Sivalokanathar Temple

Overview

This is a Shiva stalam in the vicinity of Tiruvennainallur in Tamil Nadu,India. . It is located 3 kms to the west of Chennai Tiruchirappalli highway, on the way leading to Tirukkovilur and Tiruvannamalai. Gramam was referred to as Mouli-Gramam during the days of King Parantaka Cholan. Tirumundeeswaram is located on the southern bank of the Pennaar river. The river Malattaar Tirunavalur is flowing in near by the village. This is the 19th of the 22 Tevara Stalams in the Nadu Naadu region of Tamilnadu.The temple is mentioned and praised in the Thevaram hymns of saint Tirunavukkarasar. This is the 19th Lord Shiva Temple in Tamil Nadu region praised in Thevaram hymns. This temple is about 1000-2000 years old.

About The Temple

The present stone structure of the temple is built by King Parantaka Chola I and is about 1000 years old. Gramam is said to have been a military station of King Parantaka Chola I, when the security of the kingdom was threatened by the kingdom of Rashtrakootas from the north. King Rajaditya, the son of Parantaka was placed in charge of the army here, and the neighbouring town of Tirunavalur (the birthplace of Sundarar) was also named Rajadityapuram. Inscriptions recording gifts by Rajaditya as well as those by Parantaka are seen in this temple.

Sri Vinayaka of the temple is praised as Lord Varasiddhi Vinayaka. The Rajagopuram is facing east. Lord Vinayaka and Lord Muruga have changed positions at the entrance. Lord Muruga’s left hand shows the Naarasa Mudra. The temple derives its architectural inspiration from Somaskanda design as the shrine of Lord Muruga is in between those of Lord Shiva and The Goddess. There are shrines for Lords Vinayaka, Lord Muruga, Lord Nataraja, Lord Dakshinamurthy, Navagrahas the nine planets, Aiyanar and Mother Durga in the prakara.

Thala Virutcham

Vanni

Theertham

Brahma theertham

About The deity

Lord Shiva is known as Sivaloga Nathar, Mundeeswarar and Goddess is known as Soundara Nayagi, Kaanarkuzhali Ammai. Lord offered a bag of Vibhuti (Pokkalam) to king Veerapandian, hence known as Pokkalam Kodutha Nayanar. Since, the temple is on the banks of a river (Aaru), He is also known as Aattruthali Mahadeva.

Legend and Stories

Sage Agasthya who came to south to balance the earth level during the wedding of Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash, installed many Lingas on his way. When he reached this place, he suffered sever stomachache and began making a linga with sand so that he could appeal to the Lord to rid the pain. But he could not make the Linga as he desired. Agasthya felt that the Lord was testing him. Finding some herbal plants nearby, he made a juice out of them, mixed it with some sand and succeeded in making the Linga. His stomachache too subsequently disappeared. The temple was thus built in the same place.

Festivals

Makara Sankranthi (January-February),Mahasivarathri (February-March), Panguni Uthiram (March-April) ,Chithirai New Year Day (April-May), Aani Tirumanjanam (June-July), Vinayaka Chaturthi, Navarathri in Purattasi (September-October), Skanda Sashti and Iypasi Annabishekam (November-December), Dhanur month and Thiruvadhirai (December-January), and Pradosha days (13th day from New Moon or Full Moon day) are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Appar Vizha is celebrated in the month of Chittirai and Arudra Darisanam is celebrated in Margazhi.

Thanks Giving

Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother with vastras.

Significance

Those desirous of mastering music and dance pray to Mother.

Accessibility

Airport

The nearest airport is at Chennai.

Railways

The nearest major railway station is at Villupuram.

Road

This sivasthalam is located 5 Kms to the east of Tiruvennainallur. It is located on the Panruti - Arasur - Tiruvennainallur road. One can also travel upto Arasur from Villupuram (Villupuram - Ulundurpettai road) and then to Tirumenedeeswaram. This temple is about 16 Kms from Villupuram.

Temple Address

Arulmighu Sivaloga Nathar Temple,
Gramam, Gramam Post, Via Ulundurpettai,
Ulundurpettai Taluk, Villupuram District, Pincode – 607203.