Parvathi Easwarar Temple

Overview

The temple is located in Tiruthelicherry, Pondicherry district, Pondicherry state, India. The main deity here is Parvatheeswarar and Amman (Thayar) is Parvathi Ammai (Swayamvara Thapasvini). This temple is a 275 Sivalayam Koil.

About the Temple

The temple is built such that the rays of Sun fall on the Lord during evenings for 10 days in the month of Panguni from 13th – March-April. Mother Parvathi was born as the daughter of Sage Kathyayana, performed penance here and joined Him here. As She performed Tapas-penance, She is praised as Tapasvini and Parvathi Ammai. She blesses devotees with wedding boons. Lord Shiva with His name Kiradhamurthi appears in a hunter form.Saint Gnanasambandar was intercepted by some belonging to a different religion when he came to this place. The saint appealed to Lord for a solution. By the command of Lord, a thunder fell on them yet they could not be corrected. They said that Saivism was not a religion superior to theirs and challenged Sambandar for a debate. Sambandar accepted the challenge and defeated them. Accepting the defeat, they too embraced Saivism here.King Ambarisha prayed to Lord here and was blessed with a child. Lord thus came to be known as Raja Lingam. He is also praised as Bhaskara Lingam as Sun worshipped here. Bhaskara is the other name of Sun.The place was known as Brahmma Vanam in Krutha Yuga, Sameevanam in Thretha, Ananda Vanam in Dwapara Yuga and Mukthi Vana in the present Kaliyuga. Due to failure of monsoon as famine raised its head, Chola king prayed to Lord to save his subjects from starvation. Lord came in the form of a farmer, sowed paddy seeds in the fields.The place was freed with good yields from famine. As Lord Himself sowed seeds here, the place came to be known as Tiru-Theli-sowing, cheri-place – Tiru Theli Cherry.After worshipping Lord Darbaranyeswarar in Tirunallaru, Saint Ganasambandar was passing through this place, not noticing this temple. Lord Vinayaka called the saint 10 times, made him turn back and sing a Pathigam of 10 verses. As Vinayaka called (Koovuthal in Tamil) the saint, He is praised as Koovi Azhaitha Pillayar. This name changed as Koil Pathu in the days that followed.

About the Deity

The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Parvathi Ammai . His consort is known as Swayamvara Thapasvini.

Legend and Stories

Chaya devi was sad as her husband Sun God was not affectionate to her. Knowing this through Maharshi Narada, her fathr cursed Sun. Sun lost his shining glory. He came to this place, created a spring and worshipped Parvatheeswarar and got the relief. As Sun-Bhaskara worshipped here, the place is known as Bhaskara Sthala.

Festivals

Avani paddy sowing festival in August-September is grandly celebrated in the temple.

Significance

Devotees pray here for child, wedding and education boons. Devotees performs abisheks to Lord and mother and offer vastras.

Nearby Place To Visit

Lakshmi Hayagrivar Temple
Yazh Moori Nathar Temple
Pancha Nadeeswarar Temple
Sundareshwarar Temple
Sengazhuneer Amman Temple
Prithiyangara Devi Temple

Accessibility

The temple is behind Karaikal bus stand and the closest railways are in Nagapattinam, and the closest airport is in Chennai.

Temple Address

Sri Parvatheeswarar Temple,
Tiruthlicherry-Karaikal Pathu,
Karaikal,
Pducherry state,
Pincode -609 602.