- Shiva
Adhi Ratneswarar Temple
- Thiruvadanai,Tamil Nadu
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The Adhi Ratneswarar Temple is located in Thiruvadanai and is dedicated to God Adhi Ratneswarar. This is one of the 14 Shiva temples praised in Thevaram hymns. Vaaruni, the son of Varuna the God of rain, once stayed in the Ashram of Sage Durvasa who was in deep meditation. Vaaruni's friends played there using the fruits and flowers in the ashram and disturbed the penance of the sage The angry sage cursed Vaaruni to be transformed into a creature with the head of a goat (aja) and body of an elephant (gaja). In Tamil the name is aadu (goat) and aanai (elephant), hence the name of the place Thiru Aadu Aanai - Thiruvadanai. Vaaruni was repentant. Sages nearby suggested that he should come to this temple in the Pandya kingdom and pray to God Shiva for his remedy. Vaaruni followed the advice. Feeling sorry for the youth, the God appeared before him and enquired of his wish. Vaaruni in his AjaGaja form begged the God that his life should be a lesson to those behaving badly towards elders. He also wanted this place to be known as Thiruvadanai till the end of Kaliyuga. God granted his wish and the place came to be known with the suffix Thiru Aadu Aanai - Thiruvadanai. Sages Agasthya, Markandeya and divine cow Kamadenu are said to have worshipped the God of this temple. God Muruga in the temple is praised in the Tirupugazh hymns of saint Arunagirinathar.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Relief from the evil effects of past deeds
- Child boon
- Planet shukra's main or sub - periods
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
6 a.m. to 12 p.m. 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.