭaiyi ṉārmaṇi nīrnel vāyilār
naṭaiyil nālviraṟ kōva ṇannayan
thuṭaiyi ṉārema thuchi yārē”.

வாங்கி னார்மதில் மேற்க ணைவெள்ளந்
தாங்கி னார்தலை யாய தன்மையர்
நீங்கு நீரநெல் வாயி லார்தொழ
ஓங்கி னாரெம துச்சி யாரே.

“Vāṅki ṉārmathil mēṟka ṇaiveḷḷan
thāṅki ṉārthalai yāya thaṉmaiyar
nīṅku nīranel vāyi lārthozha
ōṅki ṉārema thuchi yārē”.

நிச்ச லேத்தும்நெல் வாயி லார்தொழ
இச்சை யாலுறை வாரெம் மீசனார்
கச்சை யாவதோர் பாம்பி னார்கவின்
இச்சை யாரெம துச்சி யாரே.

“Nicha lēthumnel vāyi lārthozha
ichai yāluṟai vārem mīsaṉār
kachai yāvathōr pāmpi ṉārkaviṉ
ichai yārema thuchi yārē”.

மறையி னார்மழு வாளி னார்மல்கு
பிறையி னார்பிறை யோடி லங்கிய
நிறையி னாரநெல் வாயிலார் தொழும்
இறைவ னாரெம துச்சி யாரே.

“Maṟaiyi ṉārmazhu vāḷi ṉārmalku
piṟaiyi ṉārpiṟai yōṭi laṅkiya
niṟaiyi ṉāranel vāyilār thozhum
iṟaiva ṉārema thuchi yārē”.

விருத்த னாகிவெண் ணீறு பூசிய
கருத்த னார்கன லாட்டு கந்தவர்
நிருத்த னாரநெல் வாயில் மேவிய
ஒருத்த னாரெம துச்சி யாரே.

“Virutha ṉākiveṇ ṇīṟu pūsiya
karuha ṉārkaṉa lāṭṭu kanthavar
nirutha ṉāranel vāyil mēviya
orutha ṉārema thuchi yārē”.

காரி னார்கொன்றைக் கண்ணி யார்மல்கு
பேரி னார்பிறை யோடி லங்கிய
நீரி னாரநெல் வாயிலார் தொழும்
ஏரி னாரெம துச்சி யாரே.

“Kāri ṉārkoṉtṟaik kaṇṇi yārmalku
pēri ṉārpiṟai yōṭi laṅkiya
nīri ṉāranel vāyilār thozhum
ēri ṉārema thuchi yārē”.

ஆதி யாரந்த மாயி னார்வினை
கோதி யார்மதில் கூட்ட ழித்தவர்
நீதி யாரநெல் வாயி லார்மறை
ஓதி யாரெம துச்சி யாரே.

“Āthi yārantha māyi ṉārviṉai
kōthi yārmathil kūṭṭa zhithavar
nīthi yāranel vāyi lārmaṟai
ōthi yārema thuchi yārē”.

பற்றி னான்அரக் கன்க யிலையை
ஒற்றி னாரொரு கால்வி ரலுற
நெற்றி யாரநெல் வாயி லார்தொழும்
பெற்றி யாரெம துச்சி யாரே.

“Patṟi ṉāṉarak kaṉka yilaiyai
otṟi ṉāroru kālvi raluṟa
netṟi yāranel vāyi lārthozhum
petṟi yārema thuchi yārē”.

நாடி னார்மணி வண்ணன் நான்முகன்
கூடி னார்குறு காத கொள்கையர்
நீடி னாரநெல் வாயி லார்தலை
ஓடி னாரெம துச்சி யாரே.

“Nāṭi ṉārmaṇi vaṇṇaṉ nāṉmukaṉ
kūṭi ṉārkuṟu kātha koḷkaiyar
nīṭi ṉāranel vāyi lārthalai
ōṭi ṉārema thuchi yārē”.

குண்ட மண்துவர்க் கூறை மூடர்சொல்
பண்ட மாகவை யாத பண்பினர்
விண்ட யங்குநெல் வாயி லார்நஞ்சை
உண்ட கண்டரெம் உச்சி யாரே.

“Kuṇṭa maṇthuvark kūṟai mūṭarsol
paṇṭa mākavai yātha paṇpiṉar
viṇṭa yaṅkunel vāyi lārnañchai
uṇṭa kaṇṭarem uchi yārē”.

நெண்ப யங்குநெல் வாயி லீசனைச்
சண்பை ஞானசம் பந்தன் சொல்லிவை
பண்ப யன்கொளப் பாட வல்லவர்
விண்ப யன்கொளும் வேட்கை யாளரே.

“Neṇpa yaṅkunel vāyi līsaṉaich
chaṇpai gñāṉasam banthaṉ sollivai
paṇpa yaṉkoḷap pāṭa vallavar
viṇpa yaṉkoḷum vēṭkai yāḷarē”.

Location

Thiruvetkalam is located at a distance of about 4 kms from Chidambaram and it is near the Annamalai University campus.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams near this place are – Chidambaram, Thirunelvoyil (Sivapuri) and Thirukkazhippalai.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 2^nd Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has a 3-tiered main tower (Rajagopuram) and it has two corridors.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 02.07.2006. 

History of the Temple

In ancient times, this place was densely populated with bamboo trees. It is believed that this temple is more than 2000 years old and it was built by Pallava kings. At a later date, it was renovated by the Nattukkottai Chettiars. The historical name of this place is Moonkilvanam.

Legend

The legend of this place revolves around Arjuna – a celebrated archer and one of the five Pandavas. Before going to the Mahabharata war, it is believed that Lord Krishna advised Arjuna to visit this place and worship Lord Shiva here. On knowing about Arjuna’s penance, Duryodhana sent a demon Mookasura to kill Arjuna. Demon Mookasura took the form of a wild boar to interrupt Arjuna’s worship. On knowing this, Lord Shiva appeared there in the form of a hunter. It is also believed that the four Vedas followed the lord in the form of dogs in order to protect Arjuna.  The lord shot an arrow on the boar and killed it. At the same time, Arjuna had also released an arrow from his bow. Thereafter a scuffle arose between the two as to whose arrow had killed the boar. The scuffle lead to a fight and Lord Shiva broke Arjuna’s bow.

Angered by this, Arjuna hit Lord Shiva with his broken bow. This beating was felt throughout the world. The lord then kicked Arjuna and he went flying in the air. But because of the mercy of Goddess Parvathy, he fell in the temple’s sacred tank. Arjuna then realised that the hunter was none other than Lord Shiva himself and begged his pardon. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi gave darshan to Arjuna and blessed him with the Paasupathasthiram (an arrow). The scar mark on the lingam due to the blow from Arjuna’s bow can still be seen. Since the lord gave Paasupathasthiram to Arjuna, he is praised as Sri Paasupatheswarar.

The event of Lord Shiva’s fight with Arjuna is described in details in the epic “Kirathachuneeyam”.

Interestingly, the names of the villages surrounding this temple refer to this legend. The place where Lord Shiva broke Arjuna’s bow is known as “Villiruthan Kuttai” (villiruthan means “breaking the bow” and kuttai means place in Tamil), the place where Arjuna hit the lord is known as “Nakkar Ukanthakudi” (Nakkanthankudi) (Nakkar refers to the lord, Ukantha means cherished and kudi means place in Tamil) and the place where the fight took place is known as “Esan porveli” (Esan refers to the lord and porveli means fighting ground in Tamil).

It is also believed that sage Narada worshiped the lord of this temple.

It is believed that saint Thirugnanasambanthar stayed at Thiruvetkalam for few days and visited Chidambaram and othervnearby temples. In his hymn of this temple, he mentions this place as “Nannagar” (good city). Living up to its name of “Nannagar”, this place now has a sprawling university campus.

Deities in the temple

Apart from the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, shrines and idols of lords Nardana Vinayakar, Sidhdhi Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Adhi Paasupatheswarar and Sri Shakti, Somaskandar, Uchi Vinayakar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma in sitting posture, Durgai, Nalvar, Mahalakshmi, Navagraham, Bairavar, Suryan and Chandran can be seen in the corridors.

Procession idols of Arjuna and Lord Shiva (as Kirathakamurthy) holding the Paasupathasthiram with Goddess Parvathy can be seen in the hall.

Salient Features

The significance of this temple is that there is a single shrine for Suryan and Chandran. It is believed that on the days of solar and lunar eclipses, worshiping these two lords here would give respite from planet related doshams.

This temple’s hall has four pillars with beautifully carved reliefs that depict the following scene from this temple’s legend - Arjuna placing his weapons on the floor, his penance while standing on one leg, Lord Shiva coming in the form of a hunter, Lord Shiva and Arjuna’s fight and the lord giving Arjuna his darshan while seated on his bull mount. 

Saint Arunagirinadhar has sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

Greatness of this temple

Those facing speech impairment, particularly stammering problems, can worship the lord here. Devotees also believe that worshiping the lord here will remove obstacles from their marriage proposals. 

Important Festivals

Some of the important festivals celebrated in this temple are –

Tamil New Year day in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April 14^th);

Vaikasi Visakam / Arjuna Pasupathasthiram festival in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June);

Aani Tirumanjanam in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July);

Vinayaka Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (Aug-Sept);

Navarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct);

Maha Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb-Mar); and

Panguni Uthiram in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr).

Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

From 07.00 AM to 11.30 AM and 05.30 PM to 08.30 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Pasupatheswarar Temple,
Thiruvetkalam,
Annamalai Nagar Post,
Chidambaram,
Cuddalore District,
Tamil Nadu – 608002.

Tele: +91 98420 08291, 98433 88552.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

அந்தமும் ஆதியும் ஆகிய அண்ணல்
ஆரழல் அங்கை அமர்ந்திலங்க        
மந்த முழவம் இயம்ப
மலைமகள் காணநின் றாடிச்          
சந்த மிலங்கு நகுதலை கங்கை
தண்மதி யம்மய லேததும்ப          
வெந்தவெண் ணீறுமெய் பூசும்
வேட்கள நன்னக ராரே.

“Anthamum āthiyum ākiya aṇṇal
ārazhal aṅkai amarnthilaṅka
mantha muzhavam iyampa
malaimakaḷ kāṇaniṉ tṟāṭich
chantha milaṅku nakuthalai gaṅgai
thaṇmathi yam'maya lēthathumpa
venthaveṇ ṇīṟumey pūsum
vēṭkaḷa naṉṉaka rārē”.

சடைதனைத் தாழ்தலும் ஏறமு டித்துச்
சங்கவெண் தோடு சரிந்திலங்கப்
புடைதனிற் பாரிடஞ் சூழப்
போதரு மாறிவர் போல்வார்
உடைதனில் நால்விரற் கோவண ஆடை
உண்பதும் ஊரிடு பிச்சைவெள்ளை    
விடைதனை யூர்தி நயந்தார்
வேட்கள நன்னக ராரே.

“Saṭaithaṉaith thāzhthalum ēṟamu ṭiththuch
chaṅkaveṇ thōṭu sarinthilaṅkap
puṭaithaṉiṟ pāriṭañ chūzhap
pōtharu māṟivar pōlvār
uṭaithaṉil nālviraṟ kōvaṇa āṭai
uṇpathum ūriṭu pichaiveḷḷai
viṭaithaṉai yūrthi nayanthār
vēṭkaḷa naṉṉaka rārē”.

பூதமும் பல்கண மும்புடை சூழப்
பூமியும் விண்ணும் உடன்பொருந்தச்        
சீதமும் வெம்மையு மாகிச்
சீரொடு நின்றவெஞ் செல்வர்        
ஓதமுங் கானலுஞ் சூழ்தரு வேலை
உள்ளங் கலந்திசை யாலெழுந்த      
வேதமும் வேள்வியும் ஓவா
வேட்கள நன்னக ராரே.     

“Pūthamum palkaṇa mumpuṭai chūzhap
pūmiyum viṇṇum uṭaṉporunthach
chīthamum vem'maiyu mākich
chīroṭu niṉtṟaveñ chelvar
ōthamuṅ kāṉaluñ chūḻtharu vēlai
uḷḷaṅ kalanthisai yālezhuntha
vēthamum vēḷviyum ōvā
vēṭkaḷa naṉṉaka rārē”.

அரைபுல்கும் ஐந்தலை யாட லரவம்        
அமையவெண் கோவணத் தோடசைத்து      
வரைபுல்கு மார்பிலொராமை      
வாங்கி யணிந்த வர்தாந்          
திரைபுல்கு தெண்கடல் தண்கழி யோதந்            
தேனலங் கானலில் வண்டுபண்செய்ய            
விரைபுல்கு பைம்பொழில் சூழ்ந்த      
வேட்கள நன்னக ராரே.     

“Araipulkum ainthalai yāṭa laravam
amaiyaveṇ kōvaṇath thōṭasaiththu
varaipulku mārpilorāmai
vāṅki yaṇintha varthān
thiraipulku theṇkaṭal thaṇkazhi yōthan
thēṉalaṅ kāṉalil vaṇṭupaṇcsyya
viraipulku paimpozhil chūzhntha
vēṭkaḷa naṉṉaka rārē”. 

பண்ணுறு வண்டறை கொன்றை யலங்கல்      
பால்புரை நீறுவெண் ணூல்கிடந்த            
பெண்ணுறு மார்பினர் பேணார்          
மும்மதி லெய்த பெருமான்          
கண்ணுறு நெற்றி கலந்தவெண் திங்கட்            
கண்ணியர் விண்ணவர் கைதொழு தேத்தும்      
வெண்ணிற மால்விடை அண்ணல்    
வேட்கள நன்னக ராரே.   

“Paṇṇuṟu vaṇṭaṟai koṉtṟai yalaṅkal
pālpurai nīṟuveṇ ṇūlkiṭantha
peṇṇuṟu mārpiṉar pēṇār
mum'mathi leytha perumāṉ
kaṇṇuṟu netṟi kalanthaveṇ thiṅkaṭ
kaṇṇiyar viṇṇavar kaithozhu thēththum
veṇṇiṟa mālviṭai aṇṇal
vēṭkaḷa naṉṉaka rārē”.

கறிவளர் குன்றம் எடுத்தவன் காதற்    
கண்கவ ரைங்கணை யோனுடலம்          
பொறிவளர் ஆரழ லுண்ணப்        
பொங்கியபூத புராணர்      
மறிவள ரங்கையர் மங்கையொர் பங்கர்    
மைஞ்ஞிற மானுரி தோலுடையாடை      
வெறிவளர் கொன்றையந் தாரார்          
வேட்கள நன்னக ராரே.    

“Kaṟivaḷar kuṉtṟam eṭuththavaṉ kāthaṟ
kaṇkava raiṅkaṇai yōṉuṭalam
poṟivaḷar ārazha luṇṇap
poṅkiyapūtha purāṇar
maṟivaḷa raṅkaiyar maṅkaiyor paṅkar
maiññiṟa māṉuri thōluṭaiyāṭai
veṟivaḷar koṉtṟaiyan thārār
vēṭkaḷa naṉṉaka rārē”. 

மண்பொடிக் கொண்டெரித் தோர்சுடலை      
மாமலை வேந்தன் மகள்மகிழ          
நுண்பொடிச் சேரநின் றாடி    
நொய்யன செய்யல் உகந்தார்        
கண்பொடி வெண்டலை யோடுகை யேந்திக்    
காலனைக் காலாற் கடிந்துகந்தார்          
வெண்பொடிச் சேர்திரு மார்பர்        
வேட்கள நன்னக ராரே. 

“Maṇpoṭik koṇṭerith thōrsuṭalai
māmalai vēnthaṉ makaḷmakizha
nuṇpoṭich chēraniṉ tṟāṭi
noyyaṉa seyyal ukanthār
kaṇpoṭi veṇṭalai yōṭukai yēnthik
kālaṉaik kālāṟ kaṭinthukanthār
veṇpoṭich chērthiru mārpar
vēṭkaḷa naṉṉaka rārē”.

ஆழ்தரு மால்கடல் நஞ்சினை யுண்டார்            
அமுத மமரர்க் கருளிச்    
சூழ்தரு பாம்பரை யார்த்துச்          
சூலமோ டொண்மழு வேந்தித்          
தாழ்தரு புன்சடை யொன்றினை வாங்கித்          
தண்மதி யம்மய லேததும்ப          
வீழ்தரு கங்கை கரந்தார்      
வேட்கள நன்னக ராரே. 

“Āzhtharu mālkaṭal nañciṉai yuṇṭār
amutha mamarark karuḷich
chūzhtharu pāmparai yārththuch
chūlamō ṭoṇmazhu vēnthith
thāzhtharu puṉsaṭai yoṉtṟiṉai vāṅkith
thaṇmathi yam'maya lēthathumpa
vīzhtharu gaṅgai karanthār
vēṭkaḷa naṉṉaka rārē”. 

திருவொளி காணிய பேதுறு கின்ற        
திசைமுக னுந்திசை மேலளந்த        
கருவரை யேந்திய மாலுங்      
கைதொழ நின்றது மல்லால்          
அருவரை யொல்க எடுத்த அரக்கன்        
ஆடெழிற் றோள்க ளாழத்தழுந்த      
வெருவுற வூன்றிய பெம்மான்            
வேட்கள நன்னக ராரே.  

“Thiruvoḷi kāṇiya pēthuṟu kiṉtṟa
thisaimuka ṉunthisai mēlaḷantha
karuvarai yēnthiya māluṅ
kaithozha niṉtṟathu mallāl
aruvarai yolka eṭuththa arakkaṉ
āṭezhiṟ tṟōḷka ḷāzhaththazhuntha
veruvuṟa vūṉtṟiya pem'māṉ
vēṭkaḷa naṉṉaka rārē”.

அத்தமண் தோய்துவ ரார்அமண் குண்டர்            
யாதுமல் லாவுரை யேயுரைத்துப்    
பொய்த்தவம் பேசுவ தல்லாற்            
புறனுரை யாதொன்றுங் கொள்ளேல்    
முத்தன வெண்முறு வல்லுமை யஞ்ச        
மூரிவல் லானையின் ஈருரிபோர்த்த          
வித்தகர் வேத முதல்வர்      
வேட்கள நன்னக ராரே.    

“Athamaṇ thōythuva rār'amaṇ kuṇṭar
yāthumal lāvurai yēyuraiththup
poyththavam pēsuva thallāṟ
puṟaṉurai yāthoṉṟuṅ koḷḷēl
muthaṉa veṇmuṟu vallumai yañcha
mūrival lāṉaiyiṉ īruripōrththa
viththakar vētha muthalvar
vēṭkaḷa naṉṉaka rārē”. 

விண்ணியன் மாடம் விளங்கொளி வீதி
வெண்கொடி யெங்கும் விரிந்திலங்க          
நண்ணிய சீர்வளர் காழி
நற்றமிழ் ஞானசம் பந்தன்          
பெண்ணின்நல் லாளொரு பாகமமர்ந்து
பேணிய வேட்கள மேல்மொழிந்த        
பண்ணியல் பாடல்வல் லார்கள்
பழியொடு பாவமி லாரே.

“Viṇṇiyaṉ māṭam viḷaṅkoḷi vīthi
veṇkoṭi yeṅkum virinthilaṅka
naṇṇiya chīrvaḷar kāzhi
natṟamizh gñāṉasam banthaṉ
peṇṇiṉnal lāḷoru pākamamarntu
pēṇiya vēṭkaḷa mēlmozhintha
paṇṇiyal pāṭalval lārkaḷ
pazhiyoṭu pāvami lārē”.

Location 

Thirumanikkuzhi is situated at a distance of about 10 kms from Cuddalore and about 5 kms from Thiruvahindrapuram on the Cuddalore to Panruti (via Palur) route. 

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 17^th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• It is said that this temple is the first among the 1008 renowned Shiva temples.
• This east facing temple has three corridors (Prakarams) with a 5-tier main tower (Rajagopuram).
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 28.10.2012. 

History of the Temple

The temple is situated on the southern banks of river Gadilam and at the foothill of the Capper hills. It is believed that this temple was renovated by the ancient emperors Thirisangu and Harichandra. It was also improved during the time of the Chola kings. The historical names of this place are Vamanapuri, Indiralogam and Bheemasangama Kshetram.

Legend

The legend of this temple involves Lord Mahavishnu and Mahabali Chakravarthy - the grandson of the celebrated Vishnu devotee Prahlada. It is believed that Mahabali was a rat in his previous birth. While eating the ghee from a lamp in this temple’s sanctum, it incidentally raised the lamp’s wicks which was about to burn out. Pleased that the rat had lit a lamp in the temple, Lord Shiva granted the rat a boon that it will be reborn in a family of asura (demon) kings. This is how Mahabali Chakravarthy came into existence.

Mahabali was very charitable by nature. He would be ready to offer assistance to anyone in need of help. The celestial gods were very jealous of him and they sought the help of Lord Mahavishnu to bring about his downfall. Lord Mahavishnu took the avtar of “Vamana Brahmmachari” to destroy Mahabali.

Vamana approached Mahabali seeking three feet of land which he readily offered. Lord Mahavishnu then took his Thiruvikrama avatar and measured the entire earth with a single step of his feet. His second step covered the entire space. He then asked Mahabali what he had to offer for the third feet. Left with no other option, Mahabali politely offered his head. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Mahavishnu pushed him down towards the underworld (“Pathalam”) and made him one of the “Chiranjeevis” - the immortals.

It is believed that Lord Mahavishnu came to this place as a bachelor (Brahmachari), and worshiped Lord Shiva at the end of his “Vaamana Avathar”, to seek respite from his “Brahmhathi dosham”. Since Vaamana was of small stature and he would not have been able to see Lord Shiva face, Lord Shiva took a smaller form and appeared inside a pit (pit is called “kuzhi” in Tamil) to enable Mahavishnu to worship him. Since Lord Mahavishnu worshipped the lord here as a bachelor (bachelor means “Maani” in Tamil) and since the lord appeared inside a pit (kuzhi), this place is called “Thiru Manikkuzhi” (“Thiru” is a respectful prefix). The lord here is praised as “Sri Manikkavarathar”.

It is believed that Lord Mahavishnu is always worshiping Lord Shiva here. He also requested Lord Shiva that there should not be any disturbances to his worship. Lord Shiva asked one of his “Sivaganams” (guards) -  Kubera Bheema Rudra, to stay back at this place, form a protective screen and protect Mahavishnu any interference. Lord Shiva also absolved Lord Mahavishnu of his sins.

It is to be noted that Pooja is first offered to Kubera Bheema Rudra to get his permission and then offered to Lord Shiva. Kubera Bheema Rudra’s image can be seen on the screen in front of Lord Shiva. This screen is closed after every Aarathi. This procedure is unique to this temple.

Another legend associated with this place is that Lord Shiva saved a north Indian merchant called Athri from thieves.  Hence the lord here is also praised as “Sri Udhavi Nayakar” and the Goddess Parvathy is called “Sri Udhavi Nayagi” (Udhavi means help in Tamil). This place was also earlier known as Udhavi. This has been mentioned in the stone inscriptions present in this temple. Saint Thirugnanasambanthar has referred to this place as “Udhavi Maanikuzhi” in his hymn of this temple.

There is another legend which states that this temple was raised by Lord Suryan (Sun God) to perform his poojas to Lord Shiva.

Gadilam River represents the grace of Goddess Mahalakshmi while Goddess Saraswathi flows in the form of the river Swetha. It is believed that Thirumanikkuzhi is the meeting point of both these rivers.

Deities in the temple

Apart from the shrines of Lord Vamanapureeswarar’s and Goddess Ambujakshi, there are shrines and idols of lords Selva Vinayakar, Udhavi Vinayakar, Murugan and his consorts, Bala Saasta, Lingothbavar, Vishnu Sidhar Lingam, 63 Nayanmars, Saptha Madhakkals, Pancha Murthys, 4 Yuga Lingams, Theraya Maharishi, Markandeyar, Thirunavukarasar, Sattanathar, Goddess Gajalakshmi, Durgai, Chandikeswarar, Navagraham, Bhairavar, Suryan and Chandran can be seen in the corridors. 

Salient Features

It is believed that Lord Shiva here is always present with Goddess Parvathy as “Shivashakti”. The sanctum sanctorum itself is considered to be the bed room (“Palliyarai” in Tamil) of Lord Shiva.

This is the only Shiva temple where you cannot have dharisanam of the lord without the help of a priest. Devotees can worship the lord for a matter of 2 minutes when the screen is removed. As per the Sthala puranam, it is believed that this 2 minutes’ worth of worship is equal to performing Shiva Pooja for 12 days. If this darshan happens on a Prodosham day, it is considered to be equivalent to worshiping 3 times at Chidambaram, 8 times at Thiruvannamalai and 16 times at Banaras (Kasi).

This temple is considered to be significant for its three important attributes – Murthy, Sthalam and Theertham - glory of Lord, sacredness of the land and the auspicious temple theertham.

The legend (Sthala Puranam) related to Lord Mahavishnu’s Vamana Avtar and Mahabali Chakravarthi is beautifully chiselled on the front entrance wall of the sanctum.

Goddess Parvathi is holding two flowers in her hands - Lotus and Neelotpala. It is believed by devotees that worshiping the Goddess here would lessen their woes.

The Sthala puranam says that the four pillars in the hall (mandapam) before Lord Shiva’s shrine represent the four Vedas. In the next hall, the six pillars represent the six sashtras. The 28 pillars in the corridors represent the 28 agamas.

The Sthala puranam also says that Lord Dakshinamurthy here was worshiped by the Naga Devars and they were blessed with his discourses.

It is also believed that Markandeya visited and worshiped the lord here before visiting Thirukkadaiyur.

Saint Arunagirinadhar has also sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

This temple’s Sthala viruksham, Kontrai tree is very old and is said to have existed through the previous yugas.

Greatness of this temple

Devotees seeking “Santhana Prapthi” (child boon) come here and worship Goddess Ambujakshi. There is also a procedure involved in this worship. The devotees are advised to circumambulate the shrine eleven times wearing wet clothes on a new moon day. They are also advised to offer butter as “naivedhyam” and consume it for 45 days. 

Important Festivals

The important festivals celebrated in this temple are as follows -

Navarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct),

Maha Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar),

Rohini Deepa Brahmotsavam (Car Festival) in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec).

During the Brahmotsavam, a lamp (called the moksha lamp) is lit on a hill opposite to the temple. This hill is called Jyothigiri or Rathnagiri.  

On the day of the Rohini Nakshatram, thousands of devotees undertake Girivalam (circumambulation of the hill). This is similar to the Girivalam that takes place in  Thiruvannamalai temple on full moon days (Purnima).

 Prodosham is also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

07.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 04.30 PM to 08.30 PM

Temple Address

Sri Vamanapureeswarar temple,
Tirumanikuzhi Post,
Cuddalore Taluk and District
Tamil Nadu – 607 401.
Tele: +91 4142-224 328.

Contact the temple priests’ Sri Nataraja Gurukkal at 09486387154, Sri Satish Gurukkal at 09047238423, 09626321383 and Sri Manikandan Gurukkal at 9787607727.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

பொன்னியல் பொருப்பரையன் மங்கையொரு பங்கர்புனல் தங்குசடைமேல்
வன்னியொடு மத்தமலர் வைத்தவிறல் வித்தகர் மகிழ்ந்துறைவிடங்
கன்னியிள வாளைகுதி கொள்ளவிள வள்ளைபடர் அள்ளல்வயல்வாய்
மன்னியிள மேதிகள் படிந்துமனை சேருதவி மாணிகுழியே.

“Poṉṉiyal porupparaiyaṉ maṅkaiyoru paṅkarpuṉal thaṅkusaṭaimēl
vaṉṉiyoṭu mathamalar vaithaviṟal vithakar makizhnthuṟaiviṭaṅ
kaṉṉiyiḷa vāḷaikuthi koḷḷaviḷa vaḷḷaipaṭar aḷḷalvayalvāy
maṉṉiyiḷa mēthikaḷ paṭinthumaṉai sēruthavi māṇikuzhiyē”.

சோதிமிகு நீறதுமெய் பூசியொரு தோலுடை புனைந்துதெருவே
மாதர்மனை தோறும்இசை பாடிவசி பேசும்அர னார்மகிழ்விடந்
தாதுமலி தாமரைம ணங்கமழ வண்டுமுரல் தண்பழனமிக்
கோதமலி வேலைபுடை சூழுலகில் நீடுதவி மாணிகுழியே.

“Chōthimiku nīṟathumey pūsiyoru thōluṭai puṉainthutheruvē
mātharmaṉai thōṟumisai pāṭivasi pēsumara ṉārmakizhviṭan
thāthumali thāmaraima ṇaṅkamazha vaṇṭumural thaṇpazhaṉamik
kōthamali vēlaipuṭai chūzhulakil nīṭuthavi māṇikuzhiyē”.

அம்பனைய கண்ணுமை மடந்தையவள் அஞ்சிவெரு வச்சினமுடைக்
கம்பமத யானையுரி செய்தஅர னார்கருதி மேயவிடமாம்
வம்புமலி சோலைபுடை சூழமணி மாடமது நீடியழகார்
உம்பரவர் கோன்நகர மென்னமிக மன்னுதவி மாணிகுழியே.

“Ampaṉaiya kaṇṇumai maṭanthaiyavaḷ añchiveru vachiṉamuṭaik
kampamatha yāṉaiyuri seytha'ara ṉārkaruthi mēyaviṭamām
vampumali chōlaipuṭai chūzhamaṇi māṭamathu nīṭiyazhakār
umparavar kōṉnakara meṉṉamika maṉṉuthavi māṇikuzhiyē”.

நித்தநிய மத்தொழில னாகிநெடு மால்குறள னாகிமிகவுஞ்
சித்தமதொ ருக்கிவழி பாடுசெய நின்றசிவ லோகனிடமாங்
கொத்தலர் மலர்ப்பொழிலின் நீடுகுல மஞ்ஞைநடம் ஆடலதுகண்
டொத்தவரி வண்டுகளு லாவியிசை பாடுதவி மாணிகுழியே.

“Nithaniya mahozhila ṉākineṭu mālkuṟaḷa ṉākimikavuñ
chithamatho rukkivazhi pāṭuseya niṉtṟasiva lōkaṉiṭamāṅ
kothalar malarppozhiliṉ nīṭukula mañjainaṭam āṭalathukaṇ
ṭothavari vaṇṭukaḷu lāviyisai pāṭuthavi māṇikuzhiyē”.

மாசில்மதி சூடுசடை மாமுடியர் வல்லசுரர் தொன்னகரமுன்
நாசமது செய்துநல வானவர்க ளுக்கருள்செய் நம்பனிடமாம்
வாசமலி மென்குழல் மடந்தையர்கள் மாளிகையில் மன்னியழகார்
ஊசல்மிசை யேறியினி தாகஇசை பாடுதவி மாணிகுழியே.

“Māsilmathi chūṭusaṭai māmuṭiyar vallasurar thoṉṉakaramuṉ
nāsamathu seythunala vāṉavarka ḷukkaruḷsey nampaṉiṭamām
vāsamali meṉkuzhal maṭanthaiyarkaḷ māḷikaiyil maṉṉiyazhakār
ūsalmisai yēṟiyiṉi thāka'isai pāṭuthavi māṇikuzhiyē”.

மந்தமலர் கொண்டுவழி பாடுசெயு மாணியுயிர் வவ்வமனமாய்
வந்தவொரு காலனுயிர் மாளவுதை செய்தமணி கண்டனிடமாஞ்
சந்தினொடு காரகில் சுமந்துதட மாமலர்கள் கொண்டுகெடிலம்
உந்துபுனல் வந்துவயல் பாயுமண மாருதவி மாணிகுழியே.

“Manthamalar koṇṭuvazhi pāṭuseyu māṇiyuyir vavvamaṉamāy
vanthavoru kālaṉuyir māḷavuthai seythamaṇi kaṇṭaṉiṭamāñ
chanthiṉoṭu kārakil sumanthuthaṭa māmalarkaḷ koṇṭugaṭilam
unthupuṉal vanthuvayal pāyumaṇa māruthavi māṇikuzhiyē”.

எண்பெரிய வானவர்கள் நின்றுதுதி செய்யஇறை யேகருணையாய்
உண்பரிய நஞ்சதனை உண்டுலகம் உய்யஅருள் உத்தமனிடம்
பண்பயிலும் வண்டுபல கெண்டிமது உண்டுநிறை பைம்பொழிலின்வாய்
ஒண்பலவின் இன்கனி சொரிந்துமணம் நாறுதவி மாணிகுழியே.

“Eṇperiya vāṉavarkaḷ niṉtṟuthuthi seyya'iṟai yēkaruṇaiyāy
uṇpariya nañchathaṉai uṇṭulakam uyya'aruḷ uthamaṉiṭam
paṇpayilum vaṇṭupala keṇṭimathu uṇṭuniṟai paimpozhiliṉvāy
oṇpalaviṉ iṉkaṉi sorinthumaṇam nāṟuthavi māṇikuzhiyē”.

எண்ணமது வின்றியெழி லார்கைலை மாமலை யெடுத்ததிறலார்
திண்ணிய அரக்கனை நெரித்தருள் புரிந்தசிவ லோகனிடமாம்
பண்ணமரும் மென்மொழியி னார்பணைமு லைப்பவள வாயழகதார்
ஒண்ணுதல் மடந்தையர் குடைந்துபுன லாடுதவி மாணிகுழியே.

“Eṇṇamathu viṉtṟiyezhi lārkailai māmalai yeṭuthathiṟalār
thiṇṇiya arakkaṉai neritharuḷ purinthasiva lōkaṉiṭamām
paṇṇamarum meṉmozhiyi ṉārpaṇaimu laippavaḷa vāyazhakathār
oṇṇuthal maṭanthaiyar kuṭainthupuṉa lāṭuthavi māṇikuzhiyē”.

நேடும்அய னோடுதிரு மாலும்உண ராவகை நிமிர்ந்துமுடிமேல்
ஏடுலவு திங்கள்மத மத்தமித ழிச்சடையெம் ஈசனிடமாம்
மாடுலவு மல்லிகை குருந்துகொடி மாதவி செருந்திகுரவின்
ஊடுலவு புன்னைவிரி தாதுமலி சேருதவி மாணிகுழியே.

“Nēṭumaya ṉōṭuthiru mālumuṇa rāvakai nimirnthumuṭimēl
ēṭulavu thiṅkaḷmatha mathamitha zhichaṭaiyem īsaṉiṭamām
māṭulavu mallikai kurunthukoṭi māthavi serunthikuraviṉ
ūṭulavu puṉṉaiviri thāthumali sēruthavi māṇikuzhiyē”.

மொட்டையமண் ஆதர்முது தேரர்மதி யில்லிகள் முயன்றனபடும்
முட்டைகள் மொழிந்தமொழி கொண்டருள்செய் யாதமுதல் வன்றனிடமாம்
மட்டைமலி தாழையிள நீர்முதிய வாழையில் விழுந்தஅதரில்
ஒட்டமலி பூகம்நிரை தாறுதிர வேறுதவி மாணிகுழியே.

“Moṭṭaiyamaṇ ātharmuthu thērarmathi yillikaḷ muyaṉtṟaṉapaṭum
muṭṭaikaḷ mozhinthamozhi koṇṭaruḷsey yāthamuthal vaṉtṟaṉiṭamām
maṭṭaimali thāḻaiyiḷa nīrmuthiya vāzhaiyil vizhuntha'atharil
oṭṭamali pūkamnirai thāṟuthira vēṟuthavi māṇikuzhiyē”.

உந்திவரு தண்கெடில மோடுபுனல் சூழுதவி மாணிகுழிமேல்
அந்திமதி சூடியஎம் மானையடி சேருமணி காழிநகரான்
சந்தம்நிறை தண்டமிழ் தெரிந்துணரும் ஞானசம் பந்தனதுசொல்
முந்தியிசை செய்துமொழி வார்களுடை யார்கள்நெடு வானநிலனே.

“Unthivaru thaṇgaṭila mōṭupuṉal chūzhuthavi māṇikuzhimēl
anthimathi chūṭiya'em māṉaiyaṭi sērumaṇi kāzhinakarāṉ
santhamniṟai thaṇṭamizh therinthuṇarum gñāṉasam banthaṉathusol
munthiyisai seythumozhi vārkaḷuṭai yārkaḷneṭu vāṉanilaṉē”.

Location 

Thiruvalithayam (Padi) is located at a distance of about 7 kms from the Koyambedu Bus Terminus on the Chennai to Thiruvallur route. It is about 12 kms from the Chennai Central railway station. The railway station nearest to Thiruvalithayam is Kurattur on the Chennai Central to Arakkonam route and this temple is about 2 kms away from it.

Thiruvalithayam is near the Paadi main junction and just opposite to the Lucas TVS Factory.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva sthalams near this temple are – Thiruvotriyur, Thirumullaivayil, Thiruverkadu, Mylapore and Thiruvanmiyur.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 21^st Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has a 3-tiered main tower (Rajagopuram) and it has two corridors.
• Lord Vinayakar’s wedding with Kamalai and Valli took place here.
• The Vimanam (roof tower) of the sanctum sanctorum has been constructed according to the Gaja Brishtam style of architecture.
• This temple is famous as a Parihara Sthalam for Lord Guru (planet Jupiter).
•  The last Consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 29-01-2012.

History of the Temple

This ancient temple is believed to have been constructed by Chola kings. The historical name of this place is Thiruvalithayam but it is now known as Paadi.

Legend

According to the legend, Lord Brahma's two daughters - Kamalai and Vimalai wished to marry Lord Shiva. Knowing that their wish is very difficult to be fulfilled, Lord Brahma sent them to worship Lord Shiva on the banks of river Paalaru. Lord Shiva was pleased with their penance and appeared before them. He told them that it was not possible for him to marry them as he was already married to Goddess Parvathi. He further advised them to marry Lord Vinayakar instead. Heading to Lord Shiva’s wishes, they married Lord Vinayakar in this place as soon as he returned after conquering the demon king Gajamukasuran. 

(Another legend states that Lord Vinayakar’s wifes are called Siddhi and Buddhi.)

Another legend is associated with this place dates back to the time of Mahabharatha. It is believed that Sage Bharadwaj (Dhronachariyar’s father), had visited this temple. It is believed that once Sage Bharadwaj had been cursed to take the form of a bird. He visited many Shiva temples and worship the lord to seek relief from this curse. Finally, he is believed to have reached this place, created a well (Bharadwaja Theertham), worshipped Lord Shiva here and got his curse lifted. The name Thiru Valithayam comes from “Valiyan” – a black bird in Tamil and “Thiru” is a respectful prefix.  Hence, the lord here is also praised as “Sri Valithaya Nathar”.

It is believed that Lords Indra, Mahavishnu, Ram, Hanuman, Lov, Kush, Manmadan, Sugreeva, Sage Agasthiar, Sage Bharadwaj, Yama, Vayu, Agni, Sun and Moon have worshiped the lord here.

It is believed that Planet Jupiter (Brahaspathi /Guru Bhagwan) worshipped Lord Shiva here and got relieved of his sins. 

Deities in the temple

Apart from shrines for the main deities - Lord Tiruvalleeswarar and Goddess Jagathambikai, there are shrines and idols of lords Varasidhi Vinayakar, Murugan, Somaskandar, Anjaneyar, Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Mahavishnu, Brahma, Suryan, Chandran, Dakshinamoorthy, Durgai, Navagraham, Bairavar, Nalvar and Arunagirinathar in the corridors.

Lord Vinayakar can be seen with his consorts and he is in his wedding form.

The corridors of this temple have Shivalingams that are believed to have been worshipped by Lord Indra, Sage Bharadwaj and Hanuman.

There is a separate shrine for Jupiter (Lord Guru Bhagwan) in the outer corridor.

Salient Features

As per the sthala puranam, there are eleven temples situated around this temple that adorn Thiruvlithayam like a garland. This makes Thiruvalidayam very auspicious. These eleven temples are – Mylapore, Thiruvanmiyur, Thiruverkadu, Thiruvirkolam, Thiru Ilambayankottur, Thiruvooral, Thiruvalangadu, Thiruvenpakkam, Thirupachur, Thirumullaivoyal and Thiruvogtriyur.

The vimana (roof tower) of the sanctum sanctorum is designed in a special style of architecture called the Gaja Brishtam. This makes the vimanam look like the rear of an elephant (Gaja - elephant, brishtam - rear).

The sanctum sanctorum is in the form of a semi-circular tank (Akazhi in Tamil).

Goddess Jagathambikai is facing south. From a single place, one is able to get dharisanam of both Lord Valleeswarar and the Goddess Jagathambikai.

Saint Arunagirinadhar has sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

The pillars of this temple have beautiful reliefs depicting many gods from the Hindu mythology. These include carvings of Lords Natarajar, Murugan, Kothandaramar, Machavathara Moorthy and Koormavadhara Moorthy.

Greatness of this temple

Devotees believe that worshiping the lord here on full moon days will grant them salvation.

This temple is considered as one of the Guru Parihara sthalams.

As Lord Vinayakar is in his wedding form in this temple, it is believed by devotees that worshiping him here will expedite their marriage proposals. 

Important Festivals

Some of the important festivals celebrated in this temple are –

Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May),

Thai Kruthikai in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb),

Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct–Nov),

Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Markazhi (Dec-Jan),

Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar) and

Jupiter (Guru) transit days.

Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

From 07.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and from 04.30 PM to 08.30 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Thiruvalleswarar Temple,
Thiruvalidayam, Padi,
Ambathur Taluk,
Thiruvallur District
Tamil Nadu – 600 050.
Tele: +91 - 44 - 2654 0706.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

பத்தரோடுபல ரும்பொலியம்மலர் அங்கைப் புனல்தூவி    
ஒத்தசொல்லியுல கத்தவர்தாந்தொழு தேத்த உயர்சென்னி    
மத்தம்வைத்தபெரு மான்பிரியாதுறை கின்ற வலிதாயம்    
சித்தம்வைத்தஅடி யாரவர் மேலடை யாமற் றிடர்நோயே.   

“Patharōṭupala rumpoliyam'malar aṅkaip puṉalthūvi
othasolliyula kathavarthānthozhu thētha uyarseṉṉi
mathamvaithaperu māṉpiriyāthuṟai kiṉtṟa valithāyam
sithamvaitha'aṭi yāravar mēlaṭai yāmaṟ ṟiṭarnōyē”.

படையிலங்குகரம் எட்டுடை யான்படி றாகக் கனலேந்திக்    
கடையிலங்குமனையிற்பலிகொண்டுணுங் கள்வன்னுறை கோயில்    
மடையிலங்குபொழி லின்நிழல்வாய்மது வீசும் வலிதாயம்    
அடையநின்றஅடி யார்க்கடையாவினை அல்லல் துயர்தானே.   

“Paṭaiyilaṅkukaram eṭṭuṭai yāṉpaṭi ṟākak kaṉalēnthik
kaṭaiyilaṅku maṉaiyiṟ palikoṇṭuṇuṅ kaḷvaṉṉuṟai kōyil
maṭaiyilaṅkupozhi liṉnizhalvāymathu vīsum valithāyam
aṭaiyaniṉtṟa'aṭi yārkkaṭaiyāviṉai allal thuyarthāṉē”.

ஐயனொய்யன்அணி யன்பிணியில்லவ ரென்றுந் தொழுதேத்தச்    
செய்யன்வெய்யபடை யேந்தவல்லான்திரு மாதோ டுறைகோயில்    
வையம்வந்துபணி யப்பிணிதீர்த்துயர் கின்ற வலிதாயம்    
உய்யும்வண்ணம்நினை மின்நினைந்தால்வினை தீருந் நலமாமே.

“Aiyaṉoyyaṉaṇi yaṉpiṇiyillava reṉtṟun thozhuthēthach
cheyyaṉveyyapaṭai yēnthavallāṉthiru māthō ṭuṟaikōyil
vaiyamvanthupaṇi yappiṇithīrthuyar kiṉtṟa valithāyam
uyyumvaṇṇamniṉai miṉniṉainthālviṉai thīrun nalamāmē”.

ஒற்றைஏறதுடை யான்நடமாடியோர் பூதப் படைசூழப்    
புற்றில்நாகம்அரை யார்த்துழல்கின்றஎம் பெம்மான் மடவாளோ    
டுற்றகோயிலுல கத்தொளிமல்கிட உள்கும் வலிதாயம்    
பற்றிவாழும்அது வேசரணாவது பாடும் மடியார்க்கே.    

“Otṟṟai'ēṟathuṭai yāṉnaṭamāṭiyōr pūthap paṭaichūḻzhp
putṟilnākamarai yārthuzhalkiṉtṟa'em pem'māṉ maṭavāḷō
ṭutṟakōyilula kathoḷimalkiṭa uḷkum valithāyam
patṟivāzhumathu vēsaraṇāvathu pāṭum maṭiyārkkē”.

புந்தியொன்றிநினை வார்வினையாயின தீரப் பொருளாய    
அந்தியன்னதொரு பேரொளியான்அமர் கோயில் அயலெங்கும்    
மந்திவந்துகடு வன்னொடுங்கூடி வணங்கும் வலிதாயஞ்    
சிந்தியாதஅவர் தம்மடும்வெந்துயர் தீர்த லெளிதன்றே. 

“Punthiyoṉtṟiniṉai vārviṉaiyāyiṉa thīrap poruḷāya
anthiyaṉṉathoru pēroḷiyāṉamar kōyil ayaleṅkum
manthivanthukaṭu vaṉṉoṭuṅkūṭi vaṇaṅkum valithāyañ
sinthiyātha'avar tham'maṭumventhuyar thīrtha leḷithaṉtṟē”.

ஊனியன்றதலை யிற்பலிகொண்டுல கத்துள் ளவரேத்தக்    
கானியன்றகரி யின்னுரிபோர்த்துழல் கள்வன் சடைதன்மேல் வானியன்றபிறை வைத்தஎம்மாதி மகிழும் வலிதாயம்    
தேனியன்றநறு மாமலர்கொண்டுநின் றேத்தத் தெளிவாமே. 

“Ūṉiyaṉtṟathalai yiṟpalikoṇṭula kathuḷ ḷavarēththak
kāṉiyaṉtṟakari yiṉṉuripōrthuzhal kaḷvaṉ saṭaithaṉmēl
vāṉiyaṉtṟapiṟai vaitha'em'māthi makizhum valithāyam
thēṉiyaṉtṟanaṟu māmalarkoṇṭuniṉ tṟēthath theḷivāmē”.

கண்ணிறைந்தவிழி யின்னழலால்வரு காமன் னுயிர்வீட்டிப்    பெண்ணிறைந்தவொரு பால்மகிழ்வெய்திய பெம்மா னுறைகோயில்    
மண்ணிறைந்தபுகழ் கொண்டடியார்கள் வணங்கும் வலிதாயத்    
துண்ணிறைந்தபெரு மான்கழலேத்தநம் உண்மைக் கதியாமே. 

“Kaṇṇiṟainthavizhi yiṉṉazhalālvaru kāmaṉ ṉuyirvīṭṭip
peṇṇiṟainthavoru pālmakizhveythiya pem'mā ṉuṟaikōyil
maṇṇiṟainthapukazh koṇṭaṭiyārkaḷ vaṇaṅkum valithāyath
thuṇṇiṟainthaperu māṉkazhalēthanam uṇmaik kathiyāmē”.

கடலில்நஞ்சமமு துண்டிமையோர்தொழு தேத்த நடமாடி    
அடலிலங்கையரை யன்வலிசெற்றருள் அம்மா னமர்கோயில்    
மடலிலங்குகமு கின்பலவின்மது விம்மும் வலிதாயம்    
உடலிலங்கும் உயிர்ருள்ளளவுந்தொழ உள்ளத் துயர்போமே.   

“Kaṭalilnañcamamu thuṇṭimaiyōrthozhu thēththa naṭamāṭi
aṭalilaṅkaiyarai yaṉvalisetṟaruḷ am'mā ṉamarkōyil
maṭalilaṅkukamu kiṉpalaviṉmatu vim'mum valithāyam
uṭalilaṅkum uyirruḷḷaḷavunthozha uḷḷat thuyarpōmē”.

பெரியமேருவரை யேசிலையாமலை வுற்றா ரெயில்மூன்றும் எரியஎய்தவொரு வன்னிருவர்க்கறி வொண்ணா வடிவாகும் எரியதாகியுற வோங்கியவன்வலி தாயந் தொழுதேத்த    
உரியராகவுடை யார்பெரியாரென உள்கும் முலகோரே.        

“Periyamēruvarai yēsilaiyāmalai vutṟā reyilmūṉtṟum
eriya'eythavoru vaṉṉiruvarkkaṟi voṇṇā vaṭivākum
eriyathākiyuṟa vōṅkiyavaṉvali thāyan thozhuthēththa
uriyarākavuṭai yārperiyāreṉa uḷkum mulakōrē”.

ஆசியாரமொழி யாரமண் சாக்கிய ரல்லா தவர்கூடி    
ஏசியீரமில ராய்மொழிசெய்தவர் சொல்லைப் பொருளென்னேல்    
வாசிதீர அடியார்க்கருள்செய்து வளர்ந்தான் வலிதாயம்    
பேசும் ஆர்வமுடை யாரடியாரெனப் பேணும் பெரியோரே.    

“Āsiyāramozhi yāramaṇ chākkiya rallā thavarkūṭi
ēsiyīramila rāymozhiseythavar sollaip poruḷeṉṉēl
vāsithīra aṭiyārkkaruḷseythu vaḷarnthāṉ valithāyam
pēsum ārvamuṭai yāraṭiyāreṉap pēṇum periyōrē”.

வண்டுவைகும்மணம் மல்கியசோலை வளரும் வலிதாயத்    
தண்டவாணனடி யுள்குதலால்அருள் மாலைத் தமிழாகக்    
கண்டல்வைகுகடற் காழியுள்ஞானசம் பந்தன் தமிழ்பத்துங்   கொண்டுவைகியிசை பாடவல்லார்குளிர் வானத் துயர்வாரே.

“Vaṇṭuvaikum'maṇam malkiyachōlai vaḷarum valithāyath
thaṇṭavāṇaṉaṭi yuḷkutalālaruḷ mālaith thamizhākak
kaṇṭalvaikukaṭaṟ kāzhiyuḷ gñāṉasam banthaṉ tamizhpaththuṅ
koṇṭuvaikiyisai pāṭavallārkuḷir vāṉath thuyarvārē”.

Location

Thiruthuraiyur is situated at a distance of about 10 kms from Panruti on the Villupuram to Panruti route. From Villupuram it is about 20 kms and from Cuddalore it is about 32 kms.

There is a railway station here on the Villupuram to Cuddalore railway line. This temple is about 3 kms away from there.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 15^th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This west facing temple has no main tower (Raja Gopuram) and has one corridor.
• This is the birth place of Saint Arunandhi Sivachariyar - one of the four "Santhana Kuravarkal".

History of the Temple

The temple is situated on the southern bank of the river Pennai / Malattaru. From Sundarar’s hymn of this temple it is known that during his period the river was flowing on northern side of the temple, but now it flows on the opposite side. The historical name of this place is Thiruthuraiyur but it is now known as Thiruthalur.

As per the stone inscriptions, this village was earlier called “Rajaraja Valanattuth Thirumunaippadi Thiruthuraiyur”.  The lord here is named “Thava Neri Aludaiyar”.

Legend

As per the sthala purana of this temple, Saint Sundarar came to this temple after visiting Thiruvennainallur. Thiruvennainallur is where he is believed to have rendered his first hymn and been bestowed with sainthood. On his way to this temple, he was unable to cross the river Thenpennai. He prayed to the lord for his help in crossing the river. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi appeared before him in the form of an old couple and helped him cross the river on a reef boat (Odam). 

After crossing the river, the old couple disappeared and there was a divine voice that directed him to this temple. This story is believed to be the origin of the name “Kizhappakkam”. When Sundarar looked towards this temple, he is believed to have seen Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy on their bull mount (Rishaba Vakanam).

A beautiful sculpture depicting this dharisanam can be seen on top of the entrance hall. There is also a relief in a pillar that depicts Sundarar crossing the river Pennai on a reef boat.

It is believed that in this temple Saint Sundarar was blessed with spiritual powers by Lord Shiva. This was witnessed by Lord Vinayakar. Since Lord Shiva is believed to have taught the rules and principles of penance (“Thava Neri” and “Arumaraikal”), as a guru, the lord here is praised as “Shista Guru Natheswarar”. Prior to this, the lord was known as Sri Pasupatheeswarar and the Goddess was known as Sri Poongothai Nayaki.

Beautiful stone reliefs of Sundarar getting the darshan of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi can be seen next to Lord Dakshinamurthy’s shrine. Idols of Lord Vinayakar, who witnessed Lord Shiva’s discourses can also be seen there.

It is believed that Sage Narada, Sage Vashistar, Sage Agasthiar, Suryan, Lord Ram, Seeta and Bhima have worshiped the lord of this temple.

Deities in the Temple

Apart from the shrines of the main deities, there are shrines and idols of lords Narthana Vinayakar, Bala Murugan, Natarajar, Rama Lingam, Bheema Lingam, Adi Kesava Pakthavatsala Perumal, Subramanyar with his consorts, Dakshinamurthy, Annamalaiyar, Durgai, Chandikeswarar, Kalabairavar, Surya Lingam, Suryan, Nalvar and Navagraham in the corridors.

There is another Shivalingam near the temple’s sthala viruksham that is believed to have been worshiped by Sage Agasthiar.

Salient Features

The significance of this temple is that Lord Vinayakar is facing the east, Lord Shiva is facing the west, Lord Murugan is facing the south and the Goddess Parvathi is facing the north. Since the four main deities are facing different directions, this temple is considered very unique and auspicious.

Thiruthuraiyur is the first temple where Sundarar rendered his hymn after obtaining sainthood at Thiruvennainallur. Before this he had rendered a hymn at his birth place Thirunavalur. In his hymn of this temple, saint Sundarar can be seen pleading with the lord to teach him the principles of penance.

Saint Arunagirinadhar has sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

It is said that Suryan is worshiping the Lord here during the first week of Tamil month Chithirai (April-May) by directing his rays on the lingam in the evenings.

There is a famous shrine for Ashtapuja Pathrakali (Kali with eight hands) outside this temple. There is also another shrine for Lord Shiva at Kizhappakkam (a place near this temple).

This is the birth place of Saint Arunandhi Sivachariyar, popularly known as “Sakalakama Pandithar”. He is the second of the four “Santhana Kuravarkal” and has written the famous treatises on “sastra” - “Shivagnana Sidhiyar” and “Iruba Irubadu”.  There is a separate shrine at his place of burial (Gurumurtham).

Greatness of this Temple

This is the temple where Lord Guru occupies an important position. Hence, special pujas are conducted on all Thursdays to Lord Shiva and Lord Dakshinamurthy. Devotees believe that worshiping the lord here on Thursdays will bless them with excellence in education.

It is believed that those seeking “santhana prapthi” (child boon) can pray to Goddess Shivaloka Nayaki here for nine consecutive Fridays. 

Important Festivals

10-day Brahmotsavam in “Vaikasi Visakam” in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), Skanda Sashti and Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November) and Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar) are the important festivals celebrated in this temple.

Pradosham is also observed regularly. 

Temple Timings

From 06.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Shista Gurunathar Temple,
Thiruthuraiyur Post,
Panruti Taluk,
Cuddalore District
Tamil Nadu – 607 205.
Tele: +91 4142 248498.

The temple priest Sri A.Murali Gurukkal can be contacted at 094448 07393.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

மலையார் அருவித் திரள்மா மணியுந்திக்
குலையாரக் கொணர்ந்தெற்றி யோர்பெண்ணை வடபாற்
கலையார் அல்குற்கன் னியராடுந் துறையூர்த்
தலைவா உனைவேண்டிக் கொள்வேன் தவநெறியே.

“Malaiyār aruvith thiraḷmā maṇiyunthik
kulaiyārak koṇarnthetṟi yōrpeṇṇai vaṭapāṟ
kalaiyār alkuṟkaṉ ṉiyarāṭun thuṟaiyūrth
thalaivā uṉaivēṇṭik koḷvēṉ thavaneṟiyē”.

மத்தம் மதயானை யின்வெண் மருப்புந்தி
முத்தங் கொணர்ந்தெற்றி யோர்பெண்ணை வடபாற்
பத்தர் பயின்றேத்திப் பரவுந் துறையூர்
அத்தா உனைவேண்டிக் கொள்வேன் தவநெறியே.

“Matham mathayāṉai yiṉveṇ maruppunthi
muthaṅ koṇarnthetṟi yōrpeṇṇai vaṭapāṟ
pathar payiṉtṟēthip paravun thuṟaiyūr
athā uṉaivēṇṭik koḷvēṉ thavaneṟiyē”.

கந்தங் கமழ்கா ரகில்சந் தனமுந்திச்
செந்தண் புனல்வந் திழிபெண்ணை வடபால்
மந்தி பலமா நடமாடுந் துறையூர்
எந்தாய் உனைவேண்டிக் கொள்வேன் தவநெறியே.

“Kanthaṅ kamazhkā rakilsan thaṉamunthich
chenthaṇ puṉalvan thizhipeṇṇai vaṭapāl
manthi palamā naṭamāṭun thuṟaiyūr
enthāy uṉaivēṇṭik koḷvēṉ thavaneṟiyē”.

அரும்பார்ந் தனமல் லிகைசண் பகஞ்சாடிச்
சுரும்பாரக் கொணர்ந்தெற்றி யோர்பெண்ணை வடபால்
கரும்பார் மொழிக்கன் னியராடுந் துறையூர்
விரும்பா உனைவேண்டிக் கொள்வேன் தவநெறியே.

“Arumpārn thaṉamal likaisaṇ pakañchāṭich
churumpārak koṇarnthetṟi yōrpeṇṇai vaṭapāl
karumpār mozhikkaṉ ṉiyarāṭun thuṟaiyūr
virumpā uṉaivēṇṭik koḷvēṉ thavaneṟiyē”.

பாடார்ந் தனமாவும் பலாக்க ளுஞ்சாடி
நாடார வந்தெற்றி யோர்பெண்ணை வடபால்
மாடார்ந் தனமாளி கைசூழுந் துறையூர்
வேடா உனைவேண்டிக் கொள்வேன் தவநெறியே.

“Pāṭārn thaṉamāvum palākka ḷuñchāṭi
nāṭāra vanthetṟi yōrpeṇṇai vaṭapāl
māṭārn thaṉamāḷi kaichūzhun thuṟaiyūr
vēṭā uṉaivēṇṭik koḷvēṉ thavaneṟiyē”.

மட்டார் மலர்க்கொன் றையும்வன்னி யுஞ்சாடி
மொட்டாரக் கொணர்ந்தெற்றி யோர்பெண்ணை வடபால்
கொட்டாட் டொடுபாட் டொலியோவாத் துறையூர்ச்
சிட்டா உனைவேண்டிக் கொள்வேன் தவநெறியே.

“Maṭṭār malarkkoṉ tṟaiyumvaṉṉi yuñchāṭi
moṭṭārak koṇarnthtṟṟi yōrpeṇṇai vaṭapāl
koṭṭāṭ ṭoṭupāṭ ṭoliyōvāth thuṟaiyūrch
chiṭṭā uṉaivēṇṭik koḷvēṉ thavaneṟiyē”.

மாதார் மயிற்பீலி யும்வெண் ணுரையுந்தித்
தாதாரக் கொணர்ந்தெற்றி யோர்பெண்ணை வடபால்
போதார்ந் தனபொய்கை கள்சூழுந் துறையூர்
நாதா உனைவேண்டிக் கொள்வேன் தவநெறியே.

“Māthār mayiṟpīli yumveṇ ṇuraiyunthith
thāthārak koṇarnthetṟi yōrpeṇṇai vaṭapāl
pōthārn thaṉapoykai kaḷchūzhun thuṟaiyūr
nāthā uṉaivēṇṭik koḷvēṉ thavaneṟiyē”.

கொய்யா மலர்க்கோங் கொடுவேங்கை யுஞ்சாடிச்
செய்யாரக் கொணர்ந்தெற்றி யோர்பெண்ணை வடபால்
மையார் தடங்கண் ணியராடுந் துறையூர்
ஐயா உனைவேண்டிக் கொள்வேன் தவநெறியே.

“Koyyā malarkkōṅ koṭuvēṅkai yuñchāṭich
cheyyārak koṇarnthetṟi yōrpeṇṇai vaṭapāl
maiyār thaṭaṅkaṇ ṇiyarāṭun thuṟaiyūr
aiyā uṉaivēṇṭik koḷvēṉ thavaneṟiyē”.

விண்ணார்ந் தனமேகங் கள்நின்று பொழிய
மண்ணாரக் கொணர்ந்தெற்றி யோர்பெண்ணை வடபால்
பண்ணார் மொழிப்பா வையராடுந் துறையூர்
அண்ணா உனைவேண்டிக் கொள்வேன் தவநெறியே.

“Viṇṇārn thaṉamēkaṅ kaḷniṉtṟu pozhiya
maṇṇārak koṇarnthetṟi yōrpeṇṇai vaṭapāl
paṇṇār mozhippā vaiyarāṭun thuṟaiyūr
aṇṇā uṉaivēṇṭik koḷvēṉ thavaneṟiyē”.

மாவாய்ப் பிளந்தானும் மலர்மிசை யானும்
ஆவா அவர்தேடித் திரிந்தல மந்தார்
பூவார்ந் தனபொய்கை கள்சூழுந் துறையூர்த்
தேவா உனைவேண்டிக் கொள்வேன் தவநெறியே.

“Māvāyp piḷanthāṉum malarmisai yāṉum
āvā avarthēṭith thirinthala manthār
pūvārn thaṉapoykai kaḷchūzhun thuṟaiyūrth
thēvā uṉaivēṇṭik koḷvēṉ thavaneṟiyē”.

செய்யார் கமல மலர்நாவ லூர்மன்னன்
கையாற் றொழுதேத்தப் படுந்துறை யூர்மேற்
பொய்யாத் தமிழூரன் உரைத்தன வல்லார்
மெய்யே பெறுவார்கள் தவநெறி தானே.

“Seyyār kamala malarnāva lūrmaṉṉaṉ
kaiyāṟ tṟozhuthēthap paṭunthuṟai yūrmēṟ
poyyāth thamizhūraṉ uraithaṉa vallār
meyyē peṟuvārkaḷ thavaneṟi thāṉē”.

Location

Neivanai is located at a distance of about 15 kms from Ulunthurpet on the Ulundurpet to Thiruvennainallur route via Adanur.

Ulunthurpet is about 45 kms from Villupuram on the Villupuram to Trichy bypass route. Also, Ulunthurpet is about 21 kms from Virudhachalam.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and the 10^th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This temple has no main tower (Rajagopuram) and Dwajasthambam (flag post). It has a single corridor.

History of the Temple

This is one of the ancient temples of the erstwhile Thirumunaippadi Nadu. There are stone inscriptions in this temple dating back to the period of the Chola King Kulothungan-I. The lord’s name is inscribed as “Sri Porkudam Kodutharulia Nayanar” meaning “the lord who gifted a pot full of gold”.

Legend

It is believed that sages Sanaka, Sanatana, Sanandhana and Sanatkumara have worshipped Lord Shiva here. These four saints are collectively called “Kumaras” or "Sanakadi". These four sages are believed to have roamed the universe in the form of young children. As per Hindu mythology, they are described as the “first mind-born-sons” (Manasaputras) or spiritual sons of Lord Brahma. They are the disciples of Lord Dakshinamurthy.

The legend is that once this place was very fertile with paddy fields yielding plentiful harvest. The people were happy and prosperous which made them forget Lord Shiva. Angered by this, the lord directed Varuna, the God of rain, to cause a downpour in the region. Due to incessant rains, the lakes, tanks and all other water bodies began to flood. Fearing for their safety, people ran to the lord to seek his intervention.

Lord Shiva came there disguised as a youth and asked them to bring all the paddy bags from their homes and build a dam to prevent further calamity. Though the people lost all their possessions, they praised the youth as their saviour. He said that God was the giver of prosperity and they should not be ungrateful to him. The young man informed the people that there was a pot of gold (Swarna) in the well and they can take it to recover the loss of their harvest. Thereafter the young man disappeared and in his place, Lord Shiva appeared as a Swaymabu lingam.

As the lord is believed to have gifted a pot of gold (Swarna in Tamil), he is also praised as Sri Swarnakadeswarar. Since Lord Shiva himself helped build the dam (Anai in Tamil) with paddy (Nel in Tamil), the place was named Nel Anai which later changed to Neivanai.

Another legend associated with this temple is that of Saint Gnanasambanthar. During his pilgrimage, he reached this place late in the evening and was having trouble finding the temple. The lord sent Goddess Parvathi to guide Sambanthar to the temple. The place from where she called the child saint is called “Ethalavadi”.  Overjoyed that the Goddess herself had come to take him to the temple,  Sambanthar danced and sang the praise of Lord Shiva. A beautiful idol of Gnanasambanthar in dancing form can be seen here.

Deities in the temple

Other than the shrines of the main deities, there are shrines and idols of lords Vinayakar, Nataraja, Murugan with his consorts, Selva Vinayakar, Nalvar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Spadika Lingam, Lingothbavar, Navagraham, Kasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi, Lakshmi Naarayanar, Durgai, Chandikeswarar and Chandikeswari.

Idols of Bairavar, Suryan and Chandiran can also be seen in the corridors.

Salient Features

It is believed that every year, Suryan worships Lord Shiva in the early morning by illuminating the lingam in the sanctum on the Maha Shivrathri day in the Tamil month of Maasi. It is said that on this occasion, the lingam appears in four different colours - blue, green, white and red. This is a very unique occurrence. 

Lord Mahavishnu graces from a separate shrine in the corridor with Goddess Mahalakshmi on his lap as Lord Lakshmi Narayanar.

Lord Shiva’s procession deity is in the Arthanareeswara form. He is depicted in a standing form with a trident on his back. This symbolizes the oneness of Shiva and Shakti.

In his hymn of this temple, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar mentioned that “My lord resides in this fabled land of Nelvennai. Worshipping him is the duty of the righteous”.

Special pujas are offered to Lord Bhairavar on new moon days.

Greatness of this Temple

Devotees believe that performing poojas by applying white butter on the lingam (Vennaikappu in Tamil) will remove obstacles from marriage proposals, help them get better job opportunities and relieve them from their debts.

Important Festivals

The important festivals celebrated in this temple are –

Thirukarthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec),

Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb-Mar) and

Arudra Dharisanam in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan).

Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

From 06.00 AM to 09.00 AM and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM

Temple Address

Sri Swarnakadeswarar Temple,
Neivanai (Nelvennai)
Kuvadu Post, Erayur Via,
Ulundurpet, Taluk,
Villupuram district.
Tamil Nadu – 607201.
Tele:  +91 4149-291786, 094862 82952.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

நல்வெணெய் விழுதுபெய் தாடுதிர் நாடொறும்
நெல்வெணெய் மேவிய நீரே
நெல்வெணெய் மேவிய நீருமை நாடொறுஞ்
சொல்வணம் இடுவது சொல்லே.

“Nalveṇey vizhuthupey thāṭuthir nāṭoṟum
nelveṇey mēviya nīrē
nelveṇey mēviya nīrumai nāṭoṟuñ
cholvaṇam iṭuvathu chollē”.

நிச்சலும் அடியவர் தொழுதெழு நெல்வெணெய்க்
கச்சிள அரவசைத் தீரே
கச்சிள அரவசைத் தீருமைக் காண்பவர்
அச்சமொ டருவினை யிலரே.

“Nichalum aṭiyavar thozhuthezhu nelveṇeyk
kachiḷa aravasaith thīrē
kachiḷa aravasaith thīrumaik kāṇpavar
achamo ṭaruviṉai yilarē”.

நிரைவிரி தொல்புகழ் நெல்வெணெய் மேவிய
அரைவிரி கோவணத் தீரே
அரைவிரி கோவணத் தீருமை யலர்கொடு
உரைவிரிப் போருயர்ந் தோரே.

“Niraiviri tholpukazh nelveṇey mēviya
araiviri kōvaṇath thīrē
araiviri kōvaṇath thīrumai yalarkoṭu
uraivirip pōruyarn thōrē”.

நீர்மல்கு தொல்புகழ் நெல்வெணெய் மேவிய
ஊர்மல்கி உறையவல் லீரே
ஊர்மல்கி உறையவல் லீருமை யுள்குதல்
பார்மல்கு புகழவர் பண்பே.

“Nīrmalku tolpukazh nelveṇey mēviya
ūrmalki uṟaiyaval līrē
ūrmalki uṟaiyaval līrumai yuḷkuthal
pārmalku pukazhavar paṇpē”.

நீடிளம் பொழிலணி நெல்வெணெய் மேவிய
ஆடிளம் பாப்பசைத் தீரே
ஆடிளம் பாப்பசைத் தீருமை அன்பொடு
பாடுளம் உடையவர் பண்பே.

“Nīṭiḷam pozhilaṇi nelveṇey mēviya
āṭiḷam pāppasaith thīrē
āṭiḷam pāppasaith thīrumai aṉpoṭu
pāṭuḷam uṭaiyavar paṇpē”.

நெற்றியோர் கண்ணுடை நெல்வெணெய் மேவிய
பெற்றிகொள் பிறைநுத லீரே
பெற்றிகொள் பிறைநுத லீருமைப் பேணுதல்
கற்றறி வோர்கள்தங் கடனே.

“Netṟiyōr kaṇṇuṭai nelveṇey mēviya
petṟikoḷ piṟainutha līrē
petṟikoḷ piṟainutha līrumaip pēṇuthal
katṟaṟi vōrkaḷthaṅ kaṭaṉē”.

நிறையவர் தொழுதெழு நெல்வெணெய் மேவிய
கறையணி மிடறுடை யீரே
கறையணி மிடறுடை யீருமைக் காண்பவர்
உறைவதும் உம்மடிக் கீழே.

“Niṟaiyavar thozhuthezhu nelveṇey mēviya
kaṟaiyaṇi miṭaṟuṭai yīrē
kaṟaiyaṇi miṭaṟuṭai yīrumaik kāṇpavar
uṟaivathum um'maṭik kīzhē”.

நெருக்கிய பொழிலணி நெல்வெணெய் மேவியன்
றரக்கனை யசைவுசெய் தீரே
அரக்கனை யசைவுசெய் தீருமை யன்புசெய்
திருக்கவல் லாரிட ரிலரே.

“Nerukkiya pozhilaṇi nelveṇey mēviyaṉ
tṟarakkaṉai yasaivuchey thīrē
arakkaṉai yasaivuchey thīrumai yaṉpusey
thirukkaval lāriṭa rilarē”.

நிரைவிரி சடைமுடி நெல்வெணெய் மேவியன்
றிருவரை யிடர்கள்செய் தீரே
இருவரை இடர்கள்செய் தீருமை யிசைவொடு
பரவவல் லார்பழி யிலரே.

“Niraiviri saṭaimuṭi nelveṇey mēviyaṉ
tṟiruvarai yiṭarkaḷsey thīrē
iruvarai iṭarkaḷsey thīrumai yisaivoṭu
paravaval lārpazhi yilarē”.

நீக்கிய புனலணி நெல்வெணெய் மேவிய
சாக்கியச் சமண்கெடுத் தீரே
சாக்கியச் சமண்கெடுத் தீருமைச் சார்வது
பாக்கியம் உடையவர் பண்பே.

“Nīkkiya puṉalaṇi nelveṇey mēviya
sākkiyach chamaṇkeṭuth thīrē
chākkiyach chamaṇkeṭuth thīrumaihc chārvathu
pākkiyam uṭaiyavar paṇpē”.

நிலமல்கு தொல்புகழ் நெல்வெணெய் ஈசனை
நலமல்கு ஞானசம் பந்தன்
நலமல்கு ஞானசம் பந்தன செந்தமிழ்
சொலமல்கு வார்துய ரிலரே.

“Nilamalku tholpukazh nelveṇey īsaṉai
nalamalku gñāṉasam banthaṉ
nalamalku gñāṉasam banthaṉa senthamizh
solamalku vārthuya rilarē”.

Location

Thiru Mundeecharam is situated at a distance of about 17 kms from Villupuram on the Villupuram to Thirukkovilur route.

Thiruvennainallur is another Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam which is about 3 kms away from Gramam. 

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 19^th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has a single corridor and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers.
• The flag post (Dwajasthambam) was installed recently.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 10.09.2006.

History of the Temple

This temple is located on the southern bank of the Malattaru (Pennai river), now known as Malattaar. As per the stone inscriptions available in this temple, this place was once the capital of Mudiyur Nadu.

Also, these stone inscriptions reveal that this place was once called “Mouli Gramam” (“Mouli” means chieftain and “gramam” means village in Tamil). However, over a period of time, this was shortened to just Gramam.

Legend

According to legend, this is the place where Mundi, one of Lord Shiva’s securities (Dwarapalakas), worshiped him. Hence this place is called “Mundeescharam” and the lord is praised as “Sri Mundeeswarar”. Lord Shiva’s other dwarapalaka, Thindi is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva in “Thindeeswaram” (now called Tindivanam).

Another legend associated with this place is that of a king called Chokkalingam who is believed to have visited this place in Dwapara Yuga. He is believed to have noticed a strange lotus flower in a pond. He wanted to pluck the flower but was unable to do so as it kept moving in the water. The king shot an arrow and as soon as it hit the flower, the water turned red. Upon further investigation, he found a Shivalingam inside the flower. He immediately built a temple there. The Shivalingam still has a scar on it.

It is also believed that it is in this place that Lord Shiva gave a bag (Pokkanam) of sacred ash (Vibhuthi) to a king called Veerapandiyan. Hence the lord here is also praised as “Pokkanam Kodutha Nayanar”.

It is believed that Lord Brahma and Lord Indira have worshipped Lord Shiva here. 

Deities in the temple

Shrines and Idols of lords Vinayagar, Murugan with his consorts, Natarajar, Somaskandar, Dakshinamurthy, lingothbavar, Brahma and Mahavishnu, Nalvar, Navagraham, Saptamadakkal, Aiyanar, Bairavar, Suryan, Pancha lingams (5 lingams), Chandiran, Thindi and Mundi, Durgai and Chandikeswarar, can be seen in the corridors. 

Salient Features

The temple is of Somaskanda design as the shrine of Lord Murugan is in between those of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi.

Lord Dakshinamurthy is seated on his bull mount (Rishaba Vahanam) on a hill instead of being seated under the banyan (Kallala) tree.

There is a beautiful 25-pillared hall (Mandapam) with lots of intricately carved reliefs.

It is believed that this is one of the temples where Saint Thirunavukkarasar performed his cleaning services (Uzhavara Pani). 

Greatness of this Temple

Worshiping Goddess Soundarya Nayaki here is considered to be auspicious for those seeking excellence in the fields of music and dance. 

Important Festivals

Many festivals are celebrated in this temple. Some of them are –

Appar Vizha is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May),

Aani Thirumanjanam in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July),

Vinayakar Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (Aug-Sept),

Navarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct),

Skanda Shashti and Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct–Nov), 

Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Markazhi (Dec-Jan),

Makara Sankranthi in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb),

Mahashivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar) and

Panguni Uthiram in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr).

Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Temple Timings 

From 06.00 AM to 10.00 AM and 06.00 PM to 08.00 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Sivalokanathar Temple,
Gramam (Thirumundeecharam),
Thiruvennainallur Taluk,
Villupuram District,
Tamil Nadu - 607 203

Temple priest Sri Kannan Gurukkal can be contacted at +91 4146 206 700.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirunavukarasar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

ஆர்த்தான்காண் அழல்நாகம் அரைக்கு நாணா
அடியவர்கட் கன்பன்காண் ஆனைத் தோலைப்
போர்த்தான்காண் புரிசடைமேற் புனலேற் றான்காண்
புறங்காட்டி லாடல் புரிந்தான் றான்காண்
காத்தான்காண் உலகேழுங் கலங்கா வண்ணங்
கனைகடல்வாய் நஞ்சதனைக் கண்டத் துள்ளே
சேர்த்தான்காண் திருமுண்டீச் சரத்து மேய
சிவலோகன் காணவனென் சிந்தை யானே.

“Ārthāṉkāṇ azhalnākam araikku nāṇā
aṭiyavarkaṭ kaṉpaṉkāṇ āṉaith thōlaip
pōrthāṉkāṇ purisaṭaimēṟ puṉalēṟ tṟāṉkāṇ
puṟaṅkāṭṭi lāṭal purinthāṉ tṟāṉkāṇ
kāthāṉkāṇ ulakēzhuṅ kalaṅkā vaṇṇaṅ
kaṉaikaṭalvāy nañchathaṉaik kaṇṭath thuḷḷē
sērthāṉkāṇ thirumuṇṭīch charathu mēya
sivalōkaṉ kāṇavaṉeṉ chinthai yāṉē”.

கருத்தன்காண் கமலத்தோன் றலையி லொன்றைக்
காய்ந்தான்காண் பாய்ந்தநீர் பரந்த சென்னி
ஒருத்தன்காண் உமையவளோர் பாகத் தான்காண்
ஓருருவின் மூவுருவா யொன்றாய் நின்ற
விருத்தன்காண் விண்ணவர்க்கும் மேலா னான்காண்
மெய்யடியா ருள்ளத்தே விரும்பி நின்ற
திருத்தன்காண் திருமுண்டீச் சரத்து மேய
சிவலோகன் காணவனென் சிந்தை யானே.

“Karuthaṉkāṇ kamalathōṉ tṟalaiyi loṉtṟaik
kāynthāṉkāṇ pāynthanīr parantha seṉṉi
oruthaṉkāṇ umaiyavaḷōr pākath thāṉkāṇ
ōruruviṉ mūvuruvā yoṉtṟāy niṉtṟa
viruthaṉkāṇ viṇṇavarkkum mēlā ṉāṉkāṇ
meyyaṭiyā ruḷḷathē virumpi niṉtṟa
thiruthaṉkāṇ thirumuṇṭīch charathu mēya
sivalōkaṉ kāṇavaṉeṉ chinthai yāṉē”.

நம்பன்காண் நரைவிடையொன் றேறி னான்காண்
நாதன்காண் கீதத்தை நவிற்றி னான்காண்
இன்பன்காண் இமையாமுக் கண்ணி னான்காண்
ஏசற்று மனமுருகும் அடியார் தங்கட்
கன்பன்காண் ஆரழல தாடி னான்காண்
அவனிவனென் றியாவர்க்கும் அறிய வொண்ணாச்
செம்பொன்காண் திருமுண்டீச் சரத்து மேய
சிவலோகன் காணவனென் சிந்தை யானே.

“Nampaṉkāṇ naraiviṭaiyoṉ tṟēṟi ṉāṉkāṇ
nāthaṉkāṇ kīthathai navitṟi ṉāṉkāṇ
iṉpaṉkāṇ imaiyāmuk kaṇṇi ṉāṉkāṇ
ēsatṟu maṉamurukum aṭiyār thaṅkaṭ
kaṉpaṉkāṇ ārazhala thāṭi ṉāṉkāṇ
avaṉivaṉeṉ tṟiyāvarkkum aṟiya voṇṇāch
chempoṉkāṇ thirumuṇṭīch charathu mēya
sivalōkaṉ kāṇavaṉeṉ chinthai yāṉē”.

மூவன்காண் மூவர்க்கும் முதலா னான்காண்
முன்னுமாய்ப் பின்னுமாய் முடிவா னான்காண்
காவன்காண் உலகுக்கோர் கண்ணா னான்காண்
கங்காளன் காண்கயிலை மலையி னான்காண்
ஆவன்காண் ஆவகத்தஞ் சாடி னான்காண்
ஆரழலாய் அயற்கரிக்கும் அறிய வொண்ணாத்
தேவன்காண் திருமுண்டீச் சரத்து மேய
சிவலோகன் காணவனென் சிந்தை யானே.

“Mūvaṉkāṇ mūvarkkum muthalā ṉāṉkāṇ
muṉṉumāyp piṉṉumāy muṭivā ṉāṉkāṇ
kāvaṉkāṇ ulakukkōr kaṇṇā ṉāṉkāṇ
kaṅkāḷaṉ kāṇkayilai malaiyi ṉāṉkāṇ
āvaṉkāṇ āvakathañ chāṭi ṉāṉkāṇ
ārazhalāy ayaṟkarikkum aṟiya voṇṇāth
thēvaṉkāṇ thirumuṇṭīch charathu mēya
sivalōkaṉ kāṇavaṉeṉ chinthai yāṉē”.

கானவன்காண் கானவனாய்ப் பொருதான் றான்காண்
கனலாட வல்லான்காண் கையி லேந்தும்
மானவன்காண் மறைநான்கு மாயி னான்காண்
வல்லேறொன் றதுவேற வல்லான் றான்காண்
ஊனவன்காண் உலகத்துக் குயிரா னான்காண்
உரையவன்காண் உணர்வவன்காண் உணர்ந்தார்க் கென்றுந்
தேனவன்காண் திருமுண்டீச் சரத்து மேய
சிவலோகன் காணவனென் சிந்தை யானே.

“Kāṉavaṉkāṇ kāṉavaṉāyp poruthāṉ tṟāṉkāṇ
kaṉalāṭa vallāṉkāṇ kaiyi lēnthum
māṉavaṉkāṇ maṟaināṉku māyi ṉāṉkāṇ
vallēṟoṉ tṟathuvēṟa vallāṉ tṟāṉkāṇ
ūṉavaṉkāṇ ulakathuk kuyirā ṉāṉkāṇ
uraiyavaṉkāṇ uṇarvavaṉkāṇ uṇarnthārk keṉtṟun
thēṉavaṉkāṇ thirumuṇṭīch charathu mēya
sivalōkaṉ kāṇavaṉeṉ chinthai yāṉē”.

உற்றவன்காண் உறவெல்லா மாவான் றான்காண்
ஒழிவற நின்றெங்கு முலப்பி லான்காண்
புற்றரவே ஆடையுமாய்ப் பூணு மாகிப்
புறங்காட்டி லெரியாடல் புரிந்தான் றான்காண்
நற்றவன்காண் அடியடைந்த மாணிக் காக
நணுகியதோர் பெருங்கூற்றைச் சேவ டியினாற்
செற்றவன்காண் திருமுண்டீச் சரத்து மேய
சிவலோகன் காணவனென் சிந்தை யானே.

“Utṟavaṉkāṇ uṟavellā māvāṉ tṟāṉkāṇ
ozhivaṟa niṉtṟeṅku mulappi lāṉkāṇ
putṟaravē āṭaiyumāyp pūṇu mākip
puṟaṅkāṭṭi leriyāṭal purinthāṉ tṟāṉkāṇ
natṟavaṉkāṇ aṭiyaṭaintha māṇik kāka
naṇukiyathōr peruṅkūtṟaich chēva ṭiyiṉāṟ
cetṟavaṉkāṇ thirumuṇṭīch charathu mēya
sivalōkaṉ kāṇavaṉeṉ chinthai yāṉē”.

