Sri Tirunaavaleswarar Temple

Overview

Tirunaavaleswarar Temple is situated in Tirunaavalur, Villupuram, Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This Shivastalam is the birthplace of Sundaramoorthy Nayanar. Tiruvennainallurclosely associated with Sundaramoorthy Nayanaar is located quite nearby. Also located nearby is Tirumundeeswaram village. Tirunavalur is also known as Tirunamanallur. This temple is one among 275 Shiva Sthalams. This is the 8th of the 22 Tevara Stalams in the Nadu Naadu region of Tamilnadu.

About the Temple

The Rajagopuram is five tiered at the entrance to the temple. There is a shrine for Sundaramoorthy Nayanar in this temple. The bronze images of Sundaramoorthy, Bhikshatanar, Natarajar and Nayanar are noteworthy. There is also a shrine to Varadaraja Perumal in this temple. Ambal's shrine is located in a separate shrine facing east. Dakshinamurthy is portrayed in a standing form, bearing scriptures in one hand, with the right hand placed on a rishabham standing behind.

This is the shrine worshipped by Lord Brahmma,Lord Vishnu, Lord Chandikeswara, Isai Gnaniyar, Saptha Rishis (Seven sages), Sundarar, Sadaya Nayanar, Garuda, Narasinghamunaiarayar and Sun. The Shivalinga, worshipped by Sukra also known as Barghava is installed near the Navagrahas in the name of Bhargaveeswara Linga.

Two theerthams the Gomukhi Theertham and the Garuda Theertham are in the temple premises. True to the name of the village, the Naaval maram is the stala vriksham in this shrine as in Jambukeswaram in Chola Naadu.

About the Deity

Tirunavaleeswarar is also known as Tiruttondeeswarar or Bhaktajaneswarar or Rajaditta Eswaram Udaiyaar. Vinayaka in the temple is known as Sundaravinayakar, Muruga as Shanmuganathan.

Legend and Stories

Thirunavalur is the holy soil where Sundaramurthy Nayanar, the hero of the celebrated epic Periapuranam was born. He was born to the Sivachariar (priest of the temple) in charge of the daily pujas of the temple.

Sundarar as Alalasundarar was a close associate of Lord Shiva in Kailash. He loved two young ladies ; Anindhai and Kamalini. Knowing what's on his mind, Lord Shiva ordered him to be born on Earth as the son of Sadayanar and Isaignaniyar in Thirunavalur in Nadu Naadu. The two young ladies also were born on Earth in the names of Paravayar and Sangiliar. Sundarar married Paravayar in Tiruvarur and Sangiliar in Tiruvottriyur. Sundarar is the author of Thiruthondathogai, the basis for the later Periapuranam penned by Sekkilar. In Thiruthondathogai, Sundarar had mentioned that he was the disciple all Nayanars whom he had mentioned reverentially by name. He later took up the mission of spreading Saivism and did the miracle of reclaiming a boy from a crocodile that swallowed him years back. This miracle took place in Avinashi.

On the day of his marriage in Thirunavalur, Lord Shiva, in the guise of an old man and relieved Sundarar from the bonds he was likely to be tied to. There is a Mutt in Thirunavalur in his name. There is a separate shrine for him in the temple. Sundarar appears here with his consorts Paravayar and Sangiliar.

History

Rajaditya Chola, the son of Parantaka Chola, was stationed as the commander of the Chola army at Mouli Gramam (known as Gramam today) nearby; Tirunavalur was then known as Rajadityapuram, and the Shiva temple was referred to as Rajadityeswaram. Inscriptions here, refer to the existence of Kalinareeswaram, a Shiva temple from the Pallava period, and a Vishnu temple (Tiru Metrali Maha Vishnu temple) and the Agastyeswarar temple, none of which exist now. The stone structure of the Tirunavalur temple came into being during the time of Parantaka and Rajaditya. Krishna III, the Rashtrakoota ruler, then took over the kingdom (957-968 AD); it was then recaptured by the Cholas during the time of Raja Raja Chola. This temple then enjoyed the patronage of the Cholas; mention must be made of inscriptions relating to endowments made to the Nataraja shrine here.

Festivals

Chithirai Car Festival (April-May) 15 days. Chitra new Year day is very grandly celebrated with the assistance of donors. Pooram Star day in Adi month (July-August) is the festival for Goddess Manonmani. Sundarar Guru Puja day takes place in the month of Adi (July-August) onSwathi Star day. One day festival in the month of Avani (August-September) on Uthra star day is celebrated with all splendour. Pujas are performed to Panchamurthis and Sundarar.

Poojas and Rituals

Special pujas are performed to Goddess Manonmani and Durga on Tuesdays, Fridays. Rahukala puja is observed on Tuesdays for Goddess Durga between 3.00 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. Women gather in large numbers for this Rahukala Puja.

Special Puja is performed on Fridays for the Linga installed by Sukra with white ghee, beans, butter and white silk. Thursday Puja is performed to Lord Dakshninamurthy with yellow clothing, yellow flowers and yellow pulse. Every religious day will be a festival in Thirunavalur temple and on Pradosha days drawing huge crowd of devotees.

Offerings

Devotees worship the Lord with white lotus, white silk dhoti, light the lamp with white ghee and pray for blessings from the Lord. Their endeavours fructify without any obstacle. Archana (worshipping the Lord chanting his names) with 3 limes and 3 turmeric bring happiness to the family.

Abishek is done with turmeric powder, flour rosewater,milk, oil, fruits, sugarcane juice, sacred ashes, honey, panchamirtham, sandal, curd and cloths offered. Annadhanam is undertaken by the wealthy to the visitors.

Rare Facts

The Sun is facing West. During the month of Panguni (March-April) from 23 to 27, Sun rays fall on the presiding deity.

Significance

Thirunavalur shrine is devotionally revered by those who closely follow Saivism. It is here that planet Sukra (Venus) got relieved from retrograde effects. People awaiting marriage, expecting trade development, elevation in jobs, health visit this temple for fulfillment of their desires. Those worshipping the Lord here get oratory skill,mental peace, educational recognition and above all the blessings of the Lord.

Nearby Place To Visit

1. Aadhi Tiruvarangam Perumal Temple
2. Sivalokanathar Temple
3. Swarnakadeswarar Temple
4. Atulya Nadeswarar Temple
5. Selva Lalithambikai Temple
6. Selva Lalithambikai Temple

Accessibility

Airport

The nearest airport is at Chennai.

Railways

The nearest railway station is Panruti, Parikkal.

Road

Thirunavalur is 35 kms from Cuddalore, 16 kms from Panruti, 22 kms from Villupuram, 56kms from Pondicherry and 25 Kms from Villupuram. On the way to Ulundurpettai from Villupuram, Thirunavalur Panchayat Union office is located on this road before kedilam bridge. A branch road opposite to this panchayat office towards Panruti leads you to Thirunavalur temple whichs is about 2 Kms. from here. One can reach Tirunavalur from Panruti.

Temple Address

Arulmighu Bhaktha Janeswarar Temple,
Tirunaavalur, Tirunaavalur Post,
Ulundurpettai Taluk, Villupuram District,
PIN – 607204.