Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam | 126th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam) |
Region | Chola Naadu - South |
Chola Naadu - South | 9th Shiva Sthalam |
Pathigam | Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar) |
HISTORY:
Thirukaattuppakki
is located about 37 km to the east of Trichy in Tamil Nadu India along the
Trichy - Thiruvaiyaaru - Kallanai road. This town is also reachable from
Kumbakonam and Thanjavur. Lots of town buses are available from Thanjavur. The
famous Kallanai is very close to Tirukkattuppalli. This is where the river
kudamurutti splits from the river Cauvery. Must be noted that this temple is
west Tirukkattuppalli and an East Tirukkattuppalli which is pretty close to
Thiruvenkaadu (Mercury temple) is different.
The
Main Raja Gopuram of the temple is of five tiers and three prakarams. As we
enter inside we see Dwajasthambam. As we go around the prakaram we see
Vinayakar santum. Main Deity here is Swayambu Lingam known as Agneeswarar and
his consort here known as Soundara Nayaki / Azhagamar Mangai. Ambaal sanctum is
seen facing south and here Goddess is seen in standing posture. We get to see
dwarabalaki to either sides of the entrance.
In
the inner prakaram other deities, we see are Vinayakar, Lingothbavar next to
Vinayakar is seen in sanctum. Usually he is seen as Koshta Moorthy but here it
is unusual. Ardhanareeswarar is seen beside Lingothbavar. We get to see
Arumugan with his consort Valli and Devanai. Kasi Viswanadhar, Visalakshi, Gaja
Lakshmi, and Durga sanctum are there. Here in mandapam of the temple we see
Bairavar and Nalwar. All Grahas are seen facing Sooryan, in the Navagraha
sanctum of the temple.
Sri
Yoga Dakshinamurthy graces in the Prakara around the presiding deity. The flag
post (Kodimaram or Dwajasthamba) is covered by copper. Lord Vinayaka graces
from the right side. Inside the temple on the right is the Goddess-Mother’s
shrine facing south. She graces in a standing form with Dwarapalakas at the
entrance of the shrine. There is also a Vinayaka within the shrine. Lord
Arthanareeswara is with Lingodhbava. Next is the shrine of Lord Muruga with His
consorts Valli and Deivanai. Then follows the shrines of Kasi Viswanatha with
Mother Visalakshmi, Gajalakshmi, Durga.
The
consecration of the temple (Kumbabishekam) was performed in the year 1983. As
the word Palli is attributed to Jains, it is believed that Jains would have
stayed here. Also a statue of 24th Theerthangara is taken from this place. Jain
Acharyas are called Theerthangaras. The temple was also renovated by Aditya
Chola I.
Agneeswaram:
Brahmma
the Creator, Sun, Bagiratha and Queen of Uraiyur worshiped Lord in the temple.
Following the worship by Agnideva (God of Fire), the temple is named
Agneeswaram. The temple was renovated during the rule of Uthama Cholan. The
epigraphy has mention of Sundara Pandian and Konerinmaikondan. The name of
Goddess is mentioned as Azhagammai.
Urayur:
The
story goes that a servant of King of Urayur brought some Sevvandhi flowers
meant for Shiva Puja and gave it to the king. The king in turn gave them to his
two wives. The elder wife offered it to Lord Shiva while the other wore it on
her head. While Tirukattupalli where the first wife lived grew into fame,
Urayur where the second wife lived met with destruction.
Lord Agni:
Lord
Agni was cursed by Goddess Sri Parvati and turned out impure. Due to the curse
whatever touches by Lord Agni was altered into a black substance. All the
deities arrived on this sacred land and worshiped Lord Shiva. At that point of
time, Lord Agni pleaded to Lord Shiva to restore his purity. Lord Shiva advised
Lord Agni to create a pond on this sacred land and consecrated a Linga. He
worshiped Lord Agneeswarar with the water from the Agni Theertham. Lord was
pleased at the devotion of Lord Agni and blessed him with a distinguished place
in Yagnas and Yagas. Thus, Lord Agni regained his purity and the curse of
Goddess Parvati remained the same.
SALIENT
FEATURE:
·
The Sanctum is 4
steps below the ground level and the entrance is small.
·
Yoga
Dhakshinamoorthy.
·
Navagrahas are
facing Sun.
·
10th to 12th
century Tamil inscriptions are available on the walls of inner prakaram.
TEMPLE INFORMATION:
|
Moolavar |
Sri Agneeswarar, Sri Theeyadiappar |
|
Ambal |
Sri Soundara Nayaki, Sri Azhakammai |
|
Theertham |
Agni Theertham, Surya Theertham, Kudamurutti River |
|
Sthala
Vriksham |
Vanni and Vilvam |
BELIEF:
Pujas
are conducted four times a day. Water is brought from Cauvery for Panguni
Uthiram festival. Devotees having a dip in Karthikai Sundays, Masimagam,
Panguni Uthiram and Vaikasi Visagam are blessed with immense benefits.
Devotees
pray for removal of obstacles in marriage talks, excellence in education and
prosperity. Devotees perform abishek to the Lord with Vastras-clothing.
|
Tamil Month |
English Month |
Festival Name |
|
Vaikasi |
May-June |
Vaikasi Visakam |
|
Karthikai |
Nov-Dec |
Thirukarthikai |
|
Maasi |
Feb-Mar |
Maha Shivrathri and Masi
Magam |
|
Panguni |
Mar-Apr |
Panguni Uthiram |
HOW
TO REACH:
This
temple is located at about 18 Kms to the west from Thiruvaiyaru. Town bus
facilities from Tiruvaiyaru are available to go to Tirukkattupalli. The temple
is very near to Thirukkattuppalli bus stand.
TEMPLE
ADDRESS:
Sri Agneeswarar Temple,
Tirukattupalli,
Thanjavur,
Tamil Nadu – 613104.
LOCATION:
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