உதைத்தவன்காண் உணராத தக்கன் வேள்வி
உருண்டோ டத் தொடர்ந்தருக்கன் பல்லை யெல்லாந்
தகர்த்தவன்காண் தக்கன்றன் தலையைச் செற்ற
தலையவன்காண் மலைமகளாம் உமையைச் சால
மதிப்பொழிந்த வல்லமரர் மாண்டார் வேள்வி
வந்தவியுண் டவரோடு மதனை யெல்லாஞ்
சிதைத்தவன்காண் திருமுண்டீச் சரத்து மேய
சிவலோகன் காணவனென் சிந்தை யானே.

“Utaithavaṉkāṇ uṇarātha thakkaṉ vēḷvi
uruṇṭō ṭath thoṭarntharukkaṉ pallai yellān
thakarthavaṉkāṇ thakkaṉtṟaṉ thalaiyaich chetṟa
thalaiyavaṉkāṇ malaimakaḷām umaiyaihc chāla
mathippozhintah vallamarar māṇṭār vēḷvi
vanthaviyuṇ ṭavarōṭu mathaṉai yellāñ
chithaithavaṉkāṇ thirumuṇṭīch charatth mēya
sivalōkaṉ kāṇavaṉeṉ chinthai yāṉē”.

உரிந்தவுடை யார்துவரா லுடம்பை மூடி
உழிதருமவ் வூமரவர் உணரா வண்ணம்
பரிந்தவன்காண் பனிவரைமீப் பண்ட மெல்லாம்
பறித்துடனே நிரந்துவரு பாய்நீர்ப் பெண்ணை
நிரந்துவரும் இருகரையுந் தடவா வோடி
நின்மலனை வலங்கொண்டு நீள நோக்கித்
திரிந்துலவு திருமுண்டீச் சரத்து மேய
சிவலோகன் காணவனென் சிந்தை யானே.

“Urinthavuṭai yārthuvarā luṭampai mūṭi
uzhitharumav vūmaravar uṇarā vaṇṇam
parinthavaṉkāṇ paṉivaraimīp paṇṭa mellām
paṟithuṭaṉē niranthuvaru pāynīrp peṇṇai
niranthuvarum irukaraiyun thaṭavā vōṭi
niṉmalaṉai valaṅkoṇṭu nīḷa nōkkith
thirinthulavu thirumuṇṭīch charathu mēya
sivalōkaṉ kāṇavaṉeṉ chinthai yāṉē”.

இப்பதிகத்தில் 9-ம் செய்யுள் சிதைந்து போயிற்று.

Ippathikathil 9-m seyyuḷ sithainthu pōyitṟu.

அறுத்தவன்காண் அடியவர்கள் அல்ல லெல்லாம்
அரும்பொருளாய் நின்றவன்காண் அனங்க னாகம்
மறுத்தவன்காண் மலைதன்னை மதியா தோடி
மலைமகள்தன் மனம்நடுங்க வானோ ரஞ்சக்
கறுத்தவனாய்க் கயிலாய மெடுத்தோன் கையுங்
கதிர்முடியுங் கண்ணும் பிதுங்கி யோடச்
செறுத்தவன்காண் திருமுண்டீச் சரத்து மேய
சிவலோகன் காணவனென் சிந்தை யானே.

“Aṟuthavaṉkāṇ aṭiyavarkaḷ alla lellām
arumporuḷāy niṉtṟavaṉkāṇ aṉaṅka ṉākam
maṟuthavaṉkāṇ malaithaṉṉai mathiyā thōṭi
malaimakaḷthaṉ maṉamnaṭuṅka vāṉō rañchak
kaṟuthavaṉāyk kayilāya meṭuthōṉ kaiyuṅ
kathirmuṭiyuṅ kaṇṇum pithuṅki yōṭach
cheṟuthavaṉkāṇ thirumuṇṭīhc charathu mēya
sivalōkaṉ kāṇavaṉeṉ chinthai yāṉē”.

Location

Thiru Idaiyaru is at a distance of about 35 kms from Villupuram on the Villupuram to Thirukovilur route (via Thiruvennainallur).

Another nearby Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam is Thiruvennainallur which is at a distance of about 5 kms.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 13^th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This is a west facing temple and its main tower (Rajagopurm) has 3-tiers.
• There is no flag post (dwajasthambam) in this temple.
• This is the birth place of the saivite guru Marai Gnana Sambandar. 

History of the Temple

The temple is located between the rivers South Pennai and Malattaru, on the southern banks of Pennai river. The historical name of this place is “Thiru Maruthanthurai”.  This ancient temple is believed to have been constructed during the time of the Chola dynasty. There are 18 stone inscriptions belonging to the Chola, Pandiyas, Vijayanagar and Chalukiyas periods.

Legend

Sage Agasthiyar is believed to have visited this place during his pilgrimage. He is also believed to have been installed a lingam and worshipped it. This lingam is called the “Agasthya Lingam”. Sage Agasthiyar’s idol can also be seen here.

Another legend associated with this place is that of the sage Sukhar Brahma Rishi. He is believed to have been an expert in changing forms. Once he took the form of a parrot and flew to Mount Kailash where he saw Lord Shiva imparting the knowledge of “Shiva Gnanam” to Goddess Parvathi. Curious to learn the Shiva Gnanam, the sage, in his parrot form, flew towards Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Upon noticing him, Goddess Parvathi cursed him to be born on earth.

The sage begged Lord Shiva for pardon. Lord Shiva informed him that he would be born to Sage Veda Vyasa and he would live in Thirumaruthanthurai (Idayaru). He further advised him to do penance under the “Marutha” tree to be absolved of this sin and to seek solvation. However, during his period on earth, he would have human body with the face of a parrot. “Sukha” in Sanskrit means parrot.

It is believed that on the day of the Swathi nakshatra, Lord Shiva gave dharisanam to Sage Sukhar Brahma Rishi and taught astrology (Jothidam) to him here.

Another interesting aside is that Sukha Brahma Rishi was also an ardent devotee of Lord Ram. He was blessed with Lord Ram’s darshan at the Yoga Ramar temple at Nedungunam.

It is believed that Lord Brahma, Sapta Madakkal, Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar and Saint Maraignana Sambanthr have worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple.

Deities in the Temple

In this temple, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy are depicted in their wedding posture. They can be seen facing each other. Lord Shiva’s shrine faces west while Goddess’s shrine is facing east.

Shrines and idols of lords Balamrutha Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Dakshinamurthy, Durgai, Chandikeswarar, Agastheeswara Lingam, Saptamadakkal, Navagraham and Saint Maraignana Sambanthar can be seen in the corridors. There is also a small shrine for Sukha Brahma Rishi in the outer corridor. 

Salient Features

As Sukha Brahma Rishi is believed to have worshipped the lord here, there are a lot of parrots in this place.

Traditionally, Lord Murugan (as Somaskanda) is seen between the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. However, in this temple Lord Vinayakar (Bala Ganapathy or “Infant Ganapathy”) occupies Lord Murugan’s place.

As per the stone inscriptions available here, Lord Vinayakar of this temple is also named as “Marutha Ganapathy” and “Polla Pillayar”. Interestingly, Lord Murugan is referred to as “Kaliyugarama Pillayar”.

This is the birth place of the saivite guru Marai Gnana Sambandar. He is the third of the four “Santhna Kuravar”. It is believed that he was blessed by Lord Vinayakar (in his Polla Pillayar form) here. At a very young age, he is believed to have moved to Pennadam since it is the birth place of Saint Meikandar (the first Santhana Kuravar), He is known as Maruthai Marai Gnanasambandar and Kadanthai Marai Gnanasambandar. Kadanthai is the historical name of Pennadam.

There is another shrine for Lord Vinayakar here which can be seen in the midst of a farm at a distance of about one kilometre from this temple. It is believed that this is the Vinayakar that blessed saint Marai Gnanasambandar. This Vinayakar is also praised as Maruthai Pillayar and Gnanasambantha Pillayar.

When Saint Sundararamurthy Nayanar rendered his Pathigam in this temple, he mentioned various other famous Shiva temples and said that this temple is as good as them.

It is believed that Lord Suryan (Sun) worships Lord Shiva of this temple by directing his rays on the lingam on the 15^th and 16^th of the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb-Mar) from 5.00 p.m. to 5.15 p.m.

Greatness of this Temple

In this temple, Lord Shiva is facing west and Goddess Parvathi is facing east, as if they are exchanging garlands.  Hence this temple is famous with devotees seeking wedding boon. Devotees facing prolonged delays in their marriage proposals worship the lord here and take the garlands exchanged between the God and Goddess to their homes. It is believed that doing this will remove obstacles from their marriage proposals. 

Important Festivals

The most important festival celebrated in this temple is “Aattru Thiruvizha” (River festival) in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb).

Surya Puja is performed in the temple on 15^th and 16^th of the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb-Mar) from 5.00 p.m. to 5.15 p.m.

Temple Timings

06.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Marundeeswarar (Sri Krupapureeswarar) Temple,
T. Edayar, Thirukkovilur Taluk,
Villupuram District,
Tamil Nadu-607 203.
Tele: + 91 04146 216045 / 206515; Mobile: 94424 23919.

Contact the temple priest and Trustee, Sri R.Gnanaskantha Gurukkal at 098847 77078.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

முந்தையூர் முதுகுன்றங் குரங்கணின் முட்டம்
சிந்தையூர் நன்றுசென் றடைவான் திருவாரூர்
பந்தையூர் பழையாறு பழனம் பைஞ்ஞீலி
எந்தையூர் எய்தமான் இடையா றிடைமருதே.

“Munthaiyūr muthukuṉṟaṅ kuraṅkaṇiṉ muṭṭam
sinthaiyūr naṉtṟuseṉ tṟaṭaivāṉ thiruvārūr
panthaiyūr pazhaiyāṟu pazhaṉam paiñjili
enthaiyūr eythamāṉ iṭaiyā ṟiṭaimaruthē”.

சுற்றுமூர் சுழியல் திருச்சோ புரந்தொண்டர்
ஒற்றுமூர் ஒற்றியூர் திருவூறல் ஒழியாப்
பெற்றமேறிப் பெண்பாதி யிடம்பெண்ணைத் தெண்ணீர்
எற்றுமூர் எய்தமான் இடையா றிடைமருதே.

“Sutṟumūr chuzhiyal thiruchō puranthoṇṭar
otṟumūr otṟiyūr thiruvūṟal ozhiyāp
petṟamēṟip peṇpāthi yiṭampeṇṇaith theṇṇīr
etṟumūr eythamāṉ iṭaiyā ṟiṭaimaruthē”.

கடங்களூர் திருக்காரிக் கரைகயி லாயம்
விடங்களூர் திருவெண்ணி அண்ணா மலைவெய்ய
படங்களூர் கின்றபாம் பரையான் பரஞ்சோதி
இடங்கொளூர் எய்தமான் இடையா றிடைமருதே.

“Kaṭaṅkaḷūr thirukkārik karaikayi lāyam
viṭaṅkaḷūr thiruveṇṇi aṇṇā malaiveyya
paṭaṅkaḷūr kiṉtṟapām paraiyāṉ parañchōthi
iṭaṅkoḷūr eythamāṉ iṭaiyā ṟiṭaimaruthē”.

கச்சையூர் காவங் கழுக்குன்றங் காரோணம்
பிச்சையூர் திரிவான் கடவூர் வடபேறூர்
கச்சியூர் கச்சிசிக்கல் நெய்த்தானம் மிழலை
இச்சையூர் எய்தமான் இடையா றிடைமருதே.

“Kachaiyūr kāvaṅ kazhukkuṉtṟaṅ kārōṇam
pichaiyūr thirivāṉ kaṭavūr vaṭapēṟūr
kachiyūr kachisikkal neythāṉam mizhalai
ichaiyūr eythamāṉ iṭaiyā ṟiṭaimaruthē”.

நிறையனூர் நின்றியூர் கொடுங்குன்றம் அமர்ந்த
பிறையனூர் பெருமூர் பெரும்பற்றப் புலியூர்
மறையனூர் மறைக்காடு வலஞ்சுழி வாய்த்த
இறைவனூர் எய்தமான் இடையா றிடைமருதே.

“Niṟaiyaṉūr niṉtṟiyūr koṭuṅkuṉtṟam amarntha
piṟaiyaṉūr perumūr perumpatṟap puliyūr
maṟaiyaṉūr maṟaikkāṭu valañchuzhi vāytha
iṟaivaṉūr eythamāṉ iṭaiyā ṟiṭaimaruthē”.

திங்களூர் திருவா திரையான் பட்டினமூர்
நங்களூர் நறையூர் நனிநா லிசைநாலூர்
தங்களூர் தமிழான் என்றுபா விக்கவல்ல
எங்களூர் எய்தமான் இடையா றிடைமருதே.

“Thiṅkaḷūr thiruvā thiraiyāṉ paṭṭiṉamūr
naṅkaḷūr naṟaiyūr naṉinā lisainālūr
thaṅkaḷūr thamizhāṉ eṉtṟupā vikkavalla
eṅkaḷūr eythamāṉ iṭaiyā ṟiṭaimaruthē”.

கருக்கநஞ் சமுதுண்ட கல்லாலன் கொல்லேற்றன்
தருக்கருக் கனைச்செற் றுகந்தான்றன் முடிமேல்
எருக்கநாண் மலரிண்டை யும்மத்த முஞ்சூடி
இருக்குமூர் எய்தமான் இடையா றிடைமருதே.

“Karukkanañ chamuthuṇṭa kallālaṉ kollētraṉ
tharukkaruk kaṉaich setṟukanthāṉtṟaṉ muṭimēl
erukkanāṇ malariṇṭai yum'matha muñchūṭi
irukkumūr eythamāṉ iṭaiyā ṟiṭaimaruthē”.

தேசனூர் வினைதேய நின்றான் திருவாக்கூர்
பாசனூர் பரமேட்டி பவித்திர பாவ
நாசனூர் நனிபள்ளி நள்ளாற்றை அமர்ந்த
ஈசனூர் எய்தமான் இடையா றிடைமருதே.

“Thēsaṉūr viṉaithēya niṉtṟāṉ thiruvākkūr
pāsaṉūr paramēṭṭi pavithira pāva
nāsaṉūr naṉipaḷḷi naḷḷātṟai amarntha
īsaṉūr eythamāṉ iṭaiyā ṟiṭaimaruthē”.

பேறனூர் பிறைச்சென் னியினான் பெருவேளூர்
தேறனூர் திருமா மகள்கோன் றிருமாலோர்
கூறனூர் குரங்காடு துறைதிருக் கோவல்
ஏறனூர் எய்தமான் இடையா றிடைமருதே.

“Pēṟaṉūr piṟaicheṉ ṉiyiṉāṉ peruvēḷūr
thēṟaṉūr thirumā makaḷkōṉ tṟirumālōr
kūṟaṉūr kuraṅkāṭu thuṟaihtiruk kōval
ēṟaṉūr eythamāṉ iṭaiyā ṟiṭaimaruthē”.

ஊறிவா யினநாடிய வன்றொண்டன் ஊரன்
தேறுவார் சிந்தைதேறு மிடஞ்செங்கண் வெள்ளே
றேறுவார் எய்தமான் இடையா றிடைமருதைக்
கூறுவார் வினையெவ் விடமெய் குளிர்வாரே.

“Ūṟivā yiṉanāṭiya vaṉtṟoṇṭaṉ ūraṉ
thēṟuvār chinthaithēṟu miṭañcheṅkaṇ veḷḷē
ṟēṟuvār eythamāṉ iṭaiyā ṟiṭaimaruthaik
kūṟuvār viṉaiyev viṭamey kuḷirvārē”.

Location

Thirumullaivoyal is situated at a distance of about 16 kms from the Koyambedu Bus Terminus, Chennai. It is on the Chennai to Thiruvallur route. There is a railway station in Thirumullaivayil on the Chennai to Arakkonam railway line. The temple is about 2 kms away from the station.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this temple are – Thiruvotriyur, Thiruvalithayam, Thiruverkadu, Mylapore and Thiruvanmiyur. 

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and the 22^nd Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This lingam is not touched by human hands, not even by the priests, as it is “Theendathirumeni”.
• The vimanam (roof tower) of the sanctum sanctorum has been constructed according to the Gaja Brishtam style of architecture.
• The temple’s main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers and has 2 corridors.

History of the Temple

There are two places with the same name of “Thirumullaivayil”. One is located near Sirkazhi and the other near Chennai. Both of these places are home to very ancient temples. Thirumullaivayil near Seerkazhi is called “Then Thirumullaivasal” and the one near Chennai is called “Vada Thirumullaivoyal” (“Then” meaning south and “Vada” meaning north in Tamil). 

“Thirumullaivoyal” or “Thirumullaivasal” gets its name from the belief that Lord Shiva emerged from a Jasmine bush in both these places. “Thiru” is a respectful prefix, “Mullai” means Jasmine and “Vassal” means place in Tamil. The historical name of the place is “Shanbakaranyam”.

The “Tri-Shakti temples” – the temples for Itcha, Kriya and Gnana Shakthis are very popular and are of great significance in Hindu religion. Of these, the temple of Sri Kodiyidai Nayagi at Thirumullaivayil is considered to be the Kriya Shakti temple.

Legend

Acording to legend, in ancient times, the forest surrounding Thirumullaivayil was occupied by three demons - Onan, Kanthan and Vaanan from the Kurumbar tribes. They were ruling the Puzhal region (a place in Chennai) with Lord Bairavar as their protecting deity. These demons were terrorising the common people. King Thondaiman tried to intervene but he failed in his efforts to seek a peaceful solution. Then the king went to war with them but could not succeed as these demons had Lord Bairavar protecting them.

While returning from the battle field, the legs of his elephant got entangled in the jasmine shrubs. In order to clear the way, the king started hacking the plants with his sword but was shocked to see blood oozing from there. He cleared away the shrubs and found a bleeding Shivalingam there. The king was overcome by grief that he had damaged the Shivalingam. He tried to sever his head himself but Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi appeared before him and stopped him from doing so. Lord Shiva asked Nandhi to go with the king to counter the demons. With Nandhi’s support, the king succeeded in his second attempt and destroyed the demons. That is why the Nandhi here is facing the east direction (towards the Puzhal region) instead of looking at Lord Shiva.

The king built a temple where he found the Shivalingam and named the lord as “Masilamaniswarar”. This can be literally translated as “the Lord who is as precious as a gem, but without any stains”. In Tamil, “Maasu” means stains, “ila” means without, “mani” means gem and “Iswar” is a respectful suffix. 

To commemorate the victory, he seized a prized possession of the Kurumbars - two pillars made from the trunk of the “Vellerukku” tree (white Crown flower – Calotropins) from their fort and installed them in front of the main deity of this temple. These pillars are 11 ft high and have a perimeter of about 2.5 ft. They can be seen even today on either sides of Lord Masilamaniswarar. 

The main deity is a tall Swayambumurthy lingam with a square base (Avudaiyar). This lingam bears scar marks due to the cut from the king’s sword. To hide these scars, the lingam is always covered with sandalwood paste. During the day of the Sathaya nakshatra (Aquarius) in the Tamil month of Chithirai (Apr-May) every year, the old sandal paste is removed and a fresh layer is applied. This sandalwood paste is also seen as a way to treat the wounds on the lingam. There is no abhisheham for the lingam and it is only performed on the Avudaiyar (base).

It is believed that lords Mahavishnu, Brahma, Murugan, Ram, Lakshman, Krishna, Suryan, Chandran, sages Brigu, Vashistar, Soodama, Durvasar, and all the 27 Nakshatras (constellations) have worshiped the lord here and received his blessings.

It is believed that sage Vashistar performed penance here and got the divine cow Kamadenu as a reward for his devotion.

An interesting aside is that these demons - Onan and Kanthan had earlier installed a Shivalingam in Kancheepuram and obtained the lord’s blessings. This temple in Kancheepuram is known as “Thiru Onakanthanthali”.

Deities in the temple

Apart from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi’s shrines, Shrines and idols of lords Prasanna Vinayakar, Murugan, Natarajar, Pitchandavar, Mahavishnu with Sridevi and Poodevi, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Vishnu, Durgai, Bairavar, can be seen in the corridors. Idols of Nalvar, King Thondaiman and Neelakanda Sivachariyar can also be seen in the corridors.

There are shrines for Sri Kusalapureeswarar and Sri Cholapureeswarar in the corridors and these lingams are believed to have been worshipped by Lauv and Kush - the sons of Lord Ram.

There is also a “Rasalingam” – a lingam made out of Mercury and Silver that is kept in the sanctum.

Salient Features

As opposed to the regular position of the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi (Kodiyidai Amman), Goddess Parvathy’s shrine in this temple is on the right side of that of Lord Shiva. Secondly both these shrines are facing the east direction. This is considered to be very auspicious.

The Goddess here is called “Kodiyidai Nayagi”. This can be literally translated as “goddess who has a waist as slender as a Jasmine climber”.

Of the three (Icha, Kiriya and Gnana) Shaktis, Sri Kodiyidai Nayagi is considered to be the Kriya Shakti.  It is believed that worshipping these three goddesses in a single day (especially on a full moon day which falls on a Friday) at morning, midday and evening rewards the devotees with manifold benefits. Devotees can visit Sri Thiruvudai Amman (Icha Shakthi) in Melur in the morning, Sri Vadivudai Amman (Gnana Shakthi) in Thiruvotriyur in the afternoon and Sri Kodiyidai Nayagi (Kriya Shakthi) in Thirumullaivayil in the evening.

Shiva Puranam identifies five ways by which one can seek to obtain salvation -

By visiting and worshiping the temple in Chidambaram;

If one dies at Kasi (Banaras);

By remembering the lord at Thiruvannamalai;

By being born in Thiruvarur; and

By living in Kancheepuram.

In a similar vein, the significance of this temple is that one can seek to obtain salvation by simply hearing about the lord of this temple.

There is no shrine or idols for Navagraham in this temple as these nakshatras are believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva here.

The vimana (roof tower) of the sanctum sanctorum is designed in a special style of architecture called the Gaja Brishtam. This makes the vimanam look like the rear of an elephant (Gaja - elephant, brishtam - rear). This is also known as “Thoonganai Maadam” in Tamil (thoong(um) - sleeping, aanai - elephant, maadam - top of a temple).

The sanctum sanctorum is in the form of semi-circular tank (akazhi in Tamil).

In his hymn of this temple, Saint Sundaramurthy sings about the King Thondaiman and how his elephant got entangled in the jasmine shrubs.

Saint Arunagirinadhar has sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

Saint Madhava Shivagnana Yogi, Saint Ramalinga Adigalar and the “twin poets” (Irattai Pulavarkal) are believed to have worshiped the lord and rendered their songs.

Greatness of this temple

Since Goddess Kodiyidai Nayagi is considered to be the Kriya Shakti, her shrine is famous among devotees. They believe that worshiping the goddess here will bless the newlyweds with a long and prosperous married life and will remove obstacles in marriage proposals of unmarried women. 

Important Festivals

10-day Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), wedding festival on the Vaikasi Visakam day, Masi Float festival (Theppam in Tamil) in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar) and Vasantha Utsavam in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July) are the main festivals celebrated in this temple.

Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

From 06.30 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Masilamaneeswarar Temple
Thirumullaivoyal,
Thiruvallur District
Tamil Nadu – 600 062.
Tele: +91 44 2637 6151.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

திருவுமெய்ப் பொருளுஞ் செல்வமும் எனக்குன்
சீருடைக் கழல்களென் றெண்ணி
ஒருவரை மதியா துறாமைகள் செய்து
மூடியும் உறைப்பனாய்த் திரிவேன்
முருகமர் சோலை சூழ்திரு முல்லை
வாயிலாய் வாயினால் உன்னைப்
பரவிடும் அடியேன் படுதுயர் களையாய்
பாசுப தாபரஞ் சுடரே.

“Thiruvumeyp poruḷuñ selvamum eṉakkuṉ
chīruṭaik kaḻzhlkaḷeṉ tṟeṇṇi
oruvarai mathiyā thuṟāmaikaḷ seythu
mūṭiyum uṟaippaṉāyt thirivēṉ
murukamar chōlai chūzhthiru mullai
vāyilāy vāyiṉāl uṉṉaip
paraviṭum aṭiyēṉ paṭuthuyar kaḷaiyāy
pāsupa thāparañ chuṭarē”.

கூடிய இலயம் சதிபிழை யாமைக்
கொடியிடை உமையவள் காண
ஆடிய அழகா அருமறைப் பொருளே
அங்கணா எங்குற்றா யென்று
தேடிய வானோர் சேர்திரு முல்லை
வாயிலாய் திருப்புகழ் விருப்பால்
பாடிய அடியேன் படுதுயர் களையாய்
பாசுப தாபரஞ் சுடரே.

“Kūṭiya ilayam sathipizhai yāmaik
koṭiyiṭai umaiyavaḷ kāṇa
āṭiya azhakā arumaṟaip poruḷē
aṅkaṇā eṅkutṟā yeṉtṟu
thēṭiya vāṉōr sērthiru mullai
vāyilāy thiruppukazh viruppāl
pāṭiya aṭiyēṉ paṭuthuyar kaḷaiyāy
pāsupa thāparañ chuṭarē”.

விண்பணிந் தேத்தும் வேதியா மாதர்
வெருவிட வேழமன் றுரித்தாய்
செண்பகச் சோலை சூழ்திரு முல்லை
வாயிலாய் தேவர்தம் மரசே
தண்பொழில் ஒற்றி மாநகர் உடையாய்
சங்கிலிக் காஎன்கண் கொண்ட
பண்பநின் னடியேன் படுதுயர் களையாய்
பாசுப தாபரஞ் சுடரே.

“Viṇpaṇin thēththum vēthiyā māthar
veruviṭa vēzhamaṉ tṟurithāy
seṇpakach chōlai chūzhthiru mullai
vāyilāy thēvartham marasē
thaṇpozhil otṟi mānakar uṭaiyāy
saṅkilik kā'eṉkaṇ koṇṭa
paṇpaniṉ ṉaṭiyēṉ paṭuthuyar kaḷaiyāy
pāsupa thāparañ chuṭarē”.

பொன்னலங் கழனிப் புதுவிரை மருவிப்
பொறிவரி வண்டிசை பாட
அந்நலங் கமலத் தவிசின்மேல் உறங்கும்
அலவன்வந் துலவிட அள்ளல்
செந்நெலங் கழனி சூழ்திரு முல்லை
வாயிலாய் திருப்புகழ் விருப்பால்
பன்னலந் தமிழாற் பாடுவேற் கருளாய்
பாசுப தாபரஞ் சுடரே.

“Poṉṉalaṅ kazhaṉip puthuvirai maruvip
poṟivari vaṇṭicai pāṭa
annalaṅ kamalath thavisiṉmēl uṟaṅkum
alavaṉvan thulaviṭa aḷḷal
sennelaṅ kazhaṉi chūḻthiru mullai
vāyilāy thiruppukazh viruppāl
paṉṉalan thamizhāṟ pāṭuvēṟ karuḷāy
pāsupa thāparañ chuṭarē”.

சந்தன வேருங் காரகிற் குறடுந்
தண்மயிற் பீலியுங் கரியின்
தந்தமுந் தரளக் குவைகளும் பவளக்
கொடிகளுஞ் சுமந்துகொண் டுந்தி
வந்திழி பாலி வடகரை முல்லை
வயிலாய் மாசிலா மணியே
பந்தனை கெடுத்தென் படுதுயர் களையாய்
பாசுப தாபரஞ் சுடரே.

“Santhaṉa vēruṅ kārakiṟ kuṟaṭun
thaṇmayiṟ pīliyuṅ kariyiṉ
thanthamun tharaḷak kuvaikaḷum pavaḷak
koṭikaḷuñ sumanthukoṇ ṭunthi
vanthizhi pāli vaṭakarai mullai
vayilāy māsilā maṇiyē
panthaṉai keṭutheṉ paṭuthuyar kaḷaiyāy
pāsupa thāparañ chuṭarē”.

மற்றுநான் பெற்ற தார்பெற வல்லார்
வள்ளலே கள்ளமே பேசிக்
குற்றமே செயினுங் குணமெனக் கொள்ளுங்
கொள்கையால் மிகைபல செய்தேன்
செற்றுமீ தோடுந் திரிபுரம் எரித்த
திருமுல்லை வாயிலாய் அடியேன்
பற்றிலேன் உற்ற படுதுயர் களையாய்
பாசுப தாபரஞ் சுடரே.

“Matṟunāṉ petṟa thārpeṟa vallār
vaḷḷalē kaḷḷamē pēsik
kutṟamē seyiṉuṅ kuṇameṉak koḷḷuṅ
koḷkaiyāl mikaipala seythēṉ
setṟumī thōṭun thiripuram eritha
thirumullai vāyilāy aṭiyēṉ
patṟilēṉ utṟa paṭuthuyar kaḷaiyāy
pāsupa thāparañ chuṭarē”.

மணிகெழு செவ்வாய் வெண்ணகைக் கரிய
வார்குழல் மாமயிற் சாயல்
அணிகெழு கொங்கை அங்கயற் கண்ணார்
அருநடம் ஆடல றாத
திணிபொழில் தழுவு திருமுல்லை வாயிற்
செல்வனே எல்லியும் பகலும்
பணியது செய்வேன் படுதுயர் களையாய்
பாசுப தாபரஞ் சுடரே.

“Maṇikezhu sevvāy veṇṇakaik kariya
vārkuzhal māmayiṟ sāyal
aṇikezhu koṅkai aṅkayaṟ kaṇṇār
arunaṭam āṭala ṟātha
thiṇipozhil thazhuvu thirumullai vāyiṟ
selvaṉē elliyum pakalum
paṇiyathu seyvēṉ paṭuthuyar kaḷaiyāy
pāsupa thāparañ chuṭarē”.

நம்பனே அன்று வெண்ணெய்நல் லூரில்
நாயினேன் தன்னையாட் கொண்ட
சம்புவே உம்ப ரார்தொழு தேத்துந்
தடங்கடல் நஞ்சுண்ட கண்டா
செம்பொன்மா ளிகைசூழ் திருமுல்லை வாயில்
தேடியான் திரிதர்வேன் கண்ட
பைம்பொனே அடியேன் படுதுயர் களையாய்
பாசுப தாபரஞ் சுடரே.

“Nampaṉē aṉtṟu veṇṇeynal lūril
nāyiṉēṉ thaṉṉaiyāṭ koṇṭa
sampuvē umpa rārthozhu thēththun
thaṭaṅkaṭal nañchuṇṭa kaṇṭā
sempoṉmā ḷikaichūzh thirumullai vāyil
thēṭiyāṉ thiritharvēṉ kaṇṭa
paimpoṉē aṭiyēṉ paṭuthuyar kaḷaiyāy
pāsupa thāparañ chuṭarē”.

மட்டுலா மலர்கொண் டடியிணை வணங்கும்
மாணிதன் மேல்மதி யாதே
கட்டுவான் வந்த காலனை மாளக்
காலினால் ஆருயிர் செகுத்த
சிட்டனே செல்வத் திருமுல்லை வாயிற்
செல்வனே செழுமறை பகர்ந்த
பட்டனே அடியேன் படுதுயர் களையாய்
பாசுப தாபரஞ் சுடரே.

“Maṭṭulā malarkoṇ ṭaṭiyiṇai vaṇaṅkum
māṇithaṉ mēlmathi yāthē
kaṭṭuvāṉ vantha kālaṉai māḷak
kāliṉāl āruyir sekutha
siṭṭaṉē selvath thirumullai vāyiṟ
selvaṉē sezhumaṟai pakarntha
paṭṭaṉē aṭiyēṉ paṭuthuyar kaḷaiyāy
pāsupa thāparañ chuṭarē”.

சொல்லரும் புகழான் தொண்டைமான் களிற்றைச்
சூழ்கொடி முல்லையாற் கட்டிட்
டெல்லையில் இன்பம் அவன்பெற வெளிப்பட்
டருளிய இறைவனே என்றும்
நல்லவர் பரவுந் திருமுல்லை வாயில்
நாதனே நரைவிடை ஏறீ
பல்கலைப் பொருளே படுதுயர் களையாய்
பாசுப தாபரஞ் சுடரே.

“Sollarum pukazhāṉ thoṇṭaimāṉ kaḷitṟaich
chūzhkoṭi mullaiyāṟ kaṭṭiṭ
ṭellaiyil iṉpam avaṉpeṟa veḷippaṭ
ṭaruḷiya iṟaivaṉē eṉtṟum
nallavar paravun thirumullai vāyil
nāthaṉē naraiviṭai ēṟī
palkalaip poruḷē paṭuthuyar kaḷaiyāy
pāsupa thāparañ chuṭarē”.

விரைதரு மலர்மேல் அயனொடு மாலும்
வெருவிட நீண்டஎம் மானைத்
திரைதரு புனல்சூழ் திருமுல்லை வாயிற்
செல்வனை நாவலா ரூரன்
உரைதரு மாலையோர் அஞ்சினோ டஞ்சும்
உள்குளிர்ந் தேத்தவல் லார்கள்
நரைதிரை மூப்பும் நடலையு மின்றி
நண்ணுவர் விண்ணவர்க் கரசே.

“Viraitharu malarmēl ayaṉoṭu mālum
veruviṭa nīṇṭa'em māṉaith
thiraitharu puṉalchūzh thirumullai vāyiṟ
selvaṉai nāvalā rūraṉ
uraitharu mālaiyōr añchiṉō ṭañchum
uḷkuḷirn thēththaval lārkaḷ
naraithirai mūppum naṭalaiyu miṉtṟi
naṇṇuvar viṇṇavark karasē”.

Location

Thiruvadukur is at a distance of about 22 kms from Pondicherry on the Pondicherry to Villupuram route. From Villupuram it is about 20 kms.

Nearest railway station is Chinnababu Samudram (4 kms) on the Villupuram to Pondicherry railway line.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Padal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 16^th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• The lord of this temple, Lord Vadukeeswarar is slightly leaning towards the left side.
• This east facing temple has no flag post (Dwajasthambam) and no main Tower (Rajagopuram).

History of the Temple

This temple is believed to have been built by the Chola King Paranthakan-I. It is constructed in a style that is similar to that of Tanjore temple but it is much smaller in size. The historical name of this place is Vadukur and that of the temple is Andarkoil. However, over a period of time, this place’s name has been changed to Thiru Andarkoil.  Currently, this temple is under the control of the Archaeological Department of India.

Legend

The legend associated with this temple is that of a demon called Mundasuran. After rigorous penance, he was blessed with a lot of powers by Lord Shiva. He also obtained the power that he could not be killed by other demons or devas.

He started misusing his powers by harassing Lord Brahma and other celestial gods. They complained to Lord Shiva and sought his intervention. Lord Shiva directed Vaduka Bairavar, one of the eight Bairavars, to destroy the demon.

After killing Mundasuran, it is believed that Vaduka Bairavar worshiped the lord here to seek relief from the Brahmahathi dosham (the sin accrued by the act of killing).  Hence the lord here is named “Sri Vadukeeswarar” and this place gets the name Vadukur. 

Deities in the temple

Apart from the main deities, shrines and idols of lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Nalvar, Dakshinamurthy, Pitchandavar, Brahma, Ardhanareeswarar, Suryan, Chandiran, Durgai, Chandikeswarar, Sapthamathakkal and Bairavar can be seen in the corridors. 

The significant feature of this temple is that the idol of Sri Anjaneyar is next to that of Lord Brahma. In the front hall (Mandapam), there is an idol of Lord Krishna where he can be seen standing between two serpents.

Salient Features

The Artha Mandapam (hall) in front of Lord Shiva’s shrine has eight pillars. It is believed that worshipping the lord from this hall will reward the devotees with prosperity and happiness.

Saint Arunagirinadhar has also sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh. 

Greatness of this temple

Devotees believe that worshiping the lord of this temple would bless them with better job opportunities and promotions in works. 

Important Festivals

The wedding festival of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi is celebrated on the day of the Tamil New Year. It mostly falls on 14^th of April every year.

Other important festivals celebrated in this temple are -

Vaikasi Visakam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June),

Skanda Shashti in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct-Nov),

Thirukarthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec),

Thai Poosam in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb) and

Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar).

Pradosham is observed regularly. Also, poojas to Lord Bairavar is conducted on all Sundays and on all Ashtami days.

Temple Timings

06.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Vadukeeswarar Temple,
Tiruvandar Koil Post
Kandamangalam Via,
Puducherry – 605 102.
Tele: +91- 99943 05874, 9042154182.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

சுடுகூ ரெரிமாலை யணிவர் சுடர்வேலர்
கொடுகூர் மழுவாளொன் றுடையார் விடையூர்வர்
கடுகூர் பசிகாமங் கவலை பிணியில்லார்
வடுகூர் புனல்சூழ்ந்த வடுகூ ரடிகளே.

“Suṭukū rerimālai yaṇivar suṭarvēlar
koṭukūr mazhuvāḷoṉ tṟuṭaiyār viṭaiyūrvar
kaṭukūr pasikāmaṅ kavalai piṇiyillār
vaṭukūr puṉalchūzhntha vaṭukū raṭikaḷē”.

பாலு நறுநெய்யுந் தயிரும் பயின்றாடி
ஏலுஞ் சுடுநீறும் என்பும் ஒளிமல்கக்
கோலம் பொழிற்சோலைக் கூடி மடவன்னம்
ஆலும் வடுகூரில் ஆடும் மடிகளே.

“Pālu naṟuneyyun thayirum payiṉtṟāṭi
ēluñ suṭunīṟum eṉpum oḷimalkak
kōlam pozhiṟchōlaik kūṭi maṭavaṉṉam
ālum vaṭukūril āṭum maṭikaḷē”.

சூடும் இளந்திங்கள் சுடர்பொற் சடைதன்மேல்
ஓடுங் களியானை உரிபோர்த் துமையஞ்ச
ஏடு மலர்மோந்தங் கெழிலார் வரிவண்டு
பாடும் வடுகூரில் ஆடும் மடிகளே.

“Sūṭum iḷanthiṅkaḷ suṭarpoṟ chaṭaithaṉmēl
ōṭuṅ kaḷiyāṉai uripōrth thumaiyañcha
ēṭu malarmōnthaṅ kezhilār varivaṇṭu
pāṭum vaṭukūril āṭum maṭikaḷē”.

துவரும் புரிசையுந் துதைந்த மணிமாடம்
கவர வெரியோட்டிக் கடிய மதிலெய்தார்
கவரு மணிகொல்லைக் கடிய முலைநல்லார்
பவரும் வடுகூரில் ஆடும் மடிகளே.

“Thuvarum purisaiyun thuthaintha maṇimāṭam
kavara veriyōṭṭik kaṭiya mathileythār
kavaru maṇikollaik kaṭiya mulainallār
pavarum vaṭukūril āṭum maṭikaḷē”.

துணியா ருடையாடை துன்னி யரைதன்மேல்
தணியா அழல்நாகந் தரியா வகைவைத்தார்
பணியா ரடியார்கள் பலரும் பயின்றேத்த
அணியார் வடுகூரில் ஆடும் மடிகளே.

“Thuṇiyā ruṭaiyāṭai thuṉṉi yaraithaṉmēl
thaṇiyā azhalnākan thariyā vakaivaithār
paṇiyā raṭiyārkaḷ palarum payiṉtṟētha
aṇiyār vaṭukūril āṭum maṭikaḷē”.

தளருங் கொடியன்னாள் தன்னோ டுடனாகிக்
கிளரும் அரவார்த்துக் கிளரும் முடிமேலோர்
வளரும் பிறைசூடி வரிவண் டிசைபாட
ஒளிரும் வடுகூரில் ஆடும் மடிகளே.

“Thaḷaruṅ koṭiyaṉṉāḷ thaṉṉō ṭuṭaṉākik
kiḷarum aravārthuk kiḷarum muṭimēlōr
vaḷarum piṟaisūṭi varivaṇ ṭisaipāṭa
oḷirum vaṭukūril āṭum maṭikaḷē”.

நெடியர் சிறிதாய நிரம்பா மதிசூடும்
முடியர் விடையூர்வர் கொடியர் மொழிகொள்ளார்
கடிய தொழிற்காலன் மடிய வுதைகொண்ட
அடியர் வடுகூரில் ஆடும் மடிகளே.

“Neṭiyar siṟithāya nirampā mathisūṭum
muṭiyar viṭaiyūrvar koṭiyar mozhikoḷḷār
kaṭiya thozhiṟkālaṉ maṭiya vuthaikoṇṭa
aṭiyar vaṭukūril āṭum maṭikaḷē”.

பிறையும் நெடுநீரும் பிரியா முடியினார்
மறையும் பலபாடி மயானத் துறைவாரும்
பறையும் அதிர்குழலும் போலப் பலவண்டாங்
கறையும் வடுகூரில் ஆடும் மடிகளே.

“Piṟaiyum neṭunīrum piriyā muṭiyiṉār
maṟaiyum palapāṭi mayāṉath thuṟaivārum
paṟaiyum athirkuzhalum pōlap palavaṇṭāṅ
kaṟaiyum vaṭukūril āṭum maṭikaḷē”.

சந்தம் மலர்வேய்ந்த சடையின் இடைவிம்மு
கந்தம் மிகுதிங்கள் சிந்து கதிர்மாலை
வந்து நயந்தெம்மை நன்றும் அருள்செய்வார்
அந்தண் வடுகூரில் ஆடும் மடிகளே.

“Santham malarvēyntha chaṭaiyiṉ iṭaivim'mu
kantham mikuthiṅkaḷ sinthu kathirmālai
vanthu nayanthem'mai naṉtṟum aruḷseyvār
anthaṇ vaṭukūril āṭum maṭikaḷē”.

