Sri Kaleeswarar Temple

Overview

Sri Kaleeswarar temple is a Hindu shrine located at Villianallur in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu. The temple is quite ancient and is considered to be more than 1000 years old. The primary deity of the temple is Lord Shiva.

About the deity

Lord Chandikewara who generally appears with Komukham in most Shiva temples, is seen in the Brahmmastham at this shrine.

About The Temple

A separate shrine dedicated to Lord Vinayaka is found near the Kaleeswarar temple. The temple tank here is the basic source of water required to perform various Homas, hence the tank got to be called the Homa Kulam. According to Legends, evil forces had tried to disturb the wedding preparations of Lord Shiva with mother Parvathi. The Devi grew angry and decided to punish the evil. She took the form of Vishwarupa Kali and is believed to have destroyed the malefic spirits. Yet, she was furious. She is said to have come back to her original warm self only after the Lord casted a loving look on her. Since Ambica fell for Lord Shiva's love, she is worshipped here as Sivakama Sundari.

Since the Lord calmed down the furious of Kali Devi here, he is rightly praised as Kaleeswarar. Lord Chandikeswara found in the Komukham of the Devi's shrine here is believed to be from the Krutha Yuga, when he had faces. Lord Chandikeshwara is said to have had had three faces in Thretha Yuga, two in Dwapara Yuga and one in the present Kali Yuga. This very fact stands proof to the belief that the temple is quiet ancient. Worshipping Lord Chandikeswara here is said to relieve devotees of all their past and present sins.

Legend and stories

Various gods took various incarnations in every Yuga. Accordingly, Lord Vinayaka is said to have existed even before the wedding of Mother Parvathi with Lord Shiva in a Yuga. It is believed that Lord Vinayaka was the purohit conducting the wedding of Lord Shiva with Devi at Tirumanjeri. Lord Vinayaka is said to have stayed in this place and is said to have performed pujas to Lord Shiva as per the Agama Sastras at this place. He is believed to have taken two forms, one as a purohit to conduct the divine wedding in Tirumanajeri and one to stay at this place. Thus Lord Vinagyaga is seen in his twin forms at this kshetra. According to Devi Parvathi's wish, he was also born as the elder offspring of the divine couple.

Festivals

The auspicious days of Pradoshams, other than the Maha Shivrathri is much celebrated in this temple.

Significant

Devotees are of the belief that worshipping the Twin Vinayaka(s) at this temple would remove obstacles from marriage related issues. They also worship the lord here for getting relief from the anger of departed ancestors, seeking wedding and child boons and for a healthy life.

How To Reach Sri Kaleeswarar temple

Road

Villianallur is about 2 km far from Kuttralam on the Tirumananjeri road in the Mayiladuthurai Taluk, Nagapattinam district.

Railways

Nearest Railway station is Mayiladuthurai station.

Airport

Nearest airport is Trichy airport.

Temple Address

Sri Kaleeswarar temple,
Villianallur, Mayiladuthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam district.