Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam | 38th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam) |
Region | Nadu Naadu |
Nadu Naadu | 6th Shiva Sthalam |
Pathigam | Saint Thirugnanasambanthar |
HISTORY:
The
temple is very close to the shores of the Bay of Bengal. This temple was
renovated by the Chola King Kulothungan (also known as Thirubhuvana
Chakravarthi) and his wife, Thiyagavalli. Hence the village around this temple
is named “Cholarpuram” and “Thiyagavalli”. Hence it is known as
“Thiruchopuram”.
Another
version, this temple was once completely covered by sand dunes. About two
hundred years ago, a saint by the name of saint, Ramalinga Yogi (Thambiran)
from the Madurai Thirugnanasambanthar Aatheenam discovered this temple. He took
the help of many people from nearby villages and began the arduous task of
renovating this temple. This is why the temple is also called “Thambiran Kanda
Koil” (the temple found by Thambiran).
Agasthiya Maharishi worshipped with
lingam:
Sage
Agasthyar during his Southern trips visited this place. At that time, he
developed a severe stomach ache. He prayed to the Lord and wanted to build a
Lingam with sand. However his efforts failed and finally he mixed the sand with
some herbs found nearby and could create a Lingam. Immediately, his stomach
problem was solved.
The
Lingam is installed in a square platform and He faces west. There is a small
ball-like structure on top of the Lingam. According to the priest, it
represents Ganga who was absorbed by the Lord on His matted hair. According to
the temple priest, the handprints of the Sage could be seen on the Lingam. when
Agasthyar created the Lingam, he invoked the Mother Shakthi also in that
Lingam. The Lord and the Mother gave him darshan in their wedding dress. Hence
when archana is performed, instead of Vibhuthi, here they use turmeric and
Kumkumam as Ambal is present with the Swamy. This kind of worship is also
beneficial for those praying for marriage and health issues. As turmeric is
also used for archana, the Lord came to be called Mangalapureeswarar (turmeric
is used in all the auspicious functions/poojas). The separate shrine for the
Mother is believed to have been constructed subsequently.
SALIENT
FEATURE:
·
Devotees can
enjoy the darshan of all the three lords (Trimurthys) – Brahma, Vishnu and
Shiva. This is considered to be very auspicious.
·
It is
significant to note that instead of the normal practice of dressing Lord
Dakshinamurthy in yellow clothes, a white cloth is used in this temple. It is
said that if we gently tap on the idol of Dakshinamurthy, the sound of seven
musical notes - reverently called “Sapthaswaram”, can be heard.
TEMPLE INFORMATION:
|
Moolavar |
Sri Mangalapureeswarar, Sri Thiruchchopuranathaswamy |
|
Ambal |
Sri Saththiyaya Dakshi, Sri Velnedunganni, Sri
Thiyavalli, Sri Chopura Nayaki |
|
Theertham |
Chopuratheertham, Brahmatheertham (Sea) |
|
Sthala
Vriksham |
Kondrai Tree |
BELIEF:
People
with problems related to marriage and health can be seen making offerings of
kumkum and turmeric to Lord Mangalapureeswarar.
This
temple is also popular with students interested in arts and music. They come
here to perform poojas and seek the blessings of Lord Dakshinamurthy to help
them attain excellence in their chosen art forms.
TEMPLE
FESTIVAL:
|
Tamil Month |
English Month |
Festival Name |
|
Karthikai |
Nov-Dec |
Thirukarthikai |
|
Maasi |
Feb-Mar |
Maha
Shivrathri |
|
Panguni |
Mar-Apr |
Panguni
Uthiram |
|
Aippasi |
Oct-Nov |
Annabishekam |
HOW
TO REACH:
Thiruchopuram
(Thiyagavalli) is situated at a distance of about 18 kms from Cuddalore on the
Cuddalore to Chidambaram route. One has to take left turn near Aalappakkam
railway station, pass through the railway crossing and then travel 2 kms along
the same route to reach Thiruchopuram (Thiyagavalli village). From Chidambaram
it is about 22 kms.
TEMPLE
ADDRESS:
Sri Mangalapureeswarar
(Chopuranathar) Temple,
Tiruchopuram,
Thiyagavalli-Post,
Cuddalore,
Tamil Nadu – 608 801.
LOCATION:
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