108. SRI SARGUNANATHESWARAR TEMPLE TIRUIDUMBAVANAM

Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam	225th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam)
Region	Chola Naadu - South
Chola Naadu - South	108th Shiva Sthalam
Pathigam	Saint Thirugnanasambanthar

HISTORY:

Sarguna Nathar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the village of Idumbavanam in the Thiruthiraipoondi taluk of Tiruvarur district in Tamil Nadu, India. Dedicated to Shiva, Idumbavanam is believed to be the place where Yama, the god of death worshipped Shiva in order to rid himself of the sin of trespassing him and tried to take Markandeya to the netherworld.

Hymns in praise of the temple have been sung by the Saivite saint Sambandar in the Thevaram. The place is believed to have got its name from a demon named Idumban who worshipped Shiva here and attained salvation.

This Shivastalam is located 14 km southwest of Tirutturaippundi. In the vicinity of Idumbavanam is Tillaivilagam, a Vaishnava Abhimanastalam enshrining Rama. This shrine is regarded as the 96th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola Region south of the river Kaveri.

Gatotkachan is said to have been born (to Bhima and Hidambi) here and the temple theertham is said to have been created by Bheema with his mace. Kunraloor nearby is believed to he Hidumban's capital. Legend has it that Shiva granted a vision of the divine marriage to Agasthyar, and as in Vedaranyam, a panel depicting Shiva and Parvati adorns the sanctum wall behind the Shivalingam. It is believed that Sambandar trekked his way to this temple for a distance of about 4 miles, on his hands, as he had a vision of Shivalingams covering the entire path.

SALIENT FEATURE:

·        This small temple is beautified with a Rajagopuram an attractive Vimanam, and is surrounded by lofty walls.

·        The Bhramma Theertham tank is located in front of the temple.

·        Artistically carved stone pillars adorn the sanctum. Much of the granite structure that exists now is a result of the renovations carried out earlier this century.

 TEMPLE INFORMATION:

Moolavar	Sri Sargunanatheswarar
Ambal	Sri Mangalanayaki
Theertham	Bhrama Theertham
Sthala Vriksham	Vilvam

 BELIEF:

The temple is frequented by people desiring to rid themselves of the fear of death.

TEMPLE FESTIVAL:

Tamil Month	English Month	Festival Name
Vaikasi	May-June	Annual Brahmotsavam
Aani	June-July	Aani Tirumanjanam
Purattasi	Sep-Oct	Navarathri
Aippasi	Oct–Nov	Skanda Shashti
Karthikai	Nov-Dec	Thirukarthikai
Markazhi	Dec-Jan	Arudra Darisanam
Thai	Jan-Feb	Thai Poosam
Maasi	Feb-Mar	Maha Shivrathri

HOW TO REACH:

This paadal petra sthalam is situated 16 Kms to the south-west from Tiruturaipoondi. Another paadal petra sthalam Tirukadikulam is located nearby.

TEMPLE ADDRESS:

Sri Sargunanatheswarar Temple,

Tiruidumbavanam,

Thiruthiraipoondi

Thiruvarur,

Tamil Nadu.

LOCATION: