- Shiva
Sri Desikanathar Temple
- Nagara Surakudi,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
Sooraikudi kovil is situated around 10 km from Chettinad. The temple is located on the Kanadukathan Road. It is in close proximity to Chettinad Railway Station. Lord Desika Nathar is the Temple's main deity and Aavudaiya Nayaki is its female deity.
About The Temple
Lord Bhairava is the prominent deity of the temple. Devotees worship Lord Bhairava first before doing so in the presiding deity and Ambica shrines. The camphor arati offered to Lord and Mother is not offered to devotees for a touch.Only the arati offered to Bhairava is offered to them. After the Janmashtami pujas, homas and special pujas, Lord Bhairava is taken in procession. As a tradition in Shiva temples, the presiding deity, Mother Goddess, Lords Vinayaka and Muruga and Chandikeswara are revered as Panchamurthis-Five Murthis- taken in procession. In this temple, during the Aani Uthira festival in June-July, Lord Bhairava takes the place of Lord Chandikeswara. As the place is under the Bhairava sthala category, this change is said to have been followed. Lord Yoga Dakshinamurthi with a crown graces devotees from the Simha Mandap, a difference in this temple. The first puja in the temple is dedicated to Sun God. Pujas to other deities follow only then. The history behind the practice is that Sun worshipped Lord Shiva here and the place was dense with Sun plants. This is why they gain the name Suriyakudi which later changed as Surakudi. Lord Nataraja in the temple is facing south. Nandhi, the bull vehicle of Lord Shiva is in the mandap carried by lions. There is one more Bhairava in prakara behind Lord Shrine appears with a club in hand.
About The deity
The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Arulmigu Desikanathar. His consort is known as Arulmigu Aavudainayaki.
Legend and Stories
Legend goes that Daksha, the father of Parvathi, once conducted a yajna. He intentionally did not invite Lord Shiva, his son-in-law. Sun attended the yajna. Lord Shiva sent His deputy Veerabadra to stop the yajna. Veerabadra not only stopped the yajna and also punished Sun-Surya and others for their participation. Sun came to this place and worshipped Lord Shiva seeking His pardon. Lord took pity on Sun and granted darshan. The temple has this story behind it.
Festivals
Lord Bhairavar Janmashtami in the new moon fortnight of Margazhi-December-January; Aani Uthira Vizha in June-July; Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January and 63 Nayanmar Guru Puja are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Significance
People pray for peace in families and prosperity.
Accessibility
The nearest airport is in Madurai, and the nearest railway station is in Karaikudi. Nagara Sura Kudi is 8 km far from Karaikudi. Bus facility is very infrequent. Visitors may hire autos or cabs. The temple is near the bus stop.
Temple Address
Sri Desikanathaswami Temple,
Nagara Surakudi, Sivaganga.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Prosperity
- Solutions to confusions in the family
- Mental peace
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 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.