119. SRI KANNAYIRANATHAR TEMPLE TIRUKKARAYIL

Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam	236th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam)
Region	Chola Naadu - South
Chola Naadu - South	119th Shiva Sthalam
Pathigam	Saint Thirugnanasambanthar

HISTORY:

This Shivastalam (Tirukkaaraivaasal) is regarded as of the 7 SaptaVitanka temples, housing shrines to Tyagaraja - Somaskandar associated with the Muchukunda Chola legend of Tiruvarur . Tirukkarayil is located 13 km south of Tiruvarur. The seven Vitankastalams are Tiruvarur, Tirukkuvalai, Tirukkaaraivaasal, Tirumaraikkaadu, Tiru Naagai, Tirunallaaru and Tiruvaimur.  

Indra is said to have worshipped  Shiva on a full moon night in the month of Virgo.    It is believed that Kadukkaai Pillaiyaar here, transformed a trader's cargo of nutmeg into Kadukkaai and then back to Kadukkaai, in a legend similar to that at Tiruppayatrankudi. 

The image of Tyagarajar is believed to be one of the 7 from which Indra is believed to have asked Muchukunda Cholan to pick the original image of Somaskandar worshipped by Mahavishnu. . Muchukunda Cholan is believed to have picked the right one, and Indra is believed to have rewarded him with all of the 7 images, which the latter installed at 7 different places within his territory, and it is these 7 temples which constitute the 7 Vitankastalams.

SALIENT FEATURE:

·        Tyagarajar here is known as Aadi Vitankar and is associated with the Kukkuta Natanam dance. 

·        The temple covers an area of about an acre.

·        The Indra Theertham is located to the North of the temple.

TEMPLE INFORMATION:

Moolavar	Sri Kannayira Natheswarar, Sri Tyagarajar (Aadi Vitankar)
Ambal	Sri Kailaya Nayaki
Theertham	Indra Theertham
Sthala Vriksham	Vilvam

 BELIEF:

Praying here gives prosperity and mental peace.

TEMPLE FESTIVAL:

Tamil Month	English Month	Festival Name
Vaikasi	May-June	Annual Brahmotsavam
Maasi	Feb-Mar	Maha Shivrathri

 HOW TO REACH:

This paadal petra sthalam is situated 13 Kms to the south from Tiruvarur at Tirukkaaraavasal village on the way to Tiruthuraipoondi. The temple is located by the side of the main road itself. Other paadal petra sivasthalams in the vicinity are Tirukollili, Tirunellikka, Tirukkaichinam.

TEMPLE ADDRESS:

Sri Kannayiranathar Temple,

Tirukkarayil,

Thiruvarur,

Tamil Nadu.

LOCATION: