Directory of Temples in the Thiruvarur region
Routes covered:
Thiruvarur
Thiruvarur – Mannargudi
Thiruvarur – Koradachery – Needamangalam
Thiruvarur – Thirukkannamangai – Kudavasal (Kumbakonam)
Nannilam – Achuthamangalam – Nachiyar Koil (Kumbakonam)
SriVanchiyam – Kudavasal
Thiruvarur – Peralam (Mayiladuthurai)
Sannanallur – Nagore
Vettar (Surakkudi) – Nagore
Thiruvarur – Nagapattinam
Keezh Velur – Katchanam
Vazhakarai – Kolapad
Thiruthuraipoondi – Velankanni (East Coast Road)
Thiruthuraipoondi – Vedharanyam
Karaikkal – Nagappattinam – Vedharanyam – Kodiakkarai
Thiruvarur – Thiruthuraipoondi
Pangal – Thirukkollikadu
Mannargudi – Thiruthuraipoondi
Thiruthuraipoondi – Muthupet – Adhirampattinam
Muthupet – Voimedu (Vedharanyam)
Mannargudi – Muthupet
Last Updated: 9th Mar 2022
All the temples in this directory have been marked in this map:
Saptha Vidanga Sthalams
Once Mahavishnu prayed to Lord Shiva to get a child. Lord Shiva and Parvathi Devi appeared in front of Maha Vishnu and Mahalakshmi and granted their wish but they didn’t give respect to Parvathi Devi. So Parvathi Devi gave a curse that though a son (Manmathan) will be born to them as per the granted wish, he will not have longevity.
So Mahavishnu made a Somaskanda moortham (Murugar in between Shiva and Parvathi) and worshipped. Then Parvathi Devi got satisfied and gave a blessing that their son would be burnt by Shiva’s third eye but will get into life after. Mahavishnu kept the Somaskanda moortham in His chest and it danced gently to the breath of Mahavishnu’s breath which is called the Ajaba Dance of Sri Thyagarajar at Thiruvarur. Later this was gifted to Indhra by Mahavishnu.
Once Indhra sought help from Muchukunda Chakravarthi, a great valorous monkey faced king to fight against demons and they won it also. As a thanks giving, Indhra offered whatever the King wanted but Indhra was shocked when the King, a staunch Shiva devotee, asked for the Somaskantha moortham Indhra was fondly worshipping which he got from Lord Vishnu Himself. Muchukunda Chakravarthi was not accepting any other gift. So Indhra played a trick by asking Visvakarma to make six more similar moorthams and offered all of them to the King asking to choose any one. Muchukunda, a great devotee of Lord Shiva, picked the correct one with the help of Lord Himself. Indhra was so happy with the devotion of Muchukunda Chakravarthi and gifted all the 7 moothams to him. The King, on return to earth, installed all the 7 moorthams at various places as Thyagarajars, keeping the original one at Thiruvarur. These 7 temples are called Saptha Vidanga Sthalams. Vidanga means something that has not been chiseled out. These seven Thyagarajars remain as urchavars in these temples while seven emerald (maragatha) lingams are also installed as associated main deities of the Urchava Thyagarajars.
All the Saptha Vidanga sthalams are around Thiruvarur and they are:
- Thiruvarur – Veedhi Vidangar – Ajaba dance (dance to the tune of Vishnu’s breath while resting at His chest),
- Thirukaravoil – AadhiVidangar – Kukkuda dance (dance like a chick),
- Thiruvoimur – Neela Vidangar – Kamala dance (dance like a lotus wavering),
- Thirukuvalai(Thirukkolili) – Avani Vidangar – Bringa dance (dance like a bee hovering over flowers),
- Thirunallaaru – Naga Vidangar – Unmatha dance (dance like an intoxicated person) ,
- Vedaranyam – Bhuvani Vidangar – Hamsa patha dance (dance like a swan) and
- Nagapattinam – Sundara Vidangar – Tharanga dance (sea waves).
Note: All seven Thyagaraja moorthies are said to dance in the above styles when taken in procession (it is the bearers of the processional deity who actually dance).
Daily abhishegam takes place twice at specific times in the mornings and evenings to the emerald Vidanga lingams (they are called Vidanga lingams because they are associated with the Vidanga Thyagarajars). In 5 out of these 7, these emerald are stolen and are replaced now (what else can be expected of these dravidian rules?). Only in Thiruvarur and Thirunallar the originals are present now. Due to the commercial value and security reasons they are kept in safe vaults and taken out only during the abhishegam times. We have to see both the spatika lingam and the Thyagaraja moorthams together as one it is just that one is the urchavar and the other linga form is for abhishegam. We need not go into the discussion of which one of the two came from Indhra. Both of them are timeless and several yugams old. In one of the temples, even the face of the metalic Thyagaraja moortham is shapeless due to the abhishegam that had taken place for several yugas! Sri Thyagarajar comes out only once an year for the car festival and does not come out on any other day. Sri Thiyagarajar is always fully dressed and covered with flowers, so that only His and amman’s face are visible, even the Murugar in between is not visible. His and amman’s right foot are revealed only on Aarudhra Dharshan in the month of Margazhi, while their left foot are revealed only on Panguni Uthiram. Sri Thygarajar can be worshipped all times when the temple is kept open while the vidanga lingams can be worshipped only durig the short duration (10 minutes) of the abhishegam times.
Thiruvarur
SCN088 – Sri Thyagarajar Temple
Significances:
- This Shivastalam is a huge temple with many great historical and religious significances
- One of the holiest of the 276 Thevara Paadal petras sthalams
- One of the Saptha Vidanga sthalams having the original of the Vidanga moorthies.
- One of the Pancha bootha sthalams representing Prithivi (Land), equivalent to Kanchi.
- This is the sthalam that grants salvation to those people who are born here and also longing for it. It is considered that Shiva bootha ganas are born as people in Thiruvarur. Sundarar mentions “I am the slave of all those born in Tiruvarur” in his works in Thevaram.
- The evening pooja or Saayaraksha pooja here is called Thiru Anthi Kappu (திரு அந்திக் காப்பு) and is of great significance. It is considered that Devendhra himself is doing the pooja at that time and the sannithyams of all the Shiva temples focus here.
- The temple covers a huge area, having in its fold 9 Rajagopurams, 80 domes (vimanam), 12 high raised walls, 13 mandapams, 15 holy water wells, three flower gardens, three big prakaras and more than 100 shrines! This temple holds the record of having maximum shrines in India. It will take at least one full day to see all the important features and shrines of the temple.
- Apart from the usual Chandikesvara, there is also Yama Chandikeswara. Yama has been asked by the Lord to sit in as Chandikeswarar since he has no job in this sacred town.
- Thyagaraja is believed to have performed 364 miracles in Tiruvarur similar to the 64 performed at Madurai Meenakshi Temple.
- Kamalambal ambigai is sitting in a very rare and stylish posture by putting her one leg over the other which can not be seen in any other temple.
- Birth place of Muthuswamy Deekshithar, Thyagarajar and Shyama Sastri, the great trinity of the Carnatic Music of the 17th/18th century,
- Birth place of Paravai Nachiyar, wife of Sundarar
Presiding deity:
Sri Vanmikanathar as Swayambu lingam with Sri Kamalmbigai Ambal while Sri Thyagarajar is more popular.
Other main deities: Thyagarajar, Veedhi Vitankar, Thirumoolattanar, Purtritangondaar, with Alliyangothai, Neelothbaalambal ambal
Legends:
- The legend of Sri Vanmikanathar, the presiding deity, relates to Shiva appearing within an anthill in response to prayers from the Gods. So, no abishekam is performed for Vanmikanathar.
- It has the most number of hymns in the Thirumurai collection after Sirkazhi
- Kalarsinga Nayanar and Dandi Adigal Nayanar were born in Tiruvarur.
- Kadavarkon Kazharsingan, Seru thunaiyar, Naminandhi Adigal, Somaasi Maaranaar and Viranmindar are some of the other nayanmars/ saints associated with Tiruvarur.
- Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the Pathigams.
- It was here that Sundarar composed the story of all Nayanmars called ‘Thiruttondattogai’.
The Temple:
- Sri Thiyagarajar is always fully dressed and covered with flowers, so that only His and amman’s face are visible. His and amman’s right foot are revealed only on Aarudhra Dharshan in the month of Margazhi, while their left foot are revealed only on Panguni Uthiram.
- The Vidangar Abhishegam takes place at 8:30 AM and 5:30 PM.
- Some important shrines are Aananthiswarar shrine, Neelothmbal shrine, Asaleswarar shrine, Adageswarar shrine, Varuneswarar shrine, Annamalieswarar shrine, Kamalambal shrine etc.,
- A special feature of the temple is the Akshara Peetam near the Shrine of Kamalambal. Akshara Devi here is formless and is believed to reside in the stone Peetam.
- There is Nandi, who has taken a standing posture unlike other Shiva shrines, as a mark of respect to the deity.
- There are three important mandapams: Chitra sabha mandapam, Maha mandapam and 1000 pillar mandapam
- It is important to witness the maragatha linga abishekam.
- Muthuswamy Dikshithar used to sing Navavarna krithis and the Kamalambal ambigai used to listen in a stylish posture by putting her one leg over the other.This kind of Ambal posture is never seen in any other temple.
- Gopurams architecture is amazing with single stone pillars at the entrance of Rajagopurams.
- The Navagrahas are in a single line.
- Lot of murals are painted around and at the roof of the outside moolasthanam.
- The annual Brahmotsavam is held in the Tamil month of Panguni. Muchkunda Chakravarthi installed Thyagesar at Thiruvarar on the Hastha star day of Tamil Masi month. So every year festival starts on that with the flag hoisting ceremony and the Theerthavari takes place on the Panguni Uthiram day.
Paravai Nachiyar:
This is the birth place of Paravai Nachiyar, Sundarar’s first wife. Sundarar married Sangili Nachiyar as second wife atThiruvotriyur and also promised her not to leave Thiruvotriyur but he left the place after some time. He got punished and lost vision in both eyes. He got back vision in the left eye through Kanchi Ekambareswarar and came back to Thiruvarur. He got his vision restored at the other eye also through this Thyagarajar but Paravai Nachiyar didn’t even want to see him (naturally). So Sundarar appealed to Lord Shiva and He went as an emissary in the disguise of the temple priest and tried to persuade her but failed. Again, on the same night, He went as Lord Himself and persuaded her successfully to accept Sundarar again.
Music:
- There was a large influx of the acumen of South Indian culture to the town during the 17th century CE due to the political unrest in Thanjavur and increased patronage of the Maratha kings to Thiruvarur, resulting in developments in music and dance.
- Muthuswamy Deekshithar, Thyagarajar and Shyama Sastri, the great trinity of the Carnatic Music of the 17th/18th century, were born in Thiruvarur. Deekshithar in particular composed several Kritis addressed to Thyagarajar, Kamalambika and several other deities in this temple.
- A unique musical instrument called Panchamuga Vadyam with each of its five ends ornamented differently is used in the temple.
- A type of nadaswaram (pipe instrument) called “Barinayanam” is also a unique instrument found only in Tiruvarur.
Matru Uraitha Vinayaagr shirne:
Sundarar got 12,000 gold coins from Vridhachalam Pazhamalai nathar for his different temple works but he was worried about taking them to Thiruvarur without getting stolen on the way. So the Lord advised him to put the gold coins at the Vridhachalam temple tank and get back at the Kamalalaya temple tank of Thiruvarur. At Thiruvarur, he sang pathigams and got back the coins properly but doubted the quality of the coins. Without believing the Lord Himself, he wanted to check the quality of the coins by comparing with a small piece of the original he kept with him! So he requested the Matru Uraitha Vinayagar of this temple and He reported that the quality is lower! So Sundarar again sang the pathigams to get back the coins in their original quality (these later pathigams are not available as of now). This is nothing but the holy play of the Lord to listen to the pathigams of Sundarar.
Devasraya mandapam:
When Sundarar went inside the temple to worship Thyagarajar he was stopped by Viranmindar, another Adiyar. He said the worship procedure is to first give respect to the Adiyars at the Devasraya mandapam and then only step into the other shrines. Sundarar didn’t accept this and after heated exchange came out of the temple. While wandering outside the temple, he was wondering how to go inside and worship his Thyagarajar and at that time, the Lord Himself gave dharshan as Thyagarajar through the North entrance gopuram. It is a small shrine with a linga moortham just opposite the North entrance rajagopuram and is called Ottu Thyagesar (ஒட்டு தியாகேசர்) since the shrine looks as if sticking to the giant wall of the inner praharam. So even now the devotees should first give respect to the Adiyars at the Devasraya mandapam and then only enter the other shrines.
Devendran at Eastern gopuram:
This is a massive 118 feet tall 7 tier Rajagopuram with plenty of sculptures. After Devendhran had to part with his Thyagarajar to Muchukundan, he was unable to bear the loss and came to Thruvarur requesting Thyagarajar to come back with him. The Lord had told him to wait at the Eastern gopuram to take Him. It is considered that Devendhran is still waiting at the Eastern entrance but Thyagarajar is yet to come out through that entrance. He comes out for all the festivals through the other entrances only!
Manuneetha Chola and the Stone Chariot (கல் தேர்):
Thiruvar is the place where Manuneethi Chola, an epic King ruled once. His son killed a calf inadvertently under his chariot.The mother of the calf rang the bell kept for seeking justice and the King punished his son in the very same way the calf was killed. The stone chariot demonstrating the event is present in the temple with a lively expression of the calf.
Aazhi ther:
The wooden temple chariot (Aazhi ther) taken out in procession is an ancient monument, the biggest of its kind in Tamilnadu, most beautiful and highly popular. The Tamil saying ‘Thiruvarur Therazhagu’ speaks of the grandeur of the Aazhi ther. The chariot weighs 300 tonne with a height of 90 feet. The Azhi ther which is primarily a wooden structure with beautiful carvings gets added beauty when 68 decorative pieces are added to adorn the chariot. Normally, the dome of the cars will be in the format of hexagon, octagon, or circular. But the basement to the dome part of Azhi ther has five bands per side, totalling 20 in all.
The annual chariot festival is celebrated during April – May, corresponding to the Tamil month of Chitrai.
Festivals:
On the Maasi month Hastha star day, Muchukundan installed Thyagarajar at Thiruruvar and that festival is taking place every year
Theertham:
Kamalalayam, got its name since Mahalakshmi did penance to Moolattaneswarar here to marry Lord Vishnu. The temple tank is as big as the temple itself and measures an area of 33 acres making it as one of the largest in the country (the other theertham Sengazhuneer odai is also of the same size) and has a separate temple at the centre. The small temple of Sri Naganatha Swamy/ Sri Naduvana nathar Temple with a small gopuram is located in the middle of the Kamalalayam temple tank.We have to go in boat and pradhosha abhishegam is very special here. Everyday from 5PM, boat services start and from 5:30 PM, worship starts. There are 64 bathing ghats here and each one gives us a specific benefit by bathing and donating specific articles. The detils of these are displayed at every ghat. The most sacred of them is considered to be Devaneertha Kattam, opposite the West gopuram of the temple.
Other Theerthams: River Chandra flows to the north of the temple; Temple tanks Brahma theertham in front of the temple, Indhra Theertham on the south and Agasthya on the west. The Sakthi Theertham near Amman shrine serves for the abhishekam of the deities.
Sthala vriksham: Trumpet flower tree
Note: A Govt Museum and also the 87th Thevara Temple of Achaleshwaram are within the campus itself.
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SCN087 – Sri Achaleswarar Temple at Achaleswaram (Thiruvarur Araneri)
Location: This temple is located in the Southern prakaram within the grand Thyagaraja Temple.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petras sthalams
Main deities: Sri Achaleswarar, Araneri Appar with Ambal Achaleswari, Vandarkuzhali
Legend:
Naminandi Adigal, one of the 63 Nayanmars, kept the temple lamp burning with water during a crisis.
Appar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
The Chola Queen Sembian Mahadevi rebuilt this temple of stone (10th century). This west facing temple consists of a sanctum and an ardhamandapam. Inscriptions from the period of Raja Raja Chola are found here.
The niche images here include those of Ardhanareeswarar, Durga, Bhikshatanar, Brahma, Lingodhbhavar, Dakshinamurthy, Agastyar and Natarajar.
SCN089 – Sri Thoovai Nayanar Temple (Durvasar Temple) at Paravaiyunmandali
Location: In the the East car street of the Thyagaraja temple
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petras sthalams
Main deities: Thoovai Nayanar and the Ambal Panjin Mellidaiammai.
Legend:
Sage Durvasar is believed to have worshipped here and his image is seen near that of Vinayakar.
Lord Shiva is believed to have swallowed the mighty deluge sent by Varuna, the rain God. Sundaramoorthy Nayanar is said to have recovered his eyesight after taking bath in this temple tank.
Sundarar composed the Pathigam.
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Sri Raja Durga Temple
The temple is located in the Thirumanjana Street, very close to the Thyagaraja temple.
The belief is that Rahu resides inside the murti of Goddess Durga, seen seated on a lion facing East. She has four-arms and holds conch, discus, sword and trident. She wears a crescent moon on the head.
The popular belief is that those people born in Hasta star get all sorts of relief after visiting this temple.
Timings: 7 AM to 12.30 PM and 5 to 9 PM
House of Paravai natchiyar, wife of Sundarar
Lord Shiva walked to this place from Kamalalaya tank twice on the same night as an emissary of Sundarar.
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Sri Thiruneelakandar Temple
This temple, also called as Kosavan temple, is located at the Keezhai Sannithi, at the backside of Paravayin Mandali.
The presiding deity of the temple is Neelakandar
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Sri Somanathar Temple
The temple is lcated on the western banks of Odampokki river
Indhran got his Kayaroga disease cured here.
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Dakshinamoorthi Swamigal Madam
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Sri Yagjneswarar Temple
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Other temples:
Ainootru (500) Pillaiyar temple, Brahmma temple, Dhandapani temple, Kulunthalamman temple, Ayyanar temple, Rudhra Kodeeswarar temple, Kumaran koil, Ellaiyamman temple, Manikka Nachiyar temple and others
Thiruvarur – Mannargudi
Puliyur Kulikkarai
Location: At Kandanallur, 4.5 kms from Thiruvarur on the Mannargudi main road, we have to take a Westward diversion for about a km to reach the temple
1) Shiva Temple
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2) Sri Periyachi Periya Nayahi amman Temple
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Sri Kalatheeswarar Temple at Ottakudi (Kalichwaram)
The temple is located at about 1 km West of Puliyur
This Chola temple, known as Kalichwaram of Shiva was worshiped by Goddess Kali.
A Navagkraha kshethram like Sri Kalahasti.
Sung by Appar and Thirunavukkarasar.
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Sri Viswanathar Temple at Kulikkarai
The temple is located at about 1 km West of Puliyur
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Kan Kodutha Vanitham
The place can be reached by taking a Westward diversion for about 5 kms at Kamalapuram which is about 9 kms from Thiruvarur
1) Sri Vedha nayagi Amman sametha Sri Nayanavaradeshwar Temple
‘Kan kodutha Vanitham’ means ‘the lady who gave away her eyes’.
According to the legend, a mother prayed to the presiding deity to grant vision to her blind child and in turn offered hers’ in sacrifice. When her prayer was answered, the mother plucked her eyes and offered them to God but He restored her eyes appreciateing her sacrifice. The Lord then came to be known as Nayanavaradeswarar.
The deity is said to heal any type of eye diseases and bestows child for the childless.
The east-facing temple is situated on the northern bank of the Pandavayaru, one of the distributaries of the Cauvery. The temple tank, Lotus Pond, is in front of the temple. The temple has five-tiered Rajagopuram at the entrance and a 3 tier Rajagopuram at the next entrance but both in a dilapidated state. Renovation work is going on.
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2) Sri Sengamala Thayaar sametha Sri Vidya Rajagopalaswamy Temple
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Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple at Erukattur
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SCN114 – Sri Jagadeeswarar temple at Ogai Perayur / Ogai Pereyil
Location: Whiile coming from Thiruvarur, this Shivastalam can be reached by taking an Eastward diversion at Vengaramberaiyur, just before Velukkudi, towards Vadapathi mangalam.
While coming from Mannargudi, this can be reached by taking an Eastward diversion at Neermangalam before the Velukkudi bridge.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Sidhi Nathar, Jagadeeswarar, Viswanathar and the Ambal Pen Periya Nayaki, Jagannayaki
Ogai Pereyil is the historical name of the place.
Appar composed the Pathigam.
Appar glorified this small shrine in a pathigam of his in Tirukkuruntokai.
Lord Shiva is said to have blessed Devas at this shetram.
The Natarajar image here is of great beauty.
Four worship services are offered each day.
Sthala vriksham: Naarathai tree
Theertham: Agni Theertham
Velukkudi
The town is located at 12 kms SouthWest of Thituvarur on the Mannargudi main road itself
1) Sri Rudra Koteeswarar Temple
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2) Perumal Temple
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Vadapathimangalam
1) Sri Mahadevar Temple
A huge temple
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2) Utchivadi Sri Murugan Temple
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3) Perumal Temple
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Sri Valipureeswarar temple at Pandithakudi
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Note:
The temples at Mannargudi and further are covered in Tanjore directory
Thiruvarur – Koradachery – Needamangalam
SCN090 – Sri Pathanjali Manoharar Temple at Thiruvilamar / Vilamal
Location: Around 2 kms from Thirvarur en route Tanjore
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petras sthalams
Main deities: Sri Pathanjali Manoharar with Sri Madhura baashini, Thenmozhi ammai (honey like speech), Yaazhinum men mozhi ammai (voice sweeter than Yazh, a musical instrument)
Legend:
Vilamal means the Thiruvadi (holy feet of the Lord) which was worshipped by Sages Pathanjali and Vyaagrapaathar, for whom Shiva provided a vision of the cosmic dance at Chidambaram.
The sculpture of Pathanjali is present in the front mandapam and that of Sage Vyagrapathar in the Maha mandapam.
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
Theertham: Agni Theertham
Ammaiyappan
The village is around 6.5 kms North West of Thiruvarur
1) Sri Rajagopala Swamy Temple
2) Sri Subrmanya Swamy Temple
3) Sri Ramar Temple
Sri Abirami Amman sametha Kailasanathar temple at Aikudi
Around 11 kms NorthWest of Thiruvarur
Enkann
Location: Enkann is located in a side road that connects the Thiruvarur- Needamangalam-Tanjore road and Thiruvarur-Kudavasal-Kumbakonam road and so can be reached from either road.
The town is around 12.5 kms from Thiruvarur
1) Sri Subramanya Swamy temple
Main deities: It is known as an important Shrine for Lord Subramanya although the main deities are Sri Brahmapureeswarar and Sri Peria Nayaki.
Legend:
The moorthies of Lord Subramanya in the posture of sitting on a peacock at Sikkal, Enkann and Ettukudi are of exceptional beauty and the fact that the moorthy at Enkann was created by a blind sculptor without the right thumb is awe inspiring.
It is said that the moorthies of Lord Muruga at Sikkal, Enkann and Ettukudi were made by the same sculptor. There are several variants of how the idols were made in these 3 temples.
The sculptor first made the Subramanyar moorthy of Sikkal and was awe struck by its quality that he vowed that no other such image should be made, and cut off his right thumb (one variant claims it was the Chola King Mutharasan who had it cut off).
He was then prompted by Subramanyar in a dream, to fashion another moorthy for the shrine at Ettukudi. He followed the instructions in his dream and made the moorthy of Ettukudi without the support of his right thumb. When the moorthy was completed, he blinded himself (or the King blinded him as per the variant) so that he could not create moorthies any more.
Another dream prompted him to create the third moorthy of Skanda mounted on a peacock with the aid of a little girl (some say his daughter). When his chisel inflicted injury upon her, the blood that gushed forth splashed over his eyes and opened up his vision. He revered Skanda in a spate of poetry and the first phrase that he uttered upon recovering his eyesight was ‘EnKann’ (my eyes)- hence the name of that temple.
People with poor vision pray to Subramanya at Ennkann to get back their vision.
Brahma worshipped Lord Shiva here
Arunagirinathar sang Thiruppugazh on this Murugar.
Subramanyar is facing South
Apart from the sheer beauty of the moorthy of Subramanyar, the fact that the whole weight of the moorthy is balanced on just the two legs of the peacock speaks volumes of the skill of the sculptor. The Samadhi of the sculptor is in front of the temple.
Contact: 04366 278531 / Sri Somasundara Gurukkal @ 91598 00611 / 76392 51355
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2) Sri Periyanaayaki Amman sametha Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple
Ancient Siva temple built by the minister of Manuneedhi cholan.
Links: Location
Sri Kailsanathar Temple at Orkudi
The temple is around 3 kms West of Koradacheri
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Sri Viswanathar / Natarajar temple at Pathur
Pathur is just the adjacent village to Koradacheri.
The main deities in the temple are Sri Viswanathar and Sri Visalakshi.
The 12th century Natarajar was stolen but the temple got Him back from Greece in 1991 after 9 years of legal wrangling.
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Sri Abimuktheswarar Shiva Temple at Amthisvaram
The temple is around 3.5 kms North of Koradacheri
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Sri Kailasanathar temple at Sellur
This temple of Sri Gunambika Sametha Sri Kailasanathar at Sellur is around 4.5 kms North of Koradacheri.
There are eight Lingams in the prakaaram.
Legend:
Lord Kailasanatha was worshipped by Nakshatra Devathas and Chakambari Devi had performed the Puja with the flowers of “Nandhyavardham”.
Links: Location
SCN113 – Sri Vilvaaranyeswarar temple at Thirukkollambudur (Thirukkalambur)
Location: Around 6 kms North of Koradacheri and 1.5 kms from Sellur
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
One of the “Pancha Aranya Sthalams”
Main deities: Sri Vilvaaranyeswara Temple is Sri Soundaranayaki sametha
Legend:
Thirukkollambudur, one of the Pancha Aranya Sthalams represents Vilva Aranyam, “Koovilam” is the Tamil name for Vilva Tree and the name Koovilambudur is said to have transformed as Kollambudur. The Vilva trees are said to be the splashes of the celestial nectar Amritam, and this stalam is considered on par with Kasi.
When Thirugnanasambandar visited the place with his followers, the river Vettar was in floods and nobody dared to operate the boats. He sang a Thevara Padigam and floated across the river on a raft with his followers to this temple. This event is held even now on Deepavali New Moon Day when the idol of Sambandar is taken to the other side of the river and then brought to the temple where the Deities of Vilwavaranyeswara and Soundara Nayaki give Dharshan to him.
The Avimukteswarar temple nearby is also associated with this legend as is the Sivastalam at Kudavasal.
Shiva is said to have blessed Sage Dhurvasar with a vision of His Cosmic Dance here.
The Temple:
One should not miss the beautiful eyes of the Vrishaba vahanam here
Sthala vriksham: Konrai
Theertham: Brahma Theertham
Links: Location Weblink1 Webink2
SCN128 – Sri Punyakotinathar temple at Thiruvidaivaai / Thiruvidaivasal
Location: Around 2.7 kms South of Koradacheri en route Koothanallur
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
The 275th Thevara Sthalam added in 1917
Main deities: Punyakoti Nathar and the Ambal Abirami
275th Thevara Sthalam:
This Sivastalam was added to the collection of 274 Sivastalams in 1917 to make it 275.
The temple and the Thevara hymns dedicated to this shrine in inscriptions were found during digging a mud mound and so is not a part of the original collection of the Thirumurais compiled by Nambiyandar Nambi. The pathigam here is referred to as Puthiya Pathigam.
Appar refers to this shrine as Vidaivaikkudi in his Adaivu Thiruttandakam.
Legend:
Vidaiyavan, of the Surya vamsam, originally built this temple
Shiva was worshipped by Aadhiseshan, Agasthyar and Sage Athri.
The Temple:
Ganapathi, Durga and other deities in the Devakoshtam are noteworthy.
The sculpture showing Ambal holding Sambandar on her lap and offering the Holy Milk is located at the entrance of Abhirami shrine.
Sambandar worshipping The God and The Goddess right on top of the main entrance is enchanting.
Theertham: Punyakoti Theertham
Sri Kalatheeswarar Temple at Kalathur
The temple is located at around 2 kms SouthWest of Koradacheri
Links: Location
Note:
The temples at Needamangalam, Needamangalm to Tanjore and Needamangalam to Mannargudi are covered in Tanjore Directoy
Needamangalm to Kumbakonam is covered in Kumbakonam Directoy
Thiruvarur – Thirukkannamangai – Kudavasal (Kumbakonam)
Sri Sundareswarar Temple at Kattur (Thevara vaippu sthalam)
Location: Around 4 kms NorthWest of Thiruvarur
Links: Location
DD016 – Sri Bakthavathsala Perumal Temple at Thirukkannamangai (Divya Desam)
Location: Around 4.5 kms North West of Thiruvarur
Significances:
One of the 108 Divya desams
Main deities: Sri Bhakthavatsala Perumal / Batharavi Perumal in a standing posture facing East and the Thayar is Kannamangai nayahi / Abhishekavalli
Urchavar: Perumpurakkadal
Prathyaksham: Lord Varuna and Romasa Munivar.
Legend:
Godess Mahalakshmi performed penance in the “Shree Mandapan” of this temple and hence this place is historically called as “Lakshmi Vanam”.
It is believed that by staying in this kshetram for a night would enable one to be liberated of the cycle of births and deaths.
Lord Krishna is always surrounded by a group of Gobikasthrees, the women of Gokulam, but here, due to Mahalakshmi’s hard penance, this place is named after her as Thiru Kanna Mangai (Kannan’s wife).
Perumal did the abhishegam to the Goddess with the water from Darshana Pushkarini temple tank and made Her the Goddess and so She is called Abhishegamangai.
Thirukkannamangai Aandaan, a disciple of Naadamuni, merged here with the image of the presiding deity in the form of light
The Temple:
River Cauvery splits up into two brooks and runs in the North and South side of the temple forming a Garland to the God.
There is a beautiful sculpture of Lord Vishnu mounted on Garuda.
Garudazhwar here is gigantic in standing form. Circumambulating and worshipping him will bring all benefits to the devotees.
A large beehive, the antiquity of which is unknown, is located in the sanctum of Abhishekavalli Thayar and it is believed that the Rishies in the form of bees offer worship to the deity. Worship is also offered by devotees to the beehives.
The temple is called ‘Saptha Punya Kshetram’ or ‘Saptha Amirtha Kshetram’ as it has all the 7 virtues of a great temple like Vimanam, Aranyam (forest), Mandapam, Theertham, Kshetram (location), River and City. These 7 virtues of Divine nector provide eternal life beyond death.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam: Thirumangaiazhwar
Vimanam: Utpala vimanam.
Sthala Vruksham: Mahizha tree
Theertham: Darshana Pushkarini that was created from the Kamandala water of Brahmma.
When Chandran was wandering for a suitable place to absolve of his sins, his sins were washed at the very moment he saw this theertham. So this is called Darshana Pushkarani – gives benefits on seeing itself.
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2 Photos
SCN091 – Sri Brahmmapureeswarar Temple at Karaiyapuram (Thiru Karaveeram)
Location: Around 1 kms North-West of Thirukkannamangai Divya desam
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Karaveereswarar, Alarivananathar, Brahmmapureeswarar and the Ambal Pratyaksha Minnammai
Legend:
The presiding deity is called Brahmapureeswarar since Lord Brahmma worshipped Him.
Gowtama Muni is believed to have worshipped and attained Jeeva Samadhi here. He is present here in the form of Sthala Vruksham Pon Alari.
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
One donkey did penance to have the dharshan of Lord Shiva but unable to get. So it went upto Nagoor and was about to fall in the sea but Lord Shiva gave dharshan to it from this place itself. So there is no falg post or house opposite the temple till Nagoor (upto 35 kms).
The Temple:
Moola Lingam, the Ambal, the Temple itself are all big in size.
It is considered sacred for the ladies to water the Sthala Vruksham Pon alari and worship Brahmmapureeswarar on New Moon days.
Sthala vriksham: Pon Alari
Theertham: Brahmma Theertham
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2 Photos
Manakkal Ayyampet
Location: The place is 2 kms further from Thiru Karaveeram paadal petra sthalam.
1) Sri Agastheeswarar Temple
Links: Location
2) Sri Anthapura Nayagi sametha Sri Seshapureeswarar Temple at Raa Patteeswaram
This Thevara Vaipu Sthalam, located at Raa Patteswaram near Manakkal Ayyampet close to the Thiruvarur – Kumbakonam main road itself, is little known but has many unique features.
- A west facing temple
- The main deity Lord Shiva, facing West, has a serpent on the Bana Linga and is called Sesha (snake) pureeswarar. So this is considered to be a Sarpa dhosha Nivarana Sthalam.
- Many moorthies who are usually seen in the goshtam and praharam are present here at different unusual places. No deity is present in the goshtam.
- Two Goddesses (said to be Lakshmi and Saraswathi but not sure) are present on either side of the main entrance itself. The one on the left is having Brahmma kandigai on Her hand.
- A 6 feet Lord Dakshinamoorthy with 1.5 feet Sanagathi munivars is present in the Maha mandpam itself.
- A 5.5 feet Bairavar is also present in the Maha mandapam. He is very powerful and varaprasadhi. On Theipirai Ashtami, curd rice and vada are offered to Him on banana leaf.
- Nandhi is present in a rare posture – though sitting towards Sri Seshapureeswarar in front of Him, has turned his face 90 deg sideways towards Lord Dhakshinamoorthy present by the side.
- The holy water pond (theertham) is very big and removes impotency of male and females. Considered an impotent Parikara Sthalam for the same.
- Thirunavukkarasar, in his Thiruvarur pathigam, says that Lord Shivs stayed here overnight en route Thiruvarur.
- On Panguni month 7th to 11th Sun rays fall on the main deity at 6 PM.
Poojas are conducted only once a day but the caretaker lives next door to the temple and can show you the temple at any time. Please note that if you visit a temple once the doors are closed after the poojas, you have to do neivedyam with at least banana or coconut. It is a SIN to go empty handed and disturb the deities once the temple is closed.
Link: Location Weblink1 Weblink2 Photos
3) Sri Vaikunda Narayana Perumal Temple
The temple is a Sukra dosha parihara sthalam.
The Perumal with SriDevia and Boodevi has the prayoga chakra, i.e., the chakra in the posture of “about to be delivered”, a rare and highly powerful posture that can be found only in few temples suggesting that Perumal is just ready to protect the devotees immediately.
Contact (Bhattacharyar): 97880 40397 / 04366 326227
4) SCN092 – Sri Abhi Muktheeswarar / Piriya nathar temple
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Sukra dosha parihara sthalams.
Main deities: Piriya Nathar, Abhi Muktheswarar as Swayambu lingam on Square Avudayar and the Ambal Niraikonda Nayaki, Abinnammbaal, Elavar Kuzhali facing East in sitting posture in a separate shrine
Legend:
Sri Subramanyar worshipped Lord Shiva here and so the place was called Velur. Kattur Ayyampet is also a historical name
Mahavishnu worshipped Shiva to shed His Mohini form and come back to Vishnu form. There is a separate shrine for Sri Boomidevi and Sri Neeladevi sametha Sri Vaikunda Narayana Perumal. Sri Nammazhwar, Sri Thirumangai Azhwar and Sri Ramanujar are also present.
One of the three places where Lalitha thirisadai was born; the other two being Kanchipuram and Thirumeeyachur.
Gowtama and Bhringi Munis are also believed to have worshipped Shiva here
Arunagiri nathar sang Thiruppugazh on this Murugar
This is a little piece of the Kailash that was thrown apart in the fight between Aadhi seshan and Vayu Bhagwan.
Sambandar and Appar composed the Pathigam.
Worshipped by the Sangeetha Mummoorthies – Sri Muthuswamy Dikshithar, Sri Thyagaraja Swamigal and Sri Syama Sasthirigal.
There are 18 steps, 18 Shiva temples and 18 holy temple tanks in this scared place.
The Temple:
This is one of the 78 “Madakkoils”, built on an elevation, by Ko Chengat Chola Nayanar so that elephants can not enter the sanctum.
Nataraja Saba is present in a mandapam of Wovval nethi form.
There are two Chandiskeswarar shrines.
Prayers:
A parihara sthalam for Sukran; people with debt burden worship the Lord here
People with stammering difficulty pray here to get rid of their problem.
Sthala vriksham: Vanni
Theertham: Saravana Poikai
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2 Photos
6) Sri Gangathara Easwar Temple
Arasavanangadu
Location: Around 1.5 kms from Manakkal Ayyampet
1) Mahans Adhishthanam
When an adhishtanam of even one Mahan is considered powerful, here there are ahdishtanams of 3 Mahans.
1) Sri Nallur Swamigal attained Siddhi here in 1895. When he stayed here, the cholera disease was spreading all over. He went around the village and sprinkled Viboothi (holy ash) to arrest the disease being spread.
2) Sri Nagapattinam Periyaval (Sri Swayamprakasendhra Saraswathi Swamigal) was a Srividhya Upasaka and attained Siddhi here in Dec 1918. When Kanchi Paramacharya became the Peetathipathi at an young age, this Swamigal sent the details of conducting the Sreevidhya Pooja to the mutt.
3) Sri Varagur Swamigal (Sri Achuthanantha Saraswathi Swamigal) was born in Varagur near Thirukkattupalli (Tanjore) which is famous for the Uriyadi urchavam. He got Diksha from Sri Swayamprakasendhra Saraswathi Swamigal and was a Medha Dakshinamoorthy Upasaka. He also attained Siddhi here in Jan 1933.
Also there are shrines for Sri Vinayagar and Sri Aadhi Sankarar (given by Sri Dayanandha Saraswathi Swamigal).
Contact: Sri Kalyanaraman Arasavanangadu @ 04366 269220 / Sri Sridharan, Chennai @ 94441 23715 / Sri A.N.Swaminathan @ 97893 47193
2) Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple
Links: Location
3) Sri Ananthanayagi Sametha Sri Kailasanathar Temple
Links: Location
Deebankudi
1) 1008 Sri Dibanayagar (Adhinaath) Digambar Jain Temple
Links: Location
Sri Sri Anandhdhavalli Ambal sametha Sri Agaththeeswarar Temple at Sembangudi
Links: Location
Sri Kailasanathar temple at Perumpanaiyur
Links: Location
Shiva Temple at Triambakapuram / Erumaithalai (Thiruppugazh temple)
The Siruvapuri Murugan Abisheka Committee has taken up the renovation of the Siva temple in Triambakapuram, now known as Erumaithalai, situated between Sengalipuram and Perumpannaiyur, at around 1 km from Perumpannaiyur.
Triambakapuram is one of the 193 places in Tamil Nadu that Arunagirinathar visited. Valayapettai Ra. Krishnan, Muruga devotee and Tiruppugazh propagator, and his brother Dr. R. Ramaseshan engaged themselves in an extensive research of the places and have published books ‘Arunagirinathar Adichchuvattil’ and ‘Tiruppugazh Thalappayanam.’
Triambakapuram was once peopled with Sanskrit scholars and Dikshitars who performed yagas. A century ago, the Dikshitars migrated and spread themselves in Senkalipuram, Vadakudi, Kandiramanickam and so on. However, the temple of Triambaka Sastha, family deity of the Dikshitars, is still there. As advised by Mahaperiyava, the temples of Pidari and Kaali were renovated some years ago. But the Siva temple had disappeared with only the Sivalingam with the Avudaiyar standing testimony to its existence.
Contact: Siruvapuri Murugan Abisheka Committee @ 9003232722.
Links: Location
Kappanamangalam
Kappanamangalam is located on the branch road towards Enkann
1) Perumal temple
2) Shiva Temple
SCN093 – Sri Nardhanapureeswarar temple at Thalayalangadu
Location: About half a km after the Enkann diversion, the diversion towards North for about 100 meters will lead us to this temple. This Sivastalam is about 8 kms from Kudavasal.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Andal Vallavar, Nartanapureeswarar and the Ambal Thirumadandaiammai, Balambika.
Legend:
Shiva is said to have danced upon the body of Muyalakan, sent by the sages of Dharukavanam (Nartanapuri).
Kapila Muni worshipped Shiva here to receive the Chintamani gem. He is said to have walked on his head to reach here and hence the name Thalaiyalankadu.
Appar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
The annual brahmotsavam festival is observed in the Tamil month of Thai here.
Thertham: Shangu
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2
Shiva Temple at Simizhi
Links: Location
Sri Ashta Buja Maha Kala Bairavar Temple at Brhamma Chandikeshwara Puram
Links: Location
Sri Kailasanathar Temple at Manjakkudi
Links: Location
Sri Mrithunjeswarar and Ponni Amman Temple at Narasingampettai
Links: Location
Sengalipuram
1) Sri Dundubeeswarar Sivan temple
Links: Location
2) Sri Dattatreyar Temple
Links: Location Weblnk
Kudavasal
Location: Around 18 kms South East of Kumbakonam
1) SCN094 – Sri Koneswara swami Temple
The temple is on the main road itself.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Thiruppugazhth thiruthalam
Main deities: Konanathan, Koneswarar and the Ambal Periyanayaki, Bhrihannayaki
Legend:
Shiva is said to have appeared out of a pot (Kudam) and relieved Drinabandu Munivar of his leprosy and hence the name Kudavasal.
It is believed that when the great deluge submerged the earth, Lord Vishnu remained afloat in an earthen vessel that stretched from Kudavasal to Kumbakonam.
Worshipped by Garuda, Birugu maharishi, Sootha muni, Thaalappiyar and others.
Garuda got Amirtham and got relieved off the sins for both him and his mother. So Garuda is seen in the compound walls of the temple as usually seen in Vishnu temples.
Sambandar and Appar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
This is one of the 78 “Madakkoils”, built on an elevation, by Ko Chengat Chola Nayanar so that elephants can not enter the sanctum.
Sri Vinaaygar has many shrines here as Sidhdhi Vinaayagar, Anumathi Vinaayagar, Aathigaja naathar, Maaalai (evening) vazhipaattu Vinaayagar.
Arudhra Darisanam and Maasi Magam are the festivals of significance here.
Sthala vriksham: Vaazhai (Plantain tree)
Theertham: Amrita Theertham; it is believed that a part of the celestial nectar Amritam dropped at the temple tank and hence a bath in the temple tank here during the Mahamagam festival at Kumbhakonam is considered sacred.
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2
2) Srinivasa Perumal Temple
Links: Location Weblink
Note:
Further beyond Kudavasal towards Kumbakonam is covered under Kumbakonam-2 directory
Nannilam – Achuthamangalam – Nachiyar Koil (Kumbakonam)
SCN072 – Sri Pasupatheeswarar temple at Thirukkondeeswaram
Location: The temple on the southern banks of the Mudikondan river is located at around 2 kms East of Nannilam en route Sanna nallur.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Pasupatheeswarar and the Ambal Shantha Nayaki
Legend:
Parvathi devi, assuming the guise of Kamadhenu, is believed to have worshipped Shiva by pouring milk on the lingam
Kondi means ferocious cow and since Kamadhenu worshipped the Lord here, the place is called “Kondeedwaram”. The cow came in search of this Lord by tearing the earth with its horns at various places and reached here. The lingam got wounded in the procees and the cow poured milk on the lingam and healed the wound. Even today, we can see the scar mark on the lingam made by the horns of the cow. Hence the presiding deity is called Pasupateeswarar and the theertham Ksheera Pushkarini.
The Temple:
In the “Wovval nethi” mandapam, there are sculptures of Abathsahaya maharishi and Jwaraharesan with three feet. It is a fact being seen that doing abhishegam to Jwarahareswarar with hot water and offering food made by boiled rice cures the fevers.
Appar composed the Pathigam.
Thursdays in the Tamil month of Kartikai are considered important days.
Sthala Vriksham: Vilvam
Theertham: Ksheera Pushkarini
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2
Nannilam
1) SCN071 – Sri Madhuvanaeswarar Temple
This Temple at Nannilam is right at the heart of the town.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Madhuvaneswarar as Swayambu lingam and the Ambal Madhu Vana Nayaki
Legend:
Madhuvanam, Devaranyam, Sundaravani, Bruhathpuram are the historical names of tihis place.
Surya is said to have worshipped at this temple.
It is believed that Devas in the form of bees, defying the demon Vridhrasuran, took asylum here and worshipped Shiva. Hence the place, the Moola murthi and the Goddess are called as “Madhuvanam”, “Madhuvaneswarar” and “Madhuvana Nayaki” respectively.
As a proof of this, there are two beehives one in Somaskandar shrine and the other in the Subramanya shrine.
This is referred to as Perum Kovil by Sundaramoorthy Nayanar – hence Brihadeeswarar.
Appar and Sundarar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
This is one of the 78 “Madakkoils”, built on an elevation, by Ko Chengat Chola Nayanar so that elephants can not enter the sanctum.
There are many specialities in the temple such as Bairavar is present by the side of Surya God; All the Navagrahas are facing the direction of Sun God; Surya and Guru are facing each other; Saturn is present in a separate shrine; Chithra Guptha is present in a separate shrine.
There are lingams worshipped by Yama in South; Varunan in West; Indhra in East and Gubera in North.
There are lingams of Mahadevar worshipped by Brahmma and Agastheeswarar by Agasthiar inside the temple.
It is believed that one will get salvation by worshipping here during Ekadasis and Pradhoshams.
Festivals: Thai Poosam, Valli Tirumanam in Kartikai, Aani Tirumanjanam, Aadi Pooram, Aavani Moolam and Skanda Sashti are celebrated here.
Theertham: Brahmma Theertham – it is believed that taking bath in the theertham during the Masi month will fetch all benefits.
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2
2) Sri Kothandaramar Temple
Links: Location
3) Sri Narayana Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi
There are two Jeeva samdhis of Guru and Shiya in a small premise – Sri Narayana guru and his shishya who gave the great “Kaivalya Navaneetham”!
Studying children and the devotees having memory loss problems can visit and light lamps to get their problems solved.
Links: Location
Sri Parameswari samedha Sri Paramasundarar temple at Keelagaram
Location: Around 2.5 kms from Nannilam
Achuthamangalam
Location: Achuthamangalam is about 4 kms West of Nannilam
1) Sri Someswarar Temple
This temple was built 1500 years ago by the Chola king Achuta Cholan and hence the name Achuthamangalam. The temple has 4 pragaras. The temple wall has lot inscriptions in Tamil. It is believed that there is an underground tunnel which is near the main deity and connects all the way to Thamarai Kulam (which is around 500 meters away from the temple). The famous Nayanmar Thiru Sekkizhaar has sung about this sthala (Kalyana Sundareswarar Shrine) and is considred to be Thirumana Parikara sthalam.
Links: Location
2) Sri Aadhi moola Perumal Temple
Links: Location
3) Sri Darmeswarar Temple
Links: Location Weblink
4) Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple
Links: Location Weblink
Sri Kothanda Ramaswamy Temple at Adambar
Location: Adambar village is 3 kms North of Achuthamangalam and 8 kms North-West of Nannilam. It is located in the Achuthamangalam – Thiruveezhimalai link road which connects the Nachiyarkoil – Poonthottam road and Kumbakonam – Nannilam road
Significances: Thillaivilangam, Paruthiyur, Vaduvur, Mudikondan, Adambar are the five auspicious places specialized as Pancha Rama Kshetras, in Thiruvarur District.
Presiding deity: Sri Ranganathar
Urchavar: Sri Rajagopala Swamy
Though the presiding deity is Sri Ranganathar, the temple is more popular as Sri Ramar Temple
The several villages near Hathambar (also called Adambar) are connected to episodes in the Ramayana. Here Main deities are Ramar, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman with Deer (Mareechan, the Rakshasa, is in the form of Deer). Valangaiman , Padagacheri, Kollumangudi, Nallamangudi, Adambar, Thatakanthapuram are the villages related to the episode Ramayana. Rama decides to kill the deer after knowing who it is at Hathambar or Adambar, and the deer is killed at Kollumangudi. Sita sights the beautiful deer at Nallamangudi. The deer goes in the right hand side is Valangaiman and the ornament Padam was dropped by Sita is Padagacheri and when Thataka was chased by Rama she hid herself here but the prince killed her in the place of Thatakanthapuram and so on.
Srivanchiyam
Location: Around 6 kms from Nannilam; Achuthamangalam is around 4.5 kms from Nannilam and this temple is at a diversion road at about 1.5 kms from Achuthamangalam.
1) SCN070 – Sri Vanchinatha Swamy Temple
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Removes one’s death fear
Considered to be on par with Kasi
Main deities: Vanchilingeswarar, Vanchinathar and the Ambal Mangalanayaki, Maruvar Kuzhali
Legend:
Due to the conflicts between Sridevi and Boomidevi, Sridevi left Sri Vishnu. He then came to Sri Vanchiyam and worshipped Lord Shiva here to get back Sridevi. Due to the “Vanchai” (affection) of Sri Vishnu towards Sri Devi, this place is called Sri Vanchiyam. Due to this, worship at this temple is considered complete only after a worship of Perumal and Thayaar at the Perumal temple nearby
Yama, Brahma, Parasarar, Athri, Makudavardhana, and Charumathi have worshipped Lord Shiva at this place.
It is considered that Lord Shiva blesses all the people who die here with salvation by pronouncing the 5 letter manthra in their ears at the time of death. So those people are not affected by the death pain and Yama has no role to punish for their sins.
Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the Pathigams.
Manikkavasakar sang of the miracle of a Naga kannika (Snake princess) who worshipped Shiva and became one with Him as Ammai Appan.
The Temple:
A 5-tier Raja gopuram at the first entrance and a 3- tier Gopuram at the 2nd entrance welcomes the visitors.
The speciality of the temple being the presence of an exclusive shrine for Yama and Chithraguptha facing South in the Agni moola of the temple. Cow milk payasam and buffalo milk payasam are offered to Yama and Chithragutha to ward off any dhosham relating to long life.
Appar, in his pathigam, says staying one night here will solve all the problems one may face
Vinayagar here is called “Ábayankara Vinayagar”.
During the Grahana periods all temples are usually closed but here special abhishegams are being conducted for Shiva during that time.
There are shrines for Pancha bootha Lingas, Gaja Lakshmi, Saturn, Lingas of Mukthi kshetras along with an exclusive east facing Durga shrine.
Inscriptions of Chola, Pandya and Naick period are seen here which glorifies this place as “Raja Gambeera Chathurvedhi Mangalam”.
There is a “Yama Vahanam” at this Temple, over which the Utsava idol is taken during the festival in the Tamil month of “Maasi”.
Sthala Vriksham: Sandalwood tree which imparts the name “Chandana aranyam” to the shrine. Archanas are done with Sandalwood leaves. Sandalwood trees grow just like that in many places in this village.
Theertham: Gupta Ganga; Shiva is said to have created the Temple Tank, Guptha Gangai with His Trisoolam. Taking a bath at Ganga at Kasi is said to wash off our sins and this theertham is more special that Ganga Devi washes off her own sins that got accumulated on her from the devotees at Kasi, by bathing at this Holy Tank. The theertham is present in all the four yugas and is known as Punya Theertham, Athri Theertham, Parachara Theertham and Muni Theertham in all the four yugas. Athiri, Baradwajar, Jamathgini, Viswamithrar, Vasishtar, Gowthamar have all been blessed with this theertham.
The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated during Karthigai and the Sundays of the Karthigai month are considered very sacred during which hundreds of people take bath here.
Contact: Sri Rajaraja Gurukkal @ 94424 03926 / 97887 59330
Note:
1) There is one Mangalambiga Mess which can serve food on prior information. Contact Sri K.Vasudevan @ 98427 55073 / 98427 55076 / 96989 23525
2) There are 4 rooms attached to a Kalyana Mandapam which can be available on days when there are no weddings. Contact: Sri Kumar @ 99651 86138 / 82484 73742
3) There is one more Kalyana Mandapa hall available for staying in a group.
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2) Perumal Temple
The temple is located just at the backside of the Shiva temple. Since the Vanchinatha Swamy temple is associated mainly with the Lord Vishnu and Sridevi re-union, it is considered that visit to the Shiva temple is completed only after the worship of Perumal and Thaayar here.
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Shiva Temple at Seruvandoor
The presiding deity is Seruvandoor Nadhar / Meenakshi Sundhareshvarar
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Pakkam Paruthiyur
1) Sri Karpagaambikai Ambal sametha Sri Agastheeswarar temple
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2) Sri Poorna Pushkala sametha Sri Ayyanar Temple
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Shiva temple at Puliancheri
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Sri Ambaravaneswarar Temple at Koohur
The village is known as Koorur or Nalla Koorur or Koovur also
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Note:
Nachiyar koil and further towards Kumbakonam are covered under Kumbakonam directory
SriVanchiyam – Kudavasal
Sri Kailasanathar Temple at Kovilpathu
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Avanam Paruthiyur
Location:
Avanam Paruthiyur, on the banks of Kudamurutti river, can be reached via Kumbakonam-Nannilam road; Pilavadi is around 12 kms from Nannilam and Avanam Paruthiyur is around 2.5 kms South of Pilavadi.
Located at 5 kms from Kodavasal, the place can also be reached from Kodavasal.
1) Sri Kalyana Varadharajar Temple (Kothanda Ramar Temple)
Significances: Thillaivilangam, Paruthiyur, Vaduvur, Mudikondan, Adambar are the five auspicious places specialized as Pancha Rama Kshetras, in Thiruvarur District.
Sri Aadhi Varadaraja Perumal:
The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Aadhi Varadharaja Perumal with the ‘Prayoga-Chakra”. This chakra is believed to have been sent to protect King Ambarisha, a Vishnu devotee, from the curse of Durvasa, the famous sage. Usually Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra in most temples is held in its resting position facing the devotees but here it is in a rare Prayoga chakra state ~ as if it is ready to be sent out. Hence there are also no houses built on the southern side of the street across the Temple.
Sri Mahalakshmi Thayar:
Sri Mahalakshmi thayar the consort of Sri Kalyana Vardharaja Perumal, is an exact replica of Triplicane Parthasarathy Temple Vedavalli Thayar.
Sri Kalyana Varadaraja Perumal:
Since the Lord Aadhi Varadharaja Perumal was very fierce with the Chakra weapon, another Vishnu, Sri Kalyana Varadharajar was also erected in the same shrine. These Panchaloka Utsava idols of this Temple are very ancient, 10th century Chola bronze.
Sri Ramar:
Though the presiding deity is Sri Varadharaja Perumal, the temple is more popular for the Ramar shrine. Anjaneya and Sita Pirati are on the right side of Kodandarama and Lakshnama to the left and the Divya dhampati bestow their grace in Kalyana kolam.
The Varadharaja Perumal temple was built in the early 1800s by a great Vishnu Bhakta by the name Sri Krishna Sastri Ayyaval (1773 – 1860), patron of SerfojiMaharaja ll.
Later, this temple became the life and soul of a Mahaan Brahmasri Paruthiyur Krishna Sastri (1845-1911), revered as Paruthiyur Periyava. He was a great Rama Bhakta, a Ramayana exponent, Philanthropist and Kathakalakshepa and Pravachan Pioneer. He received Mantropadesam from Marudhanallur Sadguru Kodandarama Swamigal at a very young age, since then Sarvam Rama Mayam, (everything was Rama) for him. Sastri’s desire was to build a temple for Sri Rama. When he renovated the temple and constructed a Thatakam, Kodadhandarama Threertham known as the Melakulam, a very big surprise of beautiful bronze Rama Murtis awaited him. He installed Mahalakshmi and Kodandarama sannadhis and made this temple famous and auspicious.This Mahaan attained mukti though Kapala Moksha.
Festivals: Rama Navami is a grand 10 day Utsavam in this temple.
Pushkarni: Kodandarama Theertham (Mela Kulam), Kudamurutti – Tributary of Cauvery
Contact: Bhattacharya @ 97868 67387
Email: PKSparivaar@yahoo.com
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2) Shiva Temple
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Seru Kalathur
1) Sri Someswarar Temple
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2) Sri Gopalakrishnan Temple
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Thiruvarur – Peralam (Mayiladuthurai)
Sri Dakshina Kali Temple at Senthamangalam
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SCN086 – Sri Thrinethra nathar Temple at Palliyin Mukkoodal
Location:
Gayakarai (now called Gekarai) is about 4.5 km north of Thiruvarur from where a diversion takes us to a place called Palliyin Mukkoodal.
In the Thiruvarur – Peralam road, we have to take East ward diversion at Senthamangalam.
One can also alight at either Kodikal Palayam or Virkudi railway station in the Mayiladuthurai – Thiruvarur rail route.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
The “Mukkoodal Theertham” here is regarded on par with Allahabad Thriveni sangam where three rivers meet.
This place and theertham are regarded on par with Gaya since Lord Rama is said to have performed rituals for his father, King Dhasaratha, here.
Main deities: Mukkonanatheswarar and the Ambal is Maimevumkanni
Legend:
Ariyan Palli, Kuruvi Rameswaram are the historical names of this place.
Lord Rama is said to have performed rituals for his father, King Dhasaratha, here as this place and theertham are regarded on par with Gaya. Like in Allahabad Thriveni sangam, where three rivers meet, “Mukkoodal Theertham” in front of the Temple is considered equally Holy. There is a Ramaswamy temple behind this Shivastalam.
According to Thiruvarur Puranam, a Chola King who never missed a Shiva Dharshan before taking meals, reached late at this place and found that the temple was closed by that time. His assistant, who came in a horse, decorated a bag containing horse- feed as Shiva linga and kept it in front of the King. Thinking that it was a Linga, the King worshipped it and took dinner that night. He came to know the fact on the next day and tried to lift the bag. He could not succeed as the contents of the bag really transformed into a Linga.
Parvathi devi appeared as daughter to a Queen called Thapovadhani on a Lotus and The Lord married Her later.
Legend has it that Jatayu worshipped Shiva and was directed to bathe in the Mukkoodal theertham
Given the association with Jatayu and Sri Rama, this Thevara Stalam is also known as KuruviRameswaram.
Sung by Appar in his Thevaram.
The Temple:
The Lingam has a highly polished appearance.
The east facing Temple, renovated by Naattukkottai nagarathar has just one Prakaram.
Nandi, facing the Sanctum has turned its head slightly.
The Murthis of Ganapathi, Subramanya and Lakshmi in the Prakara are extraordinarily beautiful.
Theertham: Mookkoodal theertham, known by the name ShodasaSethu, is considered on par with Allahabad Thriveni Sangamam,
Note: There is a Ramaswamy temple behind this Shivastalam.
SCN073 – Sri Soundareswarar Temple at Thiruppanaiyur
Location: Andipanthal is located at about 9.5 kms from Thiruvarur in the Peralam road; and from Andipanthal, 2.5 kms North East diversion will take us to this temple.
The great King Karikala Cholan lived in this placed for 8 years before capturing his kingdom from enemies. Actually Karikalan’s parents were killed by enemies at his tender age of 5. He was taken care by his uncle in this village. He fought the battle at the age of 13 to conquer back his kingdom.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Azhagiya nathar, Soundarya Nathar, Sundareswarar, Thalavaneswarar as Swayambu lingam facing west on a Square Avudayar and the Ambal Periya Nayaki.
Legend:
The presiding deity was installed and worshipped by Sage Parasarar
It is also believed that Shiva is said to have blessed Sundaramoorthy Nayanar with a vision of His cosmic dance at the entrance to the village itself when Sundarar was coming to this temple. The tank near the Manikka nachiyar thittu, North East to this village is called “Santhitha Theertham” as a mark of the place of this meeting.
Sambandar and Sundarar composed the Pathigam.
Temple:
As soon as we enter, there is a Vinayagar called “Thunai Iruntha Vinayagar” who was protecting Karikal Chola King.
There is an image of Paraasara Muni, who is said to have dropped a small portion of the celestial nectar – Amritam – into the Temple tank and hence the name “Amrita Pushkarini”.
There are seven lingams worshipped by the Saptha rishsis
Like the Vinayagar in Thiruvarur connected with the Sundarar’s legend, the Vinayagar at the prharam here is also called “Matru Uraitha Vinayagar”
Sthala Vriksham: Panai (Palm); there are two palm trees here which grew by themselves without any seed when the previous trees became very old.
Theertham: Amirtha Pushkarini.
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Mudikondan
1) Sri Kothanda Ramar Temple
Location: Mudikondon is 20 kms from Mayiladuthurai and 15 kms from Thiruvarur. It is in between the Divyadesams of Thirukannapuram and Sirupuliyur.
Note: There is one more place in the name of Mudikondan in the Thiruvarur-Nagapattinam route and don’t get confused with this.
Significances:
Thillaivilangam, Paruthiyur, Vaduvur, Mudikondan, Adambar are the five auspicious places specialized as Pancha Rama Kshetras, in Thiruvarur District.
Presiding deity: Kothandaramar with Sita and Lakshman holding the bow Kothandam
Other shrines: Ranganathar, Hanuman
Legend:
Mudikondan has a mention in the Valmiki Ramayanam. It was here the ashram of Sage Bharadwaja existed.
During His march to Lanka, Sri Rama stayed in the hermitage of Sage Bharadwaja for a short while, when the sage wanted to treat the Lord with a feast. Sri Rama politely declined to accept the offer as He was on a mission and promised to accept the same on His way back to Ayodhya. When Rama was returning back after completing His mission, His Pushpaka vimanam landed near the hermitage.
Lord Ranganatha, the kula devata (family deity) of Lord Rama manifested at the request of Bharadwaja Maharishi for the sake of Lord Rama. Lord Ranganatha personally coronated Lord Rama with a pushpa kireedam (a crown made of five different Deva Loka flowers). Rama gave darshan to Sage Bharadwaja with this Mudi (crown) and hence the place is known as Mudikondan.
Hanuman’s angry gesture:
Rama asked Hanuman to make a quick trip to Nandigram to inform Bharatha of their arrival. By the time Hanuman returned, Rama had adorned the crown and finished His meals. Saddened by the fact that his Lord did not wait for his return and not having set aside a plantain leaf for him, Hanuman decided to stand outside (though it is difficult to even imagine that Hanuman can become angry with Lord Rama!). Hence, Hanuman is absent in the sanctum sanctorum and he has a separate shrine opposite to Sri Ramar outside the temple complex.
Also, it is believed that Hanuman in his anger prayed that plantain should not grow here. To this day, there is no growth of plantain trees in Mudikondan, though one would find a number of trees outside this village.
The Temple:
Generally temples for Rama are constructed facing South so that Vibishana, after his cornonation following the end of Ravana, could ever worship Rama in the North. But the Mudikondon Temple is facing East as Bharadwaja Rishi wanted to have the dharshan of Sri Rama with Sita and Lakshmana with His crown. Instead, Sri Ranganatha shrine is installed facing South.
Hanuman shrine is opposite to that of the Lord.
The arca vigraham of Sri Rama is so beautiful with a slight stylish bending holding the bow.
Prayers:
Those praying in this temple are blessed with high education and wisdom. Those desirous of going overseas for higher education visit this temple praying to achieve their aim. Artists aspiring name and fame and special skills seek the blessing of the Lord of this temple. Couples separated due to some reason or other get united praying here. Employment opportunities, promotion in job are also the boons Sri Ramachandra ensures to the devotees.
Prayer commitments:
Besides usual pooja offerings, devotees getting their aim fulfilled arrange a procession of the Lord, offering garlands of Tulsi, lighting lamps, special nivedhana and distribute to the visitors.
Theertham: Ramatheertham is behind the temple.
Festivals: The third Saturday of the Tamil month Purattasi – September-October is festive day with 13 day celebration. The festival concludes with Sita Kalyanam and a procession. Each month, the Punarvasu day, the birth star of Sri Rama is observed in a festive style. The crowd is more during Saturdays.
Timings: 6 to 11 AM and 5 to 8 PM
Contact: 99659 23703
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2) Sri Kasinatha Swamy Temple
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3) Sri Prasanna Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple
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Note: Peralam and further towards Mayiladuthurai are covered under “Mayiladuthurai-South” directory
Sannanallur – Nagore
Sannanallur near Nannilam is a 4 way junction between Thiruvarur-Peralm – Mayliaduthurai road and Kumbakonam – Nachiyar koil – Nannilam – Nagore road. It is around 13 kms from Thiruvarur; 4 kms from Nannilam and 25 kms from Mayliaduthurai.
Sri Bheemeswar Shiva Vishnu Temple at Adalaiyur, Karaipakkam
Location: Around 3 kms East of Sannanallur.
There are shrines of Lord Shiva as Sri Bheemeswar, Lord Vishnu as Varadhararaja Perumal and Sri Natarajar.
SCN075 & SCN076 – Twin Thevara Sthalams at Thiruppugalur (“Sathayam” Star Temple)
Location: 7 kms West of Sannanallur junction in the Thiruvarur – Peralm road
SCN 075: Sri Agneeswarar Temple
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Sadhyam Star temple
Avathara sthalam of Muruga Nayanar
Thirunavukkarasar attained Mukthi and sang his last hymn here
Main deities: Konappiraan, Agneeswarar and the Ambal Karuntaazhkuzhali, Chootikambal
Legend:
Agni worshipped Shiva here and was blessed with a vision of Chandrasekharar; so the presiding deity is called Agneeswarar.
Shiva is said to have blessed Boomi devi and Satyashada rishi with a vision of the Cosmic Dance.
The demon Banasuran, a great Shiva devotee, attempted to carry away the Shivalingam from here to his mother’s place but failed. In the process, the Lord tilted in the same place and got the name, “Kona Piraan”.
It is here that Thirunavukkarasar spent considerable period of his life and attained Mukthi at the age of 81 on a Chithirai sadhayam day. He sang his last pathigam, “Ennukane, en solli ennukane..’ and dissolved at the feet of the Lord! This event is celebrated every year elaborately during this period as Appar festival.
When Sundarar came for dharshan, the temple was undergoing renovation. He kept few bricks to support his head and took a nap. On waking up, he found that the bricks were converted as golden blocks by Agneeswara’s grace. He sang a “Padhigam” on this with rolling tears.
Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
The Temple has a 5 – tier gopuram in the front and a 3-tier gopuram at the second entrance.
The Appar festival is celebrated in the month of Chittirai, witnesses the singing of the Thevara hymns.
Sthala vriksham: Vanni
Theertham: Agni Theertham
SCN076 – Vardhamaneeswaram
This is another separate temple, one of the 276 Thevara Paadal petras sthalams, by the side of Agneeswarar temple.
Main deities: Sri Vardhamaneswarar and Ambal Sri Karunthazhkuzhali
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
This is the avathara sthalam of Muruga Nayanar
The temple is known for its Chandrasekharar shrine.
Sthala vriksham: Punnagam (Punnai)
Theertham: Agni Theertham covers the twin temple complex on three sides.
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Thirukkannapuram
Location:
Thirukkannapuram is around 8 kms East of Sannanallur, 11 kms East of Nannilam and 2 kms South of Thiruppugalur. It has the significance of having both Vaishna Divya Desam and Saivaite Theevara Paadal Petra Sthalam in the same town.
1) DD017 – Sri Sowrirajaperumal Temple (Divya Desam)
Significances:
- One of the Divya desams
- One of the Pancha Krishnaranya kshetrams (Others are Tirukannankudi, Tirukanna Mangai, Tirukannan Kavithalam and Tirukovilur)
Moolavar: Sri Neelamega Perumal in the standing posture facing east. Instead of Abhaya Hastham He has the Varadha Hastham similar to Kanchi Varadharaja perumal. Also, He has the Prayoga Chakaram, completely turned in a way to be sent out, similar to that of Ranganatha Perumal of SriRangam.
Thayar: Kannapura Nayaki along with Periya piraati, Sridevi, Aandal and Padmini Thaayar
Utsavar: Sowriraja Perumal in the posture of seeking hands for marriage.
Pooja: Vaihasanam
Prathyaksham for Kanva Maharishi, Thandaka Maharishi and Garudan.
Legend:
- Once the temple was on the seashore but now the sea is far away and the temple legend is connected very much with the fishermen.
- Kanva Maharishi brought up Shakunthala, the daughter of Vishvamithra and Menaka. Later Shakunthala married King Dhushyanthan but he forgot his lover due to an eveil spell. In order to unite Shakunthala with her husband a fish ate up her marriage ring and when the King saw the ring, came running in search of Shakunthala and their son Bharatha.
As the fisherman was the sole reason of unison of Shakunthala and Dhushyantha they are called as “Bharathavar”.
Yearly once a special pooja is conducted to this perumal by all the fisherman of this area. - Uparisravas, a Fishermen King, performed the aswamedha sacrifice and begot a daughter named Padmini, whom he offered in marriage to Lord Vishnu at this shrine.
- Vibishanan wanted to take away Ranganathar from SriRangam but as He was in sleeping posture be couldn’t do that. So he prayed to Perumal to show the beauty of His walk to him for which He obliged on a new moon day here.
- It is believed that Neelamegha Perumal vanquished a demon called Veekatakshan with His disc and hence the presiding deity is found with the prayoga chakram completely turned in a “ready to send” position.
- It is also believed that the Lord in the sanctum miraculously showed His long plait (Kudumi) in order to protect a devout priest Ranga bhattar from the King’s punishment and hence attained the name Sowrirajan. The dhrashan of His hair is possible only during the procession on New moon days.
- “Om Namo Narayana” is the eight syllable sacred manthra for Vaishnavities. Thirumangai Alwar was taught this Mantra from the Lord Neelamega perumal directly. Here the Perumal lives in each of the eight syllables and hence this place is also called “Srimath astakshara Maha Manthira Siddhi Kshetram”, the place where the Thirumandiram gives boundless power.
- A great devotee by name Muniyadaraiyaar was late when he went to offer Pongal to the Lord and the temple doors were closed. Hence he stood outside of the temple and mentally submitted the pongal to the Lord. As a honour of acceptence, bells in the Moolavar Shrine started ringing and the whole campus was filled with the fragrence of fresh ghee and pongal. So from that day, during the last pooja of each night, Perumal takes pongal which is named “Munitharam” pongal.
- Thirumangai Azhwar is believed to have been initiated at this temple. There is a shrine to Tirumangai Azhwar closer to the temple, and also a temple for Ramanujar.
- Neelamega perumal gave dharshan to Thandaka Maharishi who was formely a king and due to his hard penance at Kanchi gained the status of Maharishi.
The Temple:
Both the tank and the temple at this place are very big in size.
Since this is called “Booloha Vaikundam”, there is no Sorga vassal in this temple.
While Perumal usually gives the posture of Abhaya hastham, a blessing posture, here He is present in the posture of seeking hands, meaning asking us to give our difficulties to Him.
Indhra, after getting his dosham cleared off by praying to Lord here, installed Navagrahas and they are present in the Rajagopura walls facing West. They are surrounded by 12 rasis.
Sri Muthu Vinayagar is near the temple tank
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanams:
Tirumangai Azhwar had sung 100 pasurams on this Perumal; others being Periyaazhwar, Aandaal, Kulasekhara Azhwar and Nammazhwar.
Utsavam:
On every Masi Magam, the Perumal rides on Garuda to the seashore where the fishermen join the celebrations.
The Brahmotasavam is being celebrated in the month of Vaikasi
Vimanam:
Uthbalavadaka Vimanam; it is considered that Sages are penancing in the vimanam and so it is completely covered with walls so that nobody can see it.
Theertham:
Nithya pushkarini; it is considered that Pithrus do pooja on New moon days here.
2) SCN077 – Sri Ramanatha Swamy Temple
The temple is located on the eastern side of Thirukkannapuram Divya desam.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Ramanathar as a tall Swayambu lingam on a big Avudayar and the Ambal Karuvarkuzhaliammai, Chootikambal
Legend:
Rama on his way back to Ayodhya worshipped Shiva at this place and hence the name of the place as Ramanadheeswaram. It is believed that Nandi stood in the way of Rama’s worship and that Parvathi controlled him by holding him with Her arm, hence the name of the place as Ramanandeeswaram. In the Somaskanda moortham of this temple, Parvathi devi is holding Nandhi in Her hand (For safety reasons the vigraham is in Thiruppugalur temple).
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
Kulothunga Chola has gifted lands of Sivapathasekaramangalam for the maintenance of this Temple and renovated it.
Theertham: Surya Pushkarini, Rama Theertham
SCN079 – Sri Uthirapasupatheeswarar / Ganapatheeswarar temple at Thiruchengattankudi
Location: Around 1.5 kms East of Thirukkannapuram Paadal petra sthalam.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevera Paadal petra sthalams
One of the temples where Lord Shiva enacted His holy play (Thiruvilaiyadal)
Vathapi Ganapathi, the one Paranjothi brought from Vathapi after his successful battle with Chalukyas is present here.
The life of Siruthonda Nayanar is connected with this temple
Main deities: Uttarapathiyar, Ganapateeswarar and the Ambal Tirugukuzhal Nayaki.
Legend:
Lord Ganapathi is said to have prayed to Lord Shiva here to seek atonement for the sin of having killed the demon Gajamukhasuran, hence the place is also called Ganapatheeswaram. The demon’s blood that flowed created the reddened land, called Chenkaadu, then as Chengattangudi.
The life of Siruthinad Nayanar is connected with this temple
This is one of the temples which has the significance of Lord Shiva coming on earth and walked through His holy feet to enact His different Thiruvilaiyadals. He came as Uthrapatheeswarar here and walked through from Siruthonda Nayanar’s house to the Aathi tree of this temple.
Sambandar and Appar composed the Pathigam.
History of Siruthondar:
This is the birth place of Paranjothi, a staunch Shiva devotee and Chief of the Pallava army. He was always a winner and lost no battle as he was backed by the blessings of Lord Shiva. The King thought that if anything unnatural occurred to his commander, it would be a wrong committed against Lord Shiva and therefore granted retirement to him from services to continue a choice life dedicated to the service of Lord. Paranjothi-later Siruthondar-was too happy that he would be able to turn all his attention to a life of spirituality.
He was married to Mangai Nallal mentioned as Tiruvenkattu Nangai in our Saivite scriptures and a son named Seeralan. The couple was very particular to have their food only after hosting a lunch to Shiva devotees. They served what devotees wished. One day none turned up. Siruthondar left the house in search of a devotee. When he was out, a Shiva devotee knocked at his house. Tiruvenkattu Nangai and her maid Seerala Nangai welcomed the devotee and invited for the lunch. The devotee said that he would wait near the Kattathi tree at the temple until the male head of the house returns. When Sirthondar returned he was happy to know that a Shiva devotee was waiting. The Shiva devotee said that he needs the meat of a first male child of a family. He and his wife prepared the food with their son’s meat as wished by the devotee.
When food was served, the Shiva devotee asked the host to call his son also to join him. Shocked and surprised, the couple came out and cried “Seerala, Seerala..”. The boy in all flesh and blood came alive before them. When they entered, the Devotee in His true form granted darshan with Mother Parvathi and salvation to all of the four including the maid. He was Lord Pasupatheeswara. The Kattathi tree and a shrine of the family of Siruthondar are just before the Shrine of Lord. The idols of Siruthondar, Uthrapatheeswarar (the urchava idol of Ganaptheeswaram), Thiruvenkattu Nangai in a posture of serving food are present here.
The Temple:
All the Ashta (8) Veeratta Samharamurthies are in line in the prakara – Lords Bhujangalinga Murthy, Gaja Samharamurthy, Oordhva Thandavar, Kaala Samharamurthy, Gangalamurthy, Bikshadana, Tripura Samharamurthy and Bhairava. Their presence in a single temple thus facilitates darshan of all Samharamurthies of different temples in a single place.
Amudhu Padayal festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chittirai and one special prasadam in the name of “Seeralan kari” is being made only on that day with the combination of some medicinal products. It is said to bless childless couples with pregenency.
Vathapi Ganapathi, the one Sirithondar as Paranjothi brought from Vathapi after his successful battle against Chalukyas is present in this temple.
Sthala Vriksham: Aathi
Theertham: Surya Theertham, it is said that there are nine theerthams in this temple.
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2 Life of Siruthonda Nayanar Photos
SCN080 – Sri Rathnagreeswarar Temple at Thirumarugal
Location: Around 2.5 kms from Thiruchengattankudi; 15 kms from Nannilam and 11.5 kms from Sannanallur.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
One of the temples where Lord Shiva enacted his 64 holy plays (Thiruvilaiyadal)
Main deities: Manikkavannar, Ratnagreeswarar and the Ambal Vanduvaarkuzhaliammai, Amotalanayaki.
Legend:
Lakshmi got reunited with Vishnu upon worshipping Shiva, hence the name Thirumarugal. The name Marugal also comes from the stala vruksham – Vaazhai.
A trader promised to offer one of his 7 daughters to their maternal uncle for marriage in the early years but didn’t keep up his promise. When they turned up with marriage age, he arranged marriages for them with some other persons one by one. The 7th daughter, a Shiva devotee, realizing that her father will cheat her uncle in her case also, eloped with him to this temple. Unfortunately, the boy got poisoned up with a snake bite and was dead. She cried to the Lord and when Sambandar came to this temple, he heard her cry and sang the Pathigam ‘Sadaiyai Enumaal’, known as “Vidam Theertha Patikam” and brought back her uncle to life. He also conducted the marriage between them with Swamy Himself standing as a witness in the form of a Vanni tree and a well. The girl’s parents, who were at Madurai, didn’t accept the marriage because there was no witnees to the marriage. The girl prayed to the Lord and He gave dharshan at Madurai in the form of Vanni tree and well as a proof of marriage. Thus, this temple is the source of the famous holy play that was enacted at Madurai. This event is commemorated in a celebration each year. We can see the vanni tree and the well in the praharam of this temple.
The ‘Sadaiyai Enumaal’ pathigam is considered very powerful in resolving the problems in marriages.
Sambandar and Appar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
This is one of the 78 “Madakkoils”, built on an elevation, by Ko Chengat Chola Nayanar so that elephants can not enter the sanctum.
Chitra Pournami is celebrated here on a grand scale.
Sthala Vriksham: Marugal, a type of banana tree
Theertham: Siva Ganga
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2
SCN081 – Sri Ayavantheeswarar at Seeyathamangai / Sathamangai
Location: Around 2.5 kms from the Thirumarugal temple with around 1 km North ward diversion from the Nannilam – Karaikkal main road.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Avathara sthalam of Sri Neelanakka naayanaar
Main deities: Ayavanteeswarar and the Ambal Malarkannammai, Ubaya pushpa vilochani
Legend:
The place is called Sathamangai and the temple is called Ayavantheesam in the scriptures.
Brahmma worshipped the presiding deity here, hence the name Ayavanti.
Sambandhar sang hymns of this Lord and all of his verses describe Shiva’s manifestation as Ardhanareeswarar.
The Temple:
The idols of Sri Neelanakka naayanaar and his wife Mangayarkkarasi are present in the temple
Aavani Moolam in the Tamil month of Avani witnesses a lot of festivities here
Sthala Vriksham: Konrai
Theertham Brahmma Theertham
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2
Sri Seshapureeswarar Temple at Seshamoolai
This is a 1,000-year old Chola period temple.
Legend has it that Adiseshan earned the wrath of Durvasar, who cursed him to live on earth. The snake approached Darbaranyeswarar in Thirunallar for remedy. “Go to Seshamoolai and offer worship to the deity there,” advised the Lord. Adiseshan obeyed and got rid of the curse. It is a practice among the devotees who visit Thirunallar to come to Seshamoolai, worship the deity and light a lamp with iluppai oil.
Siva here faces West, a la Kapaliswara. The avudai is square, indicating installation by a rishi. Thiripurasundari, the Lord’s consort, is on the right and therefore is considered a Kalyana sthalam. A well-sculpted Nandi overlooks Shiva and there are niches for Durga, Dakshinamurthi and Bhairava.
Totally dilapidated, the temple has been taken up for renovation.
Contact: 9444917124, 9840076964 and 044-24611244.
Links: Location
Vettar (Surakkudi) – Nagore
Surakkudi is around 5 kms North of Thiruvarur in the Thiruvarur – Peralam (Mayiladuthurai) road
SCN074 – Sri Veerattaneswarar Temple at ThiruVirkudi
Location: The temple is around 3 kms from the Gangalanchery railway station
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
One of the Astha (eight) Veerattanams where Shiva is worshipped as “Samhara Murthi”
Main deities: Veeratteswarar and the Ambal Elavaar Kuzhali, Parimala Nayaki
Legend:
Shiva killed the demon Jalandharan, the son of Samudra Raja (King of Sea) here with Vishnu’s chakra and the Chakra returned to the Lord Vishnu after meeting the purpose.
Tulasi, which is normally the sthala vruksham in Vishnu temples, is the stala vriksham here. Interestingly the Tulasi here is believed to be the reincarnation of Brinda, the wife of the slain demon.
The urchava moorthy of Shiva is called Jalandhara Samhara Moorthy and holds the discus and chakram.
Appar is said to have spent his last years here, dedicating his life to the upkeep of this temple, and the Appar Peruvizha which lasts for a period of 10 days, celebrates these events
Sambandar has sung a Thevaram Padigam praising the deity of this place.
The Temple:
The Temple with a 5 tier Rajagopuram and two praharams is facing west.
The Lord holds a “Chakra” in His hand.
Sthala Vriksham: Tulasi
Theertham: Chakra Theertham
Sri Kasi Viswanathar temple at Vazhikudi
Links: Location
SCN078 – Sri Payatrunathar at Thiru Payathangudi / Thirupayatrur
Location: At Vaipur, 7 kms from Surakkudi (Vettar), we have to take the diversion towards North in the Thirumarugal road for another 1.5 kms to reach the temple.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Payatreeswarar, Muktapureeswarar as a Swayambu lingam on Square Avudayar and the Ambal Kayiyankanni ammai.
Legend:
Bairava muni is said to have worshipped Shiva at this shrine.
A trader, wanting to avoid tax, prayed to Lord Shiva to transform his stock of taxable pepper into tax free pulses and back into pepper again. The Lord fulfilled and hence the name Payatrankudi.
Sundarar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
The annual Brahmotsavam falls during the Tamil month of Vaikasi.
Sthala Vriksham: Sivandi tree; the flowers of this tree is yellow and is in the form of spider.
Theertham: Devi Theertham, Karuna theertham; it is said that after taking a dip here and worshipping the Ambal will cure eye diseases.
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2
Five Shiva Lingams at Keezha Thanjavur
This is the place where 5 shiva lingams lie in the open field. The history of how these have arrived here is not known, though the village folks relate them to the 5 Pandavas who at one time passed through this place.
This is close to the Seruthunai Nayanar Temple.
Links: Location
Note: See also Karaikkal-Nagapattinam-Kodiakkarai route in this page
Thiruvarur – Nagapattinam
Sri Kailasanathar Temple at Kadaramkondan
Links: Location
Sri Kailasanathar Temple at Nedungudi
Links: Location
Shiva Temple at Kallikudi
Links: Location
Sri Nathanageswarar Temple at Adipuducheri
Links: Location
Sri Chidambareswarar Temple at Athipuliyur
Links: Location
Sri Naganathar Temple at Neelappadi
Links: Location
Sri Viswanathar Temple at Eravancheri
Main deities: Viswanathar as Swayambu lingam facing East with Visalakshi amman
A Thevara Vaipu Sthalam
Appar composed pathigam in his Kshethra kovai Thiruthandagam
Links: Location
Sri Vedhapuriswarar temple at Keezha Othiyathur
Links: Location
Keezh Velur
1) SCN084 – Sri Akshayalinga Swami / Kediliappar Temple
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petras sthalams
Main deities: Kediliyappar, Akshayalingeswarar and the Ambal Vanamulaiamman, Sundarakuchambika
Legend:
- Sri Natarajar’s dance posture is very rare here. He is in a posture of dancing with His right foot raised and left foot stationed, as requested by Sage Agasthyar. So Sri Nataraja’s right foot sole dharshan is special and can be had here only.
- Subramanyar is believed to have created this shrine for Shiva with the help of Indra and worshipped at this place. After killing Soorabadman, Lord Muruga got Veerahathi dosham. He was surrounded, chased and scared by the demon ghosts. To get rid of them, He wanted to do penance towards Lord Shiva but His penance was also disturbed. So Parvathi devi get into a fiery form and protected Lord Muruga’s penenace by srrounding all around Him. Muruga compeleted the penance and got all powers from Lord Shiva. Lord Muruga here is seen in a penancive poture and Parvathi devi in a fiery form as Anjuvattathamman. She got this name because She surrounded all around Lord Muruga in all the four directtions and above. Anju means five and Vattam means round in Tamil.
- Lord Shiva here was worshipped by Agni, Muruga, Yama, Chandran, Aadhiseshan, Agasthiya, Vasishtar, Markandeyar etc.,
- Guberan came here to help out a poor devotee by name Chandragupta.
- Sambandar and Appar composed the Pathigam. Sambandar calls this temple as big temple in 8 places of his pathigams.
The Temple:
The temple is built at an elevation on the hillock known as Chitrakootagiri
This shrine has been glorified by Muthuswamy Deekshitar’s kriti “Akshaya Linga Vibho” in the raga Sankarabharanam.
The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chittirai
Sthala Vriksham: Ilandai Maram (Badari)
Theertham: Saravanappoigai created by Lord Muruga’s spear.
Links: Location Photos Weblink
2) Sri Yadhava Perumal Temple
One of the Pancha Narayana kshetrams in this region among
1) Thirukkannangudi Sri Damodhara Narayana Perumal
2) Avarani Sri Anantha Narayana Perumal
3) Vadakalathur Sri Varadha Narayana Perumal
4) Thevur Sri Deva Narayana Perumal and
5) Keezh Velur Sri Yadava Narayana Perumal
Thirukkannangudi
Location: The place is about 2 miles away from Keevalur railway station. In Naagapatinam to Sikkal (or) Keevalur bus route alight at Aazhiyur stopping and from there the temple is 3/4 miles away.
1) DD018 – Sri Lognatha Perumal / Damodhara Narayana Perumal Temple (Divya Desam)
Significances:
One of the 108 Divya desams
One of the five Krishnaranya kshetrams
One of the Pancha Narayana kshetrams in this region
Main deities: Syamala Meni Perumal / Loganathan in standing posture facing East with Aravinda valli / Loganaayagi thaayar
Utsavar: Dhamodara Narayanan depicted with His left hand placed on His hip, and the Utasava Thayar is called Lokanayaki.
Legend:
Brigu Maharshi, Gowtama rishi and Brahma worshipped Lord Vishnu at this kshetram.
Vashistar created an image of Krishna out of butter and meditated upon it. When Krishna appeared in fornt of Vashistar, a group of rishis engaged in meditation under the Magizha tree reached Krishna along with Vashistar in devotion, as the “Paasa Kayiru”. Hence the name Thirukkannangudi. There is still the Magizha tree behind the sanctum, which is called “kaayaa magizh” – the flower of the tree that would not dry, or wither.
Thirumangai Azhwar is believed to have stolen a golden Buddha image from a vihara at Naagapattinam for the purpose of building some portions of Srirangam temple and hid it at this temple.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam: Tirumangai Azhwar
The annual festival is in the Tamil month of Chittirai. On Maasi Makham the Utsavar is taken to the seashore on a grand procession.
Vimanam: Udhbala Vimanam
Sthala Vriksham – Magizham
Theertham: Sravana Pushkarini is supposed to have eight sources of water from sacred rivers.
Links: Location Photos Weblink1 Weblink2
2) Sri Kalatheeswarar Temple
Links: Location
Sri Visawanatha Swamy Temple at Nangudi
Links: Location
Sri Mudikondanathapurieswarar Temple at Mudikondan
Note: There is one more place in the name of Mudikondan in the Thiruvarur-Peralam route which has a popular Ramar Temple. So don’t get confused with this.
Links: Location
Sri Sri Sowndara Nayagi Ambal sametha Sri Rudhra Kodeeswarar Temple at Kohur
Links: Location
Agarakadambanur/ Koil Kadambanoor
1) Sri Ramaswamy Perumal Temple
Links: Location
2) Sri Soundara Nayahi Ambal sametha Sri Kailasanathar Temple
One of the Pancha Kadamba Sthalams.
A Swayambu lingam, Theertham is Sivaganga.
Lord Muruga annihilated Sura Padman, his brothers and his army to safeguard Devas. Due to the killings, he acquired Veerahathi Dosha. Due to the Dosha, Lord Muruga prayed to Lord Shiva for relief. Lord Shiva advised Lord Murugan to worship him at Keezhvelur Kediliappar temple. While worshipping Lord Shiva at Kilvelur, Lord Murugan installed five Shiva Lingas around Keezh velur and worshipped Lord Shiva to get rid of the sin of killing the demons during
Sura Samhara. Hence these temples are collectively called as Pancha Kadamba Sthalams
- Sri Kailasanathar Temple at Koil Kadambanoor
- Chozheeswaram Udayar Temple, Ilamkadambanur
- Kangalanathar Temple, Aazhiyur, Nagapattina
- Viswanathar Temple, Kadampara Vazhkai, Nagapattinam
- Naanmaraiyurar Temple, Perumkadambanur, Nagapattinam
Sri Kangalanathar Temple at Aazhiyur
One of the Pancha Kadamba Sthalams
Links: Location Weblink
Sri Viswananthar Temple at Kdambara vazhkai
One of the Pancha Kadamba Sthalams
Links: Location Weblink
Sirangudi Puliyur
Location: About a km north of Ramarmadam Bus stop
1) Sri Vygrapureeswarar Temple
The legend says Kamadhenu, the sacred cow prayed to Lord Shiva in this shrine to get rid of its wrath.
One more speciality about this temple is that, on evenings, Nataraja is worshipped first prior to all other gods. This is also referred as Dhakshina Chidambaram. This village is also called as Vyagrapuri named after the Lord.
Links: Location
2) Sri Guru Chandrikanandha Swamy Adhishtanam
Links: Location
Sri Sathurvedhapureeswarar/ Naan Maraiyurar Temple at Perunkadambanur
The presiding deity is a Swayambu lingam
One of the Pancha Kadamba Sthalams
Links: Location Weblink
Sri Chozheeswaram Udaiyar Temple at Ilam Kadambanoor
One of the Pancha Kadamba Sthalams
Links: Location Weblink
Sri Thirumeni Azhagar Temple at Vadakudi
There is also a Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple at Vadakudi
Links: Location
SCN083 – Sri Navaneetheswarar / Sikkal Singaara velar Temple at Sikkal
Location: 8 kms west of Naagappattinam
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
A highly popular temple for Lord Muruga; Sweating on Lord Muruga’s idol on the Soora Samhara day during the Tamil month Ippasi (Oct) is very special
One of the 64 sakthi peetams
Main deities: Venneipperumaan, Navaneeteswarar and the Ambal Velon Kanniyaal, Saktiyudakshi; though a Shiva temple, the temple is more popular as a Sikkal Singaara Velar, a Murugan temple.
Legend:
Lord Muruga got his spear weapon from Ambal Sakthi to to kill the demon Sooran at Thiruchendur
Vishnu sought the blessings of Shiva before venturing out to the court of the demon king Mahabali, and there is a Kola Vaamana Perumaal shrine adjacent to the temple.
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
Vasishta is said to have prayed to Shiva to recover his Kamadhenu, whose milk flowed and froze to form butter; fashioning a Lingam out of butter (Venneippiran), Vasishtar vainfully tried to move it, but it got stuck (Sikkal) at this kshetram.
Arunagiri nathar sang Thiruppugazh hymn on this Lord Muruga
It is said that the idols of Lord Muruga at Sikkal, Enkann and Ettukudi were made by the same sculptor. There are several variants of how the idols were made in these 3 temples.
The sculptor first made the Subramanyar idol of Sikkal and was awe struck by its quality that he vowed that no other such image should be made, and cut off his right thumb (one variant claims it was the Chola King Mutharasan who had it cut off).
He was then prompted by Subramanyar in a dream, to fashion another idol for the shrine at Ettukudi. He followed the instructions in his dream and made the idol of Ettukudi without the support of his right thumb. When the idol was completed, he blinded himself (or the King blinded him as per the variant) so that he could not create idols any more.
Another dream prompted him to create the third idol of Skanda mounted on a peacock with the aid of a little girl (some say his daughter). When his chisel inflicted injury upon her, the blood that gushed forth splashed over his eyes and opened up his vision. He revered Skanda in a spate of poetry and the first phrase that he uttered upon recovering his eyesight was ‘EnKann’ (my eyes)- hence the name of that temple.
The Temple:
This is one of the 78 “Madakkoils”, built on an elevation, by Ko Chengat Chola Nayanar so that elephants can not enter the sanctum.
The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chittirai. During Skanda Sashti Utsavam, Singaravelar receives his Vel (Spear) from Devi.
Sthala Vriksham: Jasmine
Theertham: Ksheera Pushkarini
Contact: Sri Arunkumar Gurukkal @ 94435 04591
Links: Location Photos Weblink1 Weblink2
Sri Murugan Temple at Poravacheri
Porulvaithacheri, now called Poravacheri, is just a kilometer before Sikkal while going from Nagapattinam and 4 Kms from Nagapattinam.
The main deity here is Shiva, but it is the idol of Shanmugha which captures all our attention.
It is a very beautiful Shanmuga with the peacock giving a feel that it will fly away at any moment with its master – so life-like.
The complete idol is of single granite stone with the Lord Subramnayar having six faces (Arumugan), twelve hands, weapons in ten hands and the other two hands in Abhaya Varadha hastham. The sculpture of Subramanian is beautiful with minute details like finger, nails which gives a feeling of life in the sculpture.
As we go around we see Lord Ganesha named as Annadhana pilliyar.There is a separate sanctum for Ambal, who is worshiped as swarna kalika Devi.
Lord Siva is seen here, in Linga form known as Sundareswarar and his consort Meenaksi. There is a place here for Idumban.
Links: Location Photos Weblink
Sri Anandha Narayana Perumal (Ranganathar) Temple at Avarani (Aabharana dhari)
Location: 3 km from Sikkal
One of the Pancha Narayana kshetrams in this region among
1) Thirukkannangudi Sri Damodhara Narayana Perumal
2) Avarani Sri Anantha Narayana Perumal
3) Vadakalathur Sri Varadha Narayana Perumal
4) Thevur Sri Deva Narayana Perumal and
5) Kil Velur Sri Yadava Narayana Perumal
The presiding deity of this famous ancient temple is a colossal size of Lord Ranganatha measuring 21 feet in length. It resembles to the Anantha Padmanabhaswamy of Thiruvananthapuram in many factors like, the name Ananthasayana Perumal, the size and posture – the garbhagriha having three doors to enabling the devotees to view Him from head to feet.
Legend:
Mother Seetha embellished herself with all the jewels left here before going to further South. On the return journey to Ayodhya, She took them back. The name Aabharana dhari coveys this (Aabharanam in Tamil means jewels). Among Maharshis Brighu and Markandeya worshipped this Lord and achieved their object. The temple has given equal importance to Saivate Gods as evidenced by the Saivate symbols at several places, thereby establishing abheda between Hari and Hara.
The Temple:
It is a very big temple with vastness in everything like towers, courtyards, a large number of mandaps for parivara devathas and imposing towers.
Links: Location Photos Weblink
There is also an old Chola temple at Avarani but dilapidated
Sri Nadueaswarar / Sri Vedhapureeswarar Temple at Puduchery
The temple is located at 2 kms South of Avarani and 2.5 kms East of Vadakalathur/Pattamangalam.
The Shiva Lingam here is called Nadu-Eashwarer (Nadueaswarar) and is unique in shape that is said to have been created by Maharishi Vashistar.
According to Sathguru Venkataraman of Agasthiar.org:
Just like the “vimana” of Lord Ranganatha Perumal of Srirangam arrived from Vaikunta itself, this unique Nateshwara Shiva Linga blesses us with the darshans of Shiva Kailash, Shakti Kailash and the inner path around Mt. Kailash. One gets these Kailash darshans when one gets the darshan of this Nateshwara Shiva Linga here.
Another wonderful feature of this sacred space is the Putra-kameshti sacred pond that can give one the blessings of child birth, and the well-being of children.
Sri Perumal Temple at Velipalayam
Links: Location
Sri Vetri Velayudha Swamy Temple at Manjakkollai
The temple is located at the outskirts of Nagapattinam.
It is a famous Murugan Temple with Indhrani.
Thilothama got her curse cleared off here
Sage Jamathagani lived at Manjakollai.
Kandha Sashti and 6 days utsavam after the Deepavli are very famous
Links: Location
Puthur
1) Sri Akkasalai Vinayagar Temple and Kamakshi amman temple
Links: Location
2) Sri Rudhrapureeswarar Temple
Links: Location
Note: See also Karaikkal-Nagapattinam-Kodiakkarai route
Keezh Velur – Katchanam
Keezh Velur is around 15 kms from Thiruvarur, in the Thiruvarur – Nagappatinam road and Kachanam is around 11 kms from Thiruthuraipoondi in the Thiruvarur – Thiruthuraipoondi road.
Iluppur
Location: Iluppur is about 5 kms South of Keezh Velur just before Thevur
1) Sri Venkatachalapathy Perumal Temple
Links: Location
2) Sri Sivakami ammai sameda Chidambareswarar Temple
This is located just adjacent to the Perumal temple
Pattamangalam (Vadakalathur)
1) Sri Varadha Narayana Perumal Temple
One of the Pancha Narayana kshetrams in this region among
1) Thirukkannangudi Sri Damodhara Narayana Perumal
2) Avarani Sri Anantha Narayana Perumal
3) Vadakalathur Sri Varadha Narayana Perumal
4) Thevur Sri Deva Narayana Perumal and
5) Kil Velur Sri Yadava Narayana Perumal
2) Sri Abimuktheeswarar Temple
Thiru Thevur
Location: Thevur is 5 kms South of Keezh Velur.
1) SCN085 – Sri Devapureeswarar Temple
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Sthala Vriksham, Velvazhai tree (Plantain) is growing still on stone platforms!
Main deities: Deva Gurunathar, Devapureeswarar and the Ambal Pann Nilaviya Mozhiyumai, Madhura Bhashini
Legend:
Since the Lord was worshipped by the Devaas the name Thiruthevur!
Brihaspathi, the Guru of the Devas, worshipped Shiva here; hence the deity is called Devagurunathar.
Guberan worshipped the Lord and got blessed to get his consorts Sanga nithi and Pathuma nithi
Gowtama Muni, Indhra and Surya are also believed to have worshipped Shiva here.
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
This is one of the 78 “Madakkoils”, built on an elevation, by Ko Chengat Chola Nayanar so that elephants can not enter the sanctum.
The annual festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi
Sthala Vriksham: Velvazhai tree (Plantain); the speciality being that this tree is growing still on stone platforms!
Theertham: Deva Theertham
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2
2) Sri Devanarayana Perumal Temple
One of the Pancha Narayana kshetrams in this region among
1) Thirukkannangudi Sri Damodhara Narayana Perumal
2) Avarani Sri Anantha Narayana Perumal
3) Vadakalathur Sri Varadha Narayana Perumal
4) Thevur Sri Deva Narayana Perumal and
5) Kil Velur Sri Yadava Narayana Perumal
Keezha Venmani
The Keezha Venmani massacre was an incident in 1969 in which a group of 42 Dalit labourers, under the influence of Communist Party of India, fought for higher wages but at the end they were forcibly herded into a hut and burnt to death by a gang, allegedly sent by their landlords. In the subsequent trial, the landlords could not be convicted of involvement in the event!
Links: Location
Sri Vedhapureeswarar Temple at Anakkudi (Irinjur)
This is located at 1.5 kms east of Venmanai.
The presiding deity, Vedhapureeswarar, is a Swayambu lingam with Vedhanayahi amman.
This is the birth place of Sakthi Nayanar and he is present in a separate mandapam. He used to cut the tongue of anybody who ridicules any Sivanadiyar.
Sundarar glorified him in his Thiruthonda thogai pathigam.
Links: Location
Sri Aadhi Kumbeswarar Vinayagar Temple at Shenbagapuram (Veppancheri / Mohanur)
The temple is located at Mohanur which is an East ward diversion from Sattiyakkudi.
This is a small temple and very uniquely, the Vinayakar has the Shiva name.
Vinayaka in this temple also has the honour of the Easwara status and is being worshipped as Lord Shiva Himself.
When Sri Vinayagar got the mango by circumambulating Sri Shiva and Parvathi, Sri Murugar got angry and left Kailasam. Everyone was sad, especially Vinayagar because He became the root cause of the issue. So Vinayagar wanted to do penance in a lonely place where no one can come and interfere. He selected this forest full of Shenbaga tree Lord Shiva gave protection around in the form of Panch boothas. There are five Shiva temples around this place which are considered as the five heads of Lord Shiva. They are:
- Sri Sivakami Ambal sametha Sri Thirumoolanathar Temple at Vandalur
- Sri Mangalanayagi Ambal sametha Sri Aadhi Kumbeswarar Temple at Mohanur
- Sri Sivagamasundari Ambal sametha Sri Sivapureeswarar Temple at Singamangalam
- Sri Periyanayagi Ambal sametha Sri Agastheeswar Temple at Killukudi
- Sri Somasundari Ambal sametha Sri Somanatheswarar Temple at Anakkudi
Sri Kailasanathar Temple at Sembian Madevi
The temple is around 5 kms East of Keezh Venmani.
The main deity is a Swayambu lingam with Periya Nayahi amman.
This is a big temple with a Rajagopuram and two praharams.
The temple is an icon temple of Sembian Madevi, one of most powerful queens of the Chola Empire and the mother of King Madurantaka Uttama Chola Deva.
Theertham is Chathurveda theertham and the Sthala Vruksham is Banyan tree
Links: Location
Perumal Temple at Melathannilapadi
Links: Location
Palakkurichi
1) Shiva Temple
Links: Location
2) Perumal Temple
Links: Location
Sri Vedapureeswarar Temple at Saattiyakkudi
Location: Around 7 kms South of Thevur Paadal petra sthalam and 4 kms East of Koil Kanraapur Paadal petra sthalam
Significances:
A Thiruvisaippa temple sung by Karuvur thevar
Main deities: Vedhanathar, Vedhapureeswarar, Rigvedha nathar as a tall Swayambu lingam on a Square Avudayar with Ambal Vedha nayahi
Legend:
- Jwaradevatha, the devatha of fevers, worshipped the Lord here and so the place is called Jatyakudi (Chattiyakudi).
- A king called Devathatha was cursed by Saattiyayana Maha Rishi as a result of which he suffered from Leprosy. The Rishi pardoned him later and asked him to take bath in Vedha Theertham of Saatiyakudi temple and worship the Vedha Nayaka. The dip in the tank cured the disease and he returned to his place.
- Saandilya Rishi had worshipped the Ganapathy here with Lotus that blossomed in Vedha Theertham. Hence He is known as Kamala Vinayakar.
- This temple is mentioned as “Ezh Irukkai” in Thiruvisaippa. It means that The Lord is seated on seven aasanaas namely, Ananthaasana, Simhaasana, Yogaasana, Vimalaasana, Padmaasana, Veeraasana, Vimalaasana Urdhwam.
- Gubera, known as Vaisravana in his previous birth became the King of Alagapuri as he lighted deepams in many Shiva Temples. Later he was blessed by Shiva to become His friend. Gubera had worshipped Vedhapureeswarar here and Karuvur Thevar refers Gubera as “Sivapuran Thozhan” in his Thiruvisaippa (9th Thirumurai).
The Temple:
Said to be a 4th century temple
The West facing temple has a three tier Rajagopuram in the front.
Kamala Vinayaka shrine is on our right when we enter the outer prakaram.
The separate shrine of Vedha Nayaki is on the right of Vedhapureeswara shrine. The Goddess is tall and faces West.
Deities of Karuvur Thevar and Saandilya Rishi are seen in the prakara.
Special worship is conducted to Karuvur Thevar on full moon days
The shrine of Chandikeswari, the female form of Chandikeswar, is present in the mandapam
Four worship services are conducted everyday
Masi magam and Navarathri are very special here
Sthala Vruksham: Vanni, on the south east is very old circumambulating the tree is said to remove sickness and bring peace.
Theertham: Vedha Theertham, the temple tank is considered very holy as it cures many diseases. People take bath on auspicious occasions like Pournami days of the Tamil months, Maasi and Vaikaasi as Jwara Devathai took bath here and worshipped Rigvedha Natha Swami.
Contact: 94424 46077.
Links: Location
SCN120 – Sri Naduthari appar Temple at Thirukandrapur, Koil Kanraapur
Location: This Shivastalam can be reached either by Keezh Velur – Kachinam road or Thiruvarur-Thiruthuraipoondi road.
In the Keezh Velur-Kachinam road, we have to take a west ward diversion for about 4 kms at Sattiyakkudi, which is about 7 kms from the Thevur Paadal petra sthalam.
In the Thiruvarur-Thiruthuraipoondi road, we have to take East ward diversion for about 6 kms at Mavur
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Naduthari appar with Maadhumaiyaal, Valliyaambika
Legends:
A girl from a Saivaite family got married to a Vaishnavaite and settled at a place near Thiruvarur. She could not resist worshipping Lord Shiva much against the wishes of her husband. However, she continued her worship in the cattle shed behind her house by assuming the axis to which the calf was tied as a symbol of Lord Shiva. The Vaishnavaite husband got angry on seeing this and went on to cut the axis with an axe. Much to the delight of the girl, the Lord appeared from the axis (“Kanru Aappu”) to prove that He is omnipresent. The Murthi is therefore called as “Naduthari nathar” (Vathsa Sthamba Natha in Sanskrit – Vathsa means calf). It is said that the deep cut made by axe is still found on top of the Linga murthi.
The Lord was also worshipped by Parvathi Devi, Idumbaasuran and Dharma sarma, a deciple of Medhaavi maharishi.
The Temple:
This east facing temple has a 3 tiered Rajagopuram.
The outer prakaram is spacious which houses a platform (“Thirumaaligai paththi”) where we find many shivalingas.
Dhakshinamurthi in the Deva Goshtam is awesome. He is flanked on both sides by Chanakaathi Rishis as seen everywhere. But the unusual additions here are the deities of Saints Sambandar in dancing position and Appar on one side and Adhikaara Nandikeswara with folded hands standing along with his wife.
Saiva Acharyas, Surya and Bhairava on the western platform of the prakaram.
The ambal shrine faces south.
All the ten songs of Appar’s Padigam are carved in a stone slab and installed in the Mahamandapam.
Naattukottai Nagarathaar have renovated the Temple in granite few decades ago.
The Temple is so neat that it presents a divine atmosphere to the devotees.
Four worship services are offered here each day and the annual Bhrammotsavam is held as a three day festival in connection with Vaikasi Visakam.
Theertham: Siva Theertham, the Temple Tank is in front of the Temple.
Sthala Vruksham: Kal Panai tree
SCN121 – Sri Hrudhaya kamala naathar / Manathunai Nathar Temple at Valivalam
Location: This Shivastalam is located in the Keezh Velur – Kachanam road closer to Kachanam at 5 kms North of Kachanam and 3 kms South of Sattiyakudi.
This can also be reached from the Thiruvarur – Thiruthuraipoondi road with a diversion to the East at Pangal.
It is around 9 kms from Thirunellikaval, the nearest Railway station on Thiruvarur – Thiruthuraipundi section.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
One of the Thiruppugazh sthalams of Lord Muruga
Main deities: Manattunai Nathar, Hridaya Kamalanathar and the Ambal Maazhaiyonkanni
Legend:
A black sparrow (karikuruvi) bird got the wisdom to worship the Lord of this place and circumambulated the shrine. Since the bird was so devoted, it received compassion from the Lord and became stronger than ever to protect itself from the stronger birds.”Karikuruvi” thus became “Valian” and continued to circumambulate the sanctum. Lord Shiva was pleased and offered the bird salvation and the place was therefore is known as “Valivalam”
Surya is said to have worshipped here and the wheels of his charriot believed to have created the Chakra Theertham moat.
Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the Pathigam.
Arunagirinathar sung Thiruppugazh on Lord Muruga here.
The hymn ‘pidiyathan uruvumai.. (பிடியதன் உருவுமை..) ‘ belongs to this temple, which is sung at the start of Thevaaram and Thiruvaasagam.
The Temple:
This is one of the 78 “Madakkoils”, built on an elevation, by Ko Chengat Chola Nayanar so that elephants can not enter the sanctum.
There are 3 prakarams and an 85 feet tall Rajagopuram.
The sanctum is a monolithic structure.
Traces of a moat and grand walls remain.
Ambal’s shrine is located in the outermost prakaram.
Ekachakra Perumal has a shrine here.
Surya Puja is conducted for three days in the Tamil month of Purattasi.
Six worship services are offered each day.
Festivals: The annual Bhrammotsavam conducted in the month of Chittirai concludes with the float festival in the Chakra Theertham.
Sthala vriksham: Punnai
Theertham: Chakra Theertham, it is believed that the wheels of the charriot of Surya God have created the Chakra Theertham moat.
The Temple pond, “Kaarana Theertham”, created by Kaarana Rishi is on the East.
Links: Location Photos Weblink
Note: Also see Thiruvarur – Thiruthuraipoondi in the same directory
Vazhakarai – Kolapad
Vazhakkarai – Kolappad road runs in between Thiruvarur-Thiruthuraipoondi road and Velankanni-Thiruthuraipoondi East Coast road. Vazhakkarai is on the ECR and Kolappad is close to the Thiruvarur-Thiruthuraipoondi road.
SCN123 – Sri Brahmapureeswarar / Thyagarajar temple at Thirukkolili (Thirukkuvalai)
Location: Thirukkuvalai is located at around 7.5 kms from Kachinam; the nearest railway station is at Thirunellikkaval, 20 km from this place.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
One of the Saptha Vidanga sthalams
A Navagraha parihara sthalam
Main deities: Sundareswarar, Thyagarajar, Brahmapureeswarar and the Ambal Meenakshi/ Brihan nayagi.
Legend:
- Since the Navagrahas (“Kol”) have worshipped Shiva here and got rid of their sins, the name “Kol ili” came into being. The Navagrahas unusually stand in the same row and those who visit this place are believed to get rid of “Navagraha Dhosha”.
- Bheema freed himself from the “Dhosha” of killing Bagaasura by worshipping the Lord here.
- Brahmma worshipped Lord Shiva here to get rid of his curse and commenced the act of creation, hence the name of the Lord as Sri Brahmapureeswarar and the Thapovanam as Brahma Tapovanam
- An aged devotee from Kundaiyur intent upon travelling to Madurai was blessed with a vision of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar here.
- Sundaramurthi Nayanar was feeding Shiva Devotees at Thiruvarur for which he used to pray the Lord to give him Paddy/Gold. There was another devotee called Kundaiyur Kizhar, residing at Kundaiyur, about a km away from here, equally interested in feeding Shiva Bhakthas. Shiva appeared in his dream and told him that he was blessing him with a mountain size of paddy to be handed over to Sundarar. On hearing this, Sundarar was delighted and wondered how it could be shifted to Thiruvarur. He sang a “Padhigam” in which he prayed the Lord to arrange for the shipment of paddy to Thiruvarur. As a miracle, the Shiva Bootha Ganas shifted the entire paddy overnight and laid them in front of each house at Thiruvarur. This is commemorated as “Sundarar Utsavam” in the Maasi Magam festival.
- Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the Pathigam.
Temple:
Both Swami and Ambal shrines face East.
The main deity Sri Brahmapureeswara is a small swayambu lingam always covered in kavacham. Abhishegam takes place only on new moon (Amavasya) days.
Vidangar here is called Vani Vidangar and the daily abhishegam to Vidangar takes place at 9 AM and 6 PM everyday.
Inscriptions date back to the period of Kulothunga Chola and Sadaya Varman Sundara Pandian are found in this Temple.
The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi.
Theertham: Brahma Theertham
Links: Location Photos Weblink
Sri Rishabhapureeswarar temple at Kundayur
Located at just half a km from Thirukkuvalai, Kundayur comes under the list of “Vaippu Sthalam” as a separate padhigam is not available on this place. Sundarar has referred this place in his Hymns on Thirukkuvalai. Pilgrims visiting Thirukkuvalai should also visit this small temple.
The sthala vruksham (Holy Tree) is very old. The main deities are called Rishabhapureeswarar and Mangalambigai and there are shrines for Meenakshi and Sundareswarar in the prakaram. The trees near these shrines cover them like umbrellas.
Links: Location
Sri Subramanya Temple at Ettukudi
The temple is at 2 kms from Thirukkuvalai on the way to Thiruvoimur.
Etti is the Holy Tree here and hence the name.
One of the highly popular temples of Lord Muruga
Valmeeki rishi worshipped Shiva here.
Murugar shrine is located between the shrines of Soundhareswarar and Anandhavalli to form a Somaskandar.
Arunagirinathar sang Thiruppugazh hymns on this Lord Muruga.
This temple is famous for its Kaavadi procession and its folk music (Kaavadi cindhu).
The head of the peacock in all Murugan temples is seen facing the right side. However, in Ettukudi, it is seen facing the left. This fact is also mentioned in the Kandapuranam.
The moorthi of Subramanya is very special as the whole weight rests on the legs of peacock with fine craftmanship.
It is said that the idols of Lord Muruga at Sikkal, Enkann and Ettukudi were made by the same sculptor. There are several variants of how the idols were made in these 3 temples.
The sculptor first made the Subramanyar idol of Sikkal and was awe struck by its quality that he vowed that no other such image should be made, and cut off his right thumb (one variant claims it was the Chola King Mutharasan who had it cut off).
He was then prompted by Subramanyar in a dream, to fashion another idol for the shrine at Ettukudi. He followed the instructions in his dream and made the idol of Ettukudi without the support of his right thumb. When the idol was completed, he blinded himself (or the King blinded him as per the variant) so that he could not create idols any more.
Another dream prompted him to create the third idol of Skanda mounted on a peacock with the aid of a little girl (some say his daughter). When his chisel inflicted injury upon her, the blood that gushed forth splashed over his eyes and opened up his vision. He revered Skanda in a spate of poetry and the first phrase that he uttered upon recovering his eyesight was ‘EnKann’ (my eyes)- hence the name of that temple.
Links: Location Photos Weblink1 Weblink2
Sri Sokkanathar temple at Vazhakarai
Links: Location
Thiruthuraipoondi – Velankanni (East Coast Road)
Sri Santhanayaki sametha Sri Pannaga Baraneswarar Temple at Pannatheru/ Pannaitheru
Pannatheru is near Kokkaladi and Thiruthuraipundi and is historically known as “Thirumugathalai”. There is a Mugalingam in the inner praharam and so this was called Mugathalai.
This temple is sung in the Thiruvisaipa by Karur Thevar and the Hymns find place in the 9th Thirumurai. The temple is undergoing renovation under the control of Madurai Adheenam.
Sthala Viruksham: Punnai
Sri Arunthavanayagi Ambal sametha Sri Thirumeninadha swami Temple at Arunthavampulam
Ancient temple where 12th century moorthies were found.
Links: Location
Aymoor
1) Sri Venkata Varadharaja Perumal Temple
2) Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple
Sri Thanthondri Eswar Temple at Manakkudi
Considered to be more than 2100 years old
Links: Location
Sri Pava Oshatheeswarar Temple at Vadugoor
Links: Location
Sri Aadheena Mazhaiya Ayyanar (Maha Sastha) Temple at Kadanthethi
Sri Maha Sastha transformed the character of an evil person, called Kadan, as his devotee. Since then, the place was called Kadanthiruthi which then became Kadanthethi.
Contact: 04369 – 234344 / 97867 93576 / 98847 09750
Links: Location
SCN124 – Sri Voimur Nathar Temple at Thiruvoimur
Location: Located at around 2 kms from the Ettukudi murugan temple and 4 kms from the Thirukkuvalai Thevara Paadal petra sthalam.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
One of the Saptha Vidanga sthalams
Main deities: Sri Voimur nathar with Paalinum Nan Mozhiyaal, Ksheeroba Vachani ambal
Legend:
Thiruvoimur is known as Leelaahaasyapuram in Sanskrit.
Surya is said to have worshipped Shiva and the Sun rays strike the sanctum for two days on the 12th and 13th days of the Tamil month, Panguni.
Thirunavukkarasar was directed from Vedharanyam to this temple by Lord Shiva Himself.
Sambandhar got the dance dharshan of Lord Shiva with Parvathi devi.
Sambandar and Appar have sung Thevara hymns
Temple:
A three tier Raja Gopuram is at the entrance
Neela Vidanga Thyagaraja Shrine is on the right of Voimur Nathar and His dance form is known as Kamala nadanam. The Vidangar here is again, a replaced one for original which was stolen. Additionaly, a spatika lingam is also present. The Vidanga abhishegam takes place at 9:30 AM everyday.
Ashta Bairavas, eight forms of bairava, are present in a shrine in the prakaram.
Dhakshinamurthi on the Deva goshta is graceful.
The 18-day Vasantotsavam in the month of Vaikasi is of great significance here.
Shala vriksham: Jackfruit tree
Theerthams: Soorya Theertham on west, Paapamega Prasanda maarutha Theertham in front, Indra Theertham and Harichandra Nadhi deserve special mention here.
Links: Location Photos Weblink1 Weblink2
Sri Brahmmapureeswarar Temple at Esanur
A Thevara Vaipu Sthalam
The main deity is a Swayambu lingam with Soundara Nayahi, Sugantha Kunthalambihai ambal
Sundarar composed pathigam on this temple
Keezhaiyur
1) Sri Semmalai nathar Temple
A Thevara Vaipu sthalam
Amman is Vandamarum Poonkuzhalal
It is said that Pancha pandavas stayed here and worshipped Lord Shiva during their exile. The main deity is said to be installed by Arjunan.
Sundarar composed pathigam
Links: Location
2) Sri Ranganathar Temple
Presiding deity: Sri Ranganatha Perumal with Sri Ranganayaki Thayar
Utsavars: Aayanar and Sri Athiroopavalli Thayar
The temple follows the Vaikanasa Agama.
Other Shrines: Sri Ramar, Sri Krishnar
The poojas at the temple are done four times a day.
Specialities: Keezhaiyur Sri Ranganatha pamjarathna stotram, a 20 line verse, is a powerful stotra for sevarthis seeking blessings of the Lord at Kheezhaiyur.
Contact: 4365625508
Shiva temple at Melapidagai
Links: Location
Sri Dharmabureeswarar Temple at Cholavidhyapuram
This ancient Shiva temple was bulit during the period of Rajendra Chola. Only some remains of the original structure is there now
Links: Location
Thiruthuraipoondi – Vedharanyam
Sri Suyamvara Parvathy/ Thapo Nayaki Ambal Samedha Sri Varthamaneswarar Temple at Segal
Location: Around 7 kms SouthEast of Thiruthuraipoondy
Significance:
One of today’s most sought out prayer/ pariharam is for the early marriage of son/daughter and be blessed with a good bride/ groom. In that connection, Swayamvara Parvathi homam and Swayamvara Parvathi manthra are known but a temple with a Swayamvara Parvathi amman Herself present is very rare and possibly this the only temple in Tamilnadu.
Legend:
Once Lord Shiva and Ambal had an argument about the merits of snakes and Swamy asked Her to take human birth to know the merits of snakes. Here, the main ambal Sri Tapovana Nayagi is in tapas mode with Rudraksha mala and a gendi in hands. When Her tapas was fulfilled Swamy came in a Red Rishabam and embraced Her. When Swamy asked for a boon, the Ambal, having suffered the separation from Swamy, asked Him to bless Her devotees with re union of separated couples and for the early marriage of boys and girls with good brides and grooms. So Swamy and Ambal here are blessing the devotees accordingly.
Sage Paranjothi who wrote ‘Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam’ worshipped Lord Shiva here. His jeeva Samadhi is around 1.5 kms from here. There is another Shiva temple nearby in the name of Paranjotheeswarar.
The Temple:
- Apart from the main deity Sri Varthamaneswarar and Sri Taponayagi Ambal in separate shrines, Sri Swayamvara Parvathi Ambal is present separately within the main shrine.
- Since the Ambal came here to know the merits of snakes, this is also a Ragu-Kethu parihra sthalam. There is Sri Naganatha Swamy with Ambal Sri Soundarya Nayagi and a Nagar in the Vayu corner of the temple.
- Since Swamy came in Red Rishabam, the Nandi in front of the main deity and the main deity Himself are of red stone and that’s the reason for the name of the place as Segal.
- An 8th century Chola temple with inscriptions.
- The Vinayagar is very beautiful & stylish and is in a sideways looking posture in Uchishta Ganapathy form. He was installed by Rajaraja Chola and is in his name as Sri Arulmozhi Vinayagar. During abhishegam when water is poured on His head it flows out through His trunk.
- There is a separate Navagraha shrine as well as an exclusive Saneeswarar shrine
Contacts:
Sri Gnanaskandan, main Gurukkal @ 94439 09914
Sri Sethuraman, asst Gurukkal @ 63839 86927
You may try to contact the main Gurukkal Sri Gnanaskandan. Normally he will be busy and will not answer. If so, you can send the horoscope thro’ whatsapp and ask for his guidance. You can also contact the asst Gurukkal Sri Sethuraman.
Sri Ranganathar Temple at Aadhirangam
This is an abhimana sthalam with Sri Ranganathar in reclining posture and Sri Pachamuga Anjaneyar present in a separate shrine. The pushkarani in front of the temple is very beautiful
Note: This temple is not to be confused with the more popular and more ancient Aadhirangam between Thiruvannamalai and Thirukkoyilur.
Links: Location Photos
Sri Bairavanathar (Kala Bhairavar) Temple at Thagattur
It’s very rare to see Sri Kala Bairavar as the main deity in a temple. It’s connected with the legend of Kala Bairavar stopping Sri Hanuman when he was going with the Kasi lingam to Rameswaram.
Ayakkaranpulam
1) Sri Ezhumeswarar Temple
The temple is considered to be more than 2100 years old
Links: Location
2) Sri Kali theertha Ayyyanar Temple
Links: Location
Sri Thenkodi nathar Temple at Panchanathikkulam
Links: Location
Pannal
1) Sri Pushpavana nathar Temple
Links: Location
2) Shri Kapilavana Nathar Temple
The temple is considered to be more than 2100 years old
Links: Location
3) Sri Adakkalam katha Ayyanar Temple & Annan Sevanthan Temple
Links: Location
Karaikkal – Nagappattinam – Vedharanyam – Kodiakkarai
Note: Karikkal town, Karaikkal-Peralam, Karikkal-Tharangambadi are covered under Mayiladuthurai directory
Neravy
Location: Around 5 kms South West of Karaikkal
1)Sri Kariya Manikka Perumal Temple
2) Sri Jambunatha Swamy Temple
Thirumalairajan Pattinam (TR Pattinam)
1) Sri Jadaayupureeswarar Shiva Temple
Jadayu worshipped Lord Shiva here and the sacred temple tank is called Jadayu Theertham.
The Jadayu fight on the occasion of Magam festival is highly popular here.
Every year, during 22-26 of Tamil Panguni month, Sun rays fall on the main deity.
Links: Location
2) Sri Varadharaja / Sri Sowriraja Perumal Temple
Links: Location
3) Sri Aayiram Kali Amman Temple
The Kali idol here will be taken out from the box once in five years only. During the rest of the period only the Pada poja is performed. The next pooja will be in the year 2017 around May or June. The specialty of this festival is that every pooja material has to be 1001 in number.
4) Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple
Links: Location
5) Sri Ramar Temple
Links: Location
Sri Viswanatha Swamy Temple at Mela Vanjoor
Links: Location
Nagore
Nagore and Nagapattinam are two different places and Nagoreis 5 km North of Nagapattinam
1) Sri Naganathar Shiva Temple
This is a highly powerful Ragu-Kethu Parihara Sthalam and people (including me) often confuse this temple with the Sri Kayaroganeswarar Temple of Nagapattinam. It is considered that the Great Serpent, Adhisesha worships Shiva on Maha Shivarathri at Sri Nageswara swami temple of Kumbakonam for the 1st kalam, Sri Nageswara Swami temple of Thiru Nageswaram for the 2nd kalam, Sri Seshapureeswarar temple of Thiruppaamburam on the 3rd kalam and finally this Sri Naganatha Swami Temple on the 4th kalam to clear off his sins.
The main deity, Naganathar, is a Swayambu lingam with Nagavalli ambal.
Chandran, Sage Durvasar, Indhran, Nagarajan, Samuthra rajan worshipped here.
The temple is considered to be older than 100 BCE.
The temple has a 5 tier Rajagopuram and the temple has been recently (2021-22) renovated.
The sthalam is signified with the special sacred features of punnaga vanam, Chandra theertham, Rudhra river (Vettar), SubhaPunya hill and Vishwakanmiya vimanam
Theertham: Chandra pushkarani
2) Sri Prasanna Venkachalapathy Temple
The Perumal here is strangely called as Sri Vazhai Pazha (banana) Perumal.
Links: Location
Sri Agneeswarar Temple at Thethi
Links: Location
Nagapattinam
1) SCN082 – Sri Kayaroganeswarar at Nagapattinam / Thirunagaikaronam
Location: At the center of the town, 2 kms from the railway station
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
One of the Saptha Vidanga Sthalams
Main deities: Kayarohaneswarar and the Ambal Karuntadankanni, Neelayadakshi.
Legend:
- The name Nagappattinam has been derived from the legend that Aadhisesha worshipped Shiva here.
- Aadhisesha’s daughter married Saaleeswaran, a devotee of Shiva.
- It is said that Sage Pundarika ascended to divinity with his mortal body itself with the blessings of Lord Shiva and hence called Kaya Aarohanam. The sage had also got his wish of moksha for his descendants too, granted. So when anyone from the sage’s family passes away, the body is brought to the temple gate, where the lord’s clothes and garlands are brought to adorn the body, thus blessing it.
- The Goddess here is Neelayadakshi – the one with the blue eyes. She is in the form of a pubescent girl, and is believed to be one of the Shakti Peethams. She is also considered to be one among the five most important goddesses, all in different stages of life. These are – Visalakshi (Kashi – Child), Kamakshi (Kanchi – young girl), Neelayadakshi (Nagai – pubescent), Kamalambigai (Thiruvarur – young woman) and Meenakshi (Madurai – married woman).
- Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the Pathigam
The Temple:
- A five tier Raja Gopuram adorns the entrance and a majestic Nandi is seen in the front Mandapam.
- Shamefully, the Gometaka Lingam representing Sundara Vidankar, with such a sacred importance, was stolen in the recent past and is replaced. Daily abhishegam takes place at 9 AM and 8 PM.
- Beautiful images of Gaja Samharamurthi, Bhikshadana, Ekapadha Murthi, Ganga Visarjana Murthi and Sarabeswara are seen in the front side of the Gopuram.
- Pancha muga (Heramba) Ganapathi with five faces and 10 hands in Abhaya hastha posture is present on Simha vahana
- The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi
Sthala Vriksham: Mango tree
Theertham: Pundarika Theertham.
Links: Location Photos Weblink1 Weblink2
Note: There are 12 Shiva Temples in Nagappatinam including the main Kayarohaneswarar temple and it is considered very sacred to worship all these 12 temples in a day.
Full details are available here
The other Shiva temples are:
2) Sri Agastheeswarar Temple
Links: Location
3) Sri Naganathar Temple
Links: Location Weblink
4) Sri Sattanathar Temple
Links: Location
5) Sri Malayappar/ Malaieswaran Shiva temple
Links: Location
6) Sri Veera badhra Swamy Temple
Links: Location Weblink
7) Sri Chokkanathar Temple – Arupathu moovar Gurupoojai Madam
Also called as Neelayathakshi Amman Temple
Links: Location
8) Sri Naduvoor Madhyapureeswarar Temple
Links: Location
9) Sri Amaranadheeswarar Temple
The temple is located in the East Sannithi street
Links: Location
10) Sri Azhagiya nathar Temple
Perumal shrine is also located inside as Soundararaja Perumal
Links: Location
11) Sri Kattiyappar Temple
Sri amruthakadeswarar with Brahmmanandha Sundari Ambal
Links: Location
12) Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple (Sri Mukthi Mandapam)
The temple is located in the South Sannithi street
Links: Location
Other Temples:
1) DD019 – Sri Sowndaraja Perumal / Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple (Divya Desam)
Location: About 1 km from the bus terminus.
Significances:
One of the 108 Divya Desams
Main deities: Sri Neelamegha perumal in standing posture with Sri Sowndravalli Thaayaar
Legend:
The temple has come into existence when the Lord gave darshan to Dhruva.
In the Brahmaanda purana it is said that the local Princess had a third breast due to a curse and she was informed that it would disappear upon her sighting her groom to be. The princess sighted Nagaraja offering prayers to Lord Vishnu at this place and was relieved of her curse. Lord Vishnu appeared before them in three different postures – standing, sitting and reclining – as seen in the temple, blessed them and celebrated their marriage.
The Temple:
Apart from the shrine of the presiding deity Sri Neelamegha perumal in standing posture, there are also shrines for Govindaraja Perumal in sitting posture and Ranganathar in reclining posture.
There is a rare image of Ashtabhuja Narasimhar with one hand blessing Prahlada with Abhaya hasta and the rest destroying Hiranyakasipu.
Sthala vriksham: Mango tree
Theertham: Sarapushkarini
Vimanam: Soundarya Vimanam
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam: Tirumangai Azhwar
The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated during the month of Panguni.
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2) Sri Kumaran Koil
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3) Sri Nellukkadai Mariamman Koil
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4) Sri Raghavendhra Madalayam / Brindhavanam
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Sri Kadambavana nathar Temple at Pappakoil
There are also Viswanathar temple and Kailasa nathar temple here.
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Gorakka Siddhar Temple at North Poigainallur
A Thevara vaippu sthalam
Main deities: Sri Nandhi natheswarar as Swayambu lingam with Sri Soundara Nayagi amman
Nandhi mahalar worshipped here
Korakka Siddhar attained Jeeva Samadhi here
Since many Siddhars worshipped and attained mukthi, this is called Siddasrarm
The temple has been glorified in Nagai Sthala puranam and Thirunavukkarasar’s Kshetra kovai Thiruthandagai.
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Sri Swarnapureeswar Temple at South Poigainallur
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Sri Vanmika nathar Temple at Kurichi
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Sri Rajathagreeswarar Temple at Velankanni
A Swayambu lingam with Velankanni ambal
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Sri Ambalavaneswarar Temple at Thalainayar
There is also a temple of Mahakaleeswar nearby which is considered to be older than 2600 years.
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Pudhupalli
1) Sri Ramar Temple
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2) Sri Gnanaambiga sametha Kalahastheeswarar Temple
The presiding deity is facing West
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Shiva Temple at Vettaikaraniruppu
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Sri Suganthavaneswarar Temple at Pushpavanam
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Shiva temple at Karuppampulam
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Thopputhurai
1) Sri Kailasanathar Temple
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2) Perumal Temple
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Vedharanyam
Location: Around 30 kms South East of Thiruthuraipoondi
1) SCN125 – Sri Vedaranyeswarar Temple
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
One of the Saptha Vidanga Sthalams
One of the 64 Sakthi peetams
Main deities: Maraikkaadanaar, Vedaranyar and the Ambal Panmozhi Ammai, Vedha nayahi
Legend:
- The historical name of the place is Thirumaraikkaadu. Since Vedhas worshipped Lord Shva here, the place got its name.
- Rama attempted to build a bridge to Sri Lanka from Vedaranyam first and was directed by Shiva to proceed to Rameswaram to build it from there on. Rama is said to have worshipped Shiva at this shetram on his victorious return to Ayodhya.
- Lord Vinayaka in the West Tower (gopuram) entrance tossed a demoness, who attempted to kill Lord Sri Rama, with one leg . Rama worshiped Veerahatti Vinayakar here.
- Brahma is said to have worshipped Shiva prior to commencing his work of creation.
- Viswamitrar worshipped Shiva to work his way towards the status of Brahmarishi.
- This is one of the temples where Agastyar was blessed with a vision of the divine marriage of Shiva with Parvathi devi.
- The Pandavas are believed to have installed the Pancha Lingams here.
- Great emperors Manu, Mandadha, Dasaratha and Mahabali were blessed by Lord.
- The main door of the temple remained shut for a long time since it was considered that Vedhas came through the main door, worshipped the Lord and closed the door on their way out. So people were entering only though the side door. When Sambandar visited the temple with Appar, he requested Appar to sing a hymn on Lord to open the doors. Appar sang ten verses beginning with line “Pannin Ner Mozhiyal” and begged Lord to open the doors of the temple. With the graceful response of the Lord, both entered the temple through the main entrance and worshipped the Lord. While coming out, Appar wished Sambandar to sing a hymn so that doors could be closed. Child saint Sambandar sang ten verses beginning with the line “Chathuram Marai” and the door closed. Since then, main doors of temple began to open and close for devotees in usual manner as in other temples.
- The Kolaru Pathigam of Sambandar used by many devotees in their daily prayers for relief from the adverse effects of planets was sung from this temple.
- Sundarar also visited this shrine with Cheraman Perumaal and sang hymns.
- Mother Goddess is praised as Yazhai Pazhitha Mozhiyal in Tamil, meaning that her voice defeats the sweetness of Yaazh, a musical instrucment and Veena Vadha Vidhooshini in Sanskrit. This glory of the Mother is praised by Aadhi Shankara in the 66th verse of his celebrated Soundarya Lahari suggesting for gaining excellence in Music.
- Of the 64 Shakti Peetas of Ambica, this is the Sundari Peeta.
- The temple is one of the Saptha Vidanga Sthalas of Lord Shiva. Lord Thyagaraja of this temple is called Bhuvana Vidangar made of Emerald; His dance as Hamsa Natanam; His asana as Rathna asanam.
- Once, after a temple was closed, the deepam was about to extinguish. The Lord told Parvati that anybody who would kindle the flame of the Deepa and make it brighter would become the Lord of the three worlds. A rat approached it and, with the idea of drinking the ghee in the Deepa, dragged the wick with its mouth as a result of which the Deepa was rekindled. Parvathi asked Shiva to keep up His word. The Lord blessed the rat to be born as Mahabali, son of King Virochana. Mahabali then became Lord of the three worlds. It is therefore believed that the people who light deepams in this shrine of the Lord of Vedavana attain unique fame and supremacy.
- Of the 16 Sabhas-Durbars of Lord Shiva, the temple ranks 12, praised as Deva Bhakta Sabha.
- Lord Mela Kumara-Muruga is praised in the Tirupugazh hymns of saint Arunagirinathar.
- Sage Paranjothi, author of Tiruvilayadal Puranam speaking Lord Shiva’s plays for the benefit of His devotees, was born here.
The Temple:
- There is an image of Uma Maheswarar behind the Shivalingam in the sanctum.
- The temple has separate flag posts for Lord, Ambal and Vinayaka.
- As per inscriptions, the temple was consecrated by Chola King Aditya I, son of Vijayala Chola. There are epigraphical records from Parantaka Chola I, son of Aditya I in addition to later kings.
- Though the water outside the temple complex is salty in taste, the water within the complex (only) is sweet and palatable. Drinking water supply to this area is made from the water in the temple only.
- The fruits of the Vanni tree in the temple are long with thorns on one side and are round without thorns on the other side.
- The Vidangar abhishegam is taking place at 8:30 AM and 6:30 PM everyday
Sthala vriksham: Punnai
Theertham: Manikarnika Theertham
11 kms from Vedaranyam is Kodiakkarai, the eastern tip of this area and the sea here is known as Aadhi Sethu. Bathing in this sea once is considered equivalent to 100 baths in the sea in Rameswaram. Thousands of people bathe in the Kodiakarai Aadhi Sethu and Vedaranyam sea on Thai NewMoon day in January-February, Aadi New Moon day in July-August, Mahalaya New Moon day in September-October.
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2) Sri Viswanathar Temple
Vishvanathar Temple is a temple on the Nagapattinam Road on the banks of Vedamirtha Lake
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SCN126 – Sri Agastheeswarar Temple at Thiru Agasthiyan palli
Location: About 2 kms south of Vedharanyam towards Kodiyakkarai
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Agastheeswarar facing East and the Ambal Baagampiriyaal, Soundaranayaki facing West
Legend:
One of the temples where Agasthiyar was shown the divine marriage of Shiva and Parvathi.
It is believed that Agasthyar built his hermitage here, and trekked up to Vedaranyam each day.
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
Yama worshipped the Lord here
Sthala vriksham: Agathi
Theertham: Agni Theertham.
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Sri Ramarpatham at Kodiakkarai
This is the place where the footprints of Sri Rama is present and is being maintained by ASI. Sri Ramar surveyed the surrounding from here for putting up a bridge to Srilanka but later he selected Rameswaram
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SCN127 – Sri Kodi Kuzhagar Temple at Kodiyakarai
Location: Around 8.5 kms South of Vedharanyam
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
One of the Thiruppugazh sthalams
Main deities: Amrita Ghateswarar / Kuzhageswarar and the Ambal Maiyar Thadankanni / Anjanakshi
Legend:
Thirukodi, Kuzhagar koil, Kodiyakarai, Kodiakadu are the historical names. The place of the temple is called Kodiyakkadu and the place of the sea is called Kodiyakkarai.
When Vayu bhagawan carried the pot of celestial nector churned from the Milky ocean to the Deva logam for the devars, the nector dropped a bit here and became the lingam; hence the name Amritaghateswarar.
Rama is said to have sighted Sri Lanka from here, and what is believed to be his footprint, is preserved nearby.
Vinayagar here is called Amirtha Vinayagar
Indhran, Brahmman, the son of Sage Swethar, Narathar, Sage Kuzhagar and Siddhars worshipped the Lord here.
When Sundarar came with Cheraman Perumal Nayanar, he was deeply moved on seeing the temple alone near the sea in the midst of a forest without absolutely any dwellings around. He sang hymn on Him in a worried voice with the meaning “when there are so many places where people will rush to worship you why did you choose this lonely deserted place”
Temple:
Muruga is present with single face, six hands with the pot of divine nector in one hand.
Navagrahas are present in the same row
It is believed that Siddhars are still worshipping at the Siddha temple on the sea shore
It is considered very sacred to take bath at the sea here during the Dakshinayanam and Uthrayanam
Sthala Vruksham: Kura tree
Theertham: Agni Theertham (sea); Amutha theertham
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Thiruvarur – Thiruthuraipoondi
Sri Vanmeeha nathar Shiva Temple at Thiruneiper
Location: 7 kms from Thiruvarur and close to the main road.
Naminandi Adigal, a Nayanmar, hailed from here. He used to light the lamps at Thiruvarur Temple with ghee. One day when he could not arrange ghee, he asked for help in the nearby houses and they ridiculed as “Your God Himself is fire and why do you need to light a lamp, go and light with water”. Naminandi Adigal prayed to Lord Shiva who directed him to light the lamps with water from the Kamalalayam tank. Numerous lights were lighted with water that night and they stood throughout the night to proclaim his intense devotion to the world.
The Shiva Temple here is in a dilapidated state. In spite of the temple being connected to one of the 63 Nayanamars with a great legend behind, this small temple is strangely ignored by the locals and other devotees. There exists a small shrine for Naminandi Adigal with folded hands in the prakaram. There is also a separate shrine for him on the main road which is of recent origin.
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Sri Kasi Viswanathar Temple at Kunniyur (Kundriyur)
Amabal is Visalakshi
A Thevara Vaipu Sthalam
Sambandhar and Appar composed the pathigams on this temple
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SCN118 – Sri Rathnapureeswarar temple at Thirunattiyathankudi (Palakkurichi)
Location: This sivasthalam is located at Palakkurichi and can be reached through a diversion to Vadapathimangalam at Mavoor junction in the Thiruvarur – Thiruthuraipoondi route.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Manikkavannar / Ratnapureeswarar and the Ambal Maamalarmangai; Ratnapureeswari
Legend:
It is believed that Shiva settled the assets of Ratnendra Chola and his father here and hence the name Ratneswarar.
The name Karinatheswarar stems from the worship offered by an elephant here.
When Sundarar went to worship Lord Shiva and Parvathi he was shocked to see they were missing. Kai Kattu Then Vinayakar is said to have pointed out Shiva and Parvathi in disguise as farmers planting paddy, to Sundarar.
Kotpuli Nayanar is associated with this temple and his association is commemorated each year in the month of Aadi.
Sundarar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
The Nadavu Utsavam in the month of Aadi is of importance here.
Sthala vriksham: Maavilangamaram
Theertham: Surya Pushkarini
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Sri Kunnandar Temple at Manakkarai
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Shiva Temple at Sendhankudi
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Sri Swayambu Sundareswarar Temple at Kothur
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Sri Lakshminarayana Perumal Temple at Pinnavasal
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SCN119 – Sri Kannayira Nathaeswarar Temple at Thirukaravaasal
Location: Thirukkarayil is located 13 km south of Tiruvarur en route Thiruthuraipoondi.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
One of the Saptha Vidanga Sthalams
The Kadukkai Pillaiyar is very popular here
Main deities: Kannayira Natheswarar/ Sahasra Nethra Natheswarar, Thyagarajar (Aadhi Vidankar) and the Ambal Kailaya Nayaki
Legends:
- Indra is said to have worshipped Shiva on a full moon night in the month of Virgo.
- The legend of Kadukkai Vinayagar is a special feature of this temple. A trader once stayed here with a bagfull of Jadhikkai, a medicinal nut. When Vinayagar in the guise of a boy enquired about the contents of the bag, he said it is Kadukkai, another medicinal nut, in order to avoid higher tax. To his dismay, he found the bag to contain only Kadukkai as he said. The trader realized his mistake, begged pardon and got back Jadhikkai again in the bag. Thiruppayatrankudi also has a similar legend.
- The place is called in different names in the hymns as Kurumaanakkudi, Kannaarkoyil and Thirukkaaraayil
- Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
Thyagarajar here, one of the 7 Saptha vidanga moorthies, is known as Aadhi Vitankar and is associated with the Kukkuta Natanam dance and Veera Singasanam. Here also, the original Vidanga lingam was stolen and replaced by Kanchi Paramacharya. Daily ahishegam to Vidangar takes place at 9:30 AM and 6:30 PM.
An interesting shrine in this temple is the one of Mahalakshmi, where she faces 3 Bhairavars. There is also an image of Dakshinamoorthy with the kundalini represented on top of the head, which is rare. He is known as Gynaana Guru.
Theertham: The Indra Theertham is located to the North of the temple.
Festivals:
Six worship services are offered here each day
The annual Bhrammotsavam festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi.
Links: Location Photos Weblink
SCN122 – Sri Kaichina nathar Temple at Thirukkachinam
Location: Kachchanam is located at 25 km south of Thiruvarur and 11 km north of Thiruthuraipundi. Kaichinam is surrounded by Thirukkolili in the east, Thirunellikkaa in the west, Thirutturaippoondi in the south and Thirukkaaravaasal in the north – all part of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities:
Karachinneswarar, Hrudaya Kamala Nathar and the Goddess is known as Matsayadakshi, “Vel Valai Nayaki” as Indra offered white bangles made out of tusk of Iravadha, his White Elephant.
Legends:
Indra, the king of the Devas is believed to have worshiped here and got relieved of his afflictions.
There are finger imprints on the Shiva lingam that are said to be that of Indhra and hence the name of the place as Kaichinnam (Kai in Tamil means hand and chinnam means imprints). Indhra is said to have been blessed with a vision of Thyagarajar.
Sages Drinabindu and Agasthiar worshipped the main deity.
Viduman and Mithrasakan are also said to have been blessed here.
Appar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
This is one of the 78 “Madakkoils”, built on an elevation, by Ko Chengat Chola Nayanar so that elephants can not enter the sanctum.
It has 2 prakarams has an attractive 3 tier Rajagopuram and beautiful vimanams and is administered by the Madurai Adhinam.
There is a shrine to Rishabha Dakshinamurthy here as in Thiruvoimur.
The Utsavamoorthy here is Thyagarajar.
There is also a shrine to Mahavishnu, where an image discovered while excavating an arable tract of land belonging to the temple.
Dhakshinamurthi in the Goshtam is very beautiful.
Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi.
Sthala Vruksham: Kongilavam near the Ambal shrine
Theertham: Vajra Theertham, dug by Lord Indhra with his Vajrayudha weapon is to the South of the temple and Indra Theertham is to the North of this temple.
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Sri Nalla Mariamman Temple at Thozhuthur
Location: Aalathambadi is 20 km from Tiruvarur and Thozhudur is 2 kms from Alathambadi
SCN106 – Sri Swarna Sthabaneswarar Temple / Akilandeswari Temple at Thiruchitraemam / Yemam / Chithaaimur
Location: In the Thiruvarur – Thiruthuraipoondi road, a 3 kms diversion from Alathambadi towards Chithaaimur will take us to this temple.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Swarna Sthabaneswarar, Pon vaitha naathar, Madhupureeswarar as Swayambu lingam with Akilandeswari, Azhagiya Sornam ambal
Legend:
A large bee hive of around 6 meters high is very special here. A Brahmma rishi used to worship the Lord during mid night. One day when he was late, the temple doors were closed and he took the form of a bee, went inside and worshiiped the Lord. Since then he lives here as bee itself along with other Siddhars as bees. Worship is offered to the beehive also.
Sankaran Chettiar, a trader went out of the town on business when his wife was pregnant. His wife, an ardent Shiva devotee, was helped by Lord Shiva with one gold coin every day. Amabal Akilandeswari helped her during pregnancy. When the Chittiar returned, the villagers told several bad things about his wife. When She prayed to Lord to prove her chastity, the Lord played many miracles by opening the door without any manual act, moving the Aathi tree to a different place and asking Nandhi devar ro go behind the Bali peeta.
Sambandar composed the Pathigam
Sthala vriksham: Aathi
Theertham: Swarna Pushkarini
Note: Ponnirai, 6 kms west of this town, adjacent to the Alathambadi railway station, is the place where Lord Shiva gave one gold coin everyday to the Chettiar’s wife.
SCN110 – Sri Neenerinaathar Temple at Thandalaineelneri, Thandalacherry
Location: This Shivastalam is in the vicinity of Thirutturaippundi, 4 kms north to it.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Neeneri Naathar, Sthira Budheeswarar and the Ambal Gnanambika
Legends:
Shiva is said to have quelled Koorma (Avataram of Vishnu), and used its shell as an ornament here.
Arivaattaya Nayanar is associated with this shrine.
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
This is one of the 78 “Madakkoils”, built on an elevation, by Ko Chengat Chola Nayanar so that elephants can not enter the sanctum.
The current temple is a result of the contributions from the Nagarathaar community.
Four worship services are offered each day here
Sthala vriksham: Kurunda tree
Theertham: Omaka Theertham
Thiruthuraipoondi
1) Sri Bava Aushadheeswarar / Piravi Maruntheeswarar Temple
Location: The temple is within the town.
The place has many historical names such as Vilvaranyam, Brahmapuri, Navatheerthapuram, Jallikaranyam and Navagrahapuram. “Tharu” in Tamil means “Vriksha” in Sanskrit. The sthala Vriksha of this Temple is Vilwam and it was called as Thiruththaruppoondi.
Legend:
Several Sages and Gods worshipped Lord Vilvavanesa and they include:
Nava Rishis (Agasthya, Vamadeva, Kasyapa, Athri, Baradhwaja, Gowthama ,Viswamithra , Jamadhhagni, Vasishta) ,
Navagraha, Indra,Vishnu,Musukundha, Harichandra, Katwangatha, Kalmashapadha, Dilipa, Lava, Kaartha Veerya,Yayathi, Somasarma, Krishna Sarma, Vajra Sarma, Gnana Sarma, Sukesa Sarma,
Merchants like Chandraguptha, Dhanarakshaka, Kamalanayana and Kruthagya.
Lord Nataraja performed Chanrda Choodamani Thandava for the Nava Rishis.
The Lord blessed salvation for Kamalanabha, Karunakara, Vaivegi (a thief), Pandya King Vasumathi and others.
Jallikai, an ardent devotee, bathed in this Mangalya Theertham and got back her husband Virupaksha who expired after killing Dharma Vratha, a Brahmin boy.
The Temple:
- This west facing Temple is adorned at the entrance with a five-tier Raja Gopuram.
- The shrine of Goddess Brahannayaki faces east.
- On the southern side of the Sanctum is an east facing shrine for Theertha Vidanga Thyagaraja.
- The Gaja Smahara moorthy is very beautiful with 3 heads and 10 hands wrapping the elephant skin. There are marks of the elephant’s bones on the elephant skin. Umai Ambal is scared at this Shiva’s samhara act and standing by the side with a fear,.
- Facing the Goddess’ shrine is Mangalya Theertham and on its eatern bank is a shrine for Vedharanyeswara which was worshipped by Sage Agasthya.
- The annual festival is condcted here for 25 days in a grand manner.
- Like in Thiruvarur Temple, we can see “Panchamuka vadyam”, an ancient instrument in this Temple also.
Theertham: Brahma Thertham infront of the Temple is so Holy that it has 16 Ghats each on all its four sides totalling 64 which is said to be the abode of all Holy Theerthams.
Sthala Vruksham: Vilavam
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2) Sri Abishta Varadaraja Perumal Temple
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Pangal – Thirukkollikadu
Pangal is a 4 way junction in the Thiruvarur – Thiruthuraipoondi route, 16 kms from Thiruvarur and 12 kms from Thiruthuraipoondi.Irulneeki is near the Thiruthuraipoondi – Mannargudi route. At Pangal junction we have to take westward direction (left while going from Thiruthuraipoondi or right while coming from Thiruvarur.
SCN117 – Sri Nellivananathewsarar Temple at Thirunellikka (Seruvamani)
Location: Half a km from the Thirunellikka railway station
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Nellivananathewsarar, Amalakavaneswar as Swayambu moorthy and the Ambal Mangalanayaki
Legend:
Shiva blessed Durvasa Muni and enabled the Muni to shed his short temperedness.
Vishnu, Chandra, Saneeswaran, Surya and Bhrama worshipped here, hence the names Arunaapuram and Bhramatheertham.
It is also believed that a Gandharva worshipped Shiva here and was relieved of his leprosy, and hence the name Kushtarogaharapuram.
Sundarar composed the Pathikam.
The Temple:
The rays of Sun fall on the Lord for a week from the 18th of Tamil month Masi (February-March) and for a week from the Krishna paksha Chathurthasi of the Tamil month Ayppasi during the evenings when Surya Puja is performed in the temple.
Devotees pray here for removal of delays in marriage, for child boon, conquering anger and cure from leprosy.
The Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the month of Chittirai.
Sthala vriksham: Nelli (Gooseberry)
Theertham: Brahma Theertham.
Links: Location Photos Weblink
SCN116 – Sri Rajathagreeswarar Temple at Thriuthengur
Location: About 1 km SouthWest of Thirunellikkaa Thevaara temple en route Thirukollikkaadu. The place is called Thengur in the name of the Sthala Vruksham Thennai (coconut tree)
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Vellimalai Nathar, Rajatha gireeswarar and the Ambal Periya nayaki (Rajatham and Velli in Tamil means Silver)
Legend:
Navagrahams and Lakshmi worshipped Shiva here.
Asura Guru Sukracharyar is believed to have regained his eyesight after worshipping Shiva here.
Appar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
The lingams worshipped by Navagrahas and Lakshmi are present separately
Shiva’s shrine is located in front of Lakshmi’s.
Sthala Vruksham: Coconut tree
Theertham: Sivagangai located to the north of the temple
Links: Location Photos Weblink
SCN115 – Sri Agneeswarar Temple at Thirukollikaadu
Location:
This Shivastalam is located 3 kms southwest of Thirunellikka Thevara temple after the Keeralathur village on the main road itself.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
A Saneeswarar Temple considered equal or even one step more powerful than Thirunallar
Main deities:
Theevannanathar, Agneeswarar and the Ambal Panjinum melladial/ Mruthupatha Nayagi.
Legend:
- Since Agni (Kolli in Tamil) worshipped the Lord here, the place is called Agnipuri and Sambandar called this ‘Kollikkadu’ in tamil equivalent. For the same reason, the lingam is slightly red in colour. Also for the same reason, the Lord is called Thee vanna nathar (the colour of fire).
- Saturn’s shrine is of significance here. In Thirunallar. Nalan just got liberated from the clutches of Saneeswaran at Thirunallar but here he got back all his kingdom, family and health after worshipping Lord Agneeswarar and Ambal. So this is considered equal or even one step more powerful than Thirunallar
- Saneeswaran is the son of Sun God and Chaya devi
- Vinayagar got his human head removed only because of Sani’s ill effect; Sani got his leg handicapped because of Parvathi devi’s curse; and Vinayagar got his big stomach because of Chaya devi’s curse.
- Sambandar and Appar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
By worshipping Agneeswarar here, one can get rid of the evil effects of Saneeswarar just like burning it in fire.
Saneeswarar is present here as ‘Pongu Saneeswarar’ in a separate shrine with vimanam. He is having plow (கலப்பை) and Abaya hastham in the right hand; Crow and Ooruhastham in the left hand. There are four Sani periods in one’s life – Mangu Sani, Pongu Sani, Kunku Sani and Anthima Sani. In this during the Pongu Sani period, Sani bhagavan gives prosperity in general. By worshipping Pongu Saneeswarar here, we are bound to get more prosperity. In other Sani periods, he gives the power to withstand his evil effects.
Thirubhuvana Chakravarthy got liberated from Sani’s effects by worshipping him here and so he donated 120 acres of wetland (நஞ்சை) to this temple. There is a sculpture of him doing Shiva worship here.
The Navagrahas are in line of tamil letter ‘ப’ facing one another.
There are shrines of Subramanyar, Mahalakshmi, Durgai, Lingothbavar, Vishnu Dakshinamoorthy and others.
Unusually Lord Muruga is seen hold a bow instead of spear.
There are inscriptions of Rajaraja Chola 1, Rajendra Chola and Kulothunga Chola 1.
5 worship services are offered each day.
Theertham: Agni Theertham
Links: Location Photos Weblink
Irulneeki
A village of religeous importance where Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamigal was born. No surprise when the name of the village ‘Irulneeki’ translates to “dispeller of darkness”. There are Shiva and Perumal temples here.
Links: Location
Mannargudi – Thiruthuraipoondi
Thiru Rameswaram
A “Pithru Dosha Nivarthi sthalam” called Thiru Rameswaram is 10 kms East of Mannargudi. Though the transport facility to this place is poor, people come here in large numbers to perform the rituals for their forefathers. A big tank is there close to the Temple and people perform the rituals on the bank of this temple tank. A 5 tier Rajagopuram is standing at the entrance which greets the visitors. The exquisitely carved devakoshtams around the Sanctum tell us about the dedication during Chola Period.
Amman: Mangalambihai
Theertham: Koti Theertham
Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola period inscriptions are present.
SCN112 – Sri Brahmmareswarar Temple at Thiruvanduthurai / Thiruventhurai
Location:
9 kms East of Mannargudi with a Northward diversion at Mazhavarayanallur
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Vanduthurai Nathar, Brahmmareswarar and the Ambal Venedunkanni ammai
Legend:
Sage Bringi took the form of a bee and circumambulated Lord Shiva alone by passing in between Shiva and Parvathi devi. Parvathi devi got annoyed and so cursed him. To get rid of the curse, Sage Bringi, in the form of a bee, worshipped here and hence the name Vanduthurai.
The scriptures say that the sound of bees are heard in the sanctum.
Sambandar and Appar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
Bitchadanar in the praharam is a beauty.
Theertham: Agasthya Theertham
Links: Location Photos Weblink1 Weblink2
Sri Kamakshi amman Temple at Kunniyur
Links: Location Weblink
SCN111 – Sri Kozhundeeswarar Temple at Kottur
Location: Around 14 kms SouthEast of Mannargudi and 14 kms NorthWest of Thiruthuraipoondi; close to the main road.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Kozhuntheesar facing West and the Ambal Thenmozhippavai, Madhura vachanambika facing East
Legend:
Worshipped by Brahma, Indra, Airavatha and Indrasena
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
An image of Ardhanareeswarar can be seen on the Sivalingam when it is bathed with milk, during festival days such as Maasi Magam
Annual festivals are conducted on the eve of Masi Magam and Vaigasi Visagam.
Sthala Vriksham: Vanni
Theertham: Agasthya Nadhi; There are 9 Theerthams in this place.
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2
Sri Airavatheswarar Temple at Kottur Maniyambalam
Location: Around 1 km East of Sri Kozhuntheeswarar temple at Kottur.
This is a Thiruvisaippa temple, sung by Karuvur thevar. The main deity is called Sri Airavatheswarar. This is the place where the bell of Airavatha, Indhra’s elephant, fell. Aani pournami is the day on which the Lord performed His dance.
Links: Location
Renganathapuram
1) Shiva Temple
Links: Location
2) Vishnu Temple
Links: Location
3) Sri Sastha VeerappanTemple
Thai poosam is celebrated in a grand scale
Links: Location
SCN105 – Sri Kalarmulainathar Temple at Thirukkalar
Location: This Shivastalam is located at around 11 km North West of Tirutturaippundi on the southern bank of the river Pamani.
In the Mannargudi – Thiruthuraipoondi, 2 kms after Kottur Paadal petra sthalam towards Thiruthuraipoondi, there is a diversion to Thirukkalar at Thirupathur. Further 4 kms on that road will take us to the temple.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Kalarmulainathar, Parijatha vaneswara and the Ambal Azhageswari, Amritha Valli
Legend:
Lord Natarajar is said to have blessed Sage Dhurvasar with a vision of His cosmic dance Anandha Thandavam. The latter’s image is seen facing Lord Natarajar here.
Parasarar is also believed to have worshipped here.
The place got its name because the type of the land is “Kalar”; the place also known as Parijata vanam in the pathigams.
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
The temple is adorned with a lofty 7 tier Rajagopuram of 150 feet high.
There are 3 praharams enclosed by massive compound walls
The pillared halls in this temple are of great beauty.
The Valampuri Vinayakar and the Subramanyar shrines are also of significance here
Six worship services are offered each day.
Thirukoilur mutt ‘s 5th Pontiff had initiated Veda patasala, Thevara patasala, Agama Patasala and Chariot for this temple.
Performing Panchakshara (Na Ma Chi Va Ya) Japam at this place is considered to yield many folded results.
Brahmotsavam is conducted in the month of “Chiththirai” (April-May).
Sthala vriksham: Parijatham (பவழமல்லி)
Theertham: Durvasa Theertham
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2
Sri Azhagiyanathar Temple at Kalappal
Kalappal is around 6 kms South West of Thirukkalar and was called as Kalandhai during Karur Thevar’s times. People refer it now as Kovil Kalappal.
The Temple of Prabhanayaki sametha Aadhitheswara is being renovated.
It is said that Aadhitha chola had built the Temple.
Kootruva Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanars was born here and his image is seen in the Temple.
Links: Location
Sri Aayiraveli Amman Temple at Kalappal Akkaraikkottagam
This is a well known temple in this region
Links: Location
Thiruthuraipoondi – Muthupet – Adhirampattinam
SCN107 – Sri Manthrapureeswarar Temple at Muthupettai Koyilur
Location: The temple is around 26 kms from Thiruvarur and 14 kms from Thiruthuraipoondi
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Sri Usaattaanamudaiya Naayanaar, Mantrapureeswarar and the Ambal Periyanayaki
Legend:
Koilur was called as “Thiru usathanam” in Thevaram days. “Usavuthal” in Tamil means inquiring something.
Lord Rama was blessed with Manthropadesam for constructing the Sethu bridge by the presiding deity here and hence He is called Manthrapureeswarar.
Sambandar’s Thevaram on this temple refers to the worship offered by Rama,Lakshmana, Hanuman, Jambavan and Sugreevan at this place. To support this legend, there are places in the name of Raman koil, Jambavan odai, Hanuman Kaadu, Sugreevan pettai and Thambikku nallan pattinam around this place.
Since the Lord is sitting under the mango tree, this place was called “Soothavanam”.
Viswamithrar was shown the cosmic dance by Lord Shiva.
The Temple:
The presiding deity is a white colored lingam
The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the month of Chittirai.
Shala vriksham: Mango tree
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2
Sri Paramanathar Shiva temple at Aariyalur
Links: Location
Muthupet – Voimedu (Vedharanyam)
Sri Ramar & Sri Natarajar Temple at Thillai vilagam
Location: The temple is located in the Muthupettai to Vedharanyam road.
Significances:
Thillaivilangam, Paruthiyur, Vaduvur, Mudikondan, Adambar are the five auspicious places specialized as Pancha Rama Kshetras, in Thiruvarur District.
This is one of the world famous Ramar temples along with Needamangalam, Vaduvur and Maduranthagam,
The Temple:
This is a temple for Rama & Shiva (Nataraja).
Since Thillai Natarajar temple is here, the place is called Thillai Vilagam.
There is no Moolavar as such here and only the Urchavars are worshipped.
The beauty of Lord Rama can not be explained in words. We could clearly see the nails, the green nerves, the moles and the scars on Lord Rama’s feet. So much life in the Rama’s idol, it looks as if Sri Rama is standing before us really.
Ramar, on His return trip to Ayodhya, came here and got the blessings from Sri Bharadhwaja Maharishi at his ashram here and went in his pushpak vimanam to Ayodhya.
Sri Hanuman is said to have sent the message to Bharadhan about the return of Sri Ramar to Ayodhya.
Worshipping here is said to give equal benefits of worshipping at Rameswaram.
All should visit this temple atleast once in lifetime.
The pushkarani behind the temple is considered equivalent to Ganges.
Contact: V.G.Sekar, Paramparai Trustee, at 04369 245725 / 97868 77654 / 95434 69207
Links: Location
SCN108 – Sri Sargunanathar Temple at Idumbavanam
Location: Around 13 kms from Muthuppet en route Vedharanyam
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deities: Sargunanatheswarar, Kalyaneswarar, Idumbavaneswarar and the Ambal Mangalanayaki, Kalyaneswari
Sthala Vinayagar: Vellai Vinayagar
Legend:
The legend of this temple connects events of Mahabharatha times.
Gatotkachan is said to have been born here to Bheema and Idumbi, the sister of Idumban, a demon, and they worshipped the Lord here.
So, as per Sage Vyasar, the place was called Idumbavanam.
The temple theertham is said to have been created by Bheema with his mace.
Kunraloor nearby is believed to he Idumban’s capital which had a fort of him.
Vilvavanam, Sarguneswaram, Mangalanayahi puram, Manakkola nagar are the historical names of this place.
This is one of the sthalams where Shiva granted a vision of His divine marriage to Agasthyar since he could not attend the Shiva’s marriage at Kailasam. A panel depicting Shiva and Parvathi marriage adorns the sanctum wall behind the Sivalingam.
It is believed that Sambandar trekked his way to this temple for a distance of about four miles, on his hands, as he had a vision of Shivalingams covering the entire path.
Idumbavanam is also known as Vilvaranyam.
This place is one of the Pithurmukthi sthalams and so famous for doing rituals for the ancestors.
Idumban, Brhmma, Agasthiyar, Yama and Ramar worshipped the Lord here.
Sambandar composed the Pathigam
The Temple:
This small temple is beautified with a 3 tier Rajagopuram, an attractive Vimanam and is surrounded by lofty walls.
The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi
Goddess Mangalanayaki ‘s shrine faces south.
Marattya kings donated liberally to the temple as per inscriptions
Sthala Vruksham: Vilvam
Theertham: Brahmma theertham, Agasthiya theertham, Yama theertham
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2
Sri Balasundhari Amman Temple at Karai
Links: Location
SCN109 – Sri Karpaga nathar Temple at Karpaganarkulam, Kadikkulam
Location: The temple is located some 3 km from Idumbavanam.
Significances:
One of the 276 Thevara Paadal petra sthalams
Main deity: Karpaga nathar as Swayambu lingam with Balasundhari, Soundara Nayaki ambal
Legend:
Karpaga Vinayakar prayed to Shiva and obtained the celestial Mango fruit of knowledge here by circumambulating His parents Shiva and Parvathi.
There is an exclusive shrine for Ganapathi parallel to Karpakanatha’s Temple.
The main Deity is called Karpaga Natha as He blesses the devotees like a Kalpaka vruksha which grants all the desires.
The temple is considered to have been built by a demon called Karthikasuran who worshipped Lord Shiva here and got many boons.
Lord Rama on His way to Lanka had worshipped the Karpaga Vinayagar and the main deity here.
When a Brahmin was taking the Asthi of his father to Kasi, it changed into Kondrai flower here indicating that this is a good place to do pithru pooja
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
The Temple:
The main lingam here is seen with 8 stripes and so worshipping Him is considered to fetch the blessings of Ashta lakshmis.
Worshipping the deity here during Ashtami days and the Budha horai on Saturdays will grant boons
Offering butter to the Lord is very special here
Thai Poosam and Panguni Uthiram are celebrated annually.
Sthala vruksham: Jackfruit
Theertham: Vinayaga Theertham, the Tank in front of Karpakanatha’s Temple.
Note: Adjacent to Karpaga Vinayaka’s Temple is Kothandarama Temple indicating that Ramar has visited this place on the way to Srilanka.
Mannargudi – Muthupettai
Serankulam
1) Sri Somavalli Thayar sametha Sri Somanathar Temple
Links: Location
2) Perumal Temple
Links: Location
3) Sri Aatkaatti Amman Temple
Links: Location
Ethakudi / Ethangudi
1) Sri Rajagopala Swamy Perumal Temple
Moolavar: Lakshminarayanar
Uthsavar: Rukmani Sathyabama sametha Rajagopalan.
Azhwar and Garudazvar sannidhi are also there.
Links: Location
2) Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple.
Links: Location
3) Sri Ramar Temple
Links: Location
Radha Narasimhapuram
1) Sri Avaniappar Temple
Links: Location
2) Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple
Links: Location
Sri Gnanapureeswarar Temple at Thirumakkottai
Main deities: Sri Gnanapureeswarar / Sri Meignanamudaiyar as Swayambu lingam with Periyanayahi amman
Gnanapureeswaram, Parijatha vanam, Thirumeignanapuram are the historical names.
The temple has 3 praharams
Vasishtar worshipped here
16 Ganapathis are here
Chola, Pandiya, Vijayanagara inscriptions are there
Theerthm: Gnana Theertham
Sthala Vruksham: Parijatham
Links: Location
Sri Jadayu pureeswarar temple at Kezhuvathur
Main deities: Sri Jadayu pureeswarar as Swayambu lingam with Soundarya nayahi amman
Jadayu worshipped Lord Shiva here
Links: Location
Sri Kailasanathar Temple at Palaiyur
Links: Location
Perumal Temple at Perugavaazhnthan
Links: Location
Sithamalli
1) Sri Abirami amman sametha Sri Kulsekara Swamy Shiva Temple
Significances:
Considered as sacred as Palani
Legend:
Pandavas were in a mental depression during their vanavasa and by worshipping the Kulasekara Peruman here, they came to normalcy; hence the name Sithamalli.
The temple is considered to be a good parihara temple for mental illness / depression
Shiva here was worshipped by the Siddhars.
The historical name of the place was ‘Munnoothi mangala Agraharam.
Arjunan sent an arrow on the Shiva lingam since he was upset in not getting the dhrshan of Lord Shiva. The scar mark due to the arrow strike can be seen.
The temple is considered more than 2000 years old. Kulasekara Pandian built the temple in the 11th Centuru and was subsequently patronized by Chola and Nayak kings
Sri Dhandayuthapani made of single stone is very special and beautiful here. When you strike the dhandam in His hand it sounds like bell metal.
Though the water is salty everywhere else outside, the water in the Theertha well inside the temple is very sweet.
Note:
This is the birth place and Adhishtanam of Poojya Sri Subramanya Yatindra Swamigal of Benaras Hindu University and a Sanskrit Scholar, who was one of the Gurus and a Vedhic teacher of Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal, He attained Samadhi here in 1933.
There are also Sri Devi, Boodevi sametha Sri Varadharaja Perumal temple and Sri Kalyana Vinayagar temple here.
2) Sri Varadharaja Perumal Temple
3) Shri Aakaasa Veeranaar Temple
Muthupet Mangrove Forest | Lagoon
Like Chidambaram Pichavaram, Muthupet Mangrove forest is also a popular tourist destination.
Links: Location Weblink1 Weblink2
Reference:
“Thamiazhaga Sivathalangal”, a nice book by J.C.Murali
Sadhura Pathippagam, Somangalam, Chennai – 602109
Links:
http://sivasankaravijayam.blogspot.in/2011/10/temples-near-thiruvarur-part-i.html
http://sivasankaravijayam.blogspot.in/2011/12/temples-near-thiruvarur-part-ii.html
http://sivasankaravijayam.blogspot.in/2012/01/temples-near-thiruvarur-iii.html
Raju's Temple Visits 
can anyone suggest a good place to stay in tiruvarur
any home stay would be useful
I am based in Mumbai. I am looking for contact telephone numbers, email id or website details of Veerataneswarar Temple, Thiruvirkudi, near Thiruvarur. Need to do some Puja there, can anyone please help with the details. Regatrds.
welcome, i need the details about kalyanamahadevi samedha annapurishwarar temple in mannargudi block, thiruvarur district. anyone help this. thanks.
Sir Namaskarams. As I have already said, I am an ardent fan of your blog. Would like to humbly suggest two corrections in this Thiruvarur blog.
1) In the Pancha Narayana Sthalams, Damodara Narayana Perumal temple is at Thirukkannangudi and not Thirukkannamangai
2) Kottur and Kottur Maniambalam are two different temples. Kottur which is a paadal petra sthalam is the abode of Kozhundheeswarar, while Kottur Maniambalam, which is in the eastern side of Kottur, house Airavatheswarar and is a Thiruvisaippa paadal petra sthalam.
This is as far as I know. Kindly check Sir. Once again I pray to God to bless with a long healthy life so that you may continue to do this great service.
Pranams
Lakshminarayanan
Sir, Namaskaram.
First, pls accept my sincere apologies for this belated reply. Thank you very much for all your blessings.
Somehow I missed this out to check and reply. Since I’m planning a week long trip to Thiruvarur side now, I’m going through my blog in detail to plan it and ‘m finding your comment, without replying, without correcting. Now I stand corrected!
I am searing for temple of my husband fore fathers…they have told us its in place were water is following and its on hill ( Parameshwari temple) its old and small temple I believe. Does any one has idea about it, its located in and around MANNARGUDI.
If any one has any idea, please email me the details. shobha.baalajii@gmail.com
Thanks for very informative article. Our plans have now changed after readin and we have decided to camp at Tiruvarur instead of other usual towns on our next trip.
வாழ்க உம் இறைத்தொண்டு!
Namaskaram Sri Raju, This is a great servive to the community.
Please update purana of our family temple: http://anudinam.org/2012/03/31/avanam-paruthiyur-sthala-puranam/
Thank you, V.S.Ram
I want to thank you for bringing out an excellent excerpt of the temples important festivals, its importance etc in a very very detailed way.Please keep the good work. Wish you all the best!
Padmanarayanan Aravamudhan
Thank you very much Sir
Thank you very much. I belong to The holy town of Thiruvarur, but left the place at a very young age. Only few days back my son asked me about this place. It was God send gift that, ,, you sir gave me the answers.
what a monumental effort by my dear friend Raju – a treasure box
gifted to like minded people. My Heartiest Blessings to him for his
continued seva in this direction
Thank you very much Sir
கார்த்திகை கடை வியாழன் – திருக்கொண்டீஸ்வரம்- நன்னிலம்
கொண்டி – பசு
All Thursdays (Last Thursday 6.00 AM) in the Tamil month of Kartikai are considered important days in
THIRUKONDEESWARAM NEAR NANNILAM, THIRUVARUR DT.
கார்த்திகை கடை ஞாயிறு- ஸ்ரீவாஞ்சியம் – நன்னிலம்
All Sundays (Last Sunday 6.00 AM) in the Tamil month of Kartikai are considered important days in
SRIVANJIYAM NEAR NANNILAM, THIRUVARUR DT.
great work! needs a map though
!