5. SRI KODUNKUNDREESAR TEMPLE TIRUKKODUNKUNRAM (PIRANMALAI)

Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam	249th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam)
Region	Pandiya Naadu
Pandiya Naadu	5th Shiva Sthalam
Pathigam	Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar) and Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar)

HISTORY:

This Shivastalam, located near Tirupputtur, is a vast hill temple reached by a flight of steps in the Pandya Kingdom.  This shrine  is regarded as the 5th of the Tevara Stalams in the Pandya region of Tamilnadu.

Shiva is believed to have revealed a vision of his marriage with Parvati to Agasthya Muni here. Piranmalai is said to have been ruled by Paari Vallal. Piraanmalai is sad to be a block of Mount Meru, which got blown off during a fierce tussle between the serpent king Aadiseshan and Vaayu the wind God (as in Tiruchengode). This hill in the form of a Shivalingam is also called Prachandragiri and Katoragiri.

There are 3 shrines in this temple representing the states of Bhumi, Antariksham and Swargam. Bhrama, Saraswathi, Subramanya and Nandi are believed to have worshipped Shiva here.

SALIENT FEATURE:

·        This vast temple covering an area of about 30 acres, with three prakarams has 5 beautiful vimanams and an attractive Rajagopuram.

·        The Marudu brothers (of Sivaganga) associated with Kaalaiyar Koyil.

·        There are separate sanctums for Nallamangaipaagaswamy (kalyana kolam) Viswanathar and Kodunkunra Naathar here. There are 57 Theerthams in this temple.

TEMPLE INFORMATION:

Moolavar	Sri Kodunkunranathar, Sri Ugragireeswarar
Ambal	Sri Kuyilamritanayaki
Theertham	Madhu Pushkarini Theertham
Sthala Vriksham	Urangaappuli

BELIEF:

Couples with difference opinions pray here for consensus. Those facing adverse aspects of planet shukra (Venus) pray to goddess for relief.

TEMPLE FESTIVAL:

Tamil Month	English Month	Festival Name
Chithirai	Apr-May	Grand Bhrammotsavam
Purattasi	Sep-Oct	Navarathri
Karthikai	Nov-Dec	Thirukarthikai
Markazhi	Dec-Jan	Arudra Darisanam
Thai	Jan-Feb	Ugra Bhairavar
Maasi	Feb-Mar	Maha Shivrathri

HOW TO REACH:

The bus service to Ponnamaravathi from Madurai Anna bus stand goes via Piranmalai. This temple can also be reached from Tirupputtur (another Paadal Petra Sthalam in Pandiya Naadu). It is about 24 Kms. from Tirupputuur.

TEMPLE ADDRESS:

Sri Edaganatheswarar Temple,
Piranmalai,
Tiruvaiyaru,
Sivagangai,
Tamil Nadu – 624503.

LOCATION: