Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam | 120th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam) |
Region | Chola Naadu - South |
Chola Naadu - South | 3rd Shiva Sthalam |
Pathigam | Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar) |
HISTORY:
In ancient times, this
region is believed to have been densely covered with “Parai” trees. The
Shivalingam of this temple was found among the Parai trees and this temple was
later built around it. This temple’s “sthala viruksham” is also the Parai tree.
Generally, the names of temples that are located on river banks end with
“Thurai”. Following this tradition, as this temple is situated on the banks of
the river Kaveri, it gets the name Paraithurai. In Sanskrit, Parai tree is
known as “Dharuka Viruksham”. Hence, the historical name of this place is
Dharukavanam.
Pikshandavar:
This temple involves
some arrogant and very egoistic sages from a place called Dharukavanam. In
their excessive vanity, they thought themselves to be superior to gods. To
teach them a lesson, Lord Shiva asked Mahavishnu to take the form of “Mohini”
(a beautiful angel) to divert the attention of the sages from their penance
which they claimed was unparalleled. It is believed that the sages failed in
their penance because they were attracted by Mohini. At the same time, Lord
Shiva took the form of Pikshandavar and went to the sages’ house to ask for
alms. It is believed that the wives of the sages were so enamoured by
Pikshandavar that they started following him. This incident further shattered
the sages’ claims that their wives were most pious and devout.
When the sages realized
that this was all a play by Lord Shiva, they decided to perform a Yagna and
used evil spirits and mantras to kill Lord Shiva. They failed in all their
attempts and realized that it was a mistake to try and fight against the lord.
The sages understood that learning all the mantras and Vedas was not for their
self- preservation but was instead a way to promote the welfare of humanity.
They surrendered to Lord Shiva and sought his blessings.
People who worshipped here:
Kuberan, Indran and
Saptharishis have worshiped the lord here.
SALIENT
FEATURE:
·
This east facing temple with main tower
(Rajagopuram) has 7-tiers.
·
Lord Shiva (as Pikshandavar) graces in
the hall (Mandap) as the procession deity. The 12 zodiac signs are drawn on the
roof of the mandap. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva and Lord
Pikshandavar by standing under the zodiac signs would relieve devotees of all
adverse effects caused by the position of planets in their horoscope.
·
Idols of Lord Murugan are housed in two
separate shrines. In one of these idols, he is depicted as Sri Dandayuthapani
and in the other he is shown having six faces.
·
In the pillars in front of the Goddess
Parvathy’s shrine, beautiful sculptures of Lord Oorthuva Dhandava Murthy and
Goddess Kaali can be seen.
·
Similar to “Kadai Muzhukku” in
Mayiladuthurai, “Thulasnanam” (Theerthavari) takes place here on the first day
of the Tamil month of Aipasi (October-November) in the river Cauvery. On that
day, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy are taken on a “Rishaba Vahan” for
“Theerthavari”. Devotees believe that taking a dip here on this day would
cleanse them of their sins.
·
Thirupparaithurai is one of the
“Sabthasthana temples” (seven temples) in this region – the other six temples
are Thiruvaanaikkaval, Thiruppainjeeli, Thiruchenthurai, Thiruvasi,
Thiruvedhikkudi and Thiru Alanthurai.
·
On the pillars of the Nandhi mandapam
(Hall), sculptures of Thirugnanasambanthar, Thirunavukkarasar, Manickavasakar
and V.V.Nagappa Chettiayar (who renovated this temple) can be seen.
·
Meditating under the Sthala Viruksham
here is considered to be very auspicious. There is a Shivalingam also under
this temple’s Sthala Viruksham.
·
It is believed that Lord Suryan (Sun)
worships Lord Shiva of this temple by directing his rays on the lingam every
year on the 18th day in the Tamil month of Purattasi (September-October).
·
Lord Vinayakar is praised as “Parali
Vinayakar” who graces from a shrine situated outside the temple’s main tower.
·
Lord Dakshinamurthy’s shrine has a
Kallala tree (banyan) as the roof and four lions are depicted holding the four
pillars.
·
Normally idols of Lord Arthanareeswarar
are not depicted along with his “Rishaba Vahan” (bull mount). However, the
unique feature of Lord Arthanareeswarar’s idol here is that he is shown with
his bull mount.
·
The river Cauvery near this temple is
revered as “Akanda Cauvery” (“Akanda meaning wide in Tamil).
·
Saint Arunagirinadhar has sang songs in
praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh. Saints
Manickavasakar and Pattinathar have also rendered songs praising the lord of
this temple.
·
Parai tree is considered to be an
important medicinal plant – its sap, leaves, seeds and roots are used to treat
cancer, skin diseases, snake bites, bloody nose, diarrhoea etc.
TEMPLE INFORMATION:
|
Moolavar |
Sri
Dharukavaneswarar, Sri Paraithurai Nathar |
|
Ambal |
Sri
Hemavarnambal, Sri Pasumpon Mayilammai |
|
Theertham |
River
Cauvery |
|
Sthala
Vriksham |
Parai
tree |
BELIEF:
Those suffering from
skin diseases or even cancer can worship Lord Shiva here to seek relief.
Devotees believe that
by worshiping the lord here, obstacles from their marriage proposals will be
removed.
Children facing speech
impairment, especially stammering, can worship the lord here for relief.
|
Tamil Month |
English Month |
Festival Name |
|
Vaikasi |
May-June |
12-day Brahmotsavam |
|
Avani |
Aug-Sept |
Vinayakar Chaturthi |
|
Purattasi |
Sep-Oct |
Navarathri |
|
Aippasi |
Oct–Nov |
Thula Snanam (Theerthavari) on the
first day |
|
Aippasi |
Oct–Nov |
Annabishekam |
|
Karthikai |
Nov-Dec |
Thiru Karthikai |
|
Maasi |
Feb-Mar |
Maha Shivrathri |
HOW
TO REACH:
Thirupparaithurai is
situated at a distance of about 16 kms from Trichy on the Trichy to Karur (via
Kulithalai) route.
There is a railway
station in Thirupparaithurai on the Trichy – Erode railway line, which is about
one km away from this temple.
TEMPLE
ADDRESS:
Sri Dharukavaneswarar Temple,
Thiruparaithurai,
Karur,
Tamil Nadu - 639 115.
LOCATION:
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