57. SRI SAKALABUVANESWARAR TEMPLE AT THIRUMIYACHUR ILANGKOVIL

Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam	174th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam)
Region	Chola Naadu - South
Chola Naadu - South	57th Shiva Sthalam
Pathigam	Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar)

HISTORY:

This “Ilam Koil” (temple within a temple) is situated right within the Thirumiyachur temple.

The shrines of the main deities of the Ilamkoil – Sri Sakalabhuvaneswarar and Goddess Minnum Megalaiyaal are situated in the northern corridor of the main temple.

It is believed that this ancient temple was renovated by King Rajendra Chola and Queen Sembian Maadevi.

There are seven stone inscriptions available in this temple which relate to the periods of Chola and Pandiya kingdoms.

This temple is under the administrative control of the Thiruppukalur Velakurichi Aadheenam.

Lalitha Sahasranamam:

This is the place where “Lalitha Sahasranamam” originated and was first introduced to the world.

Goddess Mahalakshmi and Goddess Kali:

Goddess Mahalakshmi and Goddess Kali have worshipped the lord of this temple.

Garuda:

Garuda (the eagle mount of Lord Mahavishnu), Aruna (the charioteer of Suryan), the monkey brothers Vali and Sukreev, Yama (the God of Death) and Saneeswarar (the planet Saturn) were born in this place. 

SALIENT FEATURE:

·        Since this small temple is located within the Thirumiyachur temple, one can see Lords Shiva (as Lingothbhavar), Vishnu and Brahma simultaneously from the north- west corner of the outer corridor. This is a unique feature of this temple.

·        Another significance of this temple is that one can get the darshan of the lords of two separate Paadal Petra Sthalams from a single temple complex.

·        The idol of Chandikeswarar can be seen here with four faces (“Chaturmuka”). Such a form of Chandikeswarar is quite rare.

TEMPLE INFORMATION:

Moolavar	Sri Sakalabuvaneswarar
Ambal	Sri Minnum Megalaiyaal, Sri Vidhyudh Megalambal
Theertham	Surya Pushkarini
Sthala Vriksham	Vilvam

BELIEF:

It is believed that those seeking wedding boon can pray to the lord here. 

TEMPLE FESTIVAL:

Tamil Month	English Month	Festival Name
Thai	Jan-Feb	Rathasapthami

HOW TO REACH:

Thirumiyachur Ilamkoil is a part of the Thirumiyachur temple and is situated inside that temple itself. Thirumiyachur is located at a distance of about 20 kms from Mayiladuthurai on the Mayiladuthurai to Thiruvarur route. From Mauiladuthurai first travel to Peralam (17 kms) and then to Thirumiyachur (3 kms). Nearest railway station is Peralam which is 2 kms away from this temple.

TEMPLE ADDRESS:

Sri Meganathaswamy / Sri Sakalapuvaneswarar Temple
Thirumiyachur,
Nannilam,
Thiruvarur
Tamil Nadu – 609 405.

LOCATION: