Pasupatheswarar Temple

Overview

The temple is located in Tamil Nadu.

About the Temple

The temple was built by the Pallava kings. It is constructed strictly following the temple architecture rules with bricks. In the year 1914, this was renovated with stones by Peddha Perumal Chettiar of Kanadukathan. Presently, the temple is facing east with a three tier Rajagopuram. In the four pillars in Ambica shrines, there are sculptures depicting Arjuna storing his weapons, Arjuna performing penance standing on one leg, Lord Shiva in the guise of a hunter and Arjuna fighting with Lord.Lords Nardana Vinayaka, Siddhi Vinayaka, Anugraha Dakshinamurthy are in the prakara. Sun and Moon are next to each other. Worshipping the planets during eclipse times is devotionally followed in the temple.

The temple is built by Pallava kings strictly following the temple architecture rules with bricks. In the year 1914, this was renovated with stones by Peddha Perumal Chettiar of Kanadukathan. Presently, the temple is facing east with a three tier Rajagopuram. In the four pillars in Ambica shrines, there are sculptures depicting Arjuna storing his weapons, Arjuna performing penance standing on one leg, Lord Shiva in the guise of a hunter and Arjuna fighting with Lord. Lords Nardana Vinayaka, Siddhi Vinayaka, Anugraha Dakshinamurthy are in the prakara. Sun and Moon are next to each other. Worshipping the planets during eclipse times is devotionally followed in the temple.

About the Deity

Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Pasupateshwar. The female deity is known as Nallanayagi, Sargunambal.

Legend and Stories

Legend has it that Arjuna the celebrated archer of Bharath was advised by Lord Krishna to perform penance on Lord Shiva to get the Pasupatha missile to win the Kurukshetra war though he got many such from his father Indira. Obeying the advice of Lord Krishna, he came to this place dense with bamboo trees. Duryodhana, as is habitual of him, sent demon Mookasura as a wild pig to spoil Arjuna’s penance. Knowing his design, Lord Shiva set out with Mother Parvathi as a hunter. Four Vedas followed the Lord in the form of dogs. Lord shot an arrow on the pig while Arjuna also shot one simultaneously. A debate arose between Lord and Arjuna whose arrow killed the demon. The debate turned into a fight between the two. The Pandava struck the Lord with his bow the impact of which fell on every being in the world. Lord Shiva tossed Arjuna with His toe.He fell in the Krupa Kadaksham spring. Mother Parvathi grew angry on Arjuna when he struck on the Lord but Lord stopped Her saying that a Mother should only be loving and addressed Her ‘Sarguna’ meaning a person with calm traits. Arjuna had the benefit of the touch of Lord’s feet when He tossed him. Lord granted darshan to Arjuna with Mother Parvathi and the Pasupatha he wished.The bow-blow scar on the Shivalinga is visible even now

Festivals

Chithirai first day being Tamil New Years day falling almost on April 14; Vaikasi Visakam in May-June; Aani Tirumanjanam in June-July; Vinayaka Chaturthi in August-September; Purattasi Navarathri in September-October; Deepavali in October-November; Maha Shivrathri in February-March and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Significance

Those facing stammering problems worship here. It is believed that if they consume the sand balls offered as Prasad, they will be cured of this deficiency. Those facing delays in wedding also pray here. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.

Nearby Place To Visit

Patanjaleeswarar

Thillai Kali

Swarnapureeswarar

Pralayakaleswarar

Theerthapureeswarar

Kolanji Appar

Accessibility

The temple is situated in the complex of Annamalai University, Chidambaram. The closest railway station is in Chidambaram, and the closest airport is in Chennai and Trichy.

Temple Address

Sri Pasupatheswarar Temple,
Tiruvetkalam (Chidambaram Nagar)-608 002.
Cuddalore district