Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam | 173rd Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam) |
Region | Chola Naadu - South |
Chola Naadu - South | 56th Shiva Sthalam |
Pathigam | Saint Thirugnanasambanthar |
HISTORY:
This
temple is believed to have been originally built by King Kochengat Cholan. It
was later renovated by King Rajendra Chola and Sembian Maadevi. There are seven
stone inscriptions available in this temple which relate to the periods of
Chola and Pandiya kingdoms.
Sage Kashyapa Maharishi:
It
is believed that this is the birth place of Sage Kashyapa Maharishi’s sons,
Arunan and Garudan from his two wives. Arunan was physically handicapped. He
was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva and is believed to be the charioteer of
Lord Suryan. Arunan wanted to visit Mount Kailash to have darshan of Lord
Shiva. He asked Lord Suryan for his permission to go to Mount Kailash. Suryan
not only denied him but also laughed at him pointing out his disability.
After
praying to Lord Shiva, Arunan was able to take the form of a Mohini (angel) and
visit Mount Kailash. Lord Indra fell in love with this Mohini and Vaali is
believed to have born to them.
When
Arunan narrated this incident to Suryan, he did not believe him and teased him
even more. He further asked him to prove that he could take the form of a
Mohini. Arunan took the form of a Mohini again. It is believed that on
seeing the Mohini’s beauty, Suryan fell in love with her and Sukreev was born
as their child.
Because
of their affairs with Mohini, Lord Shiva cursed Indra and Suryan. Owing to this
curse, Lord Indra was dethroned by King Mahabali and Lord Suryan lost his
brightness.
Since
Suryan’s body was blackened, the universe lost the light of the day. Suryan
pleaded to the lord to forgive him. The lord asked him to go to Thirumiyachur
(this place) and worship him here for seven months. As advised by the lord,
Suryan performed rigorous penance here. He placed idols of Lord Shiva and
Goddess Parvathy on an elephant and took them to the clouds. Hence the
Sanctum’s tower (Vimanam) is in the shape of “Gaja Brishta” (rear portion of an
elephant). The lord is praised as “Sri Meganathar” (“Megam” means cloud in
Tamil).
Since
he did not regain his brightness even after his penance, Suryan approached Lord
Shiva screaming in grief. The goddess who was alone with Lord Shiva got
disturbed by Lord Suryan’s cries. She got angry and was about to curse him but
the lord pacified her by saying that Suryan was already suffering from a curse
and was looking for relief. It is believed that Suryan was relieved of his
curse by Lord Shiva.
Since
Lord Shiva pacified Goddess Parvathy, she is also praised here as “Shanta
Naayagi” (“Shantam means calm in Tamil). Also, when Lord Shiva tried to pacify
Goddess Lalithambigai, it is believed that 8 angels called “Vachinies”
(personification of speech) emerged from the mouth of Lalithambigai and they
started praising the goddess with her 1000 holy names. Pleased with their
praises, Goddess Lalithambigai regained her composure.
This
pacifying scene is beautifully depicted in a sculpture which can be seen in the
outer corridor. This Lord Shiva’s idol is called “Kshetra Puraaneswarar”, and
he is seen holding Goddess Parvathi’s cheek to pacify her. From one angle, the
Goddess appears to be in anger whereas from the other angle she looks very
calm. This sculpture is one of the key attractions of this temple.
Rahasyanamasahasram:
Lord
Hayagreevar, a disciple of Goddess Lalithambigai, conveyed to Sage Agasthiyar
about the significance of “Lalitha Sahasranamam”. On his advice, Agasthiyar
came to this temple and worshiped Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy. She is
believed to have granted darshan to Saint Agasthiyar in the form of “Navratna”
(nine precious stones).
After
this darshan, the saint rendered his songs “Navaratna Malai” praising the
goddess. He has also composed another hymn here called “Rahasyanamasahasram”.
Pirandai rice:
It
is believed that Yama, the Lord of Death, worshiped Lord Shiva here by
performing an abhishekam using 1008 conches and offering “Pirandai rice” (a
green creeper mixed with rice) for his longevity.
Birth Place:
As
per the sthala puranam, it is believed that this is the birth place of
Saneeswarar, Yama, Arunan, Karudan, Vali and Sukreev.
Goddess Parvathy:
An
interesting incident took place here in 1999. It is believed that a devotee
from Bangalore was having recurring dreams in which Goddess Parvathy was asking
her for a gold anklet (“Kolusu”). This woman went in search of the goddess and
visited many temples but could not find the one of which she had dreamt.
Finally, she came to know of Goddess Lalithambigai of Thirumiyachur by chance
in a magazine. She recognised the goddess as the one from her dreams. She
prepared an anklet and visited the temple. She informed the priest about her
dreams and requested him to adorn the anklet on the goddess. The priest told
her that it would be difficult to adorn it as there is no way for the anklet to
go around her feet. However, she insisted him to try. The priest decided to
give it a try and to his surprise, he found a small hole in the idol’s ankle
which he could use to adorn the anklet. Later, it is said that they could find
holes in her nose which is now adorned with a nose pin (“mookuthi) and a waist
belt “(oddiyanam”). Now devotees have started offering “Kolusu” to Goddess
Lalithambikai frequently.
SALIENT
FEATURE:
·
This is
considered to be the first (“Aadhi”) Shakti Pedam and the goddess here is
referred as “Aadhi Parashakti”.
·
This is the
place where “Lalitha Sahasranamam” originated and was first introduced to the
world.
·
This temple is
counted as one of the seventy Maadak Koils built by King Kochengat Cholan.
·
The vimanam
(roof tower) of the sanctum sanctorum has been constructed according to the
Gaja Brishtam style of architecture.
·
This east facing
temple has a 5-tiered main tower (Rajagopuram)
·
Goddess
Parvathy’s posture here is unique and cannot be seen anywhere else as she is
depicted in a seated posture. The imposing five feet idol of Goddess Parvathy
is installed over Sri Chakra in the sanctum. She is seated majestically,
resting her folded right leg on the seat. Her left leg is in “Sukhasana”
posture. She is said to be in “Manonmani Swaroopam” and hence is also known as
Sri Shantha Nayaki.
·
Goddess Parvathy
of this temple is praised as Sri Lalithambigai. This name itself is quite
unique as we cannot see her praised by this name in other temples.
·
Another
significance of this temple is that one can get the darshan of the lords of two
temples from a single complex – Sri Meganathaswamy and Sri Sahalabhuvaneswarar.
·
Behind the
sanctum sanctorum, on either sides of Lord Lingothbavar, there are idols of
Lord Mahavishnu and Lord Brahma in a worshipping posture. Devotees can enjoy
the darshan of all the three lords (Trimurthys) – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva from
one place. This is considered to be very auspicious.
·
The shrine of
Goddess “Asthabhujanga Durga” (Durgai with 8 hands) in the outer corridor is of
special significance. She is holding a parrot in her right hand which is
supposed to be taking our messages to Goddess Lalithambigai. Devotees, who want
their wishes to come true can convey the same to Goddess Lalithambigai through
this Goddess Durgai. We can still see some parrots in this temple.
·
It is believed that
King Kochengat Chola built 70 “Madakkoils”. The distinguishing feature of a
Madakkoil is that it is not easily approachable by an elephant. He built these
temples at an elevation and there are a few steps that need to be climbed
before seeing the lord. Also, the sanctum sanctorum’s (Karpagragam) entrance is
narrow such that no elephant can enter it.
·
The vimana (roof
tower) of the sanctum sanctorum is designed in a special style of architecture
called the Gaja Brishtam. This makes the vimanam looks like the rear of an
elephant (Gaja - elephant, brishtam - rear).
·
In this temple,
we can see many beautiful sculptures and towers which speak about the
architectural beauty and excellent craftmanship of the Chola period.
·
It is believed
that Lord Suryan (Sun) worships Lord Shiva of this temple by directing his rays
on the lingam for seven days (21st to 27th) in the Tamil month of
Chithirai (April). Surya Puja is performed here during these days.
TEMPLE INFORMATION:
|
Moolavar |
Sri Meganathaswamy, Sri Muyarchi Natheswarar, |
|
Ambal |
Sri Lalithambikai, Sri Soundara Nayaki, |
|
Theertham |
Surya Pushkarini, Kali Theerththam |
|
Sthala
Vriksham |
Vilvam, Mandharam |
BELIEF:
Devotees
believe that by reciting “Lalitha Sahasranamam” and “Lalitha Navarathnamala”
here, they would receive the blessings of Goddess Parvathy.
Devotees
also make offerings of rice mixed with “Pirandai” (a green vegetable), placed
on a lotus leaf, to the lord and then distribute it to the people. By doing so,
it is believed that they would be blessed with longevity and would be relieved
from their ailments.
Being
a Shakti Peet, it is believed by devotees that by worshiping the goddess here,
they would be relieved from all kind of “doshas”.
It
is also believed that Lord Saneeswaran and Lord Yama were born to Lord Suryan
here. Hence, it is considered auspicious to perform poojas on birth anniversary
(“Aayushyahomam”), 61st birthday (“Sashtiyapthapoorthy”) and
81st birth day (“Sadabishekam”).
A
famous pooja that is celebrated here is “Annappaavaadai”. During this pooja, a
large quantity of rice mixed with jaggery is placed on the floor and a few
litres of ghee is poured on top of it. During this offering, the reflection of
the goddess can be seen on the ghee. This pooja is performed three times in a
year – on Vijayadasami day during Navratri, Ashtami day in the Tamil month of
Masi and Vaikasi full moon day.
“Rathasapthami”
in the Tamil month of Thai is another important festival celebrated in this
temple. Rathasapthami means the turning of Sun’s chariot (Ratham) marking the
beginning of “Utharayana” period. It continues from the Tamil month of Thai
(Jan-Feb) to the Tamil month of Aani (June-July) during which the sun travels
from the north to south direction.
|
Tamil Month |
English Month |
Festival Name |
|
Thai |
Jan-Feb |
Rathasapthami |
HOW
TO REACH:
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 – 609405.
LOCATION:
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