12. SRI ARANYA SUNDARESWARAR TEMPLE AT KEEZHAI THIRUKKATTUPALLI

Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam	66th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam)
Region	Chola Naadu - North
Chola Naadu - North	12th Shiva Sthalam
Pathigam	Saint Thirugnanasambanthar

 

HISTORY:

Demon Visvarupan:

This temple revolves around the demon Visvarupan. It is believed that Lord Indra killed him after he was found to be terrorising the devas (celestial gods). Visvarupan’s father Dhuvatta performed a yagna and created another demon called Vruthirasuran to kill Indra. Indra obtained a weapon called “Vajrayudham” from Sage Thatheesi and destroyed Vruthirasuran. Due to the sins accrued by these killings, Indra lost his position as the head of the celestial gods. He was also inflicted with “Brahmahathi Dosham”. Indra sought the advice of Lord Brahma who asked him to come to this place and worship Lord Shiva. Indra came here and worshiped the lord and was absolved of his sins. Lord Brahma created 10 Shivalingams here and worshiped Lord Shiva. These lingams are called - Muniyesar, Brahmesar, Agastheeswarar, Pulastheeswarar, Vyakrapatheswarar, Sakreswarar and Kapaleeswarar. They can be seen in the corridors. It is believed that worshiping Lord Brahmesar here would yield the same benefit as performing 100 “Aswametha Yagnas”.

“Sri Karkata Maha Ganapathy” and “Sri Nandu Vinayakar”:

A Gandharva (musicians to the celestial gods) was cursed by a sage to become a crab (“Nandu” in Tamil). To seek relief from this curse, he visited this place and worshiped Lord Vinayakar. Lord Vinayakar answered his prayers and he was restored back to his original form. Hence this Vinayakar is praised as “Sri Karkata Maha Ganapathy” and “Sri Nandu Vinayakar” (“Karkata” and “Nandu” means crab).  This Vinayakar can be seen with a crab as his mount in place of his usual mouse.

Sages Mahakala and Aranya:

Sages Mahakala and Aranya worshiped the lord here. There are reliefs in the outer wall of the sanctum depicting both of them. Sage Mahakala is shown blowing a conch and Sage Aranya is shown performing pooja to Lord Shiva.

SALIENT FEATURE:

·        This is west facing temple with a small and beautiful arch.
·        This temple is once believed to have been in the middle of a jungle (“Aaranyam” and “Kaadu” in Tamil). Hence Lord Shiva here is also praised as Sri Aranyeswarar (“Sri Kaattazhagar in Tamil).
·        The significance of this temple is that one can worship both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy by standing at one place.
·        Lord Dakshinamurthy is praised here as “Sri Rajayoga Dakshinamurthy” and is seen with 6 disciples instead of his usual 4 disciples. They are Sanakar, Sanathanar, Sananthanar, Sanathkumarar, Lord Brahma and Lord Mahavishnu.
·        In the “Dasalingam” shrine there are 7 Shivalingams. In one of the Shivalingam’s base, there are two lingams (Banams). This is quite unique.
·        There are four Theerthams (tank) associated with this temple. They are located on the four corners of this temple.
·        The architecture of this temple is such that one can hear the sound of the sea waves near Lord Dakshinamurthy’s shrine. The surprising fact is that the sea is more than 6 kms away from here.

TEMPLE INFORMATION:

Moolavar	Sri Aranya Sundareswarar
Ambal	Sri Akilandeswari
Theertham	Amirtha, Poigai Theertham
Sthala Vriksham	Panneer flower tree

BELIEF:

It is believed that those who have lost wealth, power or position can recover them by worshiping Lord Shiva here. 

TEMPLE FESTIVAL:

Tamil Month	English Month	Festival Name
Avani	Aug-Sept	Vinayakar Chathurthi
Maasi	Feb-Mar	Maha Shivrathri
Aippasi	Oct–Nov	Skanda Shashti
Markazhi	Dec-Jan	Arudra Dharisanam

HOW TO REACH:

Keezhai Thirukkattupalli is situated at a distance of about 2 kms from Thiruvenkadu. It is near Alli Vilagam village on the Sirkazhi to Tharangkambadi route. From Sirkazhi, this place is at a distance of about 10 kms. 

TEMPLE ADDRESS:

Sri Aranya Sundareswarar Temple,
Keezhai Thirukattupalli,
Thiruvengadu-Via,
Sirkazhi,
Nagapattinam,
Tamil Nadu – 609 114.

LOCATION: