Sri Sivakozhundeesar Temple

Overview

This Shivastalam is located in the vicinity of Cuddalore in Tamil Nadu.. Saint Sundarar had praised the Lord of the temple in his Thevram hymns. This is the 5th Shiva temple praised in the Thevaram hymns in Tamil Nadu region. This temple is 1000-2000 years old.

About The Temple

Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma appeared infront of worshipping Lord Shiva behind the Lingodhbava in the goshta wall. Niruddha Vinayaka graces in a sculpture on the pillar. Four Bhoodha Ganas are nearby worshipping Lord Vinayaka. The Kondrai tree where Lord Shiva had His food is in the prakara. Main Vinayaka of the temple is Lord Valampuri Vinayaka. The 3 tier Rajagopuram is facing east.

Lord Nataraja graces in His majestic dancing posture from a separate shrine. Lord Vishnu sings with His conch while Lord Brahmma is playing the Maddala. Lord Shiva dances to the tune of their instruments. This is a very rare form of Lord Nataraja with other two Lords. This Darshan is considered very beneficial to devotees aspiring excellence in music and dance. They perform special pujas in this shrine and pray for the boon. Mother Vishnu Durga graces from a separate shrine.

Lord Dakshinamurthy graces in a sitting form on a peeta-platform with both legs bent. Muyalagan the ignorant is not seen under His feet. His four disciples are around Him. When farmer couples served food to Lord Shiva, He took it sitting on the floor with His legs bent. Lord Dakshinamurthy graces in this form. Praying to Lord Dakshinamurthy will reward devotees with plenty of grains and food commodities. Farm yields will be in plenty.

Jambuva Thadaga theertha is outside the temple. A sage cursed as a Bear-Jaambu, bathed in this tank, worshipped Lord Shiva and got the relief. Hence, the tank is named after the Rishi. A dip in the theertha removes the sins of the devotee, it is believed.

Thala Virutcham

Kondrai

Thala Virutcham

Jambuva Thadagam

About The deity

Lord Shiva is known as Sivakozhundeesar. The Goddess is known as Oppilaa Nayagi. Lord Shiva blesses the devotees sitting on a square peeta. The farm equipments used by the Lord to plough the lands, are still in the temple. Mother Goddess Oppila Nayaki graces from a separate shrine. Devotees call Her Karunthadanganni and Neeladhambikai. Saint Sundarar had praised Ambica in his hymn.

Legend and Stories

Once upon a time, there lived a farmer couple in this region.. They had a ritual of eating their food only after feeding a Shiva devotee. To test their faith, Lord Shiva did not send them any devotee one day. The couple went to their field with the intention of feeding their workers. They were also absent. Yet they waited. Finally, an old man came to the place. The couple requested the old man to accept their hospitality. The man replied that he would not accept the food free but would have it as a wage for a work he can do for them. The farmer asked him to plough his land. Meantime, the couple went home and returned with the food. They were surprised that the crop had grown and was ready for harvest. The farmer served the food to old man near the Kondrai tree and asked him how come the crop grew so fast. The old man disappeared. Lord Shiva appeared before the farmer and said He only came in disguise. The farmer begged the Lord to stay in the place. Lord granted his wish and stayed here as a swayambulinga.

History

The Temple plays a unique role in the history of Hindu religion, art, and architecture. Pataleeswarar Temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in the town of Cuddalore. It was constructed during the Pallava and Medieval Chola periods. The Saivite saint Appar is believed to have adopted Saivism at this temple. During 7th Century saint Thirunavukarasar was thrown to the river tied to a Weighty boulder (Stone) by the Pallava King Mahendiran. But the stone moved up in the river proving to the world the spiritual strength endowed upon a devotee.

Festivals

Masi Shivrathri in February-March, 13 day Vaikasi Brahmmotsavam in May-June, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November, Arudra Darshan in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Offerings

Thinai is one of the crops cultivated those days. The nivedhana for the Lord used to be made from this grain. As this crop is not grown now, the practice is discontinued. As Thinai was cultivated here, the place was named Thiru Thinai. This nivedhana was offered earlier as Lord Shiva worked in the fields. Those expecting promotions in job worship the Lord offering this nivedhana. Lord Chandikeswara, who is maintaining a register of visiting devotees, is with His consort. It is said that She is assisting Chandikeswara in the job. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.

Rare Facts

Lord Shiva in the temple is a swayambumurthy. The rays of Sun fall on the Lord on Panguni 20, 21 and in March-April.

Significance

People pray for good farm yields and to excel in the art of dancing.

Nearby Places to Visit

1. Patanjaleeswarar Temple
2. Thillai Kali Temple
3. Swarnapureeswarar Temple
4. Pralayakaleswarar Temple
5. Theerthapureeswarar Temple
6. Kolanji Appar Temple

Accessibility

Airport

The nearest airport is at Chennai.

Railways

The nearest railway station is at Cuddalore.

Road

This shivasthalam temple is located 10 Kms from Aalapakkam railway station which is enroute Cuddalore - Chidambaram section of the Southern Railway. Aalapakkam is 190 Kms from Chennai. Town bus services from Cuddalore to Chidambaram via Mettupalayam goes to Theerthanagiri.

Temple Address

Arulmighu Sivakozhundeesar Temple,
Theerthanagiri, Theerthanagiri Post,
Cuddalore Taluk, Cuddalore District,
PIN - 608801.