Aranyeswarar Temple

Overview

The Tirukattupalli Aranyeswarar is located in Keezhai Tirukattupalli in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu. Nagapattinam was a part of the Cholamandalam and called as Cholakula Vallipattinam during the Chola period. Nagapattinam was a part of Thanjavur District till it was created as separate District in the year 1991. It has twin importance as a historically and culturally significant area. This area finds prominent presence in the Burmese History of 3rd Bc and also says a Buddha Viharam was built by Emperor Ashoka here. The same viharam finds a place in Chinese Traveller Hieun Tsang's book too.

About the Temple

This temple is the 12th Lord Shiva temple on the northern bank of Cauveri praised in Thevaram hymns. Lord in the temple is a swayambumurthy. There are seven Lingas in the Temple of which one Linga has two Banas, a different form in this temple. The vimana above the sanctum sanctorum is called Dwaidala Vimana. Dasalinga is in the prakara. There are seven Lingas here with one having two Banas on the Avudayar. This is a rare and different Linga not commonly seen in Shiva temples. Mentioning this form in his hymn, saint Gnanasambandar says “Lord having Dasalinga with Him”. Tiruvengadu, known for Mercury planet worship is just a kilometer far from here. Lord Dakshinamurthy is seated on a square shaped peeta facing west with 6 disciples though in temples He appears with four disciples, Sanakar, Sanathanar, Sananthanar and Sanathkumarar. He is also praised as Rajayoga Dakshinamurthy. As Lord Shiva was in the midst of a jungle –Aaranyam – He is also called Aranyeswarar and Kattazhagar in Tamil - Lord of the Jungle. Mother in a separate shrine is facing south. As all prominence is for Lord alone, there is no shrine for the Navagrahas the nine planets.Those who had been demoted from positions and those deprived of promotions despite honest and hard work perform special pujas to Lords Dakshinamurthy and Aaranyeswarar offering vastras. They believe that they will recover their losses. Lord Vinayaka, praised as Nandu Vinayaka was worshipped by a cancer-Nandu in Tamil to regain his original Gandharva personality. The Nandu is his peeta. He does not have His Mouse vehicle with him as the Nandu plays the role.Lord Aranyeswarar also has His name after a sage of the name who worshipped here. The sculpture showing the sage worshipping Lord Shiva while Mahakalar is blowing the conch is in the prakara.

Saints Sambandar and Tirunavukkarasar had sung the praise of the Lord of the temple in their Thevaram hymns.

About the Deity

The presiding deity is Lord Shiva. He is called Aranyeswarar. His consort is known as Akhilandeswari.

Legend and stories

Legend has it that the devas appealed to Indira to protect them from the atrocities of demon Vruddhasura with the might of the boon he obtained from Lord Brahmma. Indira fought the demon and killed him and incurred the evil effect of the killing. He also lost his kingship of the Devas. As advised by his Guru, Jupiter, he came down to earth to worship Lord Shiva for remedy. He came to this jungle region-Aaranyam, found a Swayambulinga and performed pujas. Pleased with his devotion, Lord appeared before Indira and said that the effects of both good and bad deeds had to be experienced by all. Lord stayed here then as Aaranyeswarar.

Festivals

Shivarathri in February-March; Aipasi Skanda Sashti in October-November; Arudra Darshan in December-January and Vinayaka Chaturti in August-September are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Significance

Seeking pardon for sins committed unknowingly and to regain the lost position, people pray in the temple Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.

Nearby Place to Visit

Kayaroganeswarar

Thanthondreeswarar

NeelakandeswararPallavaneswarar

Naganathar

Uthavedeeswarar

Accessibility

Sirkali is about 25 km away from Mayiladuthurai. The temple is further 15 km from Sirkali. Bus facility is not convenient. Devotee can travel to Tiruvenkadu by bus. Autos can be hired from here to the temple, 1 km from this place. The nearest railway station is in Mayiladuthurai, and the closest airports are in Trichy and Chennai.

Temple Address

Sri Aranyeswarar Temple ,
3/288, Sannadhi street,
Tirukattupalli,
Tiruvengadu – 609 114.