Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple

Overview

The Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple is located at Thiruneelakudi and is dedicated to God Shiva. This temple is revered by Saint Sambandar in the famoys hymn Thevaram. This temple is also related to the life of Thiruneelakanta Nayanar

About the Temple

When someone hears the name of Tiruneelakudi, the first thing that hits the mind is the oil abhishekam that is offered to God. A lot of oil is poured on the God’s lingam which dries off later and then it appears like no abhishekam was done on it. No one knows where the oil goes. Despite the oil abhishekam, the shivlingam remains sturdy and rough. According to legend, the large quantity of oil is used to take down the poisonous effect on God’s neck or Neelakanda. The Vilwa tree and the jack tree in the temple have a lot of importance and sacredness too. The fruit of these trees should be cut and offered to God first and then only it should be taken to homes by the people. If they take it without offering to God then it could result in trouble later on. It has been proved by many who have tested it. This place is where renowned sage Markandeya was attained immortality. Goddess Dakshayani, against the wishes of the God, attended the yajna of Daksha here and also performed penance. After that she joined God again.

Legend and Stories

In this temple one can see two Goddesses here, one is Ippilamulai Amman who is in a wedding posture and the second one is Bakathapeesthapradayini who graces the devotees in the posture of penance. God Varun, angels, God Brahma, Devaganda, Sage Vasishta, Soorapanma and Kamadenu are known to have performed penances here and all of them had got relieved of their sins. This place also has been revered in the Appar Swamigal hymns in Thevaram. It is known that when the Jains had tied Appar and threw him, he started worshipping Neelakandeswara in the celebrated hymn Kallinodu Aman Kaiyar in this very temple.

Festivals

The major festivals celebrated and organized in this temple include 15 days Brahmmotsavam, Thiruvadirai, Adipooram, Karthika Deepam, Pradosha days, Deepawali, Pngal and New Year days.

Prasad and Offering

Devotees offer oil abhisekam, milk, curd, green coconut, sacred ash, turmeric powder, sandal to the God. Devotees offer clothing to the God and the Goddess and many of them also undertake Annadhana.

Significance

Couple who get separated due to some reason come and pray her to God Neelakandeswara so that they can reunite. Couples also pray for longevity in their relationship and perform pujas to God.

Nearby Place To Visit

Devotees also visit Andalakkum Aiyan, Padikasu Nathar, Gajendra Varadhan, Hara Shaba Vimochana Perumal, Appakudathan and Adhivaraha Perumal.

Accessibility

Road

This place is just around 15 km away from Kumbakonam and bus services can easily be accessed to reach the temple.

Railways

The nearest railway station to the temple is Kumbakonam railway station.

Airport

The closest airport to the temple is Trichy airport.

Temple Address

Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple,
Tiruneelakudi-612 108,
Tiruvidaimarudur Taluk,
Thanjavur district.