117. SRI NELLIVANANATHESWARAR TEMPLE TIRUNELLIKKA

Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam	234th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam)
Region	Chola Naadu - South
Chola Naadu - South	117th Shiva Sthalam
Pathigam	Saint Thirugnanasambanthar

HISTORY:

This Shivastalam in a picturesque locale in the vicinity of Tiruvarur is one of the 5 'Kavu' shrines, the others being Tirukkodikka, Tirukkolakka, Tirukkurakkukka and Tiruvaanaikka.

Legend has it that Shiva blessed Durvasa Muni and enabled the latter to shed his limitation of short temperedness. Legend also has it that Vishnu, Chandra, Saneeswaran, Surya and Bhrama  worshipped here. Hence the names Arunaapuram and Bhramatheertham. It is also believed that a gandharva worshipped Shiva here and was relieved of his leprosy, and hence the name Kushtarogaharapuram. Other names here include Panchaksharapuram, Panchatheerthapuram and Amrita Vidyapuram.

SALIENT FEATURE:

·        Rajaraja, Rajendra and Uttama Chola are associated with this shrine.

·        The sanctum faces west, and the temple has a five tiered Rajagopuram.

·        The sun's rays at sunset illuminate the sanctum twice a year for seven days, commencing on Deepavali in Dakshinayanam and the 18th day of Pisces in Uttarayanam.

·        The Bhrama Theertham tank is to the south of the temple while the Surya theertham is to the north.

·        A five tiered 80 feet high Rajagopuram adorns the entrance to this temple which has 3 prakarams. The 12 pillared hall in the outer prakaram has paintings related to the stalapuranam of the temple.

TEMPLE INFORMATION:

Moolavar	Sri Nellivananatheswarar, Sri Amalakavaneswarar
Ambal	Sri Mangalanayaki
Theertham	Bhrama Theertham
Sthala Vriksham	Nelli tree

 BELIEF:

Devotees pray here for removal of delays in marriage, for child boon, conquering anger and cure from leprosy.

TEMPLE FESTIVAL:

Tamil Month	English Month	Festival Name
Chithirai	Apr-May	Brahmotsavam
Avani	Aug-Sept	Tirukkalyanam
Purattasi	Sep-Oct	Navarathri
Aippasi	Oct–Nov	Skanda Shashti
Maasi	Feb-Mar	Maha Shivrathri

 HOW TO REACH:

This paadal petra sthalam is situated 13 Kms from Tiruvarur in the south direction. Other paadal petra sivasthalams in the vicinity are Tirukollili, Tirukkaichinam, Tirukkaraayil.

TEMPLE ADDRESS:

Sri Nellivananatheswarar Temple,

Tirunellikka,

Thiruvarur,

Tamil Nadu.

LOCATION: