Sages Vyagrapathar and Pathanjali undertook penance to have the dance dhrashan of Lord Natarajar. Saint Manickavasagar spent his last part of life at Chidambaram. So, any temple in and around Chidambaram will have the foot prints of atleast either one of them through temple legend. In addition, so many nayanmars are connected with the legends of Natarajar and other temples around within Chidambaram.
NCN001 – Sri Natarajar Temple / DD040 – Thiru Chithrakoodam.
Significances:
- The term “Koyil” signifies this temple only for saivities just like Srirangam for the Vaishnavites
- One of the few temples which comes as part of the 275 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams of saivaites as well as one of the 108 Divya Desams of Vaishnavites
- One of the Pancha bootha (elements) temples representing “sky”
- One of the Pancha Sabha temples of Lord Natarajar names as Kanaga sabha (holy golden hall)
- It is considered that all the celestial deities and the Shiva powers of all the temples confluence here for the Arthajama pooja and so it is very special, especially on Fridays. It is a rule that no Shiva temple anywhere should be kept open before the start of the Arthajama pooja here because they already arrived here.
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Ashta Dik Lingams
There are eight lingams in eight directions around the Natarajar temple. Some of them have been encroached or not traceable.
Indhra lingam:
At the Theradi in East main street
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Agni lingam:
At the Malaikatti street in the Dr.Senthinathan apartment
Yama lingam:
Not traceable
Nruthi lingam:
Near Pachaiyappan school and near Vinayagar temple and Veerabadhra Swamy temples
Varuna lingam:
At west main street, Old Udipi hotel / Noothanam shopping complex
Vayu lingam:
Not traceable
Gubera lingam:
In North main street, opposite to the Way to Thillai Kali temple arch inside a rice mill
Esanya lingam:
In the stone mandapam at the junction of North main street and East main street
Ilamaiyakkinar Shiva Temple
Location:
The temple is located at about 500 meters from the West Gopuram in the road just opposite to it.
Main deities:
Sri Thiruppuleeswarar with Ambal Sri Thiripura Sundari
Legend:
Since Sage Vyaagrapaadar with tiger claws worshipped Lord Shiva He came to be known as ‘Thiruppuleeswarar’ and Chidambaram as ‘Thiruppuleeswaram’.
There are two Thiruneelakanda nayanars in the 63 Nayanmars and to differentiate, both are being called with their caste subnames. Thiruneelakanda Kuyavanar is connected with Chidambarm and Thiruneelakanda Bananar is connected with Erukkathampuliyur. As a coincidence, the histories of both of them form the beginning and end of the Thiruthonda thogai.
Thiruneelakanda Kuyavanar:
Thiruneelakanda Kuyavanar was born in a potter family and he and his wife Ratnaasalai were staunch devotees of Lord Shiva. Apart from the regular earthware articles, they also made earthware begging bowl (Thiruvodu) and distributed bowls with alms to the Shivan adiyars. Once Thiruneelakanda Nayanar made the mistake of enjoying a prostitute. Coming to know of this, his wife didn’t allow him to touch her and said ‘If you touch us (me) …. Thiruneelakanta.’. Thiruneelakantar took the plural form “üs” as women in general and Thiruneelakanta as God’s name. Since then, he refrained from touching any woman. While the wife carried out all the responsibilities as a wife to Thiruneelakanta Nayanar and lived as husband and wife to the outer world, they never touched each other till they became old.
Lord Shiva wanted to show their life of penance to the outside world and He came as a Sivanadiyar one day. He handed over His begging bowl and asked them to keep it safe till He returns after a pilgrimage. When the Sivanadiyar returned, unfortunately the bowl could not be traced. Thiruneelakanda Nayanar apologized and offered a new bowl but the Adiyar was not accepting and insisted on His own special bowl. The case came to the Dikshithars’court and the court ordered them to swear their innocence before the temple by taking a dip in the temple tank “Ilamai Theertham” holding each other’s hands. Since they had to prove and swear their innocence they had no other way to reveal the vow of their personal life and sought permission to take a dip by holding each end of a bamboo stick. Not only the purity of their personal life was revealed to the outside world, they also emerged as young couple after the dip in the temple tank. As a couple, they didn’t enjoy the youth part of their life due to their self-inflicted vow and it was given back. Lord Shiva gave the dharshan to the couple.
Sundarar venerates Thiruneelakanta Nayanar in the Thiruthonda Thogai, a hymn to Nayanar saints, as the first Nayanar, calling him “the blessed potter”.
On the Thai Visaakam day, the festival of Lord Shiva bestowing grace on Thiruneelakantar is celebrated. During the festival Lord Shiva in the guise of a sage giving the begging bowl (thiruvodu) to Thiruneelakantar and asking him to take a vow at the temple tank are ritually enacted in the temple tank with much fanfare.
Separated couples or couples with disputes in the marriage are prescribed to pray in the temple for a happy married life. Special abhishegams are performed in the Thiruneelakantar shrine.
Kanampullar Nayanar:
Kanampulla Nayanar was born into a farming family in Pullirukkuveloor or Irukkuveloor, now known as Vaitheeswaran koil. As a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva, he used to spend lot of his earnings in lighting lamps in various Shiva temples. His farm wealth was dwindling and he moved to Chidambaram where he earned a living by cutting and selling Kanampul grass (not a farm product but a self-grown in way sides). Even with that, he continued his service of lighting lamps in Shiva temples. At some point, due to famine, he was unable to earn even by selling the grass but continued his service. He prepared wicks from the dry grass and burnt them but they soon extinguished. In despair, he offered his own hair for burning by spreading and extending it near the lamp. Pleased by the Nayanar’s deep devotion, Shiva appeared before him and gave him salvation.
His ‘Guru Pooja’ is conducted on the Thirukaarthigai day of the Karthigai month. Special thirumanjanam is performed to Kanampullar moorthy.
The Temple:
This temple is situated to the west of the Nataraja temple. In front of the temple is the big ‘Ilamai Theertham’.
In the prakaaram there are shrines for Sage Vyaagrapaadar, Thiruneelakantar with his wife Ratnaasalai and Kanampulla Nayanar.
Sage Vygrapadar’s birthday celebration falls on the Thai Poosam day. On that day he is taken to ‘Ilamai Theertham’ and ‘theerthavaari’ (Holy immersion) is done.
On the ashtami (8th day) of the waning moon fortnight special pooja with homam is performed to Bhairavar.
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Sri Anantheeswarar Temple
Location:
The temple is situated at around 900 meters from the West gopuram in a straight road just opposite to it and about 400 meters from the Ilamaiyakkinar temple.
Main deities:
Lord Anantheeswarar with Ambal Soundaranayahi. Urchavar is Somaskandar.
Naga Dosha and Art excellence:
Adhisesha, the divine serpent of Lord Vishnu was born as Lakshmana during Ramavatara and accompanied Sri Rama. Then he was born to Sage Athri and Anusuya couple as Sage Pathanjali to enjoy the cosmic dance of Lord Natarajar here. Sage Pathanjali installed this Lord Anantheeswara after the name of Adisesha. Patanjali also is called Ananthan.
As he is the author of Yoga Sutras, those studying and practicing this art, worship him in the temple for gaining proficiency in the art. Some of the pillars in the temple carry sculptures of this art. Also, since Sage Pathanjali is the avatar of Adhiseshan, the temple is devoutly noted for its importance for relief from Naga dosha-adverse aspect of snake planets.
Patanjali is by the side of the Lord who accompanies the Lord in procession during the Aani Thirumanjanam and Margazhi Thiruvadhirai festival days.
As Patanjali was born in Pushya (Poosam) star, special poojas are performed to him on this star days every month.
Raja Chandikeswarar:
The specialty of the temple is the shrine of Raja Chandikesar, which cannot be seen anywhere else. People pray to Lord Chandikeswara for royal status and the Vinayaka nearby for prosperity.
Nitya Amavasya Temple:
Sun and Moon are next to each other in the prakaram and hence this temple is especially significant for those facing the wrath of the ancestors due to their failure to perform tarpans to them at regular intervals. They pray to Lord Shiva, Sun and Moon for reliefs. The temple is respected as a Nitya Amavasya – daily new moon – shrine.
Uchikala (Midday) pooja:
It is believed that all the sages and the Shiva powers of all the Shiva temples confluence in the Chidambaram Natarajar temple during the Arthajama Pooja. It is considered they all worship Lord Anantheeswara here during the Uchikala Pooja. Devotees are advised to follow this worship procedure at both of these temples.
Sub shrines:
Sri Anjaneya on a pillar, Lord Kannimoola Ganapathi, Lord Muruga with Valli and Deivanai, Gajalakshmi, Saneeswara (Saturn), Navagrahas and Bhairava grace in the prakara. On the goshta walls are Vallaba Ganapathi, Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lingodhbava and Lord Brahmma.
Theertham: Patanjali theertham at the entrance.
Contact: 98653 44297
Sri Durvasar Madm is located close to the Anantheeswarar temple in a stone mandapam near Dhanalakshmi Kalyana mandapam. Sage Durvasar stayed here and conducted poojas.
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Sri Athmanathar Temple / Manikkavasagar madam / Guru Namachivayar Temple at Thirupparkadal
Location:
Sri Athmanathar Temple or Manikkavasagar madam is located North of Natarajar temple at Vengan Street near Kamaraj School. It is around 400 meters from the junction of North and West gopura streets. It can also be reached from the junction of North and East Gopura streets.
Significances:
The Jeeva Samadhi of Sri Manikkavasagar
Lord Shiva appeared for Manikkavasagar three times here
The main deity is Lord Athmanatha swami with Ambal Yogambal
- Saint Manikkavasagar spent the last part of his life by staying here on the banks of Thirupparkadal theertham and managing a Barnasala.
