Palvanna Nathar Temple

Overview

The Paalvanna Nathar Temple is one of the many Saivite temples in Tamil Nadu. The location of the original temple though is still a mystery as it was washed away by the Kollidam River. The temple as the name indicates is in honor of the Lord of the Mother Ganges, Shiva as paalvanna nathar.

About the Temple

The idol of Lord Shiva in the temple is a Swayambumurthi. The Linga is split due to the hit by a horse leg. Pujas are performed for this Linga only. Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi grace in their wedding posture behind the Linga. Three tiers Rajagopuram of the temple is facing east. Adhikara Nandhi with His consort occupies both sides of the entrance. Lord Vinayaka, Lord Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai, Mother Gajalakshmi, Lords Vishnu, Brahmma, Agoramurthi, Dakshinamurthy, Kirathamurthy, Nayanamaras, Mothers Chatura Durga, Bhuvaneswari grace from their shrines in the prakara. Earlier, the place called Karaimedu was on the northern bank of Coleroon-Kollidam river, it was named Kazhipalai. Due to floods in Kollidam, the temple was heavily ravaged. Then this temple was built with Kazhipalai Lord and Mother. Lord Bhairava in the temple has not His dog vehicle as in Kasi. He appears with 27 skulls, wearing the sacred thread and a serpent as belt around his waist and with turf and lion’s teeth. It is said that the same sculptor who designed Bhairava idol in Kasi did it here too. According to scriptures, worshipping Bhairava in this temple equals the prayer at Kasi. The temple is known more as Bhairava temple. The eighth day after full moon day is (ashtami in the new moon fortnight) observed with special pujas. This is one of the places where Lord Shiva granted darshan to Sage Agasthya. Sage Valmiki has worshipped the Lord here, according to scriptures. Lord Nataraja appears with His turf roughly tied over. Mother Sivakami graces with Her friends (Thozhi) Vijaya and Saraswathi. The temple is praised in the Thevaram hymns of Saivite saints Sambandar, Appar, Sundararar and Arunagiriar. Saint Sundarar in his hymn says, “Oh! Lord of Kazhipalai, Lord of Mother Ganga, you are my ruler relieving me of my bonds when I think of you from any place I am. You rush there and protect me.” This is the fourth temple on the northern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns.

About the Deity

The main deity in the temple is Lord Shiva. He is called as Palvannanathar. His consort is known as Vedanayaki.

Legend and stories

Once, a ferocious tiger was conjured by egoistic sages to defeat Shiva was vanquished by the latter, here. The Ramayana trio, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are believed to have worshipped Shiva, here too. Moreover, a shrine with 108 Shiva lingams placed in it is believed to have been built and consecrated by Rama, as absolution for his sin of killing the demons Karan and Dhooshanan. Another legend portrays a Saivite sage who decides to halt by the Vilwa trees in the area and offer pooja to his lord. As the sand there was white (due to cows’ milk that fell freely from the cattle in the area) he set about making a lingam of white sand. Half way through, a King’s horse passing by the place struck the lingam with his leg. Saddened he set about making another lingam but was interrupted by the Lord Shiva himself accompanied by his consort, Parvati. He asked the sage to install the damaged lingam itself there for worship, as the milk belonged to his beloved divine cow Kamadenu. Thus came about the white lingam of the temple.

Festivals

Thai Poosam in January-February, Purattasi Navarathri in September-October, Mondays of Karthikai Tamil month covering November-December, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Margazhi Tiruvadirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Significance

It is believed that consuming the milk used for the abishek of Lord Shiva – Linga – will bless the devotee with a child. It also cures diseases caused due to heat in the body.Devotees perform abishek to Lord Vijaya Vinayaka on Sankatahara Chaturti day seeking success in their endeavours. It is believed that those worshipping this Palvanna Nathar Linga would be blessed with all prosperity in life

Nearby Place To Visit

Patanjaleeswarar

Thillai KaliSwarnapureeswarar

Pralayakaleswarar

Theerthapureeswarar

Kolanji Appar

Accessibility

Tirukazhipalai is near to Sivapuri 3 km far from Chidamabaram on the Kavarapattu route. It is popularly known as Bhairava temple. The closest railway station is in Chidambaram, and the closest airports are in Chennai and Trichy.

Temple Address

Sri Palvanna Nathar Temple,
Tirukazhipalai-608 002,
Sivapuri Post, Annamalainagar,
Chidambaram Taluk,
Cuddalore district.