Sri Arathurai Nathar Temple

Overview

This Shiva stalam is located in Sivapuri - 2 km away from Chidambaram in the vicinity of Tiruvetkalam near Annamalai University. Tirunelvaayil is the 3rd among the 22 Tevara Stalangal on the northern banks of the river Kaveri in the Chola region of Tamilnadu.This temple has two shrines, one to Uchinathar of Nelvayil with a sculptured panel of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, to the back and a shrine to Paalvannanathar of Tirukkazhippalai.

It is believed that Sambandar visited Chidambaram from Sirkaazhi, accompanied by Tiruneelakanda Yaazhpaanar and others. Considering the whole of Chidambaram to be a Koyil, he resided at Tiruvetkalam. He is believed to have visited Tirunelvaayil, and Tirukkazhippaalai fromTiruvetkalam and composed his Patikam.

About The Temple

The Rajagopuram is east facing and has five tiers. Facing the temple is a temple tank. In the outer passage path are shrines to Lord Bhairavar , Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan. The Ambal shrine within the temple faces south. There is a shrine with idols of Lord Nataraja and Goddess Sivakami. There are inscriptions from the Nayak period here. Five worship services are carried out each day and the annual festival is celebrated on Vaikashi Vishakam as inTiruvetkalam.

This temple has two shrines, one to Uchinathar of Nelvayil with a sculptured panel of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to the back, , and a shrine to Paalvannanathar of Tirukkazhippalai.

About The deity

Lord Shiva known as Arathurai Nathar / Anandheeswarar and the Goddess is known as Aananda Nayagi.

Legend and Stories

Tirunelvayil Arathurai is 10kms away from Pennadam. A child devotee by name Sambandar was visiting temples and singing praises of the Lord.. The Lord gave Sambandar a pearl palanquin and a pearl umbrella (Muthu Chivikai & Kudai) so that he could travel with ease. When Thirugnana Sambandar was visiting the temples in Cauvery River, he had to stay in Eraiyur Temple as it was getting dark. Goddess Amball came to him and gave food to the hungry devotee. When he started hiccuping while eating, Lord Shiva appeared and created a pond for him to drink water.

As Goddess Ambal provided him with food she is called as “Anna Poorani” and because the Lord Shiva gave water and quenched his thirst, he was named as “Thaakam Theertha Pureeswarar”. In the night, in Thirugnana Sambandar’s dream, Lord Shiva came and told that Thirugnana Sambandar does not have to walk anymore as he is just a child. Instead the Lord had asked a thanavandar (a businessman) in Thiruvattathurai or “Thirunel vaayil arathurai” to give him a “Muththu Chivigai” – a pallackku(cart carried by humans on their shoulders) decorated with pearls.

In the morning, Thirugnana sambandar did not wait for the “Muththu Chivigai” to arrive. As he started his jorney he realized his dream was turning in to reality. Lord Shiva had told the thanavandhar in Thiruvattathurai to send a “Muththu Chivigai” for Thirugnana sambandhar. They met Thirugnana Sambandar at a place called “Koodalur”(Or Gudalur).  From there on, Thirugnana sambandar travelled to many places in Muththu Chivigai and also wrote a poem on Lord Shiva in Thiruvattathurai or “Thirunel vaayil arathurai”. The Major River that flows through Virudhachalam or Virudhagiri to Pennadam or Penn Aavu Kadam to Eraiyur to Thiruvattathurai, Thittagudi and Thozhudur is named as Vellaaru – Vellai Aaru – meaning the White River.

Festivals

Five worship services are carried out every day. Vaikashi Vishakam is the most pompous and annually celebrated festival here.

Significance

People having Nara dourbalya (Nerves problem) should visit this temple on Monday or Friday and offer Panchamrutha abhisheka.

Accessibility

Tirunelvayil Temple, is located 2km from the main town near Tiruvetkalam temple near Annamalai University.

Airport

The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, which is located at the distance of 175 Kms from Chidambaram and Chennai is the major airport in Tamil Nadu accessible with domestic and international flights to various cities in India and world and taxis are available from Tiruchirapalli airport to Chidambaram.

Railways

Chidambaram is served by Chidambaram railway station, which is located at the distance of 2 Kms from the city on the main railway line and connected to various cities in Tamil Nadu and the neighbouring states.

Road

National Highway 45A connects to Chidambaram from various cities in India and Government of Tamil Nadu ply buses to Chidambaram. Buses also ply from neighbouring cities as well. This temple is located 6 Kms to the south-west of a paadal petra sthalam Pennadam. One has to travel by Pennadam – Thittakudi road and reach a place called Kodikalam. A branch road from here goes to this sivasthalam which is about 3 Kms from Kodikalam.

Temple Address

Arulmighu Arathurai Nathar Temple,
Tiruvarathurai, Tiruvatturai Post,
Thittakkudi Taluk, Cuddalore District,
PIN - 606111.