திருமா லடிவீழத் திசைநான் முகனாய
பெருமா னுணர்கில்லாப் பெருமான் நெடுமுடிசேர்
செருமால் விடையூருஞ் செம்மான் திசைவில்லா
அருமா வடுகூரில் ஆடும் மடிகளே.

“Thirumā laṭivīzhath thisaināṉ mukaṉāya
perumā ṉuṇarkillāp perumāṉ neṭumuṭisēr
serumāl viṭaiyūruñ chem'māṉ thisaivillā
arumā vaṭukūril āṭum maṭikaḷē”.

படிநோன் பவையாவர் பழியில் புகழான
கடிநாண் நிகழ்சோலை கமழும் வடுகூரைப்
படியா னசிந்தை மொழியார் சம்பந்தன்
அடிஞா னம்வல்லா ரடிசேர் வார்களே.

“Paṭinōṉ pavaiyāvar pazhiyil pukazhāṉa
kaṭināṇ nikazhchōlai kamazhum vaṭukūraip
paṭiyā ṉachinthai mozhiyār sambanthaṉ
aṭigñā ṉamvallā raṭisēr vārkaḷē”.

Location

Thiruthinai Nagar is at a distance of about 25 kms from Cuddalore. Take the Cuddalore to Chidambaram route to reach Mettupalayam (20 Kms). From Mettupalayam, take a diversion route and travel for about 5 kms to reach Thiruthinai Nagar.

The nearest railway station is Puduchathiram. It is at a distance of about 6 kms from Thiruthinai Nagar on the Chidambaram to Cuddalore route.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 5th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has a single corridor and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 3-tiers.

History of the Temple

This temple is situated on the banks of river Pennai and is believed to have been built in the 6^th century. The historical name of the village around the temple is "Thiru Thinai Nagar”. It has now been changed to "Theerthanagiri".

Legend

It is believed that Jambavan, the king of the bears, worshiped Lord Shiva here and received his blessing. This temple’s tank is named after him - “Jambava Theertham”. It is believed that taking a dip in this tank will absolve you off your sins.

As per the Sthala Puranam, a farmer called Periyan and his wife lived in this village. They had the habit of taking food only after offering it to a Shiva devotee. One day, Lord Shiva decided to test their faith. That day, the couple could not find anyone to offer the food to. Periyan came to his field to ask one of his workers to come to his house so that he could make his offering. Surprisingly, he could not find anyone in the field. He waited for some time for them to return.

After some time, Periyan saw an old man pass by and he requested him to come and have food. The old man said that he could not accept food without earning it. He offered to some work in the field and then accept the food as wage. The farmer asked him to plough the field. Once the old man started ploughing the field, the farmer went back home to fetch some food for him. When he returned with the food, he was astonished to see that the crops were fully grown and ready for harvest.

Periyan and his wife served the food for the old man under the kontrai tree. After he had finished eating, they asked him how he was able to do such a miraculous thing. The old man disappeared before answering. Thereafter Lord Shiva appeared on his bull mount (Rishabha Vakanam) with Goddess Parvathy and gave dharisanam to the couple. The lord further informed them that he had only come there in the form of an old man.

After worshiping the lord, Periyan and his wife requested Lord Shiva to stay back in the place and bless them. Lord Shiva stayed back as a Swayambu Lingam in this place under the kontrai tree.

The lord here is named as “Sivakozhundeeswarar”.  Since the Lord Shiva himself is believed to have ploughed the field, sowed millet seeds (“Thinai”) and made it ready for harvest, this place gets the name “Thiru Thinai Nagar”.

Another legend associated with this temple is that of a king named Veeraseran who was suffering from leukoderma. Once he had come to this temple for worshiping the lord. His dog, who was also suffering from skin diseases, had also come with him. His dog accidentally fell in the temple’s tank. When it came out, its skin diseases had disappeared. Noticing this, the king decided to take a dip in the tank. To his surprise, when he came out, he was cured of his leukoderma. He worshiped the lord and conveyed his gratitude. It is believed that thereafter King Veeraseran constructed this temple. His idol can also be seen in the temple corridors.

Deities in the temple

Goddess Parvathi’s shrine can be seen in the outer corridors. The lingam worshiped by Jambavan is inside the Goddess’s shrine.

Shrines and idols of Lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Nalvar, Yoga Dakshinamurthy, Durgai, Chandikeswarar with his consort, Valampuri Vinayakar, Dandapani, Agasthiar Lingam, Bairavar, Suryan, Navagraham and King Veerasenan can be seen in the corridors.

Idols of Lord Mahavishnu and Lord Brahma can be seen behind the sanctum sanctorum in a worshipping posture on either sides of Lord Lingothbavar. Devotees can enjoy the darshan of all the three Lords (Trimurthys) – Brahmma, Vishnu and Shiva here. This is considered to be very auspicious.

Salient Features

The Sthala Vriksham of this temple is a kondrai tree. In the corridor, there is a kondrai tree with a Shiva Lingam under it.

On the walls of the sanctum, one can see beautifully chiselled sculptures (Pudai Sirpangal). These sculptures depict the stories related to the sthala puranam – the farmer couple, Lord Shiva ploughing the field and King Veeraseran.

There is also a sculpture of Nardhana Ganapathy with four “Boodha Ganas” (soldiers of the lord).

An idol of Lord Natarajar can be seen in a separate shrine along with idols of Lord Mahavishnu and Lord Brahma. Here Lord Vishnu is seen with his conch and Lord Brahma with a percussion instrument called “Panchamuga Vadhyam” (an instrument similar to Tabla). Lord Natarajar is seen in his “Ananda Thandavam” posture to which Lord Vishnu is singing with his conch and Lord Brahma is playing the Panchamuga Vadhyam. Such a display of the “Trimurthy” is very rare.

Lord Dakshinamurthy is seen sitting on a platform (peedam) with his legs folded. Four of his disciples are seen sitting near him. Unlike Lord Dakshinamurthy’s posture in other temples, Abhasmaram (the demon representing ignorance) is not seen under his foot. It is believed that when the farmer couple served food to Lord Shiva, he took it by sitting on the floor with his legs folded. To depict this, Lord Dakshinamurthy graces here in this form. 

It is believed that every year, Suryan worships Lord Shiva for a period of three days from 20^th to 22^nd of the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr) by illuminating the lingam in the sanctum. 

Greatness of this temple

Worshiping of Lord Natarajar here is considered to be auspicious for those seeking excellence in the fields of music and dance.

It is also believed that worshiping Lord Dakshinamurthy here will reward devotees with a rich yield from their farms. 

Important Festivals

Important festivals celebrated in this temple are –

13-day Vaikasi Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June),

Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar),

Annabishekam in in the Tamil month of Aipasi (Oct-Nov),

Arudra Dharisanam in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan).

Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

From 06.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM

Temple Address

Sri Sivakkozhuntheswarar Temple,
Theerthanagiri Post,
Cuddalore Taluk and District,
Tamil Nadu – 608801.
Tele: +91 4142 278324.

Contact the temple priest Sri S.Venkatarama Iyer at 97864 67593, 90471 40464.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

நீறு தாங்கிய திருநுத லானை
நெற்றிக் கண்ணனை நிரைவளை மடந்தை
கூறு தாங்கிய கொள்கையி னானைக்
குற்றம் இல்லியைக் கற்றையஞ் சடைமேல்
ஆறு தாங்கிய அழகனை அமரர்க்
கரிய சோதியை வரிவரால் உகளுஞ்
சேறு தாங்கிய திருத்தினை நகருட்
சிவக்கொ ழுந்தினைச் சென்றடை மனனே.

Nīṟu thāṅkiya thirunutha lāṉai
netṟik kaṇṇaṉai niraivaḷai maṭanthai
kūṟu thāṅkiya koḷkaiyi ṉāṉaik
kutṟam illiyaik katṟaiyañ chaṭaimēl
āṟu thāṅkiya azhakaṉai amarark
kariya chōthiyai varivarāl ukaḷuñ
chēṟu thāṅkiya thiruthiṉai nakaruṭ
sivakko zhunthiṉaich cheṉtṟaṭai maṉaṉē.

பிணிகொள் ஆக்கை பிறப்பிறப் பென்னும்
இதனைநீக்கி ஈசன் திருவடி யிணைக்காள்
துணிய வேண்டிடிற் சொல்லுவன் கேள்நீ
அஞ்சல் நெஞ்சமே வஞ்சர்வாழ் மதின்மூன்
றணிகொள் வெஞ்சிலை யால்உகச் சீறும்
ஐயன் வையகம் பரவிநின் றேத்துந்
திணியும் வார்பொழில் திருத்தினை நகருட்
சிவக்கொ ழுந்தினைச் சென்றடை மனனே.

Piṇikoḷ ākkai piṟappiṟap peṉṉum
ithaṉainīkki īsaṉ thiruvaṭi yiṇaikkāḷ
thuṇiya vēṇṭiṭiṟ cholluvaṉ kēḷnī
añchal neñchamē vañcharvāzh mathiṉmūṉ
tṟaṇikoḷ veñchilai yālukach chīṟum
aiyaṉ vaiyakam paraviniṉ tṟēthun
thiṇiyum vārpozhil thiruthiṉai nakaruṭ
sivakko zhunthiṉaich cheṉtṟaṭai maṉaṉē.

வடிகொள் கண்ணிணை மடந்தையர் தம்பால்
மயல துற்றுவஞ் சனைக்கிட மாகி
முடியு மாகரு தேலெரு தேறும்
மூர்த்தி யைமுத லாயபி ரானை
அடிகள் என்றடி யார்தொழு தேத்தும்
அப்பன் ஒப்பிலா முலைஉமை கோனைச்
செடிகொள் கான்மலி திருத்தினை நகருட்
சிவக்கொ ழுந்தினைச் சென்றடை மனனே.

Vaṭikoḷ kaṇṇiṇai maṭanthaiyar thampāl
mayala thutṟuvañ chaṉaikkiṭa māki
muṭiyu mākaru thēleru thēṟum
mūrthi yaimutha lāyapi rāṉai
aṭikaḷ eṉtṟaṭi yārthozhu thēthum
appaṉ oppilā mulai'umai kōṉaich
cheṭikoḷ kāṉmali thiruthiṉai nakaruṭ
sivakko zhunthiṉaich cheṉtṟaṭai maṉaṉē.

பாவ மேபுரிந் தகலிடந் தன்னிற்
பலப கர்ந்தல மந்துயிர் வாழ்க்கைக்
காவ என்றுழந் தயர்ந்துவீ ழாதே
அண்ணல் தன்றிறம் அறிவினாற் கருதி
மாவின் ஈருரி உடைபுனைந் தானை
மணியை மைந்தனை வானவர்க் கமுதைத்
தேவ தேவனைத் திருத்தினை நகருட்
சிவக்கொ ழுந்தினைச் சென்றடை மனனே.

Pāva mēpurin thakaliṭan thaṉṉiṟ
palapa karnthala manthuyir vāzhkkaik
kāva eṉtṟuzhan thayarnthuvī zhāthē
aṇṇal thhaṉṟiṟam aṟiviṉāṟ karuthi
māviṉ īruri uṭaipuṉain thāṉai
maṇiyai mainthaṉai vāṉavark kamuthaith
thēva thēvaṉaith thiruthiṉai nakaruṭ
sivakko zhunthiṉaich cheṉtṟaṭai maṉaṉē.

ஒன்ற லாவுயிர் வாழ்க்கையை நினைந்திட்
டுடல்த ளர்ந்தரு மாநிதி இயற்றி
என்றும் வாழலாம் எமக்கெனப் பேசும்
இதுவும் பொய்யென வேநினை உளமே
குன்று லாவிய புயமுடை யானைக்
கூத்த னைக்குலா விக்குவ லயத்தோர்
சென்றெ லாம்பயில் திருத்தினை நகருட்
சிவக்கொ ழுந்தினைச் சென்றடை மனனே.

Oṉtṟa lāvuyir vāzhkkaiyai niṉainthiṭ
ṭuṭaltha ḷarntharu mānithi iyatṟi
eṉtṟum vāzhalām emakkeṉap pēsum
ithuvum poyyeṉa vēniṉai uḷamē
kuṉtṟu lāviya puyamuṭai yāṉaik
kūtha ṉaikkulā vikkuva layathōr
seṉtṟe lāmpayil thiruthiṉai nakaruṭ
sivakko zhunthiṉaich cheṉtṟaṭai maṉaṉē.

வேந்த ராயுல காண்டறம் புரிந்து
வீற்றி ருந்தஇவ் வுடலிது தன்னைத்
தேய்ந்தி றந்துவெந் துயருழந் திடுமிப்
பொக்க வாழ்வினை விட்டிடு நெஞ்சே
பாந்த ளங்கையில் ஆட்டுகந் தானைப்
பரமனைக் கடற் சூர்தடிந் திட்ட
சேந்தர் தாதையைத் திருத்தினை நகருட்
சிவக்கொ ழுந்தினைச் சென்றடை மனனே.

Vēntha rāyula kāṇṭaṟam purinthu
vītṟi runtha'iv vuṭalithu thaṉṉaith
thēynthi ṟanthuven thuyaruzhan thiṭumip
pokka vāzhviṉai viṭṭiṭu neñchē
pāntha ḷaṅkaiyil āṭṭukan thāṉaip
paramaṉaik kaṭaṟ chūrthaṭin thiṭṭa
sēnthar thāthaiyaith thiruthiṉai nakaruṭ
sivakko zhunthiṉaich cheṉtṟaṭai maṉaṉē.

தன்னில் ஆசறு சித்தமு மின்றித்
தவ முயன்றவ மாயின பேசிப்
பின்ன லார்சடை கட்டியென் பணிந்தாற்
பெரிதும் நீந்துவ தரிதது நிற்க
முன்னெ லாம்முழு முதலென்று வானோர்
மூர்த்தி யாகிய முதலவன் றன்னைச்
செந்நெ லார்வயல் திருத்தினை நகருட்
சிவக்கொ ழுந்தினைச் சென்றடை மனனே.

Thaṉṉil āsaṟu chithamu miṉtṟith
thava muyaṉtṟava māyiṉa pēsip
piṉṉa lārsaṭai kaṭṭiyeṉ paṇinthāṟ
perithum nīnthuva tharithathu niṟka
muṉṉe lām'muzhu muthaleṉtṟu vāṉōr
mūrthi yākiya muthalavaṉ tṟaṉṉaich
chenne lārvayal thiruthiṉai nakaruṭ
sivakko zhunthiṉaich cheṉtṟaṭai maṉaṉē.

பரிந்த சுற்றமும் மற்றுவன் றுணையும்
பலருங் கண்டழு தெழவுயிர் உடலைப்
பிரிந்து போமிது நிச்சயம் அறிந்தாற்
பேதை வாழ்வெனும் பிணக்கினைத் தவிர்ந்து
கருந்த டங்கண்ணி பங்கனை உயிரைக்
கால காலனைக் கடவுளை விரும்பிச்
செருந்தி பொன்மலர் திருத்தினை நகருட்
சிவக்கொ ழுந்தினைச் சென்றடை மனனே.

Parintha sutṟamum matṟuvaṉ tṟuṇaiyum
palaruṅ kaṇṭazhu thezhavuyir uṭalaip
pirinthu pōmithu nichayam aṟinthāṟ
pēthai vāzhveṉum piṇakkiṉait thavirnthu
karuntha ṭaṅkaṇṇi paṅkaṉai uyiraik
kāla kālaṉaik kaṭavuḷai virumpich
cherunthi poṉmalar thiruthiṉai nakaruṭ
sivakko zhunthiṉaich cheṉtṟaṭai maṉaṉē.

நமையெ லாம்பலர் இகழ்ந்துரைப் பதன்முன்
நன்மை ஒன்றிலாத் தேரர்புன் சமணாஞ்
சமய மாகிய தவத்தினார் அவத்தத்
தன்மை விட்டொழி நன்மையை வேண்டில்
உமையோர் கூறனை ஏறுகந் தானை
உம்பர் ஆதியை எம்பெரு மானைச்
சிமய மார்பொழில் திருத்தினை நகருட்
சிவக்கொ ழுந்தினைச் சென்றடை மனனே.

Namaiye lāmpalar ikazhnthuraip pathaṉmuṉ
naṉmai oṉtṟilāth thērarpuṉ samaṇāñ
chamaya mākiya thavattiṉār avaththath
thaṉmai viṭṭozhi naṉmaiyai vēṇṭil
umaiyōr kūṟaṉai ēṟukan thāṉai
umpar āthiyai emperu māṉaich
chimaya mārpozhil thiruthiṉai nakaruṭ
sivakko zhunthiṉaich cheṉtṟaṭai maṉaṉē.

நீடு பொக்கையிற் பிறவியைப் பழித்து
நீங்க லாமென்று மனத்தினைத் தெருட்டிச்
சேடு லாம்பொழில் திருத்தினை நகருட்
சிவக்கொ ழுந்தினைத் திருவடி யிணைதான்
நாடெ லாம்புகழ் நாவலூ ராளி
நம்பி வன்றொண்ட னூரன் உரைத்த
பாட லாந்தமிழ் பத்திவை வல்லார்
முத்தி யாவது பரகதிப் பயனே.

Nīṭu pokkaiyiṟ piṟaviyaip pazhithu
nīṅka lāmeṉtṟu maṉathiṉaith theruṭṭich
chēṭu lāmpozhil thiruthiṉai nakaruṭ
sivakko zhunthiṉaith thiruvaṭi yiṇaithāṉ
nāṭe lāmpukazh nāvalū rāḷi
nampi vaṉtṟoṇṭa ṉūraṉ uraitha
pāṭa lāntamizh pathivai vallār
muthi yāvathu parakathip payaṉē.

Location

Thiruchopuram is at a distance of about 18 kms from Cuddalore on the Cuddalore to Chidambaram route. One has to take left turn near Aalappakkam railway station, pass through the railway crossing and then travel 2 kms along the same route to reach Thiruchopuram (Thiyagavalli village). From Chidambaram it is about 22 kms.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and is the 6^th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva graces this temple as a Swayambhumoorthy (self-manifested).
• This west facing temple has two corridors and it has no main tower (Rajagopuram).

History of the Temple

The temple is very close to the shores of the Bay of Bengal and is believed to have been built by Thiyagavalli, the wife of the Chola King Kulothungan-III (also known as Tirubhuvana Chakravarthi).

Legend

It is believed that Agasthiya Maharishi installed and worshiped this lingam and his palm prints can still be seen on the deity. 

According to legend, this temple was once completely covered by sand dunes. About two hundred years ago, a saint by the name of saint, Ramalinga Yogi (Thambiran) from the Madurai Thirugnanasambanthar Aatheenam discovered this temple. He took the help of many people from nearby villages and began the arduous task of renovating this temple. This is why the temple is also called “Thambiran Kanda Koil” (the temple found by Thambiran).

Another version of the story is that this temple was renovated by the Chola King Kulothungan and his wife, Thiyagavalli. Hence the village around this temple is named “Cholarpuram” and “Thiyagavalli”. Idols of the king and queen can also be found in the corridors of the temple.

Deities in the temple

Shrines and idols of Lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Natarajar, Gajalakshmi, Visalakshi and Viswanathar, Veerateswarar, Kannappa Nayanar, Thiyagavalli Avudaiyar, 63 Nayanmars, Dakshinamurthy, Durgai, Chandikeswarar,  Agasthiar, Suryan, Bairavar and Navagraham can be seen in the corridors.

Salient Features 

The lord here is called Sri Mangalapureeswarar because it is believed that Goddess Parvathi became one with the Lingam when Agasthya Maharishi installed it. This is the reason why, unlike regular offerings made to Lord Shiva, turmeric and kumkum are used in the worship of this Lord. Both these offerings are usually made to the goddess and are considered very auspicious (“Mangalam” in Tamil).

Behind the sanctum sanctorum, on either sides of Lord Lingothbavar, there are idols of Lord Mahavishnu and Lord Brahma in a worshipping posture. Devotees can enjoy the darshan of all the three lords (Trimurthys) – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. This is considered to be very auspicious.

It is significant to note that instead of the normal practice of dressing Lord Dakshinamurthy in yellow clothes, a white cloth is used in this temple. It is said that if we gently tap on the idol of Dakshinamurthy, the sound of seven musical notes - reverently called “Sapthaswaram”, can be heard.

Greatness of this Temple

This temple is also popular with students interested in arts and music. They come here to perform poojas and seek the blessings of Lord Dakshinamurthy to help them attain excellence in their chosen art forms.

People with problems related to marriage and health can be seen making offerings of kumkum and turmeric to Lord Mangalapureeswarar.

Important Festivals

Maha Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb-Mar), Thirukarthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec), Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct-Nov) and Panguni Uthiram in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr) are the important festivals celebrated in this temple.

Temple Timings

08.30 AM to 11.00 AM and 05.30 PM to 08.00 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Mangalapureeswarar (Chopuranathar) Temple,
Tiruchopuram,
Thiyagavalli-Post,
Cuddalore Taluk and District
Tamil Nadu – 608 801.
Telephone: +91 94425 85845.

This temple's Ther (Car) - in a dilapitated condition

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam. 

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

வெங்கண்ஆனை யீருரிவை போர்த்து விளங்குமொழி
மங்கைபாகம் வைத்துகந்த மாண்பது வென்னைகொலாங்
கங்கையோடு திங்கள்சூடிக் கடிகம ழுங்கொன்றைத்
தொங்கலானே தூயநீற்றாய் சோபுர மேயவனே.  

“Veṅkaṇāṉai yīrurivai pōrthu viḷaṅkumozhi
maṅkaipākam vaithukantha māṇpatu veṉṉaikolāṅg
kaṅkaiyōṭu thiṅkaḷsūṭik kaṭikama zhuṅgkoṉṟaith
thoṅkalāṉē thūyanītṟāy chōpura mēyavaṉē”.

விடையமர்ந்து வெண்மழுவொன் றேந்திவி ரிந்திலங்கு
சடையொடுங்கத் தண்புனலைத் தாங்கிய தென்னைகொலாங்
கடையுயர்ந்த மும்மதிலுங் காய்ந்தன லுள்ளழுந்தத்
தொடைநெகிழ்ந்த வெஞ்சிலையாய் சோபுர மேயவனே.

“Viṭaiyamarnthu veṇmazhuvoṉ tṟēntivi rinthilaṅku
saṭaiyoṭuṅgkath thaṇpuṉalaith thāṅkiya theṉṉaikolāṅg
kaṭaiyuyarntha mum'matiluṅg kāynthaṉa luḷḷazhunthath
thoṭainekizhntha veñchilaiyāy chōpura mēyavaṉē”.

தீயராய வல்லரக்கர் செந்தழ லுள்ளழுந்தச்
சாயவெய்து வானவரைத் தாங்கிய தென்னைகாலாம்
பாயும்வெள்ளை ஏற்றையேறிப் பாய்புலித் தோலுடுத்த
தூயவெள்ளை நீற்றினானே சோபுர மேயவனே.  

“Thīyarāya vallarakkar senthazha luḷḷazhunthach
chāyaveythu vāṉavaraith thāṅkiya theṉṉaikālām
pāyumveḷḷai ētṟaiyēṟip pāypulith thōluṭutha
thūyaveḷḷai nītṟiṉāṉē chōpura mēyavaṉē”.

பல்லிலோடு கையிலேந்திப் பல்கடை யும்பலிதேர்ந்
தல்லல்வாழ்க்கை மேலதான ஆதர வென்னைகொலாம்
வில்லைவென்ற நுண்புருவ வேல்நெடுங் கண்ணியொடுந்
தொல்லையூழி யாகிநின்றாய் சோபுர மேயவனே.

“Pallilōṭu kaiyilēnthip palkaṭai yumpalithērnth
thallalvāzhkkai mēlathāṉa āthara veṉṉaikolām
villaiveṉtṟa nuṇpuruva vēlneṭuṅg kaṇṇiyoṭunth
thollaiyūzhi yākiniṉtṟāy chōpura mēyavaṉē”.

நாற்றமிக்க கொன்றைதுன்று செஞ்சடை மேல்மதியம்
ஏற்றமாக வைத்துகந்த காரண மென்னைகொலாம்
ஊற்றமிக்க காலன்றன்னை ஒல்க வுதைத்தருளித்
தோற்றமீறு மாகிநின்றாய் சோபுர மேயவனே.  

“Nātṟamikka koṉṟaithuṉtṟu cheñchaṭai mēlmathiyam
ētṟamāka vaithukantha kāraṇa meṉṉaikolām
ūtṟamikka kālaṉtṟaṉṉai olka vuthaitharuḷith
thōtṟamīṟu mākiniṉtṟāy chōpura mēyavaṉē”.

கொன்னவின்ற மூவிலைவேல் கூர்மழு வாட்படையன்
பொன்னைவென்ற கொன்றைமாலை சூடும்பொற் பென்னைகொலாம்
அன்னமன்ன மென்னடையாள் பாக மமர்ந்தரைசேர்
துன்னவண்ண ஆடையினாய் சோபுர மேயவனே.  

“Koṉṉaviṉtṟa mūvilaivēl kūrmazhu vāṭpaṭaiyaṉ
poṉṉaiveṉtṟa koṉtṟaimālai chūṭumpoṟ peṉṉaikolām
aṉṉamaṉṉa meṉṉaṭaiyāḷ pāka mamarntharaisēr
thuṉṉavaṇṇa ādaiyiṉāy chōpura mēyavaṉē”.

குற்றமின்மை யுண்மைநீயென் றுன்னடி யார்பணிவார்
கற்றல்கேள்வி ஞானமான காரண மென்னைகொலாம்
வற்றலாமை வாளரவம் பூண்டயன் வெண்டலையில்
துற்றலான கொள்கையானே சோபுர மேயவனே.  

“Kutṟamiṉmai yuṇmainīyeṉ tṟuṉṉaṭi yārpaṇivār
katṟalkēḷvi gñāṉamāṉa kāraṇa meṉṉaikolām
vatṟalāmai vāḷaravam pūṇṭayaṉ veṇṭalaiyil
thutṟalāṉa koḷkaiyāṉē chōpura mēyavaṉē”.

விலங்கலொன்று வெஞ்சிலையாக் கொண்டு விறலரக்கர்
குலங்கள்வாழும் ஊரெரித்த கொள்கையி தென்னைகொலாம்
இலங்கைமன்னு வாளவுணர் கோனை யெழில்விரலால்
துலங்கவூன்றி வைத்துகந்தாய் சோபுர மேயவனே.  

“Vilaṅkaloṉtṟu veñchilaiyāk koṇṭu viṟalarakkar
kulaṅkaḷvāzhum ūreritha koḷkaiyi theṉṉaikolām
ilaṅkaimaṉṉu vāḷavuṇar kōṉai yezhilviralāl
thulaṅkavūṉtṟi vaithukantāy chōpura mēyavaṉē”.

விடங்கொள்நாக மால்வரையைச் சுற்றி விரிதிரைநீர்
கடைந்தநஞ்சை யுண்டுகந்த காரண மென்னைகொலாம்
இடந்துமண்ணை யுண்டமாலு மின்மலர் மேலயனுந்
தொடர்ந்துமுன்னங் காணமாட்டாச் சோபுர மேயவனே.  

“Viṭaṅkoḷnāka mālvaraiyaich chutṟi virithirainīr
kaṭainthanañchai yuṇṭukantha kāraṇa meṉṉaikolām
idanthumaṇṇai yuṇṭamālu miṉmalar mēlayaṉunth
thoṭarnthumuṉṉaṅg kāṇamāṭṭāch chōpura mēyavaṉē”.

புத்தரோடு புன்சமணர் பொய்யுரை யேரைத்துப்
பித்தராகக் கண்டுகந்த பெற்றிமை யென்னைகொலாம்
மத்தயானை யீருரிவை போர்த்து வளர்சடைமேல்
துத்திநாகஞ் சூடினானே சோபுர மேயவனே.

“Putharōṭu puṉsamaṇar poyyurai yēraithup
pitharākak kaṇṭukantha petṟimai yeṉṉaikolām
mathayāṉai yīrurivai pōrthu vaḷarsaṭaimēl
thuthinākañch chūṭiṉāṉē chōpura mēyavaṉē”.

சோலைமிக்க தண்வயல்சூழ் சோபுர மேயவனைச்
சீலமிக்க தொல்புகழார் சிரபுரக் கோன்நலத்தான்
ஞாலம்மிக்க தண்டமிழான் ஞானசம் பந்தன்சொன்ன
கோலம்மிக்க மாலைவல்லார் கூடுவர் வானுலகே.

“Chōlaimikka thaṇvayalchūzh chōpura mēyavaṉaich
chīlamikka tholpukazhār chirapurak kōṉnalathāṉ
gñālam'mikka thaṇṭamizhāṉ gñāṉasam banthaṉchoṉṉa
kōlam'mikka mālaivallār kūṭuvar vāṉulakē”.

Location

Pennadam is at a distance of about 18 kms from Virudachalam on the Virudhachalam to Thittakudi route. It is about 15 kms from Thozhuthur, 23 kms from Srimushnam and 40 kms from Ulunthurpettai.

Another Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam near Pennadam is Thiru Nelvayil Arathurai which is about 5 kms from it.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 2^nd Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers.
• The vimanam (roof tower) of the sanctum sanctorum has been constructed according to the Gaja Brishtam style of architecture.
• This is the birth place of Saint Kalikkamba Nayanar - one of the 63 Nayanmars and Saint Meikandar - the first of the four “Santhana Kuravars”. He is considered a pioneer of Saiva philosophy.
• Saint Marai Ganasambanthar, the third “Santhana Kuravars” is also believed to have lived here.
• The last consecration ceremony took place on 10.05.1989. Before that, the consecration ceremonies were held on 18.03.1981 and 13.07.1973.

History of the Temple

It is believed that this temple was built in the early Chola period. The historical names of this place are - Soundarya Chola Puram, Thiru Kadanthai, Parvathi Puram, Pushpavanam and Dhayarasapathi. The lord of this temple is praised as Sri Sudarkozhunthu Nathar and Sri Kaivazhangeesar. 

Legend

According to the legend, there was once a flood which was consuming the entire world. This was the only place left that wasn’t submerged in water. Devas (celestial gods) rushed to this place and prayed to Lord Shiva to protect all beings by preventing the water from entering this place. Lord Shiva directed Nandhi to prevent the flood water entering here. Nandhi, till then facing Lord Shiva, turned to the opposite direction, swallowed the incoming flood water and saved this place from getting submerged. Hence, the lord of this place is praised as “Pralaya Kaleswarar” – “the lord who protected the world”. Nandhi, is still facing the opposite direction, that is, facing the entrance of the temple.

Another legend is that once Indira, the king of Devas needed flowers form earth to perform Shiva pooja at his abode. He sent two maidens to earth to bring flowers. Although the maidens found flowers there in plenty, they did not return back to the celestial world and instead decided to stay in this place itself after seeing a Shiva lingam here. They started worshiping this Shiva lingam. When they did not return, Indira sent the divine cow Kamadenu to bring them back. Kamadenu found the maidens but instead of taking them bak she joined them in their worship of the Shiva lingam. When Kamadenu also did not return, Indra was perplexed and sent his white elephant Iravadham in search of them. Iravadham found them worshiping Lord Shiva and decided to join them. He stood near the lingam in such a way that prevented sunlight from falling directly on the Shiva lingam so as to not let the lord feel the heat of the sun. 

Finally, Indira himself came down to earth and saw everyone worshiping the lord. He also joined them in the worship. Later on, all of them returned together to the celestial world with the blessings of Lord Shiva.

The name of this place “Pennadam” is believed to have originated from this legend. “Penn” means angel (maidens), “Aa” means divine cow (Kamadenu) and “Kada” means elephant (Iravadham).

Another legend associated with this temple is that of Anandavalli Ammaiyar, an ardent Shiva devotee, who used to worship the lord here regularly. Once there was a heavy flood in the river Vellaru that prevented her from reaching the temple. She decided to perform her daily worship from the other bank of the river itself. Although she completed her worship, she could not see the lord. Lord Shiva realised this and as a token of his appreciation for her devotion, he raised the ground level by about 40 to 50 feet. Even today, the shrine is an elevated position and one has to climb up some steps to enter it.

There is another legend associated with this place that involves Kalikamba Nayanar (one of the 63 Nayanmars) and his wife. Kalikamba Nayanar and his wife used to do “Pada Pujai” (washing the feet of Shiva devotees before offering them food). Once, his wife was reluctant to perform pada pooja for a devotee who happened to be their servant. In a fit of rage, Kalikambar chopped off the hands of his wife for refusing to perform a divine duty. Pleased with his dutifulness, Lord Shiva restored his wife’s hands and blessed both of them with salvation. Hence the lord here is also praised as “Sri Kaivazhangeesar” – (in Tamil “Kai” means hand and “Vazhangu” means to give).

Another legend associated with this temple is that it was here that Saint Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) appealed to Lord Sudarkozhundhu Nathar to inscribe tattoos of a Trident (Thrishul), Vibuthi pattai (sacred lines of ash) and Nandhi (Lord Shiva’s mount) on his hands and forehead.  Lord Shiva felt that Appar is deserving of such an honour and blessed the saint with these inscriptions. This episode is beautifully described by the renowned poet Sekkizhar in his magnum opus Peria Puranam.

Deities in the temple

Shrines and idols of Lords Vinai Theertha Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Natarajar and Sivakami, Kasi Viswanathar, Dakshinamurthy, Nalvar, Navagraham, Goddess Mahalakshmi and Saptha Madakkal can be seen in the corridors.

There are separate shrines for Saint Kalikkamba Nayanar, Saint Meikkanda Devar and Lord Soundaraeswarar in the corridors.

Salient Features

The vimana (roof tower) of the sanctum sanctorum is designed in a special style of architecture called the Gaja Brishtam. This makes the vimanam look like the rear of an elephant (Gaja - elephant, brishtam - rear). This is also known as “Thoonganai Maadam” in Tamil (thoong(um) - sleeping, aanai - elephant, maadam - top of a temple).

Also, the sanctum has three slotted windows on three sides which facilitates dharisanam of the Lord from all sides.

This lingam inside the elevated shrine is made of 16 plate faces (Sodasa lingam) and is known as Sri Soundaraeswarar. One can see this lord from outside the temple also.

In his hymns, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar has referred to this place as “Thungaanai Maadam”.

There is a separate temple for Goddess Aamodanambal in the outer corridor.

Greatness of this temple

There is a saying about this temple - “you will be blessed once for each time you circumambulate this temple”.

This is also a parihara sthalam for those who born during the periods of the constellation Kettai (Jyeshta nakshatram). Devotees whose birth star is Kettai visit this temple for special poojas.

Those suffering from any kind of body pain can visit this temple and worship the lord here to seek relief.

Important Festivals

12 day Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May) is celebrated in a grand manner. Maha Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar) and Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan) are the other important festivals celebrated in this temple. Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

From 06.00 AM to 11.30 AM and 05.00 PM to 08.00 PM

Temple Address

Sri Pralayakaleswarar Temple
Pennadam Post
Thittakudi Taluk
Cuddalore District
Tamil Nadu - 606 105.
Tele: 04143 - 222 788.

Contact the temple priest, Sri Karthikeya Gurukkal at 09994088359.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

ஒடுங்கும் பிணிபிறவி கேடென்றிவை
யுடைத்தாய வாழ்க்கை யொழியத்தவம்
அடங்கும் மிடங்கருதி நின்றீ ரெல்லாம்
அடிக ளடிநிழற்கீ ழாளாம் வண்ணம்
கிடங்கும் மதிலுஞ் சுலாவி யெங்கும்
கெழுமனைகள் தோறும் மறையின்னொலி
தொடங்குங் கடந்தைத் தடங்கோயில்சேர்
தூங்கானை மாடம் தொழுமின்களே.

“Oṭuṅkum piṇipiṟavi kēṭeṉṟivai
yuṭaithāya vāzhkkai yozhiyathavam
aṭaṅkum miṭaṅkaruthi niṉtṟī rellām
aṭika ḷaṭinizhaṟkī zhāḷām vaṇṇam
kiṭaṅkum mathiluñ chulāvi yeṅkum
kezhumaṉaikaḷ thōṟum maṟaiyiṉṉoli
thoṭaṅkuṅ kaṭanthaith thaṭaṅkōyilsēr
thūṅkāṉai māṭam thozhumiṉkaḷē”.

பிணிநீர சாதல் பிறத்தலிவை
பிரியப் பிரியாத பேரின்பத்தோ
டணிநீர மேலுலகம் எய்தலுறில்
அறிமின் குறைவில்லை ஆனேறுடை
மணிநீல கண்டம் உடையபிரான்
மலைமகளுந் தானும் மகிழ்ந்துவாழும்
துணிநீர்க் கடந்தைத் தடங்கோயில்சேர்
தூங்கானை மாடம் தொழுமின்களே.

“Piṇinīra sāthal piṟathalivai
piriyap piriyātha pēriṉpathō
ṭaṇinīra mēlulakam eythaluṟil
aṟimiṉ kuṟaivillai āṉēṟuṭai
maṇinīla kaṇṭam uṭaiyapirāṉ
malaimakaḷun thāṉum makizhnthuvāzhum
thuṇinīrk kaṭanthaith thaṭaṅkōyilsēr
thūṅkāṉai māṭam thozhumiṉkaḷē”.

சாநாளும் வாழ்நாளுந் தோற்றமிவை
சலிப்பாய வாழ்க்கை யொழியத்தவம்
ஆமா றறியா தலமந்துநீர்
அயர்ந்துங் குறைவில்லை ஆனேறுடைப்
பூமாண் அலங்கல் இலங்குகொன்றை
புனல்பொதிந்த புன்சடையி னான்உறையும்
தூமாண் கடந்தைத் தடங்கோயில்சேர்
தூங்கானை மாடம் தொழுமின்களே.

“Sānāḷum vāzhnāḷun thōtṟamivai
salippāya vāzhkkai yozhiyathavam
āmā ṟaṟiyā thalamanthunīr
ayarnthuṅ kuṟaivillai āṉēṟuṭaip
pūmāṇ alaṅkal ilaṅkukoṉtṟai
puṉalpothintha puṉsaṭaiyi ṉāṉuṟaiyum
thūmāṇ kaṭanthaith thaṭaṅkōyilsēr
thūṅkāṉai māṭam thozhumiṉkaḷē”.

ஊன்றும் பிணிபிறவி கேடென்றிவை
யுடைத்தாய வாழ்க்கை யொழியத்தவம்
மான்று மனங்கருதி நின்றீரெல்லாம்
மனந்திரிந்து மண்ணில் மயங்காதுநீர்
மூன்று மதிலெய்த மூவாச்சிலை
முதல்வர்க் கிடம்போலும் முகில்தோய்கொடி
தோன்றுங் கடந்தைத் தடங்கோயில்சேர்
தூங்கானை மாடம் தொழுமின்களே.

“Ūṉtṟum piṇipiṟavi kēṭeṉtṟivai
yuṭaithāya vāzhkkai yozhiyathavam
māṉtṟu maṉaṅkaruthi niṉtṟīrellām
maṉanthirinthu maṇṇil mayaṅkāthunīr
mūṉtṟu mathileytha mūvāchchilai
muthalvark kiṭampōlum mukilthōykoṭi
thōṉtṟuṅ kaṭanthaith thaṭaṅkōyilsēr
thūṅkāṉai māṭam thozhumiṉkaḷē”.

மயல்தீர்மை யில்லாத தோற்றம்மிவை
மரணத்தொ டொத்தழியு மாறாதலால்
வியல்தீர மேலுலக மெய்தலுறின்
மிக்கொன்றும் வேண்டா விமலனிடம்
உயர்தீர வோங்கிய நாமங்களா
லோவாது நாளும் அடிபரவல்செய்
துயர்தீர் கடந்தைத் தடங்கோயில்சேர்
தூங்கானை மாடம் தொழுமின்களே.

“Mayalthīrmai yillātha thōtṟam'mivai
maraṇatho ṭothazhiyu māṟāthalāl
viyalthīra mēlulaka meythaluṟiṉ
mikkoṉtṟum vēṇṭā vimalaṉiṭam
uyarthīra vōṅkiya nāmaṅkaḷā
lōvāthu nāḷum aṭiparavalsey
thuyarthīr kaṭanthaith thaṭaṅkōyilsēr
thūṅkāṉai māṭam thozhumiṉkaḷē”.

பன்னீர்மை குன்றிச் செவிகேட்பிலா
படர்நோக்கிற் கண் பவளந்நிற
நன்னீர்மை குன்றித் திரைதோலொடு
நரைதோன்றுங் காலம் நமக்காதல்முன்
பொன்னீர்மை துன்றப் புறந்தோன்றுநற்
புனல்பொதிந்த புன்சடையி னான்உறையும்
தொன்னீர்க் கடந்தைத் தடங்கோயில்சேர்
தூங்கானை மாடம் தொழுமின்களே.

“Paṉṉīrmai kuṉtṟich chevikēṭpilā
paṭarnōkkiṟ kaṇ pavaḷanniṟa
naṉṉīrmai kuṉtṟith thiraithōloṭu
naraithōṉtṟuṅ kālam namakkāthalmuṉ
poṉṉīrmai thuṉtṟap puṟanthōṉtṟunaṟ
puṉalpothintha puṉsaṭaiyi ṉāṉuṟaiyum
thoṉṉīrk kaṭanthaith thaṭaṅkōyilsēr
thūṅkāṉai māṭam thozhumiṉkaḷē”.

இறையூண் துகளோ டிடுக்கண் எய்தி
யிழிப்பாய வாழ்க்கை யொழியத்தவம்
நிறையூண் நெறிகருதி நின்றீரெல்லாம்
நீள்கழ லேநாளும் நினைமின் சென்னிப்
பிறைசூ ழலங்கல் இலங்குகொன்றை
பிணையும் பெருமான் பிரியாத நீர்த்
துறைசூழ் கடந்தைத் தடங்கோயில்சேர்
தூங்கானை மாடம் தொழுமின்களே.

“Iṟaiyūṇ thukaḷō ṭiṭukkaṇ eythi
yizhippāya vāzhkkai yozhiyathavam
niṟaiyūṇ neṟikaruthi niṉtṟīrellām
nīḷkazha lēnāḷum niṉaimiṉ seṉṉip
piṟaichū zhalaṅkal ilaṅkukoṉtṟai
piṇaiyum perumāṉ piriyātha nīrth
thuṟaichuzh kaṭanthaith thaṭaṅkōyilsēr
thūṅkāṉai māṭam thozhumiṉkaḷē”.

பல்வீழ்ந்து நாத்தளர்ந்து மெய்யில்வாடிப்
பழிப்பாய வாழ்க்கை யொழியத்தவம்
இல்சூ ழிடங்கருதி நின்றீரெல்லாம்
இறையே பிரியா தெழுந்து போதும்
கல்சூ ழரக்கன் கதறச்செய்தான்
காதலி யுந்தானுங் கருதிவாழும்
தொல்சீர்க் கடந்தைத் தடங்கோயில்சேர்
தூங்கானை மாடம் தொழுமின்களே.

“Palvīzhnthu nāthaḷarnthu meyyilvāṭip
pazhippāya vāzhkkai yozhiyathavam
ilchū zhiṭaṅkaruthi niṉtṟīrellām
iṟaiyē piriyā thezhunthu pōthum
kalchū zharakkaṉ kathaṟachcheythāṉ
kāthali yunthāṉuṅ karuthivāzhum
tholsīrk kaṭanthaith thaṭaṅkōyilsēr
thūṅkāṉai māṭam thozhumiṉkaḷē”.

நோயும் பிணியும் அருந்துயரமும்
நுகருடைய வாழ்க்கை யொழியத்தவம்
வாயும் மனங்கருதி நின்றீரெல்லாம்
மலர்மிசைய நான்முகனும் மண்ணும்விண்ணும்
தாய அடியளந்தான் காணமாட்டாத்
தலைவர்க் கிடம்போலுந் தண்சோலைவிண்
தோயும் கடந்தைத் தடங்கோயில்சேர்
தூங்கானை மாடம் தொழுமின்களே.

“Nōyum piṇiyum arunthuyaramum
nukaruṭaiya vāzhkkai yozhiyathavam
vāyum maṉaṅkaruthi niṉtṟīrellām
malarmisaiya nāṉmukaṉum maṇṇumviṇṇum
thāya aṭiyaḷanthāṉ kāṇamāṭṭāth
thalaivark kiṭampōlun thaṇchōlaiviṇ
thōyum kaṭanthaith thaṭaṅkōyilsēr
thūṅkāṉai māṭam thozhumiṉkaḷē”.

பகடூர்பசி நலிய நோய்வருதலாற்
பழிப்பாய வாழ்க்கை யொழியத்தவம்
முகடூர் மயிர்கடிந்த செய்கையாரும்
மூடுதுவ ராடையாரும் நாடிச்சொன்ன
திகழ்தீர்ந்த பொய்ம்மொழிகள் தேறவேண்டா
திருந்திழை யுந்தானும் பொருந்திவாழும்
துகள்தீர் கடந்தைத் தடங்கோயில்சேர்
தூங்கானை மாடம் தொழுமின்களே.

“Pakaṭūrpasi naliya nōyvaruthalāṟ
pazhippāya vāzhkkai yozhiyathavam
mukaṭūr mayirkaṭintha seykaiyārum
mūṭuthuva rāṭaiyārum nāṭichchoṉṉa
thikazhthīrntha poym'mozhikaḷ thēṟavēṇṭā
thirunthizhai yunthāṉum porunthivāzhum
thukaḷthīr kaṭanthaith thaṭaṅkōyilsēr
thūṅkāṉai māṭam thozhumiṉkaḷē”.

மண்ணார் முழவதிரும் மாடவீதி
வயற்காழி ஞானசம் பந்தன்நல்ல
பெண்ணா கடத்துப் பெருங்கோயில்சேர்
பிறையுரிஞ்சுந் தூங்கானை மாடமேயான்
கண்ணார் கழல்பரவு பாடல் பத்துங்
கருத்துணரக் கற்றாருங் கேட்டாருங்போய்
விண்ணோ ருலகத்து மேவிவாழும்
விதியது வேயாகும் வினைமாயுமே.

“Maṇṇār muzhavathirum māṭavīthi
vayaṟkāzhi gñāṉasam banthaṉnalla
peṇṇā kaṭathup peruṅkōyilsēr
piṟaiyuriñchun thūṅkāṉai māṭamēyāṉ
kaṇṇār kazhalparavu pāṭal pathuṅ
karuththuṇarak katṟāruṅ kēṭṭāruṅpōy
viṇṇō rulakathu mēvivāzhum
vithiyathu vēyākum viṉaimāyumē”.

Location

Thiruvatathurai is situated at a distance of about 5 Kms from Pennadam on the Pennadam to Thittakudi route. From Thittakkudi it is at a distance of about 9 kms and from Virudhachalam it is about 25 Kms.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 1^st Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This is one of the 44 Paadal petra sthalams where the “Moovar” (the three saints - Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar) and Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar) had rendered their Pathigams.
• Saint Thirugnanasambanthar was blessed with Muthu Pallaku, Muthu Kodai and Muthu Chinnam in this temple.
• Sage Vasishtar got the ‘’Raja Rishi’’ title here from Lord Shiva.
• Of the seven Thurai temples, this is the sixth one. Thurai temples are the temples that are situated on the bank of a river and are associated with the Sapta Rishis.
• This temple’s main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers and has two corridors.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) was held on 24.03.2011.

History of the Temple

This temple is situated on the southern bank of the river Neevaa / Vellaru.

As serpent Adisheshan is believed to have worshiped the lord here, this place is known as “Aravathurai” (“Aravam” meaning snake in Tamil). Thirunelvayil Arathurai is the ancient name of this place. Now this village is called Thiruvattathurai.

Legend

It is believed that after worshiping the lord Sri Pralaya Kaleswarar at Pennaagadam, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar stayed overnight at Maranpadi (Eraiyur). From there, the journey to this temple was tiring and exhausting. On knowing this, the Lord advised the local Vethiyars (Brahmins) to take the pearl palanquin (Muthu Chivigai), a pearl umbrella (Muthu Kodai) and other pearl-bedecked paraphernalia (Muthu Chinnam) to Eraiyur, offer them to Thirugnanasambanthar and bring him here. It is believed that the lord himself had arranged these items for Saint Thirugnanasambanthar. 

On the way to Eraiyur, they met Thirugnanasambanthar at a place called Kudalur and brought him to this temple in a procession in that palanquin. Lord Shiva bestowed him with the title of “Achariyan” (Teacher). From there on, Thirugnanasambanthar travelled to many places in this Muthu Chivigai. 

The distinctive feature of this temple is that the Nandhi’s head is lifted up and turned towards the right side. The story behind this that once there was a flood in the river Neeva and on the advice of Lord Shiva, Nandhi turned its head towards the river and prevented the water from causing any damage.

It is believed that Lords Mahavishnu, Brahma, Adisheshan, Saneeswaran (planet Saturn), Angarakan (planet Mars) and sages Valmiki, Sanakar and Barathvasar have worshiped the lord here. It is also believed that king Janakar (Sita’s father) and the kings of Chera, Chola and Pandiya kingdoms have worshiped the lord here.

It is believed that Lord Shiva helped the Saptha Rishis to perform their rituals in this place by calling the Vellaru river here (“Nee Vaa” meaning, you come here).  Because of this the river is also called Nee Vaa. They worshiped Lord Shiva here and the fingerprints of all the seven sages can be seen on this lingam.

They have worshiped Lord Shiva in a similar manner at seven holy places on the banks of river Vellaru /Nee Vaa. These are called the Thurai Temples and they are –

• Adi Thurai (Kaariyanoor);
• Thirumanthurai;
• Thiruvalanthurai;
• Su.Aduthurai;
• Thiruvathittathuri (Thittakudi);
• Thiruvattathurai (Thirunelvayil Arathurai),
• Thirukkaranthurai (Pelanthurai)

Sage Vasishtar performed rigorous penance here and was blessed with the title of “Raja Rishi” by Lord Shiva. On the basis of this title, he was appointed as the ‘Kula Guru’ (family teacher) for the royal families of Chola King Manu, Dasarath and Sri Ram. As the guru of Sri Ram, Vasishtar gave a collection of advices which was written down and codified as the ‘Gnana Vasishtam’. This is similar to the Bhagavad Geeta which contains dialogue between Arjuna and Lord Krishna. 

Deities in the Temple

Shrines and idols of Lords Valanchuzhi Vinayakar, Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Dakshinamurthy, Veerabathrar, Suryan, Chandran, Natarajar,

Saint Valmiki, Nalvar, Sapthamaadakkal, Jyothi Lingam, Bootha lingam, Pavishya Lingam, Varthamana lingam, Goddess Shakti, Adisheshan, Gajalakshmi, Annamalaiyar with Brahma and Vishnu, Durgai, Saneeswaran in a separate shrine, Navagraham and Selva Vinayakar can be seen in the corridors.

Apart from this, there are the following lingams in this temple:

Chera, Chola and Pandiya lingams along with idols of Goddess Parvathi. Vishwanathar and Visalakshi,

Agama Lingam,

Ashtothra Lingam.

Also, this temple has some beautiful and intricately carved reliefs of Lords Natarajar and Sivakami, Pitchandavar, Ardhanareeswarar standing in front of his bull, Durgai standing on a buffalo’s head, Shiva and Parvathi, Goddess Sarasvathi and Veera Bathrar.

There is a separate shrine in the corridor where the idols of Santhana Kuravarkal – Meikandar, Arunandhi Sivam, Maraignana Sambanthar and Umapathi Sivam, can be seen. 

Salient Features

Saint Arunagirinadhar has sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar’s hymn of this temple contains a reference to the Neevaa river, which is nowadays known as “Vadavellaru”.

There are three Kasi shetrams – Balakasi, Virudhakasi and Uzhikasi. This temple is considered to be as Uzhikasi.

There is an entrance at the left side of the sanctum sanctorum known as Magam Vasal. This entrance exists due to a custom being followed here. Widows come to this temple one year after the demise of their husband. Custom mandates that they take a dip in the nearby river, enter the temple through this gate, worship the Lord and return from the same gate.

Greatness of this temple

Since Saneeswaran and Angarakan worshiped the lord here, devotees believe that worshiping the lord here would relieve them of the “dosham” related to these two planets.

As Saint Thirugnanasambanthar got the pearl palanquin here which is considered to be a turning point in his life, devotees believe by worshiping the lord here will also bring changes to their life. Devotees also believe that worshiping the lord here will give them fame, recognition and a better position in life.

The sacred tree of this temple is a banyan tree. This tree is believed to be representing the “Maham nakshatram” (Maham constellation). Due to this reason, this temple is famous with devotees born in the period of the Maham nakshatram. 

Important Festivals

10 days Brahmotsavam (Maasi Maham festival) in the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb-Mar), Maha Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Marc, Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan) and Panguni Uthiram in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr) are the important festivals celebrated in this temple. Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

From 07.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM

Temple Address

Sri Theerthapureeswarar Temple
Thiruvattathurai Post
Thittakudi Taluk
Cuddalore District
Tamil Nadu – 606111.
Tele: +91 4143 - 246 467.

Contact the temple priest Sri Swaminatha Sivacharyar at +91 4143 246303.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

எந்தை ஈசனெம் பெருமான் ஏறமர் கடவுளென் றேத்திச்
சிந்தை செய்பவர்க் கல்லால் சென்றுகை கூடுவ தன்றால்
கந்த மாமல ருந்திக் கடும்புனல் நிவாமல்கு கரைமேல்
அந்தண் சோலைநெல் வாயில் அரத்துறை யடிகள்தம் அருளே.

“Enthai īsaṉem perumāṉ ēṟamar kaṭavuḷeṉ ṟēthich
chinthai seypavark kallāl seṉtṟukai kūṭuva thaṉtṟāl
kantha māmala runthik kaṭumpuṉal nivāmalku karaimēl
anthaṇ sōlainel vāyil arathuṟai yaṭikaḷtham aruḷē”.

ஈர வார்சடை தன்மேல் இளம்பிறை யணிந்த எம்பெருமான்
சீருஞ் செல்வமும் ஏத்தாச் சிதடர்கள் தொழச்செல்வ தன்றால்
வாரி மாமல ருந்தி வருபுனல் நிவாமல்கு கரைமேல்
ஆருஞ் சோலைநெல் வாயில் அரத்துறை யடிகள்தம் அருளே. 

“Īra vārsaṭai thaṉmēl iḷampiṟai yaṇintha emperumāṉ
sīruñ selvamum ēthāch chithaṭarkaḷ thozhachchelva thaṉtṟāl
vāri māmala runthi varupuṉal nivāmalku karaimēl
āruñ chōlainel vāyil arathuṟai yaṭikaḷtham aruḷē”. 

பிணிக லந்தபுன் சடைமேற் பிறையணி சிவனெனப் பேணிப்
பணிக லந்துசெய் யாத பாவிகள் தொழச்செல் வதன்றால்
மணிக லந்துபொன் னுந்தி வருபுனல் நிவாமல்கு கரைமேல்
அணிக லந்தநெல் வாயில் அரத்துறை யடிகள்தம் அருளே. 

“Piṇika lanthapuṉ saṭaimēṟ piṟaiyaṇi sivaṉeṉap pēṇip
paṇika lanthusey yātha pāvikaḷ thozhachchel vathaṉtṟāl
maṇika lanthupoṉ ṉunthi varupuṉal nivāmalku karaimēl
aṇika lanthanel vāyil arathuṟai yaṭikaḷtham aruḷē”. 

துன்ன ஆடையொன் றுடுத்துத் தூயவெண் ணீற்றி னராகி
உன்னி நைபவர்க் கல்லால் ஒன்றுங்கை கூடுவ தன்றாற்
பொன்னும் மாமணி யுந்திப் பொருபுனல் நிவாமல்கு கரைமேல்
அன்ன மாருநெல் வாயில் அரத்துறை யடிகள்தம் அருளே. 

“Thuṉṉa āṭaiyoṉ tṟuṭuththuth thūyaveṇ ṇītṟi ṉarāki
uṉṉi naipavark kallāl oṉtṟuṅkai kūṭuva thaṉtṟāṟ
poṉṉum māmaṇi yunthip porupuṉal nivāmalku karaimēl
aṉṉa mārunel vāyil arathuṟai yaṭikaḷtham aruḷē”. 

வெருகு ரிஞ்சுவெங் காட்டி லாடிய விமலனென் றுள்கி
உருகி நைபவர்க் கல்லால் ஒன்றுங்கை கூடுவ தன்றால்
முருகு ரிஞ்சுபூஞ் சோலை மொய்ம்மலர் சுமந்திழி நிவாவந்
தருகு ரிஞ்சுநெல் வாயில் அரத்துறை யடிகள்தம் அருளே. 

“Veruku riñchuveṅ kāṭṭi lāṭiya vimalaṉeṉ tṟuḷki
uruki naipavark kallāl oṉtṟuṅkai kūṭuva thaṉtṟāl
muruku riñchupūñ chōlai moym'malar sumanthizhi nivāvan
tharuku riñchunel vāyil arathuṟai yaṭikaḷtham aruḷē”. 

உரவு நீர்சடைக் கரந்த வொருவனென் றுள்குளிர்ந் தேத்திப்
பரவி நைபவர்க் கல்லாற் பரிந்துகை கூடுவ தன்றால்
குரவ நீடுயர் சோலைக் குளிர்புனல் நிவாமல்கு கரைமேல்
அரவ மாருநெல் வாயில் அரத்துறை யடிகள்தம் அருளே. 

“Uravu nīrsaṭaik karantha voruvaṉeṉ tṟuḷkuḷirn thēththip
paravi naipavark kallāṟ parinthukai kūṭuva thaṉṟāl
kurava nīṭuyar chōlaik kuḷirpuṉal nivāmalku karaimēl
arava mārunel vāyil arathuṟai yaṭikaḷtham aruḷē”.

நீல மாமணி மிடற்று நீறணி சிவனெனப் பேணுஞ்
சீல மாந்தர்கட் கல்லாற் சென்றுகை கூடுவ தன்றால்
கோல மாமல ருந்திக் குளிர்புனல் நிவாமல்கு கரைமேல்
ஆலுஞ் சோலைநெல் வாயில் அரத்துறை யடிகள்தம் அருளே. 

“Nīla māmaṇi miṭatṟu nīṟaṇi sivaṉeṉap pēṇuñ
chīla māntharkaṭ kallāṟ seṉṟukai kūṭuva thaṉtṟāl
kōla māmala runthik kuḷirpuṉal nivāmalku karaimēl
āluñ chōlainel vāyil arathuṟai yaṭikaḷtham aruḷē”. 

செழுந்தண் மால்வரை யெடுத்த செருவலி இராவணன் அலற
அழுந்த ஊன்றிய விரலான் போற்றியென் பார்க்கல்ல தருளான்
கொழுங் கனிசுமந் துந்திக் குளிர்புனல் நிவாமல்கு கரைமேல்
அழுந்துஞ் சோலைநெல் வாயில் அரத்துறை யடிகள்தம் அருளே. 

“Chezhunthaṇ mālvarai yeṭutha seruvali irāvaṇaṉ alaṟa
azhuntha ūṉtṟiya viralāṉ pōtṟiyeṉ pārkkalla tharuḷāṉ
kozhuṅ kaṉisuman thunthik kuḷirpuṉal nivāmalku karaimēl
aḻzhnthuñ chōlainel vāyil arathuṟai yaṭikaḷtham aruḷē”. 

நுணங்கு நூலயன் மாலும் இருவரும் நோக்கரி யானை
வணங்கி நைபவர்க் கல்லால் வந்துகை கூடுவ தன்றால்
மணங்க மழ்ந்துபொன் னுந்தி வருபுனல் நிவாமல்கு கரைமேல்
அணங்குஞ் சோலைநெல் வாயில் அரத்துறை யடிகள்தம் அருளே. 

“Nuṇaṅku nūlayaṉ mālum iruvarum nōkkari yāṉai
vaṇaṅki naipavark kallāl vanthukai kūṭuva thaṉtṟāl
maṇaṅka mazhnthupoṉ ṉunthi varupuṉal nivāmalku karaimēl
aṇaṅkuñ chōlainel vāyil arathuṟai yaṭikaḷtham aruḷē”. 

சாக்கி யப்படு வாருஞ் சமண்படு வார்களும் மற்றும்
பாக்கி யப்பட கில்லாப் பாவிகள் தொழச்செல்வ தன்றால்
பூக்க மழ்ந்துபொன் னுந்திப் பொருபுனல் நிவாமல்கு கரைமேல்
ஆர்க்குஞ் சோலைநெல் வாயில் அரத்துறை யடிகள்தம் அருளே. 

“Sākki yappaṭu vāruñ chamaṇpaṭu vārkaḷum matṟum
pākki yappaṭa killāp pāvikaḷ thozhachchelva thaṉtṟāl
pūkka mazhnthupoṉ ṉunthip porupuṉal nivāmalku karaimēl
ārkkuñ chōlainel vāyil arathuṟai yaṭikaḷtham aruḷē”. 

கறையி னார்பொழில் சூழ்ந்த காழியுள் ஞான சம்பந்தன்
அறையும் பூம்புனல் பரந்த அரத்துறை யடிகள்தம் அருளை
முறைமை யாற்சொன்ன பாடல் மொழியும் மாந்தர்தம் வினைபோய்ப்
பறையும் ஐயுற வில்லை பாட்டிவை பத்தும் வல்லார்க்கே.

“Kaṟaiyi ṉārpozhil chūzhntha kāzhiyuḷ gñāṉa sambanthaṉ
aṟaiyum pūmpuṉal parantha arathuṟai yaṭikaḷtham aruḷai
muṟaimai yāṟsoṉṉa pāṭal mozhiyum mānthartham viṉaipōyp
paṟaiyum aiyuṟa villai pāṭṭivai pathum vallārkkē”.

Location 

The temple is located in a place called Kizhur or Kizhaiyur in Thirukkoilure. Thirukkoilure is at a distance of about 40 kms from Thiruvannamalai and from Villupuram it is about 37 kms. 

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 11^th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This is one of the eight “Veerattana Sthalams” of Lord Shiva.
• In this temple Lord Shiva himself is a Bairavar.
• Both Moolavar and Ambal Shrines are facing west and are built as separate temples.
• Both temples’ main towers (Rajagopuram) have 3-tiers and 2 corridors each.
• Two of the 63 Nayanmars - Saint Meiporul Nayanar and Saint Narasinga Munaiarayar lived in this place.
• This is the birth place of the great Chola King Arunmozhith Devan, popularly known as Raja Raja Cholan; his mother Vaanavan Madevi and Adithya Karikalan.

History of the Temple

The temple is on the southern bank of Pennai river. The historical name of this place is “Andhakapuram”.

In Hindu mythology, there are eight special places where it is believed that Lord Shiva vanquished various demons and exhibited acts of bravery. These places are Veeratta Sthalams. In Tamil, this is referred to as “Atta Veerattanam” (“Atta” means eight and “Veeram” means bravery). Thirukkovilur is the second Veerattana Sthalam where the lord is believed to have vanquished the demon Andhakasuran. The other seven Veeratta Sthalams are –

• Thirukkandiyur where one of Lord Brahma’s five heads was plucked;
• Thiruvathigai where the three forts – “Thiripuram” were burnt;
• Keezha Parasalur where Dakshan’s yagna was stopped and he was killed;
• Thiruvirkudi where the demon Jalandharasuran was killed;
• Thiru Vazhuvur where the elephant Gajasuran was vanquished;
• Thiru Korukkai where Manmathan was burnt and later blessed;
• Thirukkadaiyur where Lord Yama was kicked and punished. 

Legend

This is the place where Lord Shiva destroyed the demon Andhakasura. Of the eight Veeratta sthalas, this is the second one and it has significant historical importance and antiquity. In this temple’s sanctum sanctorum, Lord Shiva is seen as Bairavar.

It is believed that, once while playing with Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi covered his eyes. Since the lord’s eyes are believed to be Sun and Moon, covering them turned the world dark. It is believed that this darkness took the form of a demon called “Andhakasuran”. “Andha” means darkness and also ignorance. This demon obtained a lot of powers from Lord Shiva after rigorous penance. Emboldened by his powers, he started troubling the devas in the celestial world. They went to Lord Shiva to seek his intervention. Lord Shiva struck Andhakasuran on his head with his trident. The head of the demon began to bleed. Every drop of blood that fell on earth grew into another demon and this lead to a war between the demons and Lord Shiva. Goddess Parvathi prevented the blood from falling down by collecting it in a bowl. But before she could so, some of it fell down to the earth in the form of 8 vertical and 8 horizontal lines and thus made 64 squares. With his power, Lord Shiva created 64 Bhairavas – one for each square and prevented further production of demons.

It is believed that Sukrachariar, leader of the demons, created many more demons to aid Andhakasuran in his fight with Lord Shiva.  Lord Shiva punished Sukrachariar by swallowing him. Sukrachariar then realized his mistake and pleaded to the lord for forgiveness. Lord Shiva took pity on him, gave him rebirth and blessed him with a place among the Navagrahas as Sukran.

It is believed that Lord Shiva struck Andhakasuran with his trident and lifted him off the ground. It is significant to note that this kind of killing is unique to this Veeratta Sthalam because in other seven places Lord Shiva vanquished the demons by pinning them to the ground.

Saptha Madhas, Mother Maha Tripura Sundari, 64 Bhairavas and 64 Bhairavis are believed to have come into existence at this sacred land. This is also the place where “Sapta Mathruganangal” and 36 “Mathruganangal” are believed to have taken birth.

The origin of Vasthu Sastra (the traditional Hindu system of architecture) can be traced back to this place. It is believed that while fighting the demon Andhakasuran, Lord Shiva started sweating profusely. His sweat took the form of a man called Vastu Purusha. A stone sculpture depicting Vastu in his sleeping posture can be seen in the wall of the sanctum sanctorum.

Another legend associated with this temple is that the Periyanai Ganapathi’s shrine is believed to have been worshipped by the renowned poet-saint Avvaiyar. Avvaiyar has sung the famous “Vinayakar Agaval” dedicated to Vinayakar of this temple.

While offering her prayers to Lord Ganesha of this temple, Avvaiyar divined an image of Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar and his contemporary King Cheraman Perumal going to Mount Kailash. She wanted to join them and tried to hasten her worship. Lord Ganesha blessed her with his appearance and advised her that there was no need for her to hasten her worship and that he himself would take her to Kailash (Kailayam). It is believed that Lord Ganesha then took his universal form (“Vishwaroopam”), lifted Avvaiyar up with his trunk and placed her ahead of Saint Sundarar on the route to Mount Kailash. As he took his universal form here, Lord Ganesha here is also praised as Periya Yanai (“periya” meaning huge and “Yanai” meaning elephant in Tamil). Beautiful reliefs depicting this story can be seen on the walls next to the Periyanai Ganapathi’s shrine.

It is believed that Lords Vinayakar, Murugan, Ram, Parasuram, Krishna, Indira, Yama, Suriyan, Kubera, Adisheshan, Goddess Kali, Saints Roma Rishi, Kannuva Rishi, Pathanjali, Viyakrapathar, Saptharishis, Kaman and Vanasuran are believed to have worshiped the lord here and received his blessings.

Deities in the Temple

Shrines and idols of Lords Periyanai Ganapathi, Narthana Ganapathi, Murugan and his consorts, Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, Visalakshi and Vishwanathar, Chidambareswarar, Agastheeswarar, Sri Kalahastheeswar, Abitha Gujambal and Arunachaleswarar, Jambukeswarar, Ekambareswarar, Natarajar, Varadaraja Perumal, Gajalakshmi, 63-Nayanmars, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Lingothbavar and Durgai (with eight hands), Chandikeswarar, Navagraham, Suryan, Chandran, Thirugnanasambanthar, Saints Meipporul Nayanar and Narasinga Munaiyaraiyar can be seen in the corridors. Lord Murugan here is depicted as Arumugar – with twelve hands and seated on his peacock mount.

Procession idol of Lord Andhakaanthakan depicts him with his trident in his hands. Such depiction of Lord Shiva is unique to this procession idol.

There is a separate shrine for saint Meipporul Nayanar near the entrance of this temple.

Salient Features

The Moolavar here is a big Swayambu lingam. At the time of Kumbabhishekam, the area around this lingam was dug up. It was found that the base of the lingam goes down way below 25 feet and hence further digging was discontinued.

Both Lord Veerateswarar and Goddess Sivananthavalli’s temples are separate and adjacent to each other. Both these temples are facing west.

Goddess Durga’s idol here is very unique. Although the idol is sculpted in black granite stone, her eyes appear white in colour much like the human eyes.

Saint Arunagirinadhar has also sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

It is said that King Raja Raja Cholan was born in this place. As per stone inscriptions found in this temple, his elder sister donated funds for lighting lamps in this temple.

Poet Kabilar worshiped the lord of this temple. Thirukovilur has the reputation of being the place where the weddings of Angavai and Sangavai (the daughters of noted Tamil philanthropist and King Pari Vallal) were held. It is also believed that this wedding took place because of the efforts of poets Avvaiyar and Kabilar. The bridegroom was Deiveekan, the king of Nadu Naadu.

After King Pari Vallal’s death, his daughters Angavai and Sangavai had suffered a lot. The poet - saint Kabilar, a good friend of Pari and the caretaker of the girls could not find a suitable groom for them because of King Pari’s enmity with the rest of the kings. Kabilar requested the great poetess Avvaiyar, who was also a good friend of him, to help him arrange their marriage.

Despite continued efforts, Kabilar was unable to find a suitable match for them. Unable to bear the agony of not being able to help his friend’s daughters, he went to a cave (“Kugai”), and started fasting till his death. It was after his death that Avvaiyar finally convinced King Deiveekan to marry the girls.

There is a small temple called “Kabilar Kugai” (also known as “Kabilar Rock” or “Kabilar Kuntru”) situated in the middle of the Pennaiyar river. Inside this Kabilar Kuntru, there is another Shiva lingam. This Kabilar Kuntru, is being maintained by the State Archaeological Department.

Kabilar Kuntru

Vastu's relief

Greatness of this temple

This is a Parikara Sthalam for all doshas related to planet Sukran.

It is believed by devotees that worshiping the lord here will absolve them of the sins of their previous birth.

As this is the place where Vasthu Sastra came into existence, many devotees bring their building plans here and seek the lord’s blessings before starting the construction of their houses.

As planet Venus (Sukran) was relieved of his curse here, devotees believe that worshiping the lord here will remove obstacles from their marriage proposals.

Thirukkovilur is also seen as a place where those afflicted by evil spirits can find relief.

Important Festivals

Important festivals celebrated in this temple are –

10 day Brahmotsavam (Masi Magam) in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar),

Thiru Karthikai in the Tamil month of Karthigai (Nov-Dec),

Aadi Fridays in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-Aug),

Navarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct),

Annabishekam, Skanda Sashti and Soora Samharam in the Tamil month of Aipasi (Oct-Nov),

Thiruvadirai and Manickavasagar festival in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan)

Aani Thirumanjanam in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July.

Pradosham is also regularly observed. 

Car Festival-2017

Temple Timings

From 06.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 09.00 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Veeratteswarar Temple
Keezhayur,
Thirukovilur Post & Taluk
Villupuram District
Tamil Nadu 605 757.
Contact: +91 4153-252220, 253532, 93456 60711, 9486280030.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

படைகொள் கூற்றம் வந்துமெய்ப் பாசம்விட்ட போதின்கண்
இடைகொள்வா ரெமக்கிலை யெழுகபோது நெஞ்சமே
குடைகொள்வேந்தன் மூதாதை குழகன்கோவ லூர்தனுள்
விடையதேறுங் கொடியினான் வீரட்டானஞ் சேர்துமே.

“Paṭaikoḷ kūtṟam vanthumeyp pāsamviṭṭa pōthiṉkaṇ
iṭaikoḷvā remakkilai yezhukapōthu neñchamē
kuṭaikoḷvēnthaṉ mūthāthai kuzhakaṉkōva lūrthaṉuḷ
viṭaiyathēṟuṅ koṭiyiṉāṉ vīraṭṭāṉañ sērthumē”.

கரவலாளர் தம்மனைக் கடைகள் தோறுங் கால்நிமிர்த்
திரவலாழி நெஞ்சமே இனியதெய்த வேண்டில் நீ
குரவமேறி வண்டினங் குழலொடியாழ்செய் கோவலூர்
விரவிநாறு கொன்றையான் வீரட்டானஞ் சேர்துமே.

“Karavalāḷar tham'maṉaik kaṭaikaḷ thōṟuṅ kālnimirth
thiravalāzhi neñchamē iṉiyatheytha vēṇṭil nī
kuravamēṟi vaṇṭiṉaṅ kuzhaloṭiyāzhchey kōvalūr
viravināṟu koṉtṟaiyāṉ vīraṭṭāṉañ sērthumē”.

உள்ளத்தீரே போதுமின் னுறுதியாவ தறிதிரேல்
அள்ளற்சேற்றிற் காலிட்டிங் கவலத்துள் அழுந்தாதே
கொள்ளப்பாடு கீதத்தான் குழகன்கோவ லூர்தனுள்
வெள்ளந்தாங்கு சடையினான் வீரட்டானஞ் சேர்துமே.

“Uḷḷathīrē pōthumiṉ ṉuṟuthiyāva thaṟithirēl
aḷḷaṟchētṟiṟ kāliṭṭiṅ kavalathuḷ azhunthāthē
koḷḷappāṭu kīthathāṉ kuzhakaṉkōva lūrthaṉuḷ
veḷḷanthāṅku saṭaiyiṉāṉ vīraṭṭāṉañ sērthumē”.

கனைகொள் இருமல் சூலைநோய் கம்பதாளி குன்மமும்
இனையபலவும் மூப்பினோ டெய்திவந்து நலியாமுன்
பனைகளுலவு பைம்பொழிற் பழனஞ்சூழ்ந்த கோவலூர்
வினையை வென்ற வேடத்தான் வீரட்டானஞ் சேர்துமே.

“Kaṉaikoḷ irumal sūlainōy kampathāḷi kuṉmamum
iṉaiyapalavum mūppiṉō ṭeythivanthu naliyāmuṉ
paṉaikaḷulavu paimpozhiṟ pazhaṉañchūzhnta kōvalūr
viṉaiyai veṉtṟa vēṭathāṉ vīraṭṭāṉañ sērthumē”.

உளங்கொள் போகம் உய்த்திடார் உடம்பிழந்த போதின்கண்
துளங்கிநின்று நாடொறுந் துயரலாழி நெஞ்சமே
வளங்கொள்பெண்ணை வந்துலா வயல்கள்சூழ்ந்த கோவலூர்
விளங்குகோவ ணத்தினான் வீரட்டானஞ் சேர்துமே.

“Uḷaṅkoḷ pōkam uythiṭār uṭampizhantha pōthiṉkaṇ
thuḷaṅkiniṉtṟu nāṭoṟun thuyaralāzhi neñchamē
vaḷaṅkoḷpeṇṇai vanthulā vayalkaḷchūzhntha kōvalūr
viḷaṅkukōva ṇathiṉāṉ vīraṭṭāṉañ sērthumē”.

கேடுமூப்புச் சாக்காடு கெழுமிவந்து நாடொறும்
ஆடுபோல நரைகளாய் யாக்கைபோக்க தன்றியும்
கூடிநின்று பைம்பொழிற் குழகன்கோவ லூர்தனுள்
வீடுகாட்டு நெறியினான் வீரட்டானஞ் சேர்துமே.

“Kēṭumūppuch sākkāṭu kezhumivanthu nāṭoṟum
āṭupōla naraikaḷāy yākkaipōkka thaṉtṟiyum
kūṭiniṉtṟu paimpozhiṟ kuzhakaṉkōva lūrthaṉuḷ
vīṭukāṭṭu neṟiyiṉāṉ vīraṭṭāṉañ sērthumē”.

உரையும் பாட்டுந் தளர்வெய்திஉ டம்புமூத்த போதின்கண்
நரையுந் திரையுங் கண்டெள்கி நகுவர்நமர்கள் ஆதலால்
வரைகொள் பெண்ணை வந்துலா வயல்கள்சூழ்ந்த கோவலூர்
விரைகொள்சீர்வெண் ணீற்றினான் வீரட்டானஞ் சேர்துமே.

“Uraiyum pāṭṭun thaḷarveythi'u ṭampumūtha pōthiṉkaṇ
naraiyun thiraiyuṅ kaṇṭeḷki nakuvarnamarkaḷ āthalāl
varaikoḷ peṇṇai vanthulā vayalkaḷchūzhntha kōvalūr
viraikoḷsīrveṇ ṇitṟiṉāṉ vīraṭṭāṉañ sērthumē”.

ஏதமிக்க மூப்பினோ டிருமல்ஈளை யென்றிவை
ஊதலாக்கை ஓம்புவீர் உறுதியாவ தறிதிரேல்
போதில்வண்டு பண்செயும் பூந்தண்கோவ லூர்தனுள்
வேதமோது நெறியினான் வீரட்டானஞ் சேர்துமே.

“Ēthamikka mūppiṉō ṭirumalīḷai yeṉtṟivai
ūthalākkai ōmpuvīr uṟuthiyāva thaṟithirēl
pōthilvaṇṭu paṇseyum pūnthaṇkōva lūrthaṉuḷ
vēthamōthu neṟiyiṉāṉ vīraṭṭāṉañ sērthumē”.

ஆறுபட்ட புன்சடை அழகன்ஆயி ழைக்கொரு
கூறுபட்ட மேனியான் குழகன்கோவ லூர்தனுள்
நீறுபட்ட கோலத்தான் நீலகண்டன் இருவர்க்கும்
வேறுபட்ட சிந்தையான் வீரட்டானஞ் சேர்துமே.

“Āṟupaṭṭa puṉsaṭai azhakaṉāyi zhaikkoru
kūṟupaṭṭa mēṉiyāṉ kuzhakaṉkōva lūrthaṉuḷ
nīṟupaṭṭa kōlathāṉ nīlakaṇṭaṉ iruvarkkum
vēṟupaṭṭa sinthaiyāṉ vīraṭṭāṉañ sērthumē”.

குறிகொளாழி நெஞ்சமே கூறை துவரிட் டார்களும்
அறிவிலாத அமணர்சொல் லவத்தமாவ தறிதியேல்
பொறிகொள்வண்டு பண்செயும் பூந்தண்கோவ லூர்தனுள்
வெறிகொள்கங்கை தாங்கினான் வீரட்டானஞ் சேர்துமே.

“Kuṟikoḷāzhi neñchamē kūṟai thuvariṭ ṭārkaḷum
aṟivilātha amaṇarsol lavathamāva thaṟithiyēl
poṟikoḷvaṇṭu paṇseyum pūnthaṇkōva lūrthaṉuḷ
veṟikoḷkaṅkai thāṅkiṉāṉ vīraṭṭāṉañ sērthumē”.

கழியொடுலவு கானல்சூழ் காழி ஞான சம்பந்தன்
பழிகள்தீரச் சொன்னசொல் பாவநாச மாதலால்
அழிவிலீர்கொண் டேத்துமின் அந்தண்கோவ லூர்தனுள்
விழிகொள்பூதப் படையினான் வீரட்டானஞ் சேர்துமே.

“Kazhiyoṭulavu kāṉalchūzh kāzhi gñāṉa sambanthaṉ
pazhikaḷthīrach soṉṉasol pāvanāsa māthalāl
azhivilīrkoṇ ṭēthumiṉ anthaṇkōva lūrthaṉuḷ
vizhikoḷpūthap paṭaiyiṉāṉ vīraṭṭāṉañ sērthumē”.

Location 

Thiru Arayaninallur temple is located at a distance of about 3 kms from Thirukkovilur on the Villupuram route. It is about 38 kms from Thiruvannamalai and 36 kms from Villupuram. This temple is opposite to the Thirukkoyilur railway station at a distance of about one kilometre from it. 

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 12^th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• The west facing temple has three corridors and its huge (160 feet high) main tower (Rajagopuram) has 7-tiers.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 06.02.2003. 

History of the Temple

The temple is on the southern bank of the river Pennai. It is believed to have been constructed during the 7th century by the Pallava kings. This temple is built on top of a rock (Paarai). The rock and the nearby river bring out the beauty of this temple.

There are two entrances - one through the main road and the other through the river-side which is very scenic.

In Tamil, “Arai (Paarai)” means rock and “Ani” means beauty. Hence, the lord here is named as “Araiani Nathar” – the Lord who is beautifully seated on top of a rock. This place was earlier called “Arayaninallur” and its name has since been changed to Arakandanallur. 

Legend

It is believed that the doors of the sanctum sanctorum of this temple had been locked by the Jains (Samanars). The door was opened by Lord Shiva himself for Thirugnanasambanthar's song. Also, in order to prevent Sambanthar from entering this temple, it is believed that people from other faiths had blocked the entrance to this temple’s shrine by placing huge rocks and boulders. The power of Sambanthar’s hymn is believed to have miraculously moved those rocks.

It is also believed that both Pradosha Nandhi and Adhikara Nandhi leaned to the right and left sides respectively in order to facilitate easy dharisanam of the Lord to the Saint Thirugnanasambanthar. Even now both Nandhis are seen facing opposite directions.

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar worshipped the Lord Annamalayar of Thiruvannamalai from this temple itself. Annamalayar hill can be seen from this temple.

There is a stone imprint of Saint Thirugnanasambanthar’s feet in the outer corridor from where it is believed that he worshipped Lord Annamalaiyar and rendered a Pathigam.

Another version of this story mentions that Thirugnanasambanthar was unable to visit Thiruvannamalai. Instead, he installed a lingam for Sri Annamalaiyar at this place and worshiped the lord here itself.

Another legend is that the Pandavas visited Arankandanallur and stayed here for some days during their exile. There are five cave rooms under the temple’s main tower which were used by them. There is also a water tank near this tower, which is believed to have been created by Bhima with his mace. It is also believed that after the war (Mahabharat) which was lasted for 18 days, the Pandavas regain their kingdom and visited this temple again to offer their prayers.

It is believed that Lord Mahavishnu took the form of Vamana and destroyed King Mahabali at Thirukovilur, where he is worshipped as “Sri Ulagalandha Perumal”. To absolve himself from this sin, he prayed to Lord Shiva here. Lord Shiva blessed Lord Mahavishnu and absolved him from his sins. Goddess Sridevi, consort of Lord Mahavishnu, also got the blessings of Lord Shiva here.

Rishi Prasanda, Poet Kabilar, Rishi Neelakandar are believed to have worshipped the lord of this temple.

It is believed that as a young boy, before going to Thiruvannamalai, Sri Ramana Maharishi meditated at this temple. 

Sri Annamalaiyar Shrine

Deities in the Temple

Shrines and Idols of Lords Valampuri Vinayakar, Bala Murugan, Narthana Ganapathi, Murugan with his consorts, Kasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi, Natarajar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingodhbavar, Mahavishnu, Sridevi, Brahma, Jyeshta Devi, Navagraham, Nalvar, Sankara Narayanar, Hanuman, Gajalakshmi, Vishnudurgai (south facing), Saptha Mathakkal, Kala Bairavar (without his vahanam) can be seen in the corridors. There is also a separate idol of Lord Saneeswaran.

The circumambulatory path around the sanctum sanctorum is in the form of a covered, raised platform, popularly called “Thirunadaimaaligai” in those days.

Shrines of Saint Thirugnanasambanthar and Sri Ramana Maharishi can also be seen next to the Nalvars. It is believed that both Saint Thirugnanasambanthar and Sri Ramana Maharishi had experienced the divine grace of the lord of this temple.

There is a separate shrine for Goddess Soundarya Kanakambigai in the outer corridor. Lord Annamalaiyar’s shrine can also be seen near it. 

Salient Features

The sanctum sanctorum is in the form of semi-circular tank (akazhi in Tamil).

Goddess Vishnudurgai is facing the south. This is very rare.

The navagraham contains a unique idol of Lord Saneeswaran with one leg placed on top of his mount (crow).

Another unique feature here is that Lord Bhairavar is found without his mount which is a very rare occurrence.

Nearby temples of Sri Ulagalantha Perumal and Sri Veerateeswarar can be seen from this top of this hill.

There is an idol of Sri Ramana Maharishi as a young boy in a meditative posture and the temple is visited by many of his followers. 

Sri Ramana Maharishi

Greatness of this temple

Since the Pandavas worshiped the lord here and got back their kingdom, it is believed that by worshiping the lord here, devotees can regain their lost positions and wealth. 

Important Festivals

10 day Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), Maha Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-March) and Tirukarthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec) are the important festivals observed in the temple. Pradosham is observed regularly. 

Temple Timings

 From 07.00 AM to 10.00 AM and 04.00 PM to 07.00 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Athulyanatheswarar Temple
Arakandanallur Post
Thirukovilur Taluk
Villupuram District
Tamil Nadu – 605 752.
Tele: 93456 60711.

Contact the Temple Priest at +91 99651 44849.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

பீடினாற்பெரி யோர்களும் பேதைமைகெடத் தீதிலா    
வீடினாலுயர்ந் தார்களும் வீடிலாரிள வெண்மதி    
சூடினார்மறை பாடினார் சுடலைநீறணிந் தாரழல்    
ஆடினார் அறையணி நல்லூர் அங்கையால் தொழுவார்களே.

“Peeṭiṉāṟperi yōrkaḷum pēthaimaikeṭath theethilā
veeṭiṉāluyarn thārkaḷum veeṭilāriḷa veṇmathi
chūṭiṉārmaṟai pāṭiṉār suṭalainīṟaṇin thārazhal
āṭiṉār aṟaiyaṇi nallūr aṅkaiyāl thozhuvārkaḷē”.    

இலையினார்சூலம் ஏறுகந் தேறியேயிமை யோர்தொழ    
நிலையினாலொரு காலுறச் சிலையினால்மதி லெய்தவன்    
அலையினார்புனல்சூடிய அண்ணலார்அறை யணிநல்லூர்    
தலையினால்தொழு தோங்குவார் நீங்குவார்தடு மாற்றமே.

“Ilaiyiṉārsūlam ēṟukan thēṟiyēyimai yōrthozha
nilaiyiṉāloru kāluṟach chilaiyiṉālmathi leythavaṉ
alaiyiṉārpuṉalsūṭiya aṇṇalār'aṟai yaṇinallūr
thalaiyiṉālthozhu thōṅkuvār nīṅkuvārthaṭu mātṟamē”.  

என்பினார்கனல் சூலத்தார் இலங்குமாமதி யுச்சியான்    
பின்பினாற்பிறங் குஞ்சடைப் பிஞ்ஞகன்பிறப் பிலியென்று    
முன்பினார்மூவர் தாந்தொழு முக்கண்மூர்த்திதன் தாள்களுக்    
கன்பினார்அறை யணிநல்லூர் அங்கையால்தொழு வார்களே.

“Eṉpiṉārkaṉal chūlathār ilaṅkumāmathi yuchiyāṉ
piṉpiṉāṟpiṟaṅ kuñchaṭaip piñjakaṉpiṟap piliyeṉtṟu
muṉpiṉārmūvar thānthozhu mukkaṇmūrthithaṉ thāḷkaḷuk
kaṉpiṉār'aṟai yaṇinallūr aṅkaiyālthozhu vārkaḷē”.

விரவுநீறுபொன் மார்பினில் விளங்கப்பூசிய வேதியன்    
உரவுநஞ்சமு தாகவுண் டுறுதிபேணுவ தன்றியும்    
அரவுநீள்சடைக் கண்ணியார் அண்ணலாரறை யணிநல்லூர் பரவுவார்பழி நீங்கிடப் பறையுந்தாஞ்செய்த பாவமே.

“Viravunīṟupoṉ mārpiṉil viḷaṅkappūsiya vētihyaṉ
uravunanjakamu thākavuṇ ṭuṟuthipēṇuva thaṉtṟiyum
aravunīḷsaṭaik kaṇṇiyār aṇṇalāraṟai yaṇinallūr
paravuvārpazhi nīṅkiṭap paṟaiyunthānjseytha pāvamē”.

தீயினார்திகழ் மேனியாய் தேவர்தாந்தொழும் தேவன்நீ    
ஆயினாய் கொன்றை யாய்அன லங்கையாய்  அறை யணிநல்லூர்    
மேயினார்தம தொல்வினை வீட்டினாய்வெய்ய காலனைப்    
பாயினாயதிர் கழலினாய் பரமனேயடி பணிவனே.

“Thīyiṉārthikazh mēṉiyāy thēvarthānthozhum thēvaṉnī
āyiṉāy koṉtṟai yāyaṉa laṅkaiyāy aṟai yaṇinallūr
mēyiṉārthama tholviṉai vīṭṭiṉāyveyya kālaṉaip
pāyiṉāyathir kazhaliṉāy paramaṉēyaṭi paṇivaṉē”.

விரையினார் கொன்றை சூடியும் வேகநாகமும் வீக்கிய    
அரையினார் அறை யணிநல்லூர் அண்ணலார் அழகாயதோர்    
நரையினார்விடை யூர்தியார் நக்கனார் நறும்போதுசேர்    
உரையினாலுயர்ந் தார்களும் உரையினாலுயர்ந் தார்களே.

“Viraiyiṉār koṉtṟai chūṭiyum vēkanākamum vīkkiya
araiyiṉār aṟai yaṇinallūr aṇṇalār azhakāyathōr
naraiyiṉārviṭai yūrthiyār nakkaṉār naṟumpōthusēr
uraiyiṉāluyarnth thārkaḷum uraiyiṉāluyarnth thārkaḷē”.

வீரமாகிய வேதியர் வேகமாகளி யானையின்    
ஈரமாகிய வுரிவைபோர்த் தரிவைமேற்சென்ற எம்மிறை    
ஆரமாகிய பாம்பினார் அண்ணலாரறை யணிநல்லூர்    
வாரமாய்நினைப் பார்கள்தம் வல்வினையவை மாயுமே.

“Vīramākiya vēthiyar vēkamākaḷi yāṉaiyiṉ
īramākiya vurivaipōrth tharivaimēṟseṉtṟa em'miṟai
āramākiya pāmpiṉār aṇṇalāraṟai yaṇinallūr
vāramāyniṉaip pārkaḷtham valviṉaiyavai māyumē”.

தக்கனார்பெரு வேள்வியைத் தகர்த்துகந்தவன் தாழ்சடை    
முக்கணான்மறை பாடிய முறைமையான்முனி வர்தொழ    
அக்கினோடெழில் ஆமைபூண் அண்ணலாரறை யணிநல்லூர்    
நக்கனாரவர் சார்வலால் நல்குசார்விலோம் நாங்களே.

“Thakkaṉārperu vēḷviyaith thakarthukanthavaṉ thāzhsaṭai
mukkaṇāṉmaṟai pāṭiya muṟaimaiyāṉmuṉi varthozha
akkiṉōṭezhil āmaipūṇ aṇṇalāraṟai yaṇinallūr
nakkaṉāravar sārvalāl nalkusārvilōm nāṅgkaḷē”.

வெய்யநோயிலர் தீதிலர் வெறியராய்ப்பிறர் பின்செலார்    
செய்வதேயலங் காரமாம் இவையிவை தேறி யின்புறில்    
ஐயமேற்றுணுந் தொழிலராம் அண்ணலார் அறையணிநல்லூர்ச்    
சைவனாரவர் சார்வலால்யா துஞ்சார்விலோம் நாங்களே.

“Veyyanōyilar thīthilar veṟiyarāyppiṟar piṉselār
seyvathēyalaṅg kāramām ivaiyivai thēṟi yiṉpuṟil
aiyamētṟuṇun thozhilarām aṇṇalār aṟaiyaṇinallūrch
saivaṉāravar sārvalālyā thuñsārvilōm nāṅkaḷē’.

வாக்கியஞ்சொல்லி யாரொடும் வகையலாவகை செய்யன்மின்    
சாக்கியஞ்சம ணென்றிவை சாரேலும்மர ணம்பொடி    
ஆக்கியம்மழு வாட்படை அண்ணலாரறை யணிநல்லூர்ப்    
பாக்கியங்குறை யுடையீரேற் பறையுமாஞ்செய்த பாவமே.

“Vākkiyañcholli yāroṭum vakaiyalāvakai seyyaṉmiṉ
sākkiyañchama ṇeṉtṟivai sārēlum'mara ṇampoṭi
ākkiyam'mazhu vāṭpaṭai aṇṇalāraṟai yaṇinallūrp
pākkiyaṅkuṟai yuṭaiyīrēṟ paṟaiyumāñseytha pāvamē’.

கழியுலாங்கடற் கானல்சூழ் கழுமலம்அமர் தொல்பதிப்
பழியிலாமறை ஞானசம் பந்தன்நல்லதோர் பண்பினார்    
மொழியினால் அறை யணிநல்லூர் முக்கண்மூர்த்திகள் தாள்தொழக்    
கெழுவினாரவர் தம்மொடுங் கேடில்வாழ்பதி பெறுவரே.

“Kazhiyulāṅkaṭaṟ kāṉalchūzh kazhumalamamar tholpathip
pazhiyilāmaṟai gñāṉasam banthaṉnallathōr paṇpiṉār
mozhiyiṉāl aṟai yaṇinallūr mukkaṇmūrthikaḷ thāḷthozhak
kezhuviṉāravar tham'moṭuṅg kēṭilvāzhpathi peṟuvarē”.

Location

Erukkathampuliyur is situated at a distance of about 7 kms from Sri Mushnam on Virudhachalam to Jayamkondam route. From Virudhachalam it is about 12 kms, from Pennadam 18 kms and from Chidambaram around 50 kms.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 4^th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This is the birth place of Saint Thiru Neelakanta Yazhpanar.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 02.09.1996.

History of the Temple

Sage Viyakrapathar, also called “Pulikkal Munivar” in Tamil, whose legs are believed to have been like those of a tiger (tiger is puli in Tamil), worshiped the lord here. Also, the Sthala Viruksham of this temple is the white “erukku” (Calotropis) plant, hence this place gets the name “Erukkathampuliyur” (“Atham” means forest in Tamil). Now this village is called as Rajendra Pattinam. 

Legend

The legend is that once Lord Shiva was teaching the meaning of Vedas and Agamas to Goddess Parvathi in Mount Kailash. Since she failed to listen attentively, Lord Shiva cursed her to be born in Bharathavar (fishermen) community. Angered by this, Lord Murugan threw the Vedas in the sea. Lord Shiva cursed him to be born as a mute child in the traders community.

Murugan was born in Madurai as Rudrasanmar to Thalapathy and Gunasalini. Since he could not speak, he started visiting many Shiva shrines to seek relief and gain the gift of speech. He was blessed with speaking skills at Erukkathampuliyur. As Lord Murugan (also called Kumaran) worshipped Lord Shiva in this place, the Lord here is named Thiru Kumara Swami. There is an idol of Rudrasanmar in the temple. 

This is the birth place of Saint Thiru Neelakanta Yazhpanar, a maestro of the Yazh (a lute). He is one of the celebrated saints of Hindu mythology and a member of the 63 Nayanmars. Yazhpanar and his wife Madhanga Soolamani Ammaiyar accompanied and played Yazh with Saint Thirugnanasambanthar during most of his pilgrimages.

Nalvar, Yazhpanar with his wife and Sekkizhar

Yazhpanar Shrine

Thirugnanasambanthar’s legend states that during his wedding at Nallur Perumanam near Sirkazhi (Achalpuram), he along with all the attendants at his wedding were consumed by a huge fire (Shiva Jyothi) and were granted salvation by Lord Shiva. Both Yazhpanar and his wife are also believed to have been among those attendees

It is also believed that at a much later date, a woman from Yazhpanar’s lineage composed the melodic musical notes for the Devaram on the advice of a Chola King. These notes are called “Pann” in Tamil.

Sage Viyakrapathar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. There are five Shiva Sthalams where Sage Viyakrapathar worshiped Lord Shiva and the names of all these places end with “Puliyur”. They are - Erukkatham Puliyur, Omam Puliyur, Perumpattra Puliyur, Thirupathiri Puliyur, and Thiru Perum Puliyur.

Pulikkal Munivar was the son of Madiyanthina Munivar. He was also called Bala Munivar as he became a sage at a very young age. He lived in Chidambaram and worshipped Lord Shiva there. He used to pluck flowers from various trees in the surrounding areas to worship the Lord. Since he wanted to pluck the flowers before the flies or bees could take their nectar (magarantham), he would do so during pre-dawn. He prayed to Lord Shiva that he may be given the feet and eyes like that of a tiger so that he could see in the dark and climb the trees easily. His prayers were answered and he came to be known as Pulikkal (Pulikkal means tiger legs in Tamil) Munivar. He was also known as Vygrapather (Vyagra is tiger in Sanskrit). It is believed that he would make offerings of four types of flowers - “kodi po” from the creepers, “neer poo” found in water, “nila poo” found on earth and “kottum poo” the flowers that fell to the ground on their own.

Another legend is that a king named Suvedhan, a staunch Lord Shiva devotee, was infected with leprosy due to his past sins. It is believed that he got relieved of this disease by worshipping the Lord here and taking a dip in this temple’s sacred tank. Incidentally, Erukku plant is said to have the power to cure leprosy.

According to the Sthala Puranam, Chola King Raja Rajan visited this temple and worshiped the lord here to seek child boon. The King was blessed with a son, Rajendra Chola, hence this place was also given the name Rajendra Pattinam.

It is also mentioned that some of Poodhaganams (the Lord’s guards) visited Virudhachalam temple and sought the lord’s help to find a place where they could attain liberation. The lord advised them to go to Erukkathampuliyur. It is believed that they came to this temple, worshiped the lord and attained salvation.

Another legend mentioned in the Sthala Puranam is related to the erukku plants around this temple. After knowing about the greatness of the lord of this temple, some of the Sages (Naimisaranya Rishis) and Devas in the celestial world came to this place in the forms of birds and trees and worshiped the lord here. However, they were troubled by the wood cutters and hunters and they complained to Lord Shiva. Then they heard a divine voice directing them to become Erukku plants because these plants are not useful to anybody and hence there would be no danger to them.

Deities in the Temple

Shrines and idols of Lords Kodi Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Kasi Viswanathar and Visalakshi, Sreenivasa Perumal, Mahalakshmi, Anjaneyar, Nalvar, Thiru Neelakanta Yazhpanar and his wife Madhanga Soolamani Ammaiyar, Sekkizhar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Lingothbawar, Goddess Durgai, Chandikeswarar, Navagraham, Suriyan, Chandiran, Saneeswaran, Bala Ganapathi, Bala Murugan and Ruthirasanmar can be seen in the corridors.

Salient Features

Lots of white Erukku plants can be seen in the outer corridor of this temple.

Goddess Parvathi’s shrine is on the left side of Lord Shiva’s shrine. Both these shrines are in the same direction.

It is believed that Lord Suryan (Sun) worships Lord Shiva of this temple by directing his rays on the lingam for five days from March 16 to 20 (Tamil month Pankuni 3 to 7).

Greatness of this temple

Those suffering from speech impairment visit this temple and worship the lord here in order to seek relief.

It is also believed that those seeking “santhana prapthi” (child boon) can pray to the lord here.

Important Festivals

Maha Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-March) is celebrated in the temple. Monthly Pradosham is also observed. 

Temple Timings 

08.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 06.00 PM to 08.00 PM 

Temple Address

Sri Thiruneelakandeswarar Temple
Rajendrapattinam Post
Virudhachalam Taluk
Cuddalore District
Tamil Nadu-608703.
Tele: +91 4143 243 533.

Contact the temple priest Sri Ganesh Gurukkal at: +91 99761 73524, 94877 03524.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

படையார் தருபூதப் பகடார் உரிபோர்வை
உடையான் உமையோடும் உடனா யிடுகங்கைச்
சடையான் எருக்கத்தம் புலியூர்த் தகுகோயில்
விடையான் அடியேத்த மேவா வினைதானே.

“Paṭaiyār tharupūthap pakaṭār uripōrvai
uṭaiyāṉ umaiyōṭum uṭaṉā yiṭugaṅgaich
chaṭaiyāṉ erukkatham puliyūrth thakukōyil
viṭaiyāṉ aṭiyētha mēvā viṉaithāṉē”.

இலையார் தருசூலப் படையெம் பெருமானாய்
நிலையார் மதில்மூன்றும் நீறாய் விழவெய்த
சிலையான் எருக்கத்தம் புலியூர்த் திகழ்கோயிற்
கலையான் அடியேத்தக் கருதா வினைதானே.

“Ilaiyār tharusūlap paṭaiyem perumāṉāy
nilaiyār mathilmūṉtṟum nīṟāy vizhaveytha
silaiyāṉ erukkatham puliyūrth thikazhkōyiṟ
kalaiyāṉ aṭiyēthak karuthā viṉaithāṉē”.

விண்ணோர் பெருமானே விகிர்தா விடையூர்தீ
பெண்ணாண் அலியாகும் பித்தா பிறைசூடி
எண்ணார் எருக்கத்தம் புலியூ ருறைகின்ற
அண்ணா எனவல்லார்க் கடையா வினைதானே.

“Viṇṇōr perumāṉē vikirthā viṭaiyūrthee
peṇṇāṇ aliyākum pithā piṟaisūṭi
eṇṇār erukkatham puliyū ruṟaikiṉtṟa
aṇṇā eṉavallārk kaṭaiyā viṉaithāṉē”.

அரையார் தருநாகம் அணிவான் அலர்மாலை
விரையார் தருகொன்றை யுடையான் விடையேறி
வரையான் எருக்கத்தம் புலியூர் மகிழ்கின்ற
திரையார் சடையானைச் சேரத் திருவாமே.

“Araiyār tharunākam aṇivāṉ alarmālai
viraiyār tharukoṉtṟai yuṭaiyāṉ viṭaiyēṟi
varaiyāṉ erukkatham puliyūr makizhkiṉtṟa
thiraiyār saṭaiyāṉaich chērath thiruvāmē”.

வீறார் முலையாளைப் பாகம் மிகவைத்துச்
சீறா வருகாலன் சினத்தை யழிவித்தான்
ஏறான் எருக்கத்தம் புலியூ ரிறையானை
வேறா நினைவாரை விரும்பா வினைதானே.

“Vīṟār mulaiyāḷaip pākam mikavaithuch
chīṟā varukālaṉ siṉathai yazhivithāṉ
ēṟāṉ erukkatham puliyū riṟaiyāṉai
vēṟā niṉaivārai virumpā viṉaithāṉē”.

நகுவெண் டலையேந்தி நானா விதம்பாடிப்
புகுவா னயம்பெய்யப் புலித்தோல் பியற்கிட்டுத்
தகுவான் எருக்கத்தம் புலியூர்த் தகைந்தங்கே
தொகுவான் கழலேத்தத் தொடரா வினைதானே.

“Nakuveṇ ṭalaiyēnthi nāṉā vithampāṭip
pukuvā ṉayampeyyap pulithōl piyaṟkiṭṭuth
thakuvāṉ erukkatham puliyūrth thakainthaṅkē
thokuvāṉ kazhalēthath thoṭarā viṉaithāṉē”.

* இப்பதிகத்தின் 7-ம் செய்யுள் சிதைந்து போயிற்று

(* Ippathikathiṉ 7-m ceyyuḷ cithainthu pōyitṟu)

ஆவா வெனஅரக்கன் அலற அடர்த்திட்டுத்
தேவா எனஅருளார் செல்வங் கொடுத்திட்ட
கோவே எருக்கத்தம் புலியூர் மிகுகோயில்
தேவே யெனஅல்லல் தீர்தல் திடமாமே.

“āvā veṉa'arakkaṉ alaṟa aṭarthiṭṭuth
thēvā eṉa'aruḷār selvaṅ koṭuthiṭṭa
kōvē erukkatham puliyūr mikukōyil
thēvē yeṉa'allal thīrthal thiṭamāmē”.

மறையான் நெடுமால்காண் பரியான் மழுவேந்தி
நிறையா மதிசூடி நிகழ்முத் தின்தொத்தே
இறையான் எருக்கத்தம் புலியூ ரிடங்கொண்ட
கறையார் மிடற்றானைக் கருதக் கெடும்வினையே.

“Maṟaiyāṉ neṭumālkāṇ pariyāṉ mazhuvēnthi
niṟaiyā mathisūṭi nikazhmuth thiṉthothē
iṟaiyāṉ erukkatham puliyū riṭaṅkoṇṭa
kaṟaiyār miṭatṟāṉaik karuthak keṭumviṉaiyē”.

புத்தர் அருகர்தம் பொய்கள் புறம்போக்கிச்
சுத்தி தரித்துறையுஞ் சோதி யுமையோடும்
நித்தன் எருக்கத்தம் புலியூர் நிகழ்வாய
அத்தன் அறவன்தன் அடியே அடைவோமே.

“Puthar arukartham poykaḷ puṟampōkkich
chuthi tharithuṟaiyuñ chōthi yumaiyōṭum
nithaṉ erukkatham puliyūr nikazhvāya
athaṉ aṟavaṉthaṉ aṭiyē aṭaivōmē”.

ஏரார் எருக்கத்தம் புலியூர் உறைவானைச்
சீரார் திகழ்காழித் திருவார் சம்பந்தன்
ஆரா அருந்தமிழ் மாலை யிவைவல்லார்
பாரா ரவரேத்தப் பதிவான் உறைவாரே.

“Ērār erukkatham puliyūr uṟaivāṉaich
chīrār thikazhkāzhith thiruvār sampanthaṉ
ārā arunthamizh mālai yivaivallār
pārā ravarēthap pathivāṉ uṟaivārē”.

Location

Kudalaiyatrur is situated at a distance of about 8 km from Sri Mushnam.

It is about 25 kms from Chidambaram on Chidambaram to Sethyathoppu route.

On the Vadalur – Sethyathoppu – Kumbakonam route, after Sethyathoppu, first reach Kumarakudi village and then proceed to Kanur. In Kanur there is an arch for Selliamman Koil and this temple is about one km away from that arch. Another village near this temple is Kavalakudi, which is also about one km away.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 3^rd Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This temple was destroyed by the flooding of Manimuthaaru river and has been reconstructed after that.
• This temple has a single corridor and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 3-tiers.
• The Moolavar vimanam (shrine of the main deity) has two tiers.
• There is no flag post in this temple.
• The last Consecration ceremony (Kumbhabishekam) took place on 08.02.2015. Prior to this, the consecration ceremony was held on 29.08.1961. 

History of the Temple

Koodalaiyatrur is on the confluene of rivers Vellaaru, Manimuthaaru and Akaya Ganges (an invisible river), hence the place is known as Koodalaiyatrur and “Thiruveni Sangamam”. This place is also known as “Dakshina Prayagai” as the river flows from south to north.

Legend

The legend is that a Chola King Dhinakaran, suspecting his wife of infidelity, killed her and thus incurred the “Srihathi Brahmahathi dosham” – the sin accrued by the act of killing. Due to his sins, he lost his kingdom and started wandering as a lunatic. One day he saw a dog with skin diseases following him. It fell in a river and came back healthy and beautiful. The king was surprised to see the change in the dog and wanted to try for himself by taking a dip in that river. After the dip, he also felt afresh and got relieved from his sins. He also got back his kingdom and built this temple on the banks of the confluence of the two rivers and named the place “Thiru Koodalai Atrur” meaning the confluence of the rivers. However, this temple was washed away by a severe flood in the river but later the idols were recovered and reinstated in the reconstructed temple.

Another legend associated with this temple is that Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswathi visited this temple and worshiped Lord Shiva here. Lord Brahma requested the lord that he wanted to see the dance performance (Narthanam) which the lord performed in Chidambaram for Rishi Viyagrapathar and Rishi Pathanjali. Lord Shiva acceded Lord Brahma’s request and performed his dance for Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswathi. Hence, the lord here is also called “Narthana Vallabeswarar”.

Another legend is that Sage Karthiyayanar, son of Sage Agasthiyar, prayed to the lord of this temple in order to be blessed with a daughter. The sage found a girl child playing with the lotus leaves in the Manimutharu river near this temple. He took the child with him, named her Ambujavalli and raised her as his own daughter. When Lord Mahavishnu took the Varaha Avataram, he found that his consort was missing. He visited this temple and prayed to Lord Shiva for his reunion with Goddess Lakshmi. Lord Shiva advised Lord Mahavishnu to marry Ambujavalli and informed him that she is none other than Goddess Lakshmi herself.

It is believed that Sage Agasthiar worshiped the lord of this temple and sought his blessings in order to help him retain the arts and knowledge that he had learnt so far.

It is also believed that Sages Vanmeeki and Kannuva visited this temple and worshiped the lord.

Another legend is that when Saint Sundaramurthy was travelling to Thirumudhukuntram (Viruthachalam), Lord Shiva appeared before him in the form of a Brahmin (andhanar). The saint asked him the way to Viruthachalam but the andhanar directed him to this temple by saying “Koodalaiyatrurirku vazhi ikthu” (This is the way to Koodalaiyatrur) and asked him to follow him. On reaching this temple the andhanar disappeared. The saint then realised that the Brahmin was none other than Lord Shiva himself. While rendering his pathigam, the saint finished each stanza of his song by expressing his surprise in not being able to identify the Brahmin as Lord Shiva.

Deities in the Temple

In the outer corridor, idols of Lords Amutha Vinayakar, Kasi Viswanathar, Murugan with his consorts, Natarajar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Vishnu, Kala Bairavar, Bairavar, Suryan, Chandran, Chandikeswarar, Nalvars and goddess Ashta buja Durgai can be seen.

There is no Navagraham here but only a separate shrine for Lord Sani. He is respected as “Pongu Sani” - meaning Lord Sani who gives prosperity.

There is a separate shrine for Sage Agasthiar in the outer compound wall of the temple. 

Salient Features

In most Shiva temples, there is only one shrine for the Goddess. However, in this temple there are two separate shrines – one for Goddess Gnanashakti and the other for Goddess Parashakti.

Gnanasakthi’s shrine is in the outer corridor and the Parasakthi’s shrine is next to Lord Shiva.  Another distinguishing feature of this temple is that the sacred ash (Vibuthi) is given in Sri Parashakti Ambal Shrine while the Kungumam is given in Gnanashakti Ambal shrine.

In the outer corridor, there is a separate shrine where granite idols (as opposed to the usual metal idols) of Lord Natarajar and Goddess Sivakami can be seen.

This is one of the temples that has a shrine for Chitra Gupta, the accountant of Yama (the Lord of Death). Chitra Gupta’s procession idol can be seen here holding writing materials in his hands.

Saint Arunagirinadhar has also sang a song in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

During the first three days in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May), sun rays fall directly on the Shivalingam and special poojas are conducted on these three days.

Greatness of this temple

Since Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswathi are believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva, Goddess Gnanasakthi and Goddess Parasakthi in this temple, devotees believe that worshipping the deities here will give them the gift of knowledge and wisdom.

Secondly, as Sage Agasthiar worshiped the lord of this temple so as to not forget the arts and knowledge that he learnt so far, devotees worship the lord here seeking a similar blessing.

This is also a parihara sthalam for those who born during the periods of Bharani and Makam nakshatrams (constellation). Devotees whose birth nakshatram are Bharani and Makam visit this temple for poojas.

Important Festivals

13-days Brahmotsavam during Masi Magam in the Tamil month of Masi (February-March) is celebrated in a grand manner here. Other major festivals celebrated here are Mahashivratri, Arudra Dharisanam and Annabishekam.

Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

From 07.00 am to 12.00 noon and 04.30 pm to 08.00 pm

Temple Address

Sri Narthana Vallabeswarar Temple
Thirukudalaiyatrur
Kavalakudi Post
Kattumannar Koil Taluk
Cuddalore District
Tamil Nadu - 608702
Tele: +91 4144 208 704

Contact person: Sri Kirthivasa Gurukkal at 09786734652.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Sundaramurthy visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

வடிவுடை மழுவேந்தி மதகரி உரிபோர்த்துப்
பொடியணி திருமேனிப் புரிகுழல் உமையோடுங்
கொடியணி நெடுமாடக் கூடலை யாற்றூரில்
அடிகளிவ் வழிபோந்த அதிசயம் அறியேனே.

“Vadivudai mazhuvēnthi mathakari uripōrthup
podiyaṇi thirumēṉip purikuzhal umaiyōṭuṅ
kodiyaṇi neṭumāṭak kūṭalai yātṟūril
adikaḷiv vazhipōntha athisayam aṟiyēṉē”.

வையகம் முழுதுண்ட மாலொடு நான்முகனும்
பையர விளவல்குற் பாவையொ டும்முடனே
கொய்யணி மலர்ச்சோலைக் கூடலை யாற்றூரில்
ஐயனிவ் வழிபோந்த அதிசயம் அறியேனே.

“Vaiyakam muzhuthuṇṭa mālodu nāṉmukaṉum
paiyara viḷavalkuṟ pāvaiyo ṭum'muṭaṉē
koyyaṇi malarchōlaik kūṭalai yāṟtūril
aiyaṉiv vazhipōntha athisayam aṟiyēṉē”.

ஊர்தொறும் வெண்டலைகொண் டுண்பலி இடுமென்று
வார்தரு மென்முலையாள் மங்கையொ டும்முடனே
கூர்நுனை மழுவேந்திக் கூடலை யாற்றூரில்
ஆர்வனிவ் வழிபோந்த அதிசயம் அறியேனே.

“Ūrthoṟum veṇṭalaikoṇ ṭuṇpali iṭumeṉtṟu
vārtharu meṉmulaiyāḷ maṅkaiyo ṭum'muṭaṉē
kūrnuṉai mazhuvēnthik kūṭalai yātṟūril
ārvaṉiv vazhipōntha athisayam aṟiyēṉē”.

சந்தண வும்புனலுந் தாங்கிய தாழ்சடையன்
பந்தண வும்விரலாள் பாவையொ டும்முடனே
கொந்தண வும்பொழில்சூழ் கூடலை யாற்றூரில்
அந்தணன் வழிபோந்த அதிசயம் அறியேனே.

“Santhaṇa vumpuṉalun thāṅkiya thāzhsaṭaiyaṉ
panthaṇa vumviralāḷ pāvaiyo ṭum'muṭaṉē
konthaṇa vumpozhilchūzh kūṭalai yātṟūril
anthaṇaṉ vazhipōntha athisayam aṟiyēṉē”.

வேதியர் விண்ணவரும் மண்ணவ ருந்தொழநற்
சோதிய துருவாகிச் சுரிகுழல் உமையோடுங்
கோதிய வண்டறையுங் கூடலை யாற்றூரில்
ஆதியிவ் வழிபோந்த அதிசயம் அறியேனே.

“Vēthiyar viṇṇavarum maṇṇava runthozhanaṟ
chōthiya thuruvākich churikuzhal umaiyōṭuṅ
kōthiya vaṇṭaṟaiyuṅ kūṭalai yātṟūril
āthiyiv vazhipōntha athisayam aṟiyēṉē”.

வித்தக வீணையொடும் வெண்புரி நூல்பூண்டு
முத்தன வெண்முறுவல் மங்கையொ டும்முடனே
கொத்தல ரும்பொழில்சூழ் கூடலை யாற்றூரில்
அத்தனிவ் வழிபோந்த அதிசயம் அறியேனே.

“Vithaka vīṇaiyodum veṇpuri nūlpūṇdu
muthaṉa veṇmuṟuval maṅkaiyo ṭum'muṭaṉē
kothala rumpozhilchūzh kūṭalai yātṟūril
athaṉiv vazhipōntha athisayam aṟiyēṉē”.

மழைநுழை மதியமொடு வாளர வஞ்சடைமேல்
இழைநுழை துகிலல்குல் ஏந்திழை யாளோடுங்
குழையணி திகழ்சோலைக் கூடலை யாற்றூரில்
அழகனிவ் வழிபோந்த அதிசயம் அறியேனே.

“Mazhainuzhai mathiyamodu vāḷara vañchaṭaimēl
izhainuzhai thukilalkul ēnthizhai yāḷōṭuṅ
kuzhaiyaṇi tihkazhchōlaik kūṭalai yātṟūril
azhakaṉiv vazhipōntha athisayam aṟiyēṉē”.

மறைமுதல் வானவரும் மாலயன் இந்திரனும்
பிறைநுதல் மங்கையொடும் பேய்க்கண முஞ்சூழக்
குறள்படை யதனோடுங் கூடலை யாற்றூரில்
அறவனிவ் வழிபோந்த அதிசயம் அறியேனே.

“Maṟaimuthal vāṉavarum mālayaṉ inthiraṉum
piṟainuthal maṅkaiyodum pēykkaṇa muñchūzhak
kuṟaḷpadai yathaṉōṭuṅ kūṭalai yātṟūril
aṟavaṉiv vazhipōntha athisayam aṟiyēṉē”.

வேலையின் நஞ்சுண்டு விடையது தானேறிப்
பாலன மென்மொழியாள் பாவையொ டும்முடனே
கோலம துருவாகிக் கூடலை யாற்றூரில்
ஆலனிவ் வழிபோந்த அதிசயம் அறியேனே.

“Vēlaiyiṉ nañchuṇdu viṭaiyadu thāṉēṟip
pālaṉa meṉmozhiyāḷ pāvaiyo dum'muṭaṉē
kōlama thuruvākik kūṭalai yātṟūril
ālaṉiv vazhipōntha athisayam aṟiyēṉē”.

கூடலை யாற்றூரிற் கொடியிடை யவளோடும்
ஆடலு கந்தானை அதிசயம் இதுவென்று
நாடிய இன்றமிழால் நாவல வூரன்சொற்
பாடல்கள் பத்தும்வல்லார் தம்வினை பற்றறுமே.

“Kūṭalai yātṟūriṟ kodiyidai yavaḷōdum
āṭalu kanthāṉai athisayam ithuveṉtṟu
nādiya iṉtṟamizhāl nāvala vūraṉsoṟ
pādalkaḷ pathumvallār thamviṉai patṟaṟumē”.

Location

Thakkolam is situated at a distance of about 26 kms from Kanchipuram on Kanchipuram to Arakkonam route. From Arakkonam, it is about 12 kms.

From Thiruvallur it is about 27 kms.

Thakkolam has a railway station and this temple is 5 kms away from the station.

Other Paadal Petra Shivasthalams near Thakkolam are – Ilambaiyangkottor (10 kms), Thiruvirkolam (16 kms), Thirumalpur (17 kms), Thirupachur (26 kms) and Thiruvenpakkam/Poondi (35 kms). 

General Information

There are two adjacent temples situated on the banks of the river Kusasthalai, also called as Kallaru - Sri Jalanatheeswarar Temple and Sri Gangadheeswarar Temple.

During both my visits, the Gangadheeswarar temple was locked. For some reason this temple has been closed for a long time. The renovation works are half done and the consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) is also pending for a long time. 

It is believed that Saint Thirugnanasambanthar rendered his hymn at Sri Gangadhareswarar temple only.

Sri Jalanatheeswarar Temple

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 12^th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested). This lingam is not touched by human hands, not even by the priests, as it is “Theendathirumeni”.
• The 3-tiers main tower (Rajagopuram) is facing the west and has two corridors. The Moolavar’s shrine is facing east.

History of the Temple

This ancient temple is believed to have been built by king Rajaraja Chola-II.

Periyapuranam refers to this place as “Kalikai Maanagar”.

Legend

Sage Udhadhi

Sage Theerkadar was born to Sage Udhadhi the brother of Jupiter (Guru) and Mamathai. Theerkadar was well educated and became a scholar. One day he saw the divine cow Kamadenu near his hermitage. He requested Kamadenu to come with him and assist him in a yajna that he was about to conduct. Kamadenu said that she could not oblige him without the permission of Lord Indira. The sage tried to tie her but she cursed him to become an ordinary, blind man who would spend the rest of his life doing menial jobs (“sandalan” in Tamil). In turn the sage cursed Kamadenu to become an ordinary animal losing her divine powers.

Sage Udhathi was saddened by the plight of his son. He came to this place on the advice of Maharishi Naradha, and worshiped the Lord Jalanatheeswarar. Lord Shiva gave dharisanam to the sage and advised him to pray to Nandhi and requested him to bring water from the holy Ganges to this place. He further advised the sage to perform abishekam with that holy water.

To carry out the lord’s wishes, Sage Udhathi installed a separate shiva lingam and a Nandhi near to the Jalanatheeswarar temple and started his penance. This Shivalingam is praised as Sri Gangadhareswarar and this temple is called Sri Gangadhareswarar temple. The Goddess of this temple is named as Sri Mohanavalli. It is believed that Nandhi was pleased with his penance and created a tank near this temple and filled it with water from the Ganges itself. He is believed to have channelled water from the Ganges through his mouth.

Thereafter the sage is believed to have performed abishekam to Lord Jalanatheeswarar with this water to complete his worship.  He also named the lord as “Thiruvooral Easwarar”. He also advised his son Theerkadar to take a dip in the water tank and pray to Lord Shiva. Thereafter Theerkadar is believed to have been relieved from Kamadenu’s curse.

Worshipped by Kamadenu

Kamadenu, the divine cow, is also believed to have worshipped the lord here by pouring milk on the lingam. She was relieved from Theerkadar’s curse and got back her original form and power. On knowing this, Lord Indiran is believed to have come to Thiruvooral and taken her back to the celestial world.

Theenda Thirumeni

Another legend is that Goddess Parvathi returned to this place after having been insulted at her father Dakshan’s yagna. She is believed to have installed a lingam made of sand here. Once she was performing her penance, this region was inundated by flood water. In order to protect the lingam,  Goddess Parvathi embraced it. This is evident from the markings that can still be seen on the idol.

Since this Lingam is believed to have been embraced by Goddess Parvathi, it is not touched by human hands. Poojas are performed by the priests without touching it.

Demon Thakkan

One more legend is that King Sivathithan who ruled Thiruvural was troubled by demon Thakkan. The King prayed to Lord Shiva of this temple who instructed Goddess Kali to destroy the demon. Goddess Kali executed the orders of Lord Shiva. For this reason, there is a separate shrine for Goddess Kali at the border of this place. This shrine attracts a large number of devotees. It is believed that since Thakkan cried loudly before being killed by Goddess Kali, this place got the name Thakkan Olam – Thakkolam (Olam meaning crying loudly).

Another reason why this place is named “Thakkolam” is that the sacred tree of this temple is also called “Thakkolam” (Pottu).

An alternate version of the legend associated with demon Thakkan is that when he conducted a huge yagna, he invited all celestial gods except Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva wanted to teach him a lesson and instructed Veerabathrar to disrupt the yagna. Veerabathrar stopped the yagna and punished Thakkan by removing his head and installed a goat’s head in its place. Thakkan realised his mistake and prayed to Lord Shiva to pardon him. Lord Shiva advised him to go the river bank and asked him to invite Lords Vinayakar, Mahavishnu and Brahma to witness his prayers. On Thakkan’s request, Lords Vinayakar, Mahavishnu and Brahma came to witness his prayers. Since Thakkan’s head had been replaced with that of a goat, his prayer sounded like the bleating of a goat. These prayers are called “Chamakam” and each line ends with syllable “may”. Pleased with his prayers, Lord Shiva blessed him with salvation (moksham).

Worshipped by Others

It is believed that Sage Samvartha, Lords Mahavishnu, Indiran, Suryan, Chandran, Yama (lord of death),  Saptha Kannikas (the seven divine virgins), Pandavas and Savitha Sivachariyar have also worshipped the Lord of this temple to seek absolution for their sins. 

Deities in the temple

Idols and shrines of lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Saint Sambanthar (named here as Thiruvooral Sambanthar), Iyappan, Natarajar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Mahavishnu, Durgai, Saptha Madhakkals, Bairavar, Chandran, Suryan, Perumal, Mahalakshmi, Nalvars and Navagraham can be seen in the corridors.

The unique feature of this  temple is that the idols of lords Vinayakar, Brahma and Mahavishnu can be seen here in a seated posture as they are believed to have sat and witnessed Thakkans prayers.

Salient Features

The Shiva Lingam here is significantly different. It is said that during the six months covering Utharayana Punya Kala (from January-February to June-July), the Shivalingam appears red. During the Dakshinayana Punya Kala (from July-August to December-January), the Shivalingam turns white. 

This temple is also famous as a parihara sthalam for doshas related to Guru (planet Jupitar). Here Lord Dakshinamurthy’ can be seen in a unique posture - in a seated posture. He has his head slightly tilted, legs crossed as if he is hearing all your requests. This is one of the most celebrated Dakshinamurthy temples in Tamil Nadu.

Goddess Parvathi of this temple attracts a large number of devotees. She can be seen in standing posture facing north. Poojas are performed first to her and then only to Lord Shiva.

Goddess Durgai’s posture is also different here -  it is in a dancing form (Nadana Durgai) and looks very beautiful.

Saint Arunagirinadhar has also sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

Every sculpture in this temple highlights the artistic excellene of that era.

Though there is a small tank inside the temple in the second corridor, there is no water in it.

The sacred tree of this temple is said to be Pottu (Thakkolam) but now there is no such tree in the temple.

Greatness of this temple

As per the Sthala puranas, any good deeds that devotees perform in this temple would bring them multifold benefits.

This is one of the most celebrated Dakshinamurthy temples in Tamil Nadu.

Important Festivals

10 day Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Chitrai (April-May), Navarathri in the Tamil month of Puratasi (September-October), Skanda Sashti in the Tamil month of Ippasi (October-November), Vaikasi Visakam in the Tamil month of  Vaikasi (May-June), Aani Tirumanjanam in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July), Aadi Pooram in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August) Tiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January), Masi Makam (February-March), Thai Poosam  (January-February) and Tirukarthikai (November-December) are the major festivals celebrated in this temple. Guru peyarchi and Pradosham are also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

08.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.30 PM to 08.00 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Jalanatheeswarar Temple
Thakkolam Post
Arakkonam Taluk
Vellore District
Tamil Nadu 631 151
Tele: +91- 4177-246 427.

Contact : Sri Babu Gurukkal at 09994786919.

Sri Gangadhareswarar Temple

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam. 

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

மாறில் அவுணரரணம் மவைமாயவோர் வெங்கணையா லன்று
நீறெழ எய்தவெங்கள் நிமலன் இடம்வினவில்
தேறல் இரும்பொழிலும் திகழ்செங்கயல் பாய்வயலுஞ் சூழ்ந்த
ஊறல் அமர்ந்தபிரான் ஒலியார்கழல் உள்குதுமே.

 “Māṟil avuṇararaṇam mavaimāyavōr veṅkaṇaiyā laṉtṟu
 nīṟezha eythaveṅkaḷ nimalaṉ idamviṉavil
 thēṟal irumpozhilum thikazhseṅkayal pāyvayaluñ chūzhntha
 ūṟal amarnthapirāṉ oliyārkazhal uḷkuthume”.

மத்த மதக்கரியை மலையான்மகள் அஞ்சவன்று கையால்
மெத்த உரித்தவெங்கள் விமலன் விரும்புமிடம்
தொத்தல ரும்பொழில்சூழ் வயல்சேர்ந்தொளிர் நீலம்நாளுந் நயனம்
ஒத்தல ருங்கழனித் திருவூறலை உள்குதுமே.

 “Matha mathakkariyai malaiyāṉmakaḷ añchavaṉtṟu kaiyāl
 metha urithaveṅkaḷ vimalaṉ virumpumidam
 thothala rumpozhilchūzh vayalsērnthoḷir nīlamnāḷun nayaṉam
 othala ruṅkazhaṉith thiruvūṟalai uḷkuthumē”.

ஏன மருப்பினொடும் எழிலாமையும் பூண்டழகார் நன்றுங்
கானமர் மான்மறிக் கைக்கடவுள் கருதுமிடம்
வான மதிதடவும் வளர்சோலைகள் சூழ்ந்தழகார் நம்மை
ஊனம் அறுத்தபிரான் திருவூறலை உள்குதுமே.

 “Ēṉa maruppiṉodum ezhilāmaiyum pūṇṭazhakār naṉtṟuṅ
 kāṉamar māṉmaṟik kaikkadavuḷ karuthumidam
 vāṉa mathithadavum vaḷarchōlaikaḷ chūzhnthazhakār nam'mai
 ūṉam aṟuthapirāṉ thiruvūṟalai uḷkuthumē”.

நெய்யணி மூவிலைவேல் நிறைவெண்மழு வும்மனலும் அன்று
கையணி கொள்கையினான் கடவுள் ளிடம்வினவின்
மையணி கண்மடவார் பலர்வந் திறைஞ்சமன்னி நம்மை
உய்யும் வகைபுரிந்தான் திருவூறலை உள்குதுமே.

 “Neyyaṇi mūvilaivēl niṟaiveṇmazhu vum'maṉalum aṉtṟu
 kaiyaṇi koḷkaiyiṉāṉ kaṭavuḷ ḷidamviṉaviṉ
 maiyaṇi kaṇmadavār palarvan thiṟaiñchamaṉṉi nam'mai
 uyyum vakaipurinthāṉ thiruvūṟalai uḷkuthumē”.

எண்டிசை யோர்மகிழ எழில்மாலையும் போனகமும் பண்டு
சண்டி தொழவளித்தான் அவன்றாழும் இடம்வினவில்
கொண்டல்கள் தங்குபொழிற் குளிர்பொய்கை கள்சூழ்ந்து நஞ்சை
உண்டபி ரானமருந் திருவூறலை உள்குதுமே.

 “Eṇṭisai yōrmakizha ezhilmālaiyum pōṉakamum paṇdu
 saṇṭi thozhavaḷithāṉ avaṉtṟāzhum iṭamviṉavil
 koṇṭalkaḷ thaṅkupozhiṟ kuḷirpoykai kaḷchūzhnthu nañchai
 uṇdapi rāṉamarun thiruvūṟalai uḷkuthumē”.

 (*) இப்பதிகத்தில் 6,7-ம் செய்யுட்கள் சிதைந்து போயின.

 (*) Ippathikathil 6,7-m seyyuṭkaḷ sithainthu pōyiṉa.

கறுத்த மனத்தினொடுங் கடுங்காலன்வந் தெய்துதலுங் கலங்கி
மறுக்குறும் மாணிக்கருள மகிழ்ந்தானிடம் வினவில்
செறுத்தெழு வாளரக்கன் சிரந்தோளும் மெய்யுந்நெரிய அன்று
ஒறுத்தருள் செய்தபிரான் திருவூறலை உள்குதுமே.

 “Kaṟutha maṉathiṉoduṅ kaduṅkālaṉvan theythuthaluṅ kalaṅki
 maṟukkuṟum māṇikkaruḷa makizhnthāṉidam viṉavil
 seṟuthezhu vāḷarakkaṉ siranthōḷum meyyunneriya aṉtṟu
 oṟutharuḷ seythapirāṉ thiruvūṟalai uḷkuthumē”.

நீரின் மிசைத்துயின்றோன் நிறைநான் முகனும்மறியா தன்று
தேரும் வகைநிமிர்ந்தான் அவன்சேரும் இடம்வினவில்
பாரின் மிசையடியார் பலர்வந் திறைஞ்சமகிழ்ந் தாகம்
ஊரும் அரவசைத்தான் திருவூறலை உள்குதுமே.

 “Nīriṉ misaithuyiṉtṟōṉ niṟaināṉ mukaṉum'maṟiyā thaṉtṟu
 thērum vakainimirnthāṉ avaṉsērum idamviṉavil
 pāriṉ micaiyadiyār palarvan thiṟaiñchamakizhn thākam
 ūrum aravasaithāṉ thiruvūṟalai uḷkuthumē’.

பொன்னியல் சீவரத்தார் புளித்தட்டையர் மோட்டமணர் குண்டர்
என்னும் இவர்க்கருளா ஈசன் இடம்வினவில்
தென்னென வண்டினங்கள் செறியார்பொழில் சூழ்ந்தழகார் தன்னை
உன்னவினை கெடுப்பான் திருவூறலை உள்குதுமே.

 “Poṉṉiyal sīvarathār puḷithaṭṭaiyar mōṭṭamaṇar kuṇṭar
 eṉṉum ivarkkaruḷā īsaṉ idamviṉavil
 theṉṉeṉa vaṇṭiṉaṅkaḷ seṟiyārpozhil chūzhnthazhakār thaṉṉai
 uṉṉaviṉai keduppāṉ thiruvūṟalai uḷkuthumē”.

கோட லிரும்புறவிற் கொடிமாடக் கொச்சையர்மன் மெச்ச
ஓடுபுனல் சடைமேற் கரந்தான் திருவூறல்
நாட லரும்புகழான் மிகுஞானசம் பந்தன்சொன்ன நல்ல
பாடல்கள் பத்தும்வல்லார் பரலோகத்து இருப்பாரே.

 “Kōda lirumpuṟaviṟ kodimāṭak kochaiyarmaṉ mecha
 ōdupuṉal sadaimēṟ karanthāṉ thiruvūṟal
 nāda larumpukazhāṉ miku gñāṉasam banthaṉsoṉṉa nalla
 pādalkaḷ pathumvallār paralōkathu iruppārē”.

Location

Panayapuram is at a distance of about 12 kms from Villupuram and 3 kms from Mundiambakkam. It is on the Pondicherry to Mundiambakkam route. The temple is hardly one km away from the Vikravandi tollgate on the Panruti / Kumabakonam route. 

Other Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near Panayapuram are: Thiruvamathur (13 kms), Thiruthuraiyur (24 kms) and Thirumundeeswaram (Gramam) (29 kms). 

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 20^th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This is one of the five temples where a palm tree is the “sthala viruksham”. The other four places are – Thirupananthal, Thirupanaiyur, Thiruvothur and Thiru Vanparthan Panangkattur.
• This temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 4-tiers.
• The last Consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 02.06.2004 and prior to that in the year 1971. 

History of the Temple

This temple is believed to have been built by the Chola King Kulothungan-I.

It is believed that once this place was densely populated with palm trees. This place is called “Puravaar Panangkatur” because “Puravaar” in Tamil means forest and Panangkatur means full of palm trees. Saint Thirugnanasambanthar has also mentioned this place as Puravaar Panankatur in his hyms.

Legend

The legend is that Dakshan (father of Goddess Parvathi) once performed a yagna where he invited all the devas (celestial gods) but intentionally left out Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was angered by this slight and all the devas who attended the yagna and consumed the yagna-food (avirbhaagam), became the object of his fury.

Lord Shiva instructed Aghora Veerabhadrar to go to Dakshan’s yagna-hall and punish all the devas. Agora Veerabhadrar carried out the lord’s instruction and as a result the Sun God (Suryan) who was one of the attendee lost his eye sight and lustre. To seek Lord Shiva’s forgiveness, Suryan went to several holy places and offered his prayers. It was finally at this place (Puravaar Panangkattur) that Suryan’s eye sight and his brightness were restored. Hence, Lord Shiva is also praised here as “Kan parithu aruliya kadavul” (the God who took and later restored the eye sight).

As Suryan got back his brightness at this temple, it is believed that every year, he worships Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi for a period of seven days from the 1^st day of the Tamil New year by illuminating the idols in the two sanctums.

Another legend associated with this place is that of the Chola Emperor Sibi Chakravarthi. It is believed that once, a pigeon that was being hunted by a vulture surrendered to the King and sought his help. He immediately cut a portion of his thigh flesh equivalent to the weight of the pigeon and offered it as food to the vulture instead. This deed came to the notice of Lord Shiva who appreciated his generosity, gave him his dharisanam and offered him salvation (moksham). In order to celebrate this event and to honour King Sibi, his descendants built a beautiful temple at this place.

Deities in the Temple

In the inner corridors idols of lords Vinayakar, Murugan, Saneeswarar, Suryan, 63 Nayanmars, Saptamaathas, Lord Mahavishnu, Gajalakshmi, Bikshaantavar, Dakshinamurthi, Bala Dandayuthapani, Vallabha Vinayakar, Brahma, Durgai, Chantikeswarar, Navagrahams and others can be seen.

There are also separate shrines for Lords Natarajar and Somaskandar.

Salient Features

There are four sacred palm trees in the outer corridor.

There is a rare idol of Thiruneelakandar (one of the 63 Nayanmars) and his wife where both of them are holding a staff and standing in praying posture.

There is also a rare rock relief depicting Lord Vinayakar (Polla Pillaiyar) at the entrance. This relief has been made using stone tools.

In the 11^th stanza of his hymn, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar said that those who recite his hymn of this temple, will get a place at Lord Shiva’s abode.

Greatness of this temple

It is believed by devotees that worshipping Lord Shiva here would cure their eye sight related problems. Devotees also pray to Lord Shiva here for the removal of hurdles from marriage proposals, to attain knowledge and wisdom.

Important Festivals

Amongst others, Surya Pooja in the Tamil month of Chithirai, Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Chithirai, Maha Shivarathiri in the Tamil month of Masi, Thiruvaathirai in the Tamil month of Markazhi and Annabhishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi are celebrated in a grand manner. 

Temple Timings

 From 06.00 AM to 11.00 AM and 04.00 PM to 08.30 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Panangaateeswarar Temple,
Panaiyapuram Post
Mundiyampakkam Via
Villupuram District
Tamil Nadu - 605 601.
Tele: +91 9942056781.

The temple priest Sri S.Ganesan Gurukkal can be contacted at 094448 97861.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam. 

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

விண்ண மர்ந்தன மும்ம தில்களை
வீழ வெங்கணை யாலெய் தாய்வரி
பண்ணமர்ந் தொலிசேர் புறவார் பனங்காட்டூர்ப்
பெண்ண மர்ந்தொரு பாக மாகிய
பிஞ்ஞ காபிறை சேர்நு தலிடைக்
கண்ணமர்ந் தவனே கலந்தார்க் கருளாயே.

"Viṇṇa marnthaṉa mum'ma thilkaḷai
vīzha veṅkaṇai yāley thāyvari
paṇṇamarn tholisēr puṟavār paṉaṅkāṭṭūrp
peṇṇa marnthoru pāka mākiya
piñña kāpiṟai sērnu thaliṭaik
kaṇṇamarn thavaṉē kalanthārk karuḷāyē".

நீடல் கோடல் அலரவெண் முல்லை
நீர்ம லர்நிறைத் தாத ளஞ்செயப்
பாடல்வண் டறையும் புறவார் பனங்காட்டூர்த்
தோடி லங்கிய லாத யல்மின்
துளங்க வெண்குழை துள்ள நள்ளிருள்
ஆடுஞ்சங் கரனே அடைந்தார்க் கருளாயே.

"Nīdal kōdal alaraveṇ mullai
nīrma larniṟaith thātha ḷañcheyap
pāṭalvaṇ daṟaiyum puṟavār paṉaṅkāṭṭūrth
thōṭi laṅkiya lātha yalmiṉ
thuḷaṅka veṇkuzhai thuḷḷa naḷḷiruḷ
āduñsaṅ karaṉē aṭainthārk karuḷāyē".

வாளை யுங்கய லும்மிளிர் பொய்கை
வார்பு னற்கரை யருகெ லாம்வயற்
பாளையொண் கமுகம் புறவார் பனங்காட்டூர்ப்
பூளை யுந்நறுங் கொன்றை யும்மத
மத்த மும்புனை வாய்க ழலிணைத்
தாளையே பரவுந் தவத்தார்க் கருளாயே.

"Vāḷai yuṅkaya lum'miḷir poykai
vārpu ṉaṟkarai yaruke lāmvayaṟ
pāḷaiyoṇ kamukam puṟavār paṉaṅkāṭṭūrp
pūḷai yunnaṟuṅ koṉtṟai yum'matha
matha mumpuṉai vāyka zhaliṇaith
thāḷaiyē paravun thavathārk karuḷāyē".

மேய்ந்திளஞ் செந்நெல் மென்க திர்கவ்வி
மேற்ப டுகலின் மேதி வைகறை
பாய்ந்ததண் பழனப் புறவார் பனங்காட்டூர்
ஆய்ந்த நான்மறை பாடி யாடும்
அடிக ளென்றென் றரற்றி நன்மலர்
சாய்ந்தடி பரவுந் தவத்தார்க் கருளாயே.

"Mēynthiḷañ chennel meṉka thirkavvi
mēṟpa dukaliṉ mēthi vaikaṟai
pāynthathaṇ pazhaṉap puṟavār paṉaṅkāṭṭūr
āyntha nāṉmaṟai pādi yādum
adika ḷeṉtṟeṉ tṟaratṟi naṉmalar
chāynthaṭi paravun thavathārk karuḷāyē".

செங்க யல்லொடு சேல்செ ருச்செயச்
சீறி யாழ்முரல் தேனி னத்தொடு
பங்கயம் மலரும் புறவார் பனங்காட்டூர்க்
கங்கை யும்மதி யுங்க மழ்சடைக்
கேண்மை யாளொடுங் கூடி மான்மறி
அங்கையா டலனே அடியார்க் கருளாயே.

"Seṅka yallodu sēlse rucheyach
chīṟi yāzhmural thēṉi ṉathodu
paṅkayam malarum puṟavār paṉaṅkāṭṭūrk
gaṅgai yum'mathi yuṅka mazhsadaik
kēṇmai yāḷoṭuṅ kūṭi māṉmaṟi
aṅkaiyā ṭalaṉē aṭiyārk karuḷāyē".

நீரி னார்வரை கோலி மால்கடல்
நீடி யபொழில் சூழ்ந்து வைகலும்
பாரினார் பிரியாப் புறவார் பனங்காட்டூர்க்
காரி னார்மலர்க் கொன்றை தாங்கு
கடவு ளென்றுகை கூப்பி நாடொறும்
சீரினால் வணங்குந் திறத்தார்க் கருளாயே.

"Nīri ṉārvarai kōli mālkadal
nīdi yapozhil chūḻnthu vaikalum
pāriṉār piriyāp puṟavār paṉaṅkāṭṭūrk
kāri ṉārmalark koṉtṟai thāṅku
kaṭavu ḷeṉtṟukai kūppi nāṭoṟum
sīriṉāl vaṇaṅkun thiṟathārk karuḷāyē".

கைய ரிவையர் மெல்வி ரல்லவை
காட்டி யம்மலர்க் காந்த ளங்குறி
பையரா விரியும் புறவார் பனங்காட்டூர்
மெய்ய ரிவையோர் பாக மாகவும்
மேவி னாய்கழ லேத்தி நாடொறும்
பொய்யிலா அடிமை புரிந்தார்க் கருளாயே.

"Kaiya rivaiyar melvi rallavai
kāṭṭi yam'malark kāntha ḷaṅkuṟi
paiyarā viriyum puṟavār paṉaṅkāṭṭūr
meyya rivaiyōr pāka mākavum
mēvi ṉāykazha lēthi nāṭoṟum
poyyilā aṭimai purinthārk karuḷāyē".

தூவி யஞ்சிறை மெல்ந டையன
மல்கி யொல்கிய தூம லர்ப்பொய்கைப்
பாவில்வண் டறையும் புறவார் பனங்காட்டூர்
மேவி யந்நிலை யாய ரக்கன
தோள டர்த்தவன் பாடல் கேட்டருள்
ஏவிய பெருமான் என்பவர்க் கருளாயே.

"Thūvi yañchiṟai melna daiyaṉa
malki yolkiya thūma larppoykaip
pāvilvaṇ ṭaṟaiyum puṟavār paṉaṅkāṭṭūr
mēvi yannilai yāya rakkaṉa
thōḷa ṭarthavaṉ pādal kēṭṭaruḷ
ēviya perumāṉ eṉpavark karuḷāyē".

அந்தண் மாதவி புன்னை நல்ல
அசோக மும்மர விந்த மல்லிகை
பைந்தண்ஞா ழல்கள்சூழ் புறவார் பனங்காட்டூர்
எந்தி ளம்முகில் வண்ணன் நான்முகன்
என்றி வர்க்கரி தாய்நி மிர்ந்ததொர்
சந்தம்ஆ யவனே தவத்தார்க் கருளாயே.

"Anthaṇ māthavi puṉṉai nalla
asōka mum'mara vintha mallikai
painthaṇñā zhalkaḷchūzh puṟavār paṉaṅkāṭṭūr
enthi ḷam'mukil vaṇṇaṉ nāṉmukaṉ
eṉtṟi varkkari tāyni mirnthathor
santhamā yavaṉē thavathārk karuḷāyē".

நீண மார்முரு குண்டு வண்டினம்
நீல மாமலர் கவ்வி நேரிசை
பாணில்யாழ் முரலும் புறவார் பனங்காட்டூர்
நாண ழிந்துழல் வார்ச மணரும்
நண்பில் சாக்கிய ருந்ந கத்தலை
ஊணுரி யவனே உகப்பார்க் கருளாயே.

"Nīṇa mārmuru kuṇdu vaṇdiṉam
nīla māmalar kavvi nērisai
pāṇilyāzh muralum puṟavār paṉaṅkāṭṭūr
nāṇa zhinthuzhal vārsa maṇarum
naṇpil sākkiya runna kathalai
ūṇuri yavaṉē ukappārk karuḷāyē".

மையி னார்மணி போல்மி டற்றனை
மாசில் வெண்பொடிப் பூசு மார்பனைப்
பையதேன் பொழில்சூழ் புறவார் பனங்காட்டூர்
ஐய னைப்புக ழான காழியுள்
ஆய்ந்த நான்மறை ஞான சம்பந்தன்
செய்யுள்பா டவல்லார் சிவலோகஞ் சேர்வாரே.

"Maiyi ṉārmaṇi pōlmi ṭatṟaṉai
māsil veṇpoṭip pūsu mārpaṉaip
paiyathēṉ pozhilchūzh puṟavār paṉaṅkāṭṭūr
aiya ṉaippuka zhāṉa kāzhiyuḷ
āyntha nāṉmaṟai gñāṉa sampanthaṉ
seyyuḷpā ṭavallār sivalōkañ sērvārē".

Location

Thiru Vothur is situated at a distance of about 30 kms from Kanchipuram. From Kanchipuram, there is a straight road to Thiruvothur.

From Vandavasi, it is about 16 kms on the Vandavasi - Arcot route and from Thusi it is about 20 kms on the Kanchipuram - Vandavasi route.

Other Paadal Petra Shivasthalams near Thiruvothur are – Vanparthan Panagattur (20 kms), Kuranganil Muttam (24 kms) and Thirumagaral (28 kms).

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 8^th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi, (self-manifested).
• This temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 7-tiers
• This is one of the five temples where palm tree is the sthala viruksham – the other four places being – Thirupananthal, Thirupanaiyur, Thiru Vanparthan Panangkattur and Puravar Panangkattur.

History of the Temple

It is believed that this temple was constructed during 6^th century CE.

Legend

The legend is that Lord Shiva preached (meaning “Othu” in Tamil) Veda to celestial gods (Devas) and sages at this place, hence this place gets the name “Thiruvothoor” and the lord is praised as “Vedapureeswarar”.

According to Hindu mythology, Dakshayani, daughter of Dakshan and the granddaughter of Lord Brahma was married to Lord Shiva. Once, when Dakshan was performing a grand yagna, he intentionally failed to invite Lord Shiva. Goddess Dakshayani took offence to this and decided to visit the Yagna against the wishes of her husband with the purpose of asking her father to invite Lord Shiva.

But clouded by his arrogance and pride, Dakshan humiliated both Dakshayani and Lord Shiva. Furious, Dakshayani cursed her father that his Yagna would not be successful. Furthermore, she wanted to seek absolution for the sin of being the daughter of an opponent of Lord Shiva and decided to perform penance at this place (Thiruvothur).

Another legend associated with this place is that a devotee of Lord Shiva who was looking after this temple, had grown palm trees on the banks of the river Cheyyar and around the temple’s fields to protect the temple’s walls from erosion and floods. However, all of these palm trees were male and did not yield any fruits. The Jains laughed at him and started taunting him by saying “why don’t you ask your God to change these male palm trees into female (fruit bearing) ones?”.

When Saint Thirugnanasambanthar came to this temple, he was informed about this incident. It is believed that as a result of Thirugnanasambanthar’s hymns, all the male palm trees were transformed into female palm trees. Some of these trees can still be seen in this temple.

Sthala Vriksham

Kalyana Kodi Thertham

Another legend is that when Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited Thiruvothur, the Jains at this place conducted a yagna and sent a poisonous snake to kill him. He redirected the snake back to their leader who realized Sambanthar’s power and surrendered to him.  Sambanthar prayed to Lord Shiva who then appeared as a snake charmer and took the snake away. To commemorate this incident, there is a huge idol of Nagalingam / Sri Naganathar (snake with five heads) installed in this temple.

After failing in their attempts to kill him, the Jains invited Thirugnanasambanthar for a competition (Punalvadam in Tamil). During this competition, the Jains wrote their slokas on a palm leaf and put it in the river Cheyyar. This palm leaf got carried away in the river stream. Whereas when Thirugnanasambanthar did the same, the palm leaf in which he wrote his pathigam floated against the stream, came back and got stationed at a particular place. After this incident, it is believed that the Jains accepted their defeat. This place is called “Cheyyatril Ventran”.

It is believed that similar type of incidents and competition had also taken place in Madurai.

Even though Saint Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) is believed to have visited this temple and rendered pathigams, those pathigams have not been recovered.

It is also said that Lord Shiva performed his “Veera Nadanam” here.

This is one of the temples where Lord Murugan is believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva. The Cheyyaru river itself is believed to have been created by Lord Murugan and it serves as the Theertham of this temple.

Another legend is that once, a local ruler by the name of Thondaiman requested Lord Shiva to help him conquer the kingdom of King Visuvasu. Lord Shiva sent Nandhi along with Thondaiman to help him defeat Visuvasu.  In memory of this, Nandhi here is facing the entrance of the temple instead of facing the lord.

Another legend about the Nandhi’s posture here is that when Lord Shiva preached Veda to the celestial gods and sages, Nandhi was instructed to keep a watch at the entrance to prevent any disturbances.

Salient Features

On the left side of the entrance, there is a huge palm tree made of stone - half of it depicts a male palm tree and the other half depicts a female palm tree. Lord Shiva can be seen seated under this tree, and Saint Thirugnanasambanthar can also be seen at his side. Thirugnanasambanthar’s idol looks as if he is reciting his pathigam.

Another significance of this temple is that from the centre of the main hall you can see and worship all the five deities at the same time - Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi, Vinayakar, Murugan, Navagraham and the Palm trees. This is a unique feature of this temple and you cannot find such placement of shrines in any other temple in Tamil Nadu.

Another significance of this temple is that everyday sun rays fall directly on the Shivalingam.

Saint Arunagirinadhar has also sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

Another significance of this temple is that in the outer corridor, separate shrines for all the five “Panchapootha” lingams can be seen. It is believed that devotees will get the benefit of visiting Kanchipuram, Thiruvanaikkaval, Sri Kalahasthi, Chidambaram and Thiruvannamalai by worshiping these five lingams from here itself.

In this temple, there is a separate shrine for Nagalingam. Special poojas are conducted for this Nagalingam on all Saturdays between 0900 and 1030 AM. It is believed that devotees can worship this lingam to get relief from “Naga Dosham”.

Sri Thirumulanathar

Sri Annamalaiyar

Sri Ekambareswarar

Sri Jambukeswarar

Sri Kalahasthiswarar

Deities in the temple

Idols and shrines of Lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Natarajar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Durgai, Bairavar, Veerabathrar, Nagalingam, Valampuri Vinayakar, Nalvars, Suriyan, Chandran, Mahavishnu, Saptha Madakkal, and 63 Nayanmars can be seen in the temple.

The idols of all the “Santhanachariars” namely, Meykandar, Arulnandhi Sivam, Maraignana Sambanthar and Umapathi Sivam can also be seen in the corridors. Also in the outer corridor, under the Sthalaviruksham (Palm tree), a Shivalingam and Thirugnanasambanthar’s idol can be seen.

There is a separate shrine for Lord Mahavishnu in the name of Aadhi Kesava Perumal.

Greatness of this temple

It is believed that those seeking “santhana prapthi” (child boon) can pray to the Goddess here by making offering of palm fruits and then consuming it.

Devotees also worship Lord Shiva of this temple for prosperity and wisdom.

Important Festivals

Ten days Bhramotsavam in the Tamil month of Thai (January-February) is celebrated in a grand manner. Lakshadeepam and Gnanasambanthar festival on Visakam day in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August), Magam and Shivrthri in the Tamil month of Masi (February-March), Pankuni Uthiram in the Tamil month of Pankuni (March-April) are also celebrated here. Monthly Pradosham is also regularly observed.

Temple Timings

06.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 08.30 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple
Thiruvothur (Thiruvathipuram)
Cheyyar-Taluk
Thiruvannamalai District
Tamil Nadu – 604 407.
Tele: +91- 4182-224 387.

The priests, Sri Kanthasamy Gurukkal at 09443345793 and Sri Dhakshinamoorthy
Gurukkal at 09688612660 may be contacted.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

பூத்தேர்ந் தாயன கொண்டுநின் பொன்னடி
ஏத்தா தாரில்லை யெண்ணுங்கால்
ஓத்தூர் மேய வொளிமழு வாள்அங்கைக்
கூத்தீ ரும்ம குணங்களே.

“Pūthērn thāyaṉa koṇduniṉ poṉṉadi
ēthā thārillai yeṇṇuṅkāl
ōthūr mēya voḷimazhu vāḷaṅkaik
kūthī rum'ma kuṇaṅkaḷē”.

இடையீர் போகா இளமுலை யாளையோர்
புடையீ ரேபுள்ளி மானுரி
உடையீ ரேயும்மை யேத்துதும் ஓத்தூர்ச்
சடையீ ரேயும தாளே.

“Idaiyīr pōkā iḷamulai yāḷaiyōr
puṭaiyī rēpuḷḷi māṉuri
udaiyī rēyum'mai yēthuthum ōthūrch
chadaiyī rēyuma thāḷē”.

உள்வேர் போல நொடிமையி னார்திறம்
கொள்வீ ரல்குலோர் கோவணம்
ஒள்வா ழைக்கனி தேன்சொரி யோத்தூர்க்
கள்வீ ரேயும காதலே.

“Uḷvēr pōla nodimaiyi ṉārthiṟam
koḷvī ralkulōr kōvaṇam
oḷvā zhaikkaṉi thēṉsori yōthūrk
kaḷvī rēyuma kāthalē”.

தோட்டீ ரேதுத்தி யைந்தலை நாகத்தை
ஆட்டீ ரேயடி யார்வினை
ஓட்டீ ரேயும்மை யேத்துதும் ஓத்தூர்
நாட்டீ ரேயருள் நல்குமே.

“Thōṭṭī rēthuthi yainthalai nākathai
āṭṭī rēyadi yārviṉai
ōṭṭī rēyum'mai yēthuthum ōthūr
nāṭṭī rēyaruḷ nalkumē”.

குழையார் காதீர் கொடுமழு வாட்படை
உழையாள் வீர்திரு வோத்தூர்
பிழையா வண்ணங்கள் பாடிநின் றாடுவார்
அழையா மேயருள் நல்குமே.

“Kuzhaiyār kāthīr koṭumazhu vāṭpadai
uzhaiyāḷ vīrthiru vōthūr
pizhaiyā vaṇṇaṅkaḷ pādiniṉ tṟāṭuvār
azhaiyā mēyaruḷ nalkumē”.

மிக்கார் வந்து விரும்பிப் பலியிடத்
தக்கார் தம்மக்க ளீரென்
றுட்கா தாருள ரோதிரு வோத்தூர்
நக்கீ ரேயருள் நல்குமே.

“Mikkār vanthu virumpip paliyiṭath
thakkār tham'makka ḷīreṉ
tṟuṭkā thāruḷa rōthiru vōthūr
nakkī rēyaruḷ nalkumē”.

தாதார் கொன்றை தயங்கு முடியுடை
நாதா என்று நலம்புகழ்ந்
தோதா தாருள ரோதிரு வோத்தூர்
ஆதீ ரேயருள் நல்குமே.

“Thāthār koṉtṟai thayaṅku muṭiyudai
nāthā eṉtṟu nalampukazhn
thōthā thāruḷa rōthiru vōthūr
āthī rēyaruḷ nalkumē”.

என்றா னிம்மலை யென்ற அரக்கனை
வென்றார் போலும் விரலினால்
ஒன்றார் மும்மதி லெய்தவ னோத்தூர்
என்றார் மேல்வினை யேகுமே.

“Eṉtṟā ṉim'malai yeṉtṟa arakkaṉai
veṉtṟār pōlum viraliṉāl
oṉtṟār mum'mathi leythava ṉōthūr
eṉtṟār mēlviṉai yēkumē”.

நன்றா நால்மறை யானொடு மாலுமாய்ச்
சென்றார் போலுந் திசையெலாம்
ஒன்றா யொள்ளெரி யாய்மிக வோத்தூர்
நின்றீ ரேயுமை நேடியே.

“Naṉtṟā nālmaṟai yāṉodu mālumāych
cheṉtṟār pōlun thisaiyelām
oṉtṟā yoḷḷeri yāymika vōthūr
niṉtṟī rēyumai nēdiyē”.

கார மண்கலிங் கத்துவ ராடையர்
தேரர் சொல்லவை தேறன்மின்
ஓரம் பாலெயி லெய்தவ னோத்தூர்ச்
சீர வன்கழல் சேர்மினே.

“Kāra maṇkaliṅ kathuva rādaiyar
thērar chollavai thēṟaṉmiṉ
ōram pāleyi leythava ṉōthūrch
chīra vaṉkazhal sērmiṉē”.

குரும்பை யாண்பனை யின்குலை யோத்தூர்
அரும்பு கொன்றை யடிகளைப்
பெரும்பு கலியுள் ஞானசம் பந்தன்சொல்
விரும்பு வார்வினை வீடே.

“Kurumpai yāṇpaṉai yiṉkulai yōthūr
arumpu koṉtṟai yadikaḷaip
perumpu kaliyuḷ gñāṉasam banthaṉsol
virumpu vārviṉai vīdē”.

Location

Thirumalpur is at a distance of about 14 kms from Kanchipuram on the Kanchipuram to Arakkonam route. There is a Railway Station at Thirumalpur. The temple is 5 kms away from this railway station.

From Thiruvallur it is about 40 kms.

Other Paadal Petra Shivasthalams near Thirumalpur are - Thakkolam (17 kms), Kuranganil Muttam (30 kms), Thiru Magaral (30 kms) and Thiru Vanparthan Panangattur (37 kms).

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 11^th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi, (self-manifested).
• It is believed that the Moolavar of this temple is made of sand by Goddess Parvathi herself.
• This lingam is not touched by human hands, not even by the priests, as it is “Theendathirumeni” and is always covered by a metal sheet (kavacham).
• Lord Mahavishnu got his discus (Sudarshana Chakaram) from Lord Shiva here.
•  This is an east facing temple that has two corridors and a main tower (Rajagopuram) with 5-tiers.

History of the Temple

This ancient temple is located on the banks of Virudhasheera river (Palaru) and is said to be more than 1500 years old. The temple is said to have been built by King Paranthaka Chola-I.

Legend

The legend is that once, when Goddess Parvathi was playing with her husband, Lord Shiva, she inadvertently covered his eyes with her hands. She soon realized that because of this act, all living beings in the world had come to a standstill. She immediately removed her hands.

To repent for the hardships caused due to her action and to seek absolution for her sins, she decided to come to earth, make a lingam with sand, install it on the banks of Viruthasheera river and start offering her prayers there. It is believed that once, while she was offering her prayers, the river started overflowing.  To safeguard the lingam, she hugged it and prayed to her brother Mahavishnu for help. He immediately took his reclining form “Ranganathar” and acted as a dam to divert the flood. It is believed that this lingam is the moolavar in the sanctum of this temple. The place where Ranganathar diverted the river is called Thiruparkadal. It is near this temple and there is a separate shrine for Lord Mahavishnu there. 

Another legend is that Lord Mahavishnu is said to have been blessed with his “Discus” (Chakrayudam) upon worshipping Lord Shiva in this temple. It is believed that in his battle against Sage Thutheesi, Lord Mahavishnu had used his discus (Chakrayudam). When the discus touched the sage’s body, it lost its sharpness and became defunct. Worried, Lord Mahavishnu consulted with the celestial gods (Devas) who advised him that Lord Shiva had the “Sudharsana Chakram” (discus) which he had created to destroy demon Chalandaran.

Lord Mahavishnu came to this place (Thirumalpur) and worshipped Lord Shiva here every day by making an offering of a thousand lotus flowers. To test the determination of Lord Vishnu, it is believed that Lord Shiva caused shortage of one flower. To make up for this shortage, Lord Vishnu immediately plucked one of his eyes out and offered it along with the flowers. Pleased by his determination, Lord Shiva restored Lord Mahavishnu’s eye and blessed him by saying that “since you offered your eye in place of a lotus flower, your eyes will have the beauty of the lotus flower itself and you will be praised as “Padumashan”. Lord Shiva also blessed him with the “Sudharsana Chakram”.

Because Lord Mahavishnu was given the Chakra here, this place got the name Harichakrapuram (in Sanskrit) and Thiru Malpuram (“Mal” meaning Mahavishnu and “Puram” meaning village in Tamil). Similarly, Lord Shiva here is also praised as “Sri Malvanangeeswarar” (“Mal” meaning Mahavishnu and “Vanangu” meaning worship in Tamil).

Lord Mahavishnu requested Lord Shiva that the devotees who offer their prayers here to be given the benefits of having worshiped all Shiva temples in the world.  He also prayed that the devotees who visit the lord here may be granted salvation. Acceeding to Lord Mahavishnu’s request, Lord Shiva informed him that whoever chants his 1000 names or at least chants his eight names (Theentachivanthar, Sadarubar, Manikandar, Dayanithiyar, Pavalamalaiyar, Vattanthavirthar and Sakisanar), would be granted salvation.

Another interesting aspect in this temple is that Adhikara Nandhi’s idol is in standing posture with a monkey’s face. It is believed that one day Ravana came to this temple to pray to Lord Shiva and entered the sanctum without Adhikara Nandhi’s permission. When he returned after his prayers, Nandhi told him that he should have obtained his permission before entering into the sanctum. Angered, Ravana told Adhikara Nandhi that being an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and having been blessed by the lord himself, he did not need anyone’s permission to enter the sanctum santorum. He also cursed the Nandhi to have monkey’s face. In retaliation, Nandhi cursed him that he would be destroyed by a monkey. 

It is also believed that Moon God (Chandran) had also worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

Deities in the temple

There are idols and shrines of Lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Chidambareswarar, Somaskandar, Choleeswarar, Chandikeswarar, Natarajar, Veerabathrar, Bairavar, Suryan, Chandran, Nalvars, Goddess Gajalakshmi, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma and Durgai in the corridors. 

Salient Features

Lord Mahavishnu is present in this temple as “Senthamarai Kanna Perumal”. His idol can be seen worshipping Lord Shiva.

Although this is a Shiva temple, since Lord Mahavishnu is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here, many Vaishnava traditions are also followed in this temple. Devotees are given holi theertham along with the sacred ash (Viputhi). They are also blessed with “Chatari”. Another interesting aspect is that “Garuda Seva” is observed in this temple during the Brahmotsavam festival.

Many idols here are depicted in a very unique form - the Dwarabalakas are huge in size; Adhikara Nandhi is in a standing posture with a monkey’s face; Vinayakar can be seen with ten hands (as “Vallabha Vinayakar”); Goddess Durga devi is with 8 hands; and Lord Mahavishnu is in a standing posture with folded hands in front of Lord Shiva.

The procession idol (Utsava Murthy) of Lord Mahavishnu is with a lotus flower in one hand and an eye in the other hand.

Greatness of this temple

It is believed that devotees who pray to Lord Shiva here would have no threats from enemies and will also see favourable outcome in litigation cases. It is also believed that by worshiping the lord here, devotees can seek salvation. 

Important Festivals

10-day Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Masi (February-March) is celebrated in a grand manner. During this festival, Theerthavari dedicated to Lord Shiva and Garuda Seva dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu are observed.

Aani Tirumanjanam in the Tamil month of Aani (June-July), Aadi Velli and Aadi Puram in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-August), Thirukarthikai in the Tamil month Karthikai (November-December) and Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January) are the other festivals celebrated in this temple.

Monthly Pradosham is also observed.

Temple Timings

 06.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 09.00 PM

Temple Address

Sri Manikandeeswarar Temple
Thirumalperu Post
Arakkonam Taluk
Vellore District
Tamil Nadu – 631 053.
Tele: +91 4177 - 248 220, 093454 49339.

The priest, Sri Shanmugam Gurukkal can be contacted at 09444386442.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang Pathigams.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

குருந்தவன் குருகவன் கூர்மையவன்
பெருந்தகை பெண்ணவன் ஆணுமவன்
கருந்தட மலர்க்கண்ணி காதல்செய்யும்
மருந்தவன் வளநகர் மாற்பேறே.

“Kurunthavaṉ kurukavaṉ kūrmaiyavaṉ
perunthakai peṇṇavaṉ āṇumavaṉ
karunthada malarkkaṇṇi kāthalseyyum
marunthavaṉ vaḷanakar māṟpēṟē”.

பாறணி வெண்டலை கையிலேந்தி
வேறணி பலிகொளும் வேட்கையனாய்
நீறணிந் துமையொரு பாகம்வைத்த
மாறிலி வளநகர் மாற்பேறே.

“Pāṟaṇi veṇdalai kaiyilēnthi
vēṟaṇi palikoḷum vēṭkaiyaṉāy
nīṟaṇin thumaiyoru pākamvaitha
māṟili vaḷanakar māṟpēṟē”.

கருவுடை யாருல கங்கள்வேவச்
செருவிடை ஏறியுஞ் சென்றுநின்
றுருவுடை யாளுமை யாளுந்தானும்
மருவிய வளநகர் மாற்பேறே.

“Karuvuṭai yārula kaṅkaḷvēvach
cheruvidai ēṟiyuñ cheṉṟuniṉ
tṟuruvuṭai yāḷumai yāḷunthāṉum
maruviya vaḷanakar māṟpēṟē”.

தலையவன் தலையணி மாலைபூண்டு
கொலைநவில் கூற்றினைக் கொன்றுகந்தான்
கலைநவின் றான்கயி லாயமென்னும்
மலையவன் வளநகர் மாற்பேறே.

“Thalaiyavaṉ thalaiyaṇi mālaipūṇṭu
kolainavil kūtṟiṉaik koṉtṟukanthāṉ
kalainaviṉ tṟāṉkayi lāyameṉṉum
malaiyavaṉ vaḷanakar māṟpēṟē”.

துறையவன் தொழிலவன் தொல்லுயிர்க்கும்
பிறையணி சடைமுடிப் பெண்ணொர்பாகன்
கறையணி மிடற்றண்ணல் காலற்செற்ற
மறையவன் வளநகர் மாற்பேறே.

“Thuṟaiyavaṉ thozhilavaṉ tholluyirkkum
piṟaiyaṇi saṭaimuṭip peṇṇorpākaṉ
kaṟaiyaṇi miṭatṟaṇṇal kālaṟchetṟa
maṟaiyavaṉ vaḷanakar māṟpēṟē”.

பெண்ணின்நல் லாளையொர் பாகம்வைத்துக்
கண்ணினாற் காமனைக் காய்ந்தவன்றன்
விண்ணவர் தானவர் முனிவரொடு
மண்ணவர் வணங்குநன் மாற்பேறே.

“Peṇṇiṉnal lāḷaiyor pākamvaithuk
kaṇṇiṉāṟ kāmaṉaik kāynthavaṉtṟaṉ
viṇṇavar thāṉavar muṉivarodu
maṇṇavar vaṇaṅkunaṉ māṟpēṟē”.

(*) இப்பதிகத்தில் 7-ம் செய்யுள் சிதைந்து போயிற்று.

(*) Ippathikathil 7-m seyyuḷ sithainthu pōyitṟu.

தீதிலா மலையெடுத் தவ்வரக்கன்
நீதியால் வேதகீ தங்கள்பாட
ஆதியா னாகிய அண்ணலெங்கள்
மாதிதன் வளநகர் மாற்பேறே.

“Thīthilā malaiyeduth thavvarakkaṉ
nīthiyāl vēthakī thaṅkaḷpāda
āthiyā ṉākiya aṇṇaleṅkaḷ
māthithaṉ vaḷanakar māṟpēṟē”.

செய்யதண் தாமரைக் கண்ணனொடுங்
கொய்யணி நறுமலர் மேலயனும்
ஐயன்நன் சேவடி அதனையுள்க
மையல்செய் வளநகர் மாற்பேறே.

“Seyyathaṇ thāmaraik kaṇṇaṉoṭuṅg
koyyaṇi naṟumalar mēlayaṉum
aiyaṉnaṉ sēvadi athaṉaiyuḷka
maiyalsey vaḷanakar māṟpēṟē”.

குளித்துணா அமணர்குண் டாக்கரென்றுங்
களித்துநன் கழலடி காணலுற்றார்
முளைத்தவெண் மதியினொ டரவஞ்சென்னி
வளைத்தவன் வளநகர் மாற்பேறே.

“Kuḷithuṇā amaṇarkuṇ ṭākkareṉtṟuṅg
kaḷithunaṉ kazhaladi kāṇalutṟār
muḷaithaveṇ mathiyiṉo daravañcheṉṉi
vaḷaithavaṉ vaḷanakar māṟpēṟē”.

அந்தமில் ஞானசம் பந்தன்நல்ல
செந்திசை பாடல்செய் மாற்பேற்றைச்
சந்தமின் றமிழ்கள்கொண் டேத்தவல்லார்
எந்தைதன் கழலடி எய்துவரே.

“Anthamil gñāṉasam banthaṉnalla
senthisai paādalsey māṟpētṟaich
chanthamiṉ tṟamizhkaḷkoṇ ṭēthavallār
enthaithaṉ kazhaladi eythuvarē”.

Location

Thiru Vanparthan Panangkattur is at a distance of about 19 kms from Kanchipuram. From Kanchipuram, first reach Thusi (10 kms) on Kanchipuram to Vandavasi route. After travelling a distance of 6 kms on Kalavai – Venpakkam -Perungkattur route, you can find a beautiful arch at the beginning of the road to Thirupanangkadu. From the arch the temple is at a distance of about 3 kms.

Other Paadal Petra Shivasthalams near Vanparthan Panangkattur are – Kuranganil Muttam (10 kms), Thiruvothur (20 kms), Thirumagaral (26 kms) and Thirumalpur (37 kms).

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 9^th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. 
• There are two main presiding deities in this temple.
• Lord Thalapureeswarar was installed and worshiped by Sage Agasthiar. This lingam is said to be a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• Lord Krupanatheswarar was installed and worshiped by Sage Agasthiar’s disciple, Sage Pulasthiar.
• This is an east facing temple and it has an arch type entrance with two corridors. There is no main tower (Rajagopuram) in this temple.
• The vimanam (roof tower) of both the sanctum sanctorum is designed in a special way that is exclusive to Pallava architecture - the Gaja Brishtam, that looks like the rear of an elephant (Gaja - elephant, brishtam - rear).
• This is one of the five temples where a palm tree is the sthala viruksham – the other four places are – Thirupananthal, Thirupanaiyur, Thiruvothur and Puravar Panangkattur.
• The last consecration ceremony (Mahakumbabishekam) was conducted in the year 1995.

History of the Temple

It is said that in ancient times this place was full of palm (Panai) trees and hence the place is called Panangkattur and the lord here is named “Sri Panangkatteeswarar”. However, now this place is known as Thirupanangadu.

As per the stone inscriptions installed in the temple, Devakottai Sri A.Ekappa Chettiar’s family had renovated and constructed this temple. The consecration ceremony (Mahakumbabishekam) was also conducted by them in the year 1928. Sri Ekappa Chettiar’s statue can be seen in the main hall of the temple. It is believed that in the year 1915, Ekappa Chettiar who was in a property litigation case, prayed to Lord Shiva for help. Further, after browsing the devaram book he selected the pathigam of this temple and started reciting it. He also committed himself to do something for this temple if the judgement in the legal case fell in his favour. Later, after he won the case he visited this temple and found that it was in ruins. He renovated it using all the money that he had got from the settlement.

Legend

The legend is that when Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar visited this place, Lord Shiva appeared before him in the form of an old man and offered food (Kattamudu). Sundarar laughed at him and said that when there is no water available here then what is the use of the food. The old man scratched the land under his feet and water started flowing. The old man disappeared and Sundarar realized that the old man was none other than Lord Shiva himself. He then followed the foot prints of a bull and found this temple. It is believed that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi blessed Sundarar with their dharisanam. In his hymns, Sundarar refers to this place as “Vanparthan Panangkattur”.

The well which is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva, is called “Sundarar Theertham”.  It is well maintained and has a fencing around it. There is a small shrine nearby where Sundarar is believed to have had the food that Lord Shiva gave him. This Theertham and the shrine is at a distance of about one kilometre from the temple.  On the main road itself you can see a sign board pointing to this well. People say that the water level at Sundarar Theertham is just 3 feet whereas the nearby well’s water level is around 30 feet.

Sign Board showing Sundarar Theertham

Sundarar Theertham

There are two separate shrines for Lord Shiva in this temple - one is said to have been installed and worshipped by Sage Agasthiar and the other one by his disciple, Sage Pulasthiar. The deity installed and worshiped by Sage Agasthiar is known as Sri Thalapureeswarar (also known as Sri Panangkatteswarar) with Goddess Amirthavalli. The deity installed and worshiped by Sage Pulasthiar is known as Sri Krupanatheswarar with Goddess Krupanayaki.

The legend is that when Sage Agasthiar reached this place, he wanted to worship Lord Shiva and searched for a temple. He found another sage by the name of “Kottai Muniswarar’ (Yogananda Muniswarar) meditating under a neem tree. Agasthiar asked him if there was a temple nearby, Muniswarar told him that there was a Shivalingam beneath this tree itself. It is believed that Sage Agasthiar took the lingam out, installed it in a nearby shrine and worshiped it.

Pleased with the worship of Sage Agasthyar, Lord blessed him with his dharisanam. Further it is believed that when Agasthiar was looking to make offerings of fruits to the lord, the lord made the fruits from the palm tree fall on the lingam. Because of this incident, the lord here is named “Thalapureeswarar” (Thalam meaning Palm tree in Grantham). It is said that while leaving this place Sage Agasthiar advised Sage Muneeswarar to look after this Shiva temple. In front of this temple, there is also a separate small temple for “Sri Kottai Muneeswarar”.

It is said that after some time, Sage Pulasthiar had also visited this place and installed a lingam on the banks of river Palar and worshiped it. At a later date, this lingam is believed have been discovered by a Chola king who brought it to this temple and installed it next to the lingam that was installed by Sage Agasthiar.

Another legend is that once, a staunch devotee called Panangkattu Thambiran prayed to Lord Shiva to provide drinking water to the local people. Lord conceded to his request and water started flowing from the lord’s head. This water was stored in a nearby tank called “Jada Gangai Theertham”. This is being used by locals even today.  

 It is also said that lords Brahma, Mahavishnu, Indiran and Sage Kannuva have worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

Salient Features

Since there are two lingams in this temple, this temple also has two separate sets of Nandhi, Pali Peedam (altar for making offerings) and flag post (dwajasthambam). Similarly, in both the outer sanctums, separate idols of lords Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu and Brahma can be seen.

The posture of one of the idols of Lord Dakshinamurthy’s is unique to this temple - with his right hand placed on his chest (“Chin muthirai” in Tamil).

Beautifully engraved Idols of Saint Agasthiar, Saint Pulasthiar and palm trees can be seen at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum.

In the inner corridors, a beautiful stone palm tree with Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi can be seen.

The pillars of the main hall have intricate reliefs and sculptures. One such sculpture depicts Vali and Sugreev fighting with each other and another pillar depicts Lord Ram watching this fight. An interesting point to note about these pillars is that you can see Vali and Sugreev from Lord Ram’s relief whereas you cannot see Lord Ram from the pillar in which Vali and Sukreev reliefs are chiselled. Similar reliefs of Nagalingam, Garudazhvar, Mahavishnu and Anjaneyar can also be seen in other pillars.

Though there are two Lord Shiva’s shrines in this temple, Saint Sundarar mentioned about Lord Thalapureeswarar (also known as Sri Panangkatteswarar) only.

Another interesting aspect of this place is that there is a stone inscription in this temple stating that cutting down a palm tree is a sin.

Deities in the temple

In the inner corridor, shrines and idols of Lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Natarajar, Mahavishnu, Brahma, Goddess Gaja Lakshmi, Dakshinamurthy, Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Mahalingam, Suryan, Chandran, Bairavar, Nalvars with Sekkizhar, 63 Nayanmars, Navagraham, Chandikeswarar can be seen.

Greatness of this temple

In the outer corridor, there are two sacred palm trees - one male and the other female. It is believed that those seeking child boon can pray to the lord here by making offerings of palm fruits and then consuming it.

Devotees also pray for prosperity and relief from vision / eye sight related problems. They can also circumambulate these trees and worship Lord Shiva for removal of obstacles from their wedding proposals. 

Important Festivals

Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Masi (February-March), Somavarams in the Tamil month of Karthikai (November-December), Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aipasi (October-November) and Arudra Dharisanam in the Tamil month of Marghazhi (December-January) are the major festivals celebrated in this temple. 

During Brahmotsavam, on the Masi Magam day, “Thiruvural” festival is celebrated on the banks of the river Palaru. The procession idol of Lord Ekambareswar of Kanchipuram is brought to this place.

During the Brahmotsavam festival, special poojas called “Kattamudhu” are also performed, to celebrate the incident of Lord Shiva of giving food to Saint Sundarar.

Sthala Viruksham Panai Tree

Jada Gangai tank

Vali & Sukreev	Sri Ram

Kottai Muneeswarar Shrine

Temple Timings

07.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.30 PM to 08.00 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Thalapureeswarar Temple
Thiruppanagkadu Post
Vembakkam Via, Cheyyaru Taluk,
Thiruvannamalai District
Tamil Nadu – 604 410.
Tele: +91- 44 2431 2807.
The priest, Sri N.Devaraj Sharma may be contacted at 09843568742.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Sundarar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

விடையின்மேல் வருவானை வேதத்தின் பொருளானை
அடையில்அன் புடையானை யாவர்க்கும் அறியொண்ணா
மடையில்வா ளைகள்பாயும் வன்பார்த்தான் பனங்காட்டூர்ச்
சடையிற்கங்கை தரித்தானைச் சாராதார் சார்பென்னே.

“Vidaiyiṉmēl varuvāṉai vēthathiṉ poruḷāṉai
adaiyilaṉ pudaiyāṉai yāvarkkum aṟiyoṇṇā
madaiyilvā ḷaikaḷpāyum vaṉpārthāṉ paṉaṅkāṭṭūrch
chadaiyiṟgaṅgai tharithāṉaich chārāthār chārpeṉṉē”.

அறையும்பைங் கழலார்ப்ப அரவாட அனலேந்திப்
பிறையுங்கங் கையுஞ்சூடிப் பெயர்ந்தாடும் பெருமானார்
பறையுஞ்சங் கொலிஓவாப் படிறன்றன் பனங்காட்டூர்
உறையுமெங்கள் பிரானாரை உணராதார் உணர்வென்னே.

“Aṟaiyumpaiṅ kazhalārppa aravāda aṉalēnthip
piṟaiyuṅgaṅ gaiyuñchūṭip peyarnthādum perumāṉār
paṟaiyuñchaṅ koli'ōvāp paṭiṟaṉtṟaṉ paṉaṅkāṭṭūr
uṟaiyumeṅkaḷ pirāṉārai uṇarāthār uṇarveṉṉē”.

தண்ணார்மா மதிசூடித் தழல்போலுந் திருமேனிக்
கெண்ணார்நாண் மலர்கொண்டங் கிசைந்தேத்தும் அடியார்கள்
பண்ணார்பா டல்அறாத படிறன்றன் பனங்காட்டூர்ப்
பெண்ணாணா யபிரானைப் பேசாதார் பேச்சென்னே.

“Thaṇṇārmā mathichūdith thazhalpōlun thirumēṉik
keṇṇārnāṇ malarkoṇṭaṅ kisainthēthum adiyārkaḷ
paṇṇārpā dalaṟātha paṭiṟaṉtṟaṉ paṉaṅkāṭṭūrp
peṇṇāṇā yapirāṉaip pēsāthār pēcheṉṉē”.

நெற்றிக்கண் ணுடையானை நீறேறுந் திருமேனிக்
குற்றமில் குணத்தானைக் கோணாதார் மனத்தானைப்
பற்றிப்பாம் பரையார்த்த படிறன்றன் பனங்காட்டூர்ப்
பெற்றொன்றே றும்பிரானைப் பேசாதார் பேச்சென்னே.

“Netṟikkaṇ ṇudaiyāṉai nīṟēṟun thirumēṉik
kutṟamil kuṇathāṉaik kōṇāthār maṉathāṉaip
patṟippām paraiyārtha paṭiṟatṉṟaṉ paṉaṅkāṭṭūrp
petṟoṉtṟē ṟumpirāṉaip pēsāthār pēcheṉṉē”.

உரமென்னும் பொருளானை உருகிலுள் ளுறைவானைச்
சிரமென்னுங் கலனானைச் செங்கண்மால் விடையானை
வரம்முன்ன மருள்செய்வான் வன்பார்த்தான் பனங்காட்டூர்ப்
பரமன்எங் கள்பிரானைப் பரவாதார் பரவென்னே.

“Urameṉṉum poruḷāṉai urukiluḷ ḷuṟaivāṉaich
chirameṉṉuṅ kalaṉāṉaich cheṅkaṇmāl vidaiyāṉai
varam'muṉṉa maruḷseyvāṉ vaṉpārthāṉ paṉaṅkāṭṭūrp
paramaṉeṅ kaḷpirāṉaip paravāthār paraveṉṉē”.

எயிலார்பொக் கம்எரித்த எண்டோ ள்முக் கண்இறைவன்
வெயிலாய்க்காற் றெனவீசி மின்னாய்த்தீ எனநின்றான்
மயிலார்சோ லைகள்சூழ்ந்த வன்பார்த்தான் பனங்காட்டூர்ப்
பயில்வானுக் கடிமைக்கட் பயிலாதார் பயில்வென்னே.

“Eyilārpok kameritha eṇṭō ḷmuk kaṇiṟaivaṉ
veyilāykkātṟ ṟeṉavīsi miṉṉāythī eṉaniṉṟtāṉ
mayilārchō laikaḷchūzhntha vaṉpārthāṉ paṉaṅkāṭṭūrp
payilvāṉuk kadimaikkaṭ payilāthār payilveṉṉē”.

மெய்யன்வெண் பொடிபூசும் விகிர்தன்வே தமுதல்வன்
கையில்மான் மழுவேந்திக் காலன்கா லம்அறுத்தான்
பைகொள்பாம் பரையார்த்த படிறன்றன் பனங்காட்டூர்
ஐயன்எங் கள்பிரானை அறியாதார் அறிவென்னே.

“Meyyaṉveṇ podipūsum vikirthaṉvē thamuthalvaṉ
kaiyilmāṉ mazhuvēnthik kālaṉkā lamaṟuthāṉ
paikoḷpām paraiyārtha padiṟaṉtṟaṉ paṉaṅkāṭṭūr
aiyaṉeṅ kaḷpirāṉai aṟiyāthār aṟiveṉṉē”.

வஞ்சமற்ற மனத்தாரை மறவாத பிறப்பிலியைப்
பஞ்சிச்சீ றடியாளைப் பாகம்வைத் துகந்தானை
மஞ்சுற்ற மணிமாட வன்பார்த்தான் பனங்காட்டூர்
நெஞ்சத்தெங் கள்பிரானை நினையாதார் நினைவென்னே.

“Vañchamatṟa maṉathārai maṟavātha piṟappiliyaip
pañchichī ṟadiyāḷaip pākamvaith thukanthāṉai
mañchutṟa maṇimāda vaṉpārthāṉ paṉaṅkāṭṭūr
neñchatheṅ kaḷpirāṉai niṉaiyāthār niṉaiveṉṉē”.

மழையானுந் திகழ்கின்ற மலரோனென் றிருவர்தாம்
உழையாநின் றவருள்க உயர்வானத் துயர்வானைப்
பழையானைப் பனங்காட்டூர் பதியாகத் திகழ்கின்ற
குழைகாதற் கடிமைக்கட் குழையாதார் குழைவென்னே.

“Mazhaiyāṉun thikazhkiṉtṟa malarōṉeṉ tṟiruvarthām
uzhaiyāniṉ tṟavaruḷka uyarvāṉath thuyarvāṉaip
pazhaiyāṉaip paṉaṅkāṭṭūr pathiyākath thikazhkiṉtṟa
kuzhaikāthaṟ kaṭimaikkaṭ kuzhaiyāthār kuzhaiveṉṉē”.

பாரூரும் பனங்காட்டூர்ப் பவளத்தின் படியானைச்
சீரூருந் திருவாரூர்ச் சிவன்பேர்சென் னியில்வைத்த
ஆரூரன் அடித்தொண்டன் அடியன்சொல் அடிநாய்சொல்
ஊரூரன் உரைசெய்வார் உயர்வானத் துயர்வாரே.

“Pārūrum paṉaṅkāṭṭūrp pavaḷathiṉ padiyāṉaich
chīrūrun thiruvārūrch sivaṉpērseṉ ṉiyilvaitha
ārūraṉ adithoṇdaṉ adiyaṉsol adināysol
ūrūraṉ uraiseyvār uyarvāṉath thuyarvārē”.

Location

Thiru Kuranganilmuttam is on the Kanchipuram to Vanthavasi route. After travelling about 10 kms from Kanchipuram, you can reach village Thusi and from here take a diversion road to Kuranganilmuttam. The temple is at a distance of about 2 kms from Thusi. 

Other Paadal Petra Shivasthalams near Kuranganilmuttam are – Vanparthan Panangattur (10 kms), Thirumagaral (13 kms), Thirumalpur (25 kms), and Thiruvothur (Cheyyar) (25 kms).

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 6^th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This is a west-facing temple with two corridors and no main tower (Rajagopuram).
• The last Consecration ceremony (Mahakumbabishegam) was held on 04.02.1985.

History of the Temple

The temple is situated on the southern bank of Palaru river and it is believed to have been built by Pallava King Mahendra Verman in 637 CE. 

Legend

The legend is that once Vali (the monkey king of Kishkindha), Indhran (the king of the celestial gods) and Yama (the lord of death) were cursed by sages for their wrong doings and were made to take the forms of a monkey, a squirrel and a crow respectively.

They went to Mount Kailash and prayed to Lord Shiva to seek his blessings and to request Lord Shiva to restore them to their original forms. Lord Shiva directed them to visit this place (Kuranganil Muttam) and offer their prayers. When they came to this place and worshiped Lord Shiva, he graced them with his dharisanam and absolved their sins. Lord Shiva stayed in this place as a Swayambumurthy.

At Kuranganil Muttam Yama was in the form of a crow before worshipping Lord Shiva. He scratched the land with his beak and created a spring. He took bath in that spring, took water for lord’s abishekam from it and offered it to the lord. The spring was made in the shape of a new moon (semi-circular) surrounding the temple on three sides while the lord is seated on a rock on the other side. This spring is called “Kakkaimadu theertham” and “Vayasamadu theertham” - (Crow meaning Kakkai / muttam in Tamil and Vayasam in Sanskrit).

Vali was an ardent Shiva devotee. When he came to worship the Lord Shiva here, he did not want to pick the flowers by hand but instead, he shook the tree in order to make the flowers fall on the Lord directly. The lord here is also known as “Koyyamalar Nathar” referring to the fact that the flowers that were offered to him were untouched by hands. “Koyya” meaning untouched and “Malar” meaning flower in Tamil. Saint Thirugnanasambanthar in his pathigam on Lord Shiva here also mentioned the lord as “Koyyamalar Chudi” (in 8^th Stanza).

The Tamil names of monkey, squirrel and crow are “Kurangu”, “Anil” and “Muttam” respectively. Hence the place gets the name, “Kuranguanil Muttam”. Also since Vali is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here, the lord here is named “Valeeswarar”. 

Deities in the temple

Idols and shrines of Lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Kasi Viswanathar and Vishalakshi, Durgai, Chandikeswarar, Mahavishnu, Brahma, Dakshinamurthy, Sapthamathars, Suryan, Navagrahams, Bairavar, Nalwars can be seen in the corridors. Separate idols for Saint Thirugnanasambanthar and Saint Sekkizhar are also present. 

Salient Features

It is pertinent to note that in Indian mythology even birds and animals are depicted as having faith in Lord Shiva. There are also references where they have attained salvation through their penance. This has been substantiated by Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar in his Pathigam (6^th stanza) rendered at Thiruppunkur. 

Goddess Irayar Valai Ammai graces from a separate shrine facing west. Vali, Indira and Yama are believed to have worshiped this goddess before worshipping the Lord. They are also believed to have sought her help to negate the effects of the curse and revert back to their original forms. The goddess is believed to have yielded to their request. “Valai” in this context can be translated as “yielding”. This is one of the reasons behind the name “Irayar Valai Ammai”. Saint Thiruganasambanthar had also praised the goddess as “Irayar valai” in his hymns.

“Valai” in Tamil also means bangles. Married women and expectant mothers offer bangles to the goddess before wearing them with the hope that they would be blessed with healthy children and their deliveries would be safe. They also pray to the goddess for relief from “Balarishta dosham”. “Bala” means children and “arishta” means illnesses. Balarishta dosham are illnesses that afflict the new born child. They are caused due to specific planetary positions or combinations present at the time of birth of the child. The ill-effects of this dosham can be seen for many years.

It is said that on specific days during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May) sun rays fall directly on the lingam in the sanctum sanctorum. 

Beautiful stone engravings depicting these animals worshipping the lord can be seen at the entrance wall of the temple. 

Greatness of this temple

Yama is considered to be the presiding lord of Planet Saturn. Those seeking relief from ill-effects of this planet (Sani dosham) can worship Lord Shiva here.

It is believed that by worshiping Lord Shiva here devotees are relieved of sins and are blessed with wisdom and knowledge. 

Important Festivals

Lakshadeepam (one lakh lamps) on Tirukarthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (November-December), Shivarathri in the Tamil month of Masi (February-March) and Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November) are the main festivals celebrated in this temple.

Pradosha Pooja is regularly observed in a grand manner.

Temple Timings

07.00 AM to 10.00 AM and 04.00 PM 07.00 PM 

Temple Address

Sri Valeeswarar Temple
Kuranganil Muttam Village
Thusi Post, Mamandur Via
Cheyyaru Taluk, Thiruvannamalai District,
Tamil Nadu – 631 702.

Tele: Shri K.M.Sridhar Gurukkal:  07299904344, 09445642409.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam. 

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

விழுநீர்மழு வாள்படை அண்ணல் விளங்குங்
கழுநீர்குவ ளைம்மல ரக்கயல் பாயுங்
கொழுநீர்வயல் சூழ்ந்த குரங்கணின் முட்டந்
தொழுநீர்மையர் தீதுறு துன்ப மிலரே.

“Vizhunīrmazhu vāḷpadai aṇṇal viḷaṅkuṅ
kazhunīrkuva ḷaim'mala rakkayal pāyuṅ
kozhunīrvayal chūzhntha kuraṅkaṇiṉ muṭṭan
thozhunīrmaiyar thīthuṟu thuṉpa milarē”.

விடைசேர்கொடி அண்ணல் விளங்குயர் மாடக்
கடைசேர்கரு மென்குளத் தோங்கிய காட்டில்
குடையார்புனல் மல்கு குரங்கணின் முட்டம்
உடையானெனை யாளுடை யெந்தை பிரானே.

“Vidaisērkodi aṇṇal viḷaṅkuyar mādak
kaṭaisērkaru meṉkuḷath thōṅkiya kāṭṭil
kudaiyārpuṉal malku kuraṅkaṇiṉ muṭṭam
udaiyāṉeṉai yāḷudai yenthai pirāṉē”.

சூலப்படை யான்விடை யான்சுடு நீற்றான்
காலன்றனை ஆருயிர் வவ்விய காலன்
கோலப்பொழில் சூழ்ந்த குரங்கணின் முட்டத்
தேலங்கமழ் புன்சடை யெந்தை பிரானே.

“Sūlappadai yāṉvidai yāṉsudu nītṟāṉ
kālaṉtṟaṉai āruyir vavviya kālaṉ
kōlappozhil chūzhntha kuraṅkaṇiṉ muṭṭath
thēlaṅkamazh puṉsadai yenthai pirāṉē”.

வாடாவிரி கொன்றை வலத்தொரு காதில்
தோடார்குழை யான்நல பாலன நோக்கிக்
கூடாதன செய்த குரங்கணின் முட்டம்
ஆடாவரு வாரவ ரன்புடை யாரே.

“Vādāviri koṉtṟai valathoru kāthil
thōṭārkuzhai yāṉnala pālaṉa nōkkik
kūṭāthaṉa seytha kuraṅkaṇiṉ muṭṭam
āṭāvaru vārava raṉpudai yārē”.

இறையார்வளை யாளையொர் பாகத் தடக்கிக்
கறையார்மிடற் றான்கரி கீறிய கையான்
குறையார்மதி சூடி குரங்கணின் முட்டத்
துறைவானெமை யாளுடை யொண்சுட ரானே.

“Iṟaiyārvaḷai yāḷaiyor pākath thaṭakkik
kaṟaiyārmiṭaṟ tṟāṉkari kīṟiya kaiyāṉ
kuṟaiyārmathi sūdi kuraṅkaṇiṉ muṭṭath
thuṟaivāṉemai yāḷuṭai yoṇsuda rāṉē”.

பலவும்பய னுள்ளன பற்றும் ஒழிந்தோங்
கலவம்மயில் காமுறு பேடையொ டாடிக்
குலவும்பொழில் சூழ்ந்த குரங்கணின் முட்டம்
நிலவும்பெரு மானடி நித்தல் நினைந்தே.

“Palavumpaya ṉuḷḷaṉa patṟum ozhinthōṅ
kalavam'mayil kāmuṟu pēdaiyo dādik
kulavumpozhil chūzhntha kuraṅkaṇiṉ muṭṭam
nilavumperu māṉadi nithal niṉainthē”.

மாடார்மலர்க் கொன்றை வளர்சடை வைத்துத்
தோடார்குழை தானொரு காதில் இலங்கக்
கூடார்மதி லெய்து குரங்கணின் முட்டத்
தாடாரர வம்மரை யார்த்தமர் வானே.

“Mādārmalark koṉtṟai vaḷarsadai vaithuth
thōṭārkuzhai thāṉoru kāthil ilaṅkak
kūṭārmathi leythu kuraṅkaṇiṉ muṭṭath
thāṭārara vam'marai yārthamar vāṉē”.

மையார்நிற மேனி யரக்கர்தங் கோனை
உய்யாவகை யாலடர்த் தின்னருள் செய்த
கொய்யாமலர் சூடி குரங்கணின் முட்டங்
கையால்தொழு வார்வினை காண்ட லரிதே.

“Maiyārniṟa mēṉi yarakkarthaṅ kōṉai
uyyāvakai yālaṭarth thiṉṉaruḷ seytha
koyyāmalar sūdi kuraṅkaṇiṉ muṭṭaṅ
kaiyālthozhu vārviṉai kāṇṭa larithē”.

வெறியார்மலர்த் தாமரை யானொடு மாலும்
அறியாதசைந் தேத்தவோர் ஆரழ லாகுங்
குறியால்நிமிர்ந் தான்றன் குரங்கணின் முட்டம்
நெறியால்தொழு வார்வினை நிற்ககி லாவே.

“Veṟiyārmalarth thāmarai yāṉodu mālum
aṟiyāthasain thēthavōr ārazha lākuṅ
kuṟiyālnimirn thāṉtṟaṉ kuraṅkaṇiṉ muṭṭam
neṟiyālthozhu vārviṉai niṟkaki lāvē”.

கழுவார்துவ ராடை கலந்துமெய் போர்க்கும்
வழுவாச்சமண் சாக்கியர் வாக்கவை கொள்ளேல்
குழுமின்சடை யண்ணல் குரங்கணின் முட்டத்
தெழில்வெண்பிறை யானடி சேர்வ தியல்பே.

“Kazhuvārthuva rādai kalanthumey pōrkkum
vazhuvāchamaṇ sākkiyar vākkavai koḷḷēl
kuzhumiṉsadai yaṇṇal kuraṅkaṇiṉ muṭṭath
theḻilveṇpiṟai yāṉadi sērva thiyalpē”.

கல்லார்மதிற் காழியுள் ஞானசம் பந்தன்
கொல்லார்மழு வேந்தி குரங்கணில் முட்டஞ்
சொல்லார்தமிழ் மாலை செவிக்கினி தாக
வல்லார்க்கெளி தாம்பிற வாவகை வீடே.

“Kallārmathiṟ kāzhiyuḷ gñāṉasam banthaṉ
kollārmazhu vēnthi kuraṅkaṇil muṭṭañ
sollārthamizh mālai sevikkiṉi thāka
vallārkkeḷi thāmpiṟa vāvakai vīdē”.

Location

Thiruvalangadu is at a distance of about 17 kms from Thiruvallur en route Arakkonam. From Arakkonam also this place is about 17 kms.

Thiruvalangadu has a railway station on the Chennai – Arakkonam rail route and the temple is about 4 kms away from the station.

Other Paadal Petra Shivasthalams near Thiruvalangadu are – Ilambaiyangkottur (10 kms), Thiruvenpakkam (32 kms), Thakkolam (17 kms), Thiruvirkolam (20 kms) and Thirupachur (19 kms).

General Information   

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 15^th Shiva Sthalam in Thondai Nadu. 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This is one of the five places where it is believed that Lord Natarajar competed with Goddess Kali in a dance performance.
• The Natarajar mandapam (hall) of this temple is called “Rathna Sabhai (Gem hall)”.
• This is one of the 44 Paadal petra sthalams where all the “Moovars” have rendered their pathigams.
• Karaikkal Ammaiar also rendered her “Mootha Thirupathigam” about Lord Shiva here.
• This temple has three corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers. 

History of the Temple

It is believed that originally this temple was constructed by the Chola and Pallava dynasties. This is a very ancient temple. The stone inscriptions available in this temple are from the periods of King Paranthaka Chola-I to the last king of Vijayanagaram.

Earlier this village was called Pazhayanur and the place where this temple was located was called Alangadu.  In the Devara Hymns, this place is mentioned as “Pazhayanur Alangadu”.

Legend

According to the legend, in ancient times this region was a forest densely covered with banyan trees (Alamaram in Tamil). It is believed that a Swayambu Lingam was discovered under a banyan tree. Later a temple was constructed and the lord was named as “Sri Vadaranyeswarar” (Vadam meaning banyan tree, Aranyam meaning forest and the Eswar represents Lord Shiva). Since the celestial gods (Devas) are also believed to have worshiped the lord of this temple, he is also praised as “Sri Devarsingaperuman”.

It is believed that Lord Murugan, Goddess Lakshmi and Saint Thirumular have worshiped Lord Shiva in this temple.

Oordhuva Thandavam

The legend is that two demons - Sumban and Nisumban had worshiped Lord Shiva to seek his blessings. Impressed by their rigorous penance, Lord Shiva gave them a blessing that every drop of their blood that fell on the ground would turn into a lingam.

Having sought Lord Shiva’s blessings, these two demons started terrorising the celestial gods who in turn complained to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva asked Goddess Parvathi to create “Bathra Kali” and this Kali was advised to go to Thiruvalangadu to destroy the demons.

Kali fought with these two demons, defeated them and drank their blood. However, since she had drunk the blood of the demons, she started losing control of her senses and started acting like a demon herself. She started terrorising the celestial gods, who one again sought Lord Shiva’s intervention in this matter.

To solve this problem, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy came to this place. Kali who was not in control of her senses, started fighting with Lord Shiva. Lord Brahma, Lord Mahavishnu and Rishi Naradar intervened and made them accept a dance competition instead of a fight, which the duo agreed to perform.

It is believed that the dance performance was witnessed by Goddess Parvathy, Rishi Naradar, Sage Munjikesa (Sage Anantha) and serpent Karkodakar.  Lord Brahma and Lord Mahavishnu are believed to have provided music for their dance. Lord Shiva performed 17 types of dances which Kali also repeated. Finally, Lord Shiva played his “Oordhuva Thandavam” – a dance with very fast movements. Lord Shiva intentionally dropped his right earring on the ground, stood on his right leg, picked up the earring with the toe of his left leg and wore it again during the dance itself. Kali could not repeat this movement and admitted her defeat. 

Goddess Parvathy, who was astonished to watch this performance is praised here as “Arukilirunthu Viyantha Nayaki” (goddess who witnessed the spectacular dance performance). The lord here is praised as “Andamura Nimirntharuliya Nayanar” as he performed the Oordhuva Thandavam.

Kali was very angry to accept her defeat. In order to appease her anger, Lord Shiva told her that he would be performing a pleasing dance – “Raksha dance” at Thiruvirkolam temple and she could have his dharisanam there.

The Natarajar idol of this temple can be seen with its left leg almost touching the left ear. The idol of Goddess Sivakama Sundari can be seen with her face reflecting her astonishment. 

Lord Natarajar’s five Sabhas

This is one of the five places where Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance - ‘Oorthava / Kali Thandavam’. The hall where he performed this dance is called “Rathina Sabhai (gem hall)”. The other four places are –

Chidambaram - Por Sabhai (gold hall),

Madurai – Velli Sabhai (silver hall),

Tirunelveli – Thamira Sabhai (copper hall) and

Kutralam- Chithira Sabhai (art/picture hall).

Karaikal Ammaiyar

Lord Shiva’s dance here was also witnessed by one of his great devotees, Saint Karaikal Ammaiyar. She is also one of the 63 Nayanmars. It is said that she went to Mount Kailash by walking upside down on her head to see Lord Shiva. The lord addressed her as “Mother” (Amma in Tamil) and advised her to go to Thiruvalangadu to see his dance. She came to see the lord in this temple but a Shiva lingam started appearing wherever she put her foot. In order to give respect, she decided to again walk upside down on her head. She witnessed the dance performance of Lord Shiva, rendered her pathigam (hymn) and attained salvation in this temple itself. It is believed that her last resting place was at the feet of Lord Natarajar. Since her pathigams are prior to the Moovars Devaram, they are called “Mootha Thiru Pathigam”.

Thiru Gnanasambanthar

Another legend associated with this place is that since Karaikal Ammaiyar had walked on her head at this place, Saint Thiru Gnanasambanthar was afraid to set his foot on the soil. Not wanting to show any disrespect towards Karaikal Ammaiyar, he decided to stay in a nearby village and spent the night there without visiting this temple. However, Lord Shiva of this temple appeared in his dream and asked if he had forgotten to praise him. Next morning, he visited this temple and rendered a pathigam in which he mentioned about the “Neeli story” and God’s reminder to praise him.

Neeli Story

Another legend associated with this place is that of a lady called “Neeli”. It is believed that she was killed by her husband as he had suspected her of infidelity. After her death, she could not move on to her next birth and started roaming around this place in the form of a ghost. Incidentally, in his next birth, her husband was travelling through this place. Seeing her former husband, Neeli decided to seek revenge. She assumed the form of his present wife and wanted to go with him. He was surprised to see his wife here, he sensed that something was wrong and he refused to let her accompany him.

Neeli went to the locals (velalars) and complained that her husband was abandoning her. The locals interfered and asked him to stay with her at a nearby place and travel with her the next morning. He tried explaining to them that she might not be his wife but they refused to his pleas. Instead they vouched for his safety by saying that if anything were to happen to him, they would also give up their lives.

As soon as they went inside the house that the locals had given to them, Neeli took her original form of a ghost and killed him. In the morning when the locals found him dead, they decided to end of their lives and keep the promise that they made to him. The legend is that 70 velalars gave up their lives by self-immolation (Theekuliyal in Tamil). It is also believed that Lord Shiva gave salvation to all of them. It is interesting to note that the old Tamil proverb “Neeli Kanneer” (crocodile tears) originated from this story only.

The hall where these velalars gave up their lives can still be seen near the Sakshibootheswarar temple in Pazhayanur (at a distance of about one kilometre from Thiruvalangadu temple). It is said that the heirs of those velalars still go to Thiruvalangadu temple for worship and for offering their services.

Mantheeswarar

Another legend is that Sani Bhagawan (Saturn) advised his son, Mantheeswarar who had accrued a sin (dosham) when a lizard fell on him, to go to Thiruvalangadu and worship Lord Shiva there. Pleased with his penance, Lord Shiva appeared before him and blessed him by absolving the sin.

Deities in the temple

Natarajar is praised here as “Rathina Sababathi Eswarar” and his consort, Sivakama Sundari is praised as “Sameesenambikai”.

There are as many as sixty idols in this temple. Some of the idols and shrines are - Lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Vijayaraghava Perumal with his consorts, Karaikkal Ammaiar, Agora Veerabathrar, Pancha Bootha lingams, Sahasra lingam, Kasi Viswanathar, Iyappan, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Durgai with Durga Parameswarar, Chandikeswarar, Sage Munjikesar, Karkodakar, Suryan, Chandran, Nalvars, Bathrakali Amman, Sapta Kanniyars and Bairavar.

Idols of Mantheeswarar and the lingam installed and worshiped by him can also be seen. 

Salient Features

A separate temple for Goddess Badhra Kali is situated at a distance of about one kilometre from this temple. It is said that after being defeated in the dance performance by Lord Shiva, she stayed in this temple.

The Thiruvalangadu temple, the Mukthi Theertham (the temple’s tank) and Vada Badhrakali temple are considered very auspicious. The order in which the devotees should worship here is - first by taking a dip in the Mukthi Theertham, worshipping goddess Badhrakali and then worshipping Lord Shiva.

This temple has a beautiful 100-pillars hall where Lord Natarajar’s abishekam is performed.

In Lord Natarajar’s shrine, there are two shiva lingams - one made of Spadigam (crystal) and the other one made of  Maragatham (emerald).

Saint Arunagirinadhar has also sang in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh.

Saint Pattinathar has also sang in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

It is said that Saint Karaikkal Ammayar's jeeva samadhi can be seen at the end of Lord Natarajar’s hall (Sabha).

Greatness of this temple

This temple is considered to be a place where one can attain salvation.

This is a parihara sthalam for Bharani Nakshathiram (star). Those who are born during the period of Bharani nakshathiram can perform special poojas here.

This is an important place for Mantheeswarar pariharam and poojas can be performed on Saturdays. Mantheeswarar pariharam is performed for removal of obstacles in marriage proposals, to help married couples get the blessing of child birth and to seek relief from debts.

Since Mantheeswarar is the son of Lord Sani (Saturn), poojas related to Sani doshams can also be performed here.

Also, those aspiring for mastery in the art of dance can pray to Lord Vadaranyeswarar here and seek his blessings. 

Important Festivals

Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January) is the most important festival of this temple.

 Almost all other festivals pertaining to Lord Shiva are observed in this temple.

Temple Timings

From 06.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.00 PM to 08.00 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Vadaranyeswarar Temple,
Thiruvalangadu Post,
Thiruthani Taluk,
Tiruvallur District,
Tamil Nadu – 631 210.
Tele: +91-044-27872074, 9952230906.

Pathigam (Hymn) with English transliteration

Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

துஞ்ச வருவாருந் தொழுவிப்பாரும் வழுவிப்போய்
நெஞ்சம் புகுந்தென்னை நினைவிப்பாரும் முனைநட்பாய்
வஞ்சப் படுத்தொருத்தி வாழ்நாள்கொள்ளும் வகைகேட்
டஞ்சும் பழையனூர் ஆலங்காட்டெம் அடிகளே.