- Saint Manikkavasagar served as the chief minister of King Arimardhana Pandiyan. He had the initiation from Lord Athmanatha swami at Thiruperundurai (Aavudayarkoil of Pudukottai dist). The saint could not forget Lord Athmanathar in Thiruperundurai and so built a temple for Him here too and named as Thillai Thiruperundurai.
- The temple has many similarities with the temple in Thiruperundurai (Avudayar Koil). As in Thiruperundurai, the Shivalinga in the sanctum has only the peetam (and no banam) and is facing south. There are only the feet of Mother in Her shrine.
- This is the place where Manikkavasagar merged with Lord Shiva and this day is being celebrated as Manikkavasagar Guru pooja day with special poojas to Lord Athmanadha Swami.
- Lord Shiva appeared for Manikkavasagar three times here
- Saint Manikkavasagar is normally seen standing in Shiva temples but here he graces in the form of Yoga Guru in the posture of sitting in Arthapadmasan.
- Devotees spend time in meditation (penance) in the temple seeking Moksha-salvation.
- Saints Gnanasambandar, Appar and Sundarar grace in the Bana form of Shivalinga.
- There are shrines for Lord Vinayaka, Mother Durga, Nandhi and Lord Yoga Dakshinamurthi in the temple.
- The sculptures showing that the inner meaning of Thiruvasagam is only Lord Shiva and Lord Shiva’s darshan to Manikkavasagar are present here.
Theertham: Thirupparkadal theertham.
Sage Vyakrapada was staying in Chidambaram to have the dance darshan of Lord Nataraja. When his son Upamanyu was hungry and crying, Lord Shiva brought the milky ocean here to feed the child and so the theetham is the Thirupparkadal theertham. The temple is on the northern bank of this spring. (This theertham was completely closed and functioning as a school ground to the adjoining school. Thanks to some Adiyars, the theertham was identified, restored and freed from encroachers).
Contact: +91 94431 12098.
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Thillai Kali Temple
Location:
The temple is located at about 700 meters to the north of Natarajar temple at the outskirts of the Chidambaram town; about 250 meters North of Sri Athmanathar Temple or Manikkavasagar madam
Significances:
- A pilgrimage to Chidambaram Natarajar temple is considered complete only after the worship of Thillaikali.
- Mother Thillai Kali appears with four faces as Brahmma.
- As Mother Thillaikali is the deity of Magam Star, those born of this star pray to Her.
- Lord Dakshinamurthi is present in female form
Main deities:
Mother Brahmma Chamundeeswari called as Thillai Kali facing west in a standing posture.
Legend:
Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi (as Kali) wanted to show to the world that between the Shivam and Shakthi it is meaningless to argue which is superior since they are inseparable and one cannot survive without the other. So they entered into a dance contest with Mahavishnu as the judge. Lord Shvia was about to be defeated in the contest. Knowing this, Lord Shiva performed “OORTHVA THANDAVA” raising his leg above the head. It could not be played by the women due to their modesty and shyness. So mother Parvathi accepted Her defeat but became furious.
Lord Brahmma appeared there and praised Kali as Veda Nayaki and requested Her to calm down with four faces representing the four Vedas. Kali responded and granted darshan to Brahmma as Brahmma Chamundeeswari. A moorthy is made in this form separately and installed in the temple.
The Temple:
- Mother Thillai Kali appears with four faces as Lord Brahmma.
- Mother Saraswathi appears as Veena Vidyambika
- Lord Dakshinamurthi is present in female form in the name of “Kadambavana Dakshina Rupini”. Possibly, this is the only temple where Lord Dakshinamurthi appears in a female form.
- The temple was built by Chola King Kopperunjingan who ruled between 1229 A.D. and 1278 A.D
- As Mother Thillaikali is the deity of Magam Star, those born of this star pray to Her.
- Thillai Kali is also known as Ellai Kali – Ellai means border – Kali at the border of Thillai.
- A pilgrimage to Chidambaram Natarajar temple is considered complete only after the worship of Thillaikali.
Contact: +91- 4144 – 230 251
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Sri Sivaloganathar Temple/ Nandanar Temple at Omakkulam
Location: About a km SouthWest of South Gopuram
Main deities: Lord Sivaloganathar with Ambal Soundara nayahi
Nanadanar also called as Thirunalai povor Nayanar is one of the 63 Nayanamars. Two miracles are associated with his life. One being the huge stone Nandhi of Thiruppunkur Sivaloganathar Temple (near Vaitheeswaran koil) tilted sideways in order for him to have a dharshan of Lord Shiva from outside since he was denied entry, being a dalit. His only ambition was to worship Thillai Natarajar and after several struggles he came here and passed through a homa fire setup by the Thillai Brahmins in the Omakulam next to this temple. Nandanar came out of the fire purified and unscathed with Natarajar’s grace.
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Nandanar Kutil/ Madam
This is close to the Sivaloganathar temple. This is the place where Nandanar had his hut and worshipped Lord Natarajar. He is seen in a posture of worshipping Lord Natarajar. Another saint is also seen next to him. There are Vinayagar and Murugar shrines in the praharam.
Sri Sakthi Bala Naramuga Vinayagar Temple
The temple is located in South Car street and the Vinayagar here is having human face instead of an elephant.
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Sri Kalyanasundara Veerabadhra Swamy Temple
The temple is located at about 200 meters from the junction of South and West Car streets
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Sri Kamaleeswaran Temple
Sri Lakshmi worshipped Lord Shiva here.
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Sri Gayathri Devi Temple
Located at about 600 meters from the NorthWest corner of the Sri Natarajar Temple, this is an exclusive temple for Sri Gayathri Devi, In the goshtam, Ashtabuja Durgai, Mahalakshmi with the nectar pot and Saraswathi are present.
Sri Brahmmarayar Temple at Parameswaranallur
A Siddhar Samathi temple at VSR nagar, about 2 kms NorthWest of Sri Natarajar Temple.
Manikkavasagar sat in yoga nishtai here.
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Sri Avadhootha Swamigal Adhishtanam
A Siddhar Samadhi, located at around a km from the NorthWest corner of the Sri Natarajar Temple.
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Sri Brahmmapureeswarar Temple
It is located about 2 kms North West of Sri Natarajar Temple. The main deity is considered to be installed by Sage Vasishtar
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Sri MaraiGnana Sambhandhar Temple at Singarathope
This is the Jeeva Samadhi of Sri MaraiGnana Sambhandhar located in front of the Sri Brahmmapureeswarar temple
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Sri Umapathi Sivam Gurumoortha Temple
It is located around 1 km South East of Natarajar Temple at Kotthangudi, close to the railway station.
Sri Umapati Sivacharyar, a disciple of Sri MaraiGnana Sambandhar, established his own math on the outskirts of Chidambaram in a place called Kotravan Kudi, now called as Kotthangudi.
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NCN002 – Sri Paasupatheswarar Temple at Thiruvetkalam (Annamalai nagar)
Location:
3 kms East of Chidambaram inside the Annamalai university complex.
Significances:
One of the 275 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Pancha Pandava Arjunan got the Paasupatastram from Lord Shiva here. So the temple’s antiquity is linked to Mahabharatha times.
Main deities:
Sri Paasupathastheswarar as Swayambu lingam facing East with Satgunambal / Nallanayahi amman.
Legend:
- Arjuna the celebrated archer of Bharath was advised by Lord Krishna to perform penance on Lord Shiva to get the Pasupatha weapon to win the Kurukshetra war though he got many such from his father Indira. So he came to this place dense with bamboo trees. Duryodhana, as is habitual of him, sent demon Mookasura as a wild pig to spoil Arjuna’s penance. Knowing his design, Lord Shiva set out with Mother Parvathi as a hunter. Four Vedas followed the Lord in the form of dogs. Lord shot an arrow on the pig while Arjuna also shot one simultaneously. A debate arose between Lord and Arjuna whose arrow killed the demon. The debate turned into a fight between the two. The Pandava struck the Lord with his bow the impact of which fell on every being in the world. Lord Shiva tossed Arjuna with His toe. He fell in the Krupa Kadaksham spring. Mother Parvathi grew angry on Arjuna when he struck on the Lord but Lord stopped Her saying that a Mother should only be loving and addressed Her ‘Sarguna’ meaning a person with calm traits. Arjuna had the benefit of the touch of Lord’s feet when He tossed him. Lord granted the Pasupatha he wished and gave darshan along with Mother Parvathi. The bow-blow scar on the Shivalinga is visible even now.
- Many villages around this shrine are associated with the legend of Arjuna’s encounter with Shiva in getting the Pasupatha asthram:
Usuppoor (Sri Kailasanathar Temple) is where Arjuna is said to have chased a wild boar which disturbed his meditation; Nakkar Ugandakudi is another (Nakkattankudi).
Eesanporveli is where Arjuna is believed to have fought with Shiva;
and Villeruttaan Kuttai is where Arjuna’s bow is said to have been broken by Shiva. - Sambandar, considering the entire town of Chidambaram to be the holy temple, resided in Thiruvetkalam and visited the Chidambaram temple daily from here. His hymn Pennin Nallal was sung in this place praising the mother.
- Sambandhar and Appar sung pathigam on this temple
- Arunaginathar sung Thiruppugazh on this Murugar.
The Temple:
- The temple was built in bricks by Pallava kings and in the year 1914, this was renovated with stones by Peddha Perumal Chettiar of Kanadukathan (Karaikudi).
- The temple is facing east with a three tier Rajagopuram and the temple tank, Krupakadaksha theertham, in front.
- Mother Nallanayaki graces the devotees with four hands holding Lotus and Neelotpala flowers in two hands. There is a Nandhi in Her shrine also.
- There are shrines to Siddhi Vinayakar, Somaskandar, Anugraha Dakshinamurthi, Sundareswarar, Murugan and Mahalakshmi.
- The urchava moorthies Shiva holding the Pasupatastram with Parvathi Devi and Arjuna are special. In the four pillars in Ambal shrine, there are sculptures depicting the complete story of Arjuna’s encounter with Lord Shiva while getting the Pasupatha asthram from Him like: Arjuna performing penance standing on one leg, Shiva and Parvati in the guise of a hunter and a huntress accompanied by hounds, the battle between Shiva and Arjuna, Arjuna storing his weapons.
- The moorthy of Lord Muruga with six faces sitting on His peacock vahana along with His consorts Valli and Devayani along with the Thiruvasi is made of single stone.
- Inscriptions from the Nayaka period (16th century) are seen in this temple.
Prayers:
Those facing stammering problems worship here. It is believed that if they consume the sand balls offered as Prasad, they will be cured of this deficiency.
Festivals:
The annual festival in this temple is celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikashi on the Vishaka asterism where the stalapuranam of the temple is enacted.
Mondays in the month of Kartikai are considered sacred.
Sthala Vrukshram: Bamboo
Theertham: Krupakadaksha theertham
Contact: 98433 88552
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Other villages around this shrine are associated with the legend of Arjuna’s encounter with Shiva in getting the Pasupatha asthram:
Sri KalyanaSundari sametha Sri Kailasanathar Temple at Usuppoor
The temple is associated with the legend of Arjuna’s encounter with Shiva in getting the Pasupatha asthram (at Thiruvetkalam).
This is the place where Arjuna is said to have chased the wild boar (demon Mookasuran) which disturbed his meditation.
Both Lord Shiva and Ambal are facing straight
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Eesanporveli is where Arjuna fought with Shiva.
Nakkar Ugandakudi is another (Nakkattankudi) place connected with this legend.
Villaruttaan Kuttai is where Arjuna’s bow was broken by Shiva (vil= bow, aruttal=cutting).
Sivapuri
Sivapuri is located 6 kms South East of Chidambaram on the northern bank of Kollidam river. There are 2 ‘padal-petra sthalams’ 200 meters apart here.
1) NCN003 Thirunelvayal
Significances:
One of the 275 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities:
Uchinathar / Madhyaneswarar as Swayambu lingam facing East with Ambal Kanakambigai
Legend:
- Kanva maharishi worshipped Lord Shiva here?
- The places around Chidambaram were once green with paddy fields, hence the name of the place Tirunelvoyil, presently called Sivapuri.
- The wedding of Sambandar was arranged when he was 12. The marriage troupe of relatives of both sides and the Shiva Adiyars, along with Sambandhar came here by noon while on their way to the marriage venue at Achalpuram nearby. Understanding the suffering of the troupe from hunger and hot sun, Lord in the guise of the temple priest fed the party with a delicious lunch. So, the Lord is praised as Uchi Nathar (meaning Midday Lord and Madhyaneswarar in Sanskrit).
- People of the place call this temple Kanakambal Koil.
- Arunagirinathar sung Thiruppugazh on this Murugar
The Temple:
The temple has a 5 tier Rajagopuram
There are Pancha lingas in the praharam
Prayers:
Parents perform the Anna Prasana ritual (first rice feeding of the child) in the temple.
Sthala Vrukshram: Nelli (Amla / Ghooseberry)
Theertham: Krubasamuthram – big and beautiful.
Contact: +91- 98426 24580
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2) NCN004 – Thirukkazhippalai
Significances:
One of the 275 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
The temple is known more as Bhairava temple and a similar Bairavar is present only in Kasi. Worshipping Him here is equal to the prayer at Kasi as per scriptures.
Main deities:
Paalvannanathar as Swayambu lingam with Ambal Sri Vedha nayahi
Legend:
Sage Kabila, during his pilgrimage to Shiva temples, saw this place dense with Vilwa trees and desired to stay and perform poojas to Lord. The sand in this place was white as cows voluntarily poured their milk here. He collected the sand and made a Linga for his pooja. While a King by name Chadagan, was coming there on his horse, its leg hit the Linga and so a square mark of the horse leg was formed on its top. Sage Kabila was very sad and when tried to prepare another Linga, Lord Shiva appeared before him with Mother Parvathi and advised him to install that Linga itself though damaged as the milk was brought there by the Divine Cow Kamadenu. So, it is believed that consuming the milk used for the abishek of Linga will bless the devotee with all prosperities in life and cure diseases.
Sage Valmiki worshipped Shiva here.
Sambandhar, Sundarar and Appar sang hymns on this Lord.
The Temple
- The original temple sung by the Nayanmars was in a place called Karaimedu (the ancient name being Kazhipalai) but was washed away by the Kollidam river; the original deities are now present in this new temple.
- The temple is a small one with 3 tier Rajagopuram, facing East
- On both sides of the inner entrance, Adhikara Nandhis are present with their consorts.
- The moolavar Shivalingam is a small one that is white in color. There is a small square dip on top of the lingam due to the hit by the horse leg. During Abhishegam, milk used to stay here and this is distributed as Prasad to the devotees which is considered very sacred and cures many diseases.
- This is one of the places where Lord Shiva granted their marriage darshan to Sage Agasthya. In the panel behind the Shivalingam, Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi grace in their standing wedding posture.
- Mother Sivakami graces with Her friends Vijaya and Saraswathi on the same petal.
- There are shrines to Vinayagar, Nataraja, Surya, Chandra, Mahavishnu, Murugan, Kiraata murthy, Agoramurthi, Bhairavar, Mother Gajalakshmi, Mothers Chatura Durga, Bhuvaneswari and others.
- Lord Nataraja appears with His turf roughly tied over.
- Inscriptions from the Imperial Chola period are seen in this temple.
Bairavar:
The temple is known more as Bhairava temple and Lord Bhairava here is considered as sacred as Kasi Bairvar. As in Kasi, He does not have His dog vehicle, appears with 27 skulls, wearing the sacred thread, a serpent as belt around his waist, with turf and lion’s teeth. The Ashtami days (both after new moon as well as full moon), the new moon day and the ragu kala periods are very special to worship Lord Bairavar here.
Sthala Vrukshram: Vilvam
Theertham: Kollidam river
Contact: 98426 24580 / 99449 05818
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Sri Raghavendhra’s birth place at Bhavangiri
Though Sri Raghavendra is a Madhwa saint, he was born here at Bhavanagiri near Chidambaram, studied and learnt vedas at Kumbakonam Mutt and took the Acharya peetam at Tanjore.
Contact: 04144 240500
Links: Location
Sri Kamakshi Ambal sametha Sri Chandrasekarar Temple at Kavarapattu
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Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple at Vasaputhur
A pilgrimage to Chidambaram is considered completed only on visiting this temple too.
Lord Dakshinamurthy graces from a shrine in the Prakara while Chandikeswara grace from the Goshta wall.
Lord in the sanctum sanctorum appears in a small Linga form. He is but Lord Dakshinamurthi with disciples – Sanakathi Rishis – showing His Chinmudra for the welfare of the world.
Shiva Temple at Kumaramangalam
Located in the Therkku – Pichavaram – TS Pettai Rd at Nakkaravanthangudi
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Chidambaram – Sirkazhi – Mayiladuthurai
Covered in Mayiladuthurai North Directory
Chidambaram – Pichavaram
Sri Parvathavarthini sametha Sri Vidangeswarar Temple at Thillai Vidangan
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Sri Ramanathewarar Temple at Pinnathur
Main deities: Sri Paravathini sametha Sri Ramanathewarar
This is a small but neat looking temple and is said to be built by Sri Pamban Guruthath swamigal, a great devotee and saint of Lord Muruga.
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Sri Vetrivel Murugan Temple at C.Manambadi
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Pichavaram
It is the world’s second largest mangrove forest and highly popular tourist attraction of Chidambaram, Boating facilities are available.
Links: Location
Chidambaram – Kumaratchi – Kattumannarkoil
NCN033 – Sri Soundareswarar Temple at Thirunaraiyur
Nambiandar Nambi from Thirunaraiyur, with the blessings of Polla Pillaiyar of Thirunaaraiyur and the effort of King Rajaraja Chola, compiled all the Saiva Thirumurais – Thevaram, Tiruvasagam, Periyapuranam etc., from the termite eaten palm leaves recovered from the Chidambaram Natarajar temple.
Covered in my exclusive article here
Kattumannarkoil – In and Around
Kattumannarkoil
Location: The town is situated at around 25 km SouthWest of Chidambaram on the Chidambaram-Trichy highway; 11 kms from Meensurutti & 18 kms from Sethiathope both on the Vadalur-Kumbakonam highway
Veeranam Lake and Kattumannarkoil
- King Paranthaga Cholan I, during his rule (907 to 935 AD), formed this biggest tank of Tamilnadu to improve the irrigation facilities in and around Chidambaram (which now feeds Chennai as well), and named it as ‘Veera Narayanan Eri’, now called Veeranam Eri. ‘Veera Narayanan’ is the nickname given to him for his Valour.
- He also formed a village called as ‘Veera Narayana Chathurvethi Mangalam. This Village was gifted to the Scholars who were well versed in the four Vedhas. This Village is now called as Kattumannarkoil which is situated in the right flank of Veeranam Tank.
Recovery of Saiva and Vaishnava Verses:
Kattumannarkoil has the pride of associating itself in the recovery of the most sacred Tamil verses of both the Saivaite and Vaishnavaite through the Acharyar and Adiyar lived in and around Kattumannarkoil.
- Nambiandar Nambi from Thirunaraiyur closeby, with the blessings of Polla Pillaiyar of Thirunaaraiyur and the effort of King Rajaraja Chola, compiled all the Saiva Thirumurais – Thevaram, Tiruvasagam, Periyapuranam etc., from the termite eaten palm leaves recovered from the Chidambaram Natarajar temple.
- Similarly, Nathamunigal, the first of the Vaishnava Acharya parampara, born and lived at Kattumannarkoil, with the blessings of Sri Veera Narayana Perumal of Kattumannarkoil brought back the lost Vaishnava verses “Nalayira Divya Prabhandham”, back to the world.
- Thus Kattumannarkoil plays an important role in bringing out the 275 Thevara paadal petra sthalams and the 108 Divya desams to the outside world.
Sri Veera Narayana Perumal Temple
Covered in my exclusive article here
Sri Anantheeswarar temple at Udayarkudi
Udaiyargudi is a part of the Kattumannarkoil town. As soon as Maduranthaka Chozan took charge of the kingdom in 970 A.D, he came from Thanjavur and stayed here in Udaiyargudi. His son Rajendra Chozhan also came and stayed here. As the Chozha Udaiyars stayed here, this place was named as Udaiyargudi.
Main deities:
Sri Anantheeswarar as Swayambu lingam facing East with Ambal Soundarya nayahi facing South
Legend:
One of the eight snakes (ashta nagam), Ananthan, worshipped the Lord here and hence He is called Sri Anantheeswarar. The place was called Thiru Anantheeswaram in the scriptures.
Once this area was filled with Vilva trees and Rajendra Chola I worshipped this Lord as his Family God.
The Temple:
- A fort was constructed on the northern side of Anantheeswara portion. Kandaradithya chozan and Arikula Kesari stayed in the fort with their troop on the northern side of the temple. This place is called as Kottaimedu now.
- There are inscriptions detailing the highly talked about and mysterious assassination of Aditha Karikalan at the Kadambur palace and the punishments given to the conspirators.
- The temple is considered as a Sarpa dosha nivarthi sthalam and Somaskandhar has snake in his hand.
- Also the temple is believed to cure serious diseases. King Sundara Pandian suffered from leprosy, got cured by taking bath in the Surya / Chandra pushkarani and worshipping Sri Anantheeswarar.
- The grandmother of Rajaraja Chola, Sembian Madevi (wife of Kandarathithya Chozhan) got married here and donated a Nanda lamp to this temple. She used to come to this temple daily to worship the deity at that time.
- Similarly, Pazhuvur King Sundara Cholan also had donated a Nanda lamp.
Theertham: Surya, Chandra Pushkarani / Naga theertham
Contact: 94864 57124
Note: Archagar Sri Swaminathan, aged about 87 will do the poojas at times when the regular archagar is not present. If you are lucky enough, you can listen to his Ashtothra archanai in the voice of Sri Balamurali Krishna in full raga with emotions which can dip you in bliss.
Sri Tholeeswarar Temple at Rajendra Cholahan village
2 kms south of Kattumannarkoil
Links: Location
Thirumoolasthanam (Kuppankuzhi)
Kuppankuzhi, 2 kms SothEast of Kattumannarkoil is a Chathuravedhamangalam and is the birthplace of Mudhal Acharya Shriman Nathamunigal and his grandson Shri Yamunacharyar (Shri Alavandar Swamigal).
1) Shriman Nathamunigal Avathara Thirumaligai
Shri Nathamunigal was instrumental in bringing out, the once lost, Nalayira Divya Prabantham to the outside world.
Contact: Sri Kannan @ 99425 61513 / Sri Thothathri @ 98941 72981
Links: Location
2) Sri Uruvam Azhagiya Nambigal Temple / Sri Veetrirunda Perumal Temple at Kuppankuzhi
Links: Location
3) Sri Kamakshi Ambal sametha Sri Kailasanathar Temple
The main deity is a Swayambu lingam.
The rays of Sun fall on Lord Kailasanathar during the first week of Tamil Chithiria month in April.
The temple was built in the year 710 A D in bricks by Nusa Chola in a typical Chola architecture. The sculptures in the temple are created in soft marble stones.
The temple has many inscriptions about various donations in Krantha letters on the outer wall of the sanctum sanctorum.
Mothers Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi had worshipped Lord Kailasanathar in this temple.
Sage Agasthiya worshipped Lord Shiva here and there is a sculpture carved in a pillar depicting Sage Agasthyar worshipping Lord Shiva.
4) Thirumoolanathar Temple
Links: Location
Sri Kailasanathar Temple at Natramangalam
Around 2 kms West of Kattumannarkoil
Links: Location
South of Kattumannarkoil
Kadambur
- Kadambur was the kingdom of Cholas once and their Kadambur palace had witnessed so many legendary events including the assassination of Adithya Karikala Chola. But what remains of that great palace today is just an empty ground with the basement!
- The miniature wonder Mela kadambur temple stands majestically as the only evidence of Chola’s excellence that existed once here. It was also devastated but thanks to some great efforts by people in 1890s, the temple was brought back to its old glory. Keezhakkadambur temple, still in dilapidated condition, tells all the tales of the wars.
- Writer Kalki’s magnum opus Ponniyin Selvan, which starts on the banks of the Veeranam lake mostly traverses around the Kadambur palace and its surrounds only.
Sri Rudhra koteeswarar Temple at Keezha kadambur
The main deity is a Swayambu lingam.
Once a treasure trove, the temple is now a ruined one. The temple is called Kadambur Ilankovil.
A Thevara Vaippu Sthalam
Links: Location
NCN034 – Sri Amirtha Kadeswarar Temple at Mela kadambur
Location: 6 kms South West of Kattumannar koil
Significances:
- One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
- An ornamental miniature wonder of later Chola architecture
Full details in a separate article here
Timing: 7:30 to 9:30 AM and 5 to 8 PM
Contact: +91- 264 638/ 93456 56982/ 98426 76797
Links: Location Weblink Photos
Chola Palace at Mela Kadambur
The remains of the Chola Palace can be seen around Mela Kadambur
NCN031 – Sri Vygrapureeswarar Temple at Omampuliyur
Location:
7 kms South of Kattumannar koil on the northern banks of Kollidam river. This can be reached from the Mayiladuthurai/Vaitheeswaran koil side through the Muttam Kollidam bridge.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Temple with special importance for Guru
A Revathi star temple
Main deities:
Sri Pranavapureeswarar / Thuyar theertha nathar as Swayambu lingam facing East with Ambal Poongodi nayagi / Pushpalathambal.
Legend:
- Lord Shiva taught Pranava manthram (Ohm) to Parvathi Devi but Her attention got diverted and so Lord cursed her to be born on earth. After Her hard penance here, She got the pranava upadesam completed from Lord Dakshinamoorthy here.
- Sage Vygrapathar with Tiger claws worshipped Lord Shiva and so the place is called Omampuliyur.
- Sambandhar and Appar sang pathigams
The Temple:
- The temple has a 3 tier Rajagopuram.
- Lord Dakshinamoorthy is in the usual place of Lord Natarajar and vice versa.
- In addition to the goshta wall as is usually seen, Lord Dakshinamoorthy here is very significantly present in a separate shrine in the Maha Mandapam itself on a high petal, in the usual place of Lord Natarajar, between Lord and Ambal shrines. The scene of Lord Shiva granting Chakra to Mahvishnu to destroy Jalanthran is depicted on one side of Him and the five lingams in the five Puliyur places are on the other side.
- Lord Natarajar is present in the goshta wall next to Lord Dakshinamoorthy.
Prayers:
The temple is a Vidhya (knowledge) dosha nivarthy sthalam and Lord Dakshinamoorthy blesses people for good Vidhya.
Sthala Vruksham: Ilanthai
Theertham: Kollidam
Contact: +91- 4144-264 845
Links: Location Weblink Photos
NCN032 – Sri Pathanjali Nathar Temple at Kanattam puliyur
Location:
Around 8 kms South of Kattumannar koil on the northern banks of Kollidam river. This can be reached from the Mayiladuthurai/Vaitheeswaran koil side through the Muttam Kollidam bridge.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara padal petra sthalams
Karthigai star temple
Main deities:
Sri Pathanjali nathar as Swayambu lingam with Ambal Sri Kanarkuzhali / Kola valai Nayahi
Legend:
- Adhiseshan, serving as a bed to Sri Mahavishnu, wanted to have a dhrashan of Lord Shiva and informed Mahavishnu. So Adhiseshan took birth as Sage Pathanjali and after a hard penance here got the dharshan of Lord Shiva’s dance at Chidambaram.
- When the sages of Dandakaranya came here to worship Lord Shiva, every particle of sand appeared to them as a Shivalinga, they worshipped the Lord from outside. Hence, the sand of the place is considered very sacred which is carried by devotees and kept in their houses. Athirshta mrithka is the ancient name of the temple Athirshta meaning lucky and mrithka meaning sand.
- The ancient name of place is Kaal naatta mullur, kaal means leg, naatta means not placing (the legs) and mul meaning Shiv linga.
- Sundarar sung pathikam
The Temple:
- Temple renovated by Vikrama Chola
- Lord Nataraja appears with His left leg forward and the body slightly backward which is attributed to His pleasing Sage Patanjali who is present opposite to the main shrine.
- Those seeking relief from adverse effects of serpent planets pray to Sage Patanjali for relief.
- Muruga’s consort, Valli, is wearing the hanging ear ornament called Pambadam or Thandatti.
- Lord Dakshinamurthy is without the banyan tree traditionally related to Him.
- There are also shrines for Lord Kasi Viswanatha, Lord Nirudhi Vinayaka, Mother Gajalakshmi.
- On the Tamil New Year day Sun God spreads His rays on the Lord worshipping Him.
Theertham: Surya & Kollidam
Sthala Vruksham: Athi, Vellerukku
Contact: Sri Jayachandran @ 97903 33377 / +91 4144 208508, 208091 / 93457 78863.
Note: There are temples of Vinayagar, Kali (Kali kulam) and Ayyanar (Royapuram) nearby
Links: Location Weblink Photos
Vaitheeswaran Koil – Thiruppananthal (South of Kollidam river)
The bridge at Muttam over Kollidam river connects the Kattumannarkoil – Kadambur area to the Vaitheeswaran Koil – Thiruppananthal road on the southern side of kollidam river and the temples over Vaitheeswaran Koil – Thiruppananthal road are covered in the Mayladuthurai – North Directory
Raju's Temple Visits 