Sri Vennaiyappar Temple

Overview

Swarnaghateswarar-Venneiyappar Temple is situated at Ulundoorpettai near Tirukkovilur, Viluppuram District, Tamil Nadu. The nearest railhead is the Ulundurpet railway station of about 7 kms. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Goddess Neelamalarkkanni is also worshiped here. The temple sprawls around a vast area and has 2 towers and many inscriptions that reveal the historical significance of the temple. Sage Sambandar is said to have composed pathigams in of the Venneiyappar.

About the Temple

Lord Shiva in the inner sanctum is seated under a Rudraksha Pandal (roof) that has 7,500 large size beads. Sages Sanadhanar, Sananthanar, Sanaka and Sanathkumarar had worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. Lord Shiva, as a procession deity is in a standing form in the middle of a trident symbolizing the oneness of Shiva and Shakti in the Arthanareeswara form. Nandhi the bull vehicle of Lord Shiva is in a worshipping form spinning together its front legs, which is explained as if Nandhi is appealing to Lord for the welfare of the devotees. It is said that as Lord Shiva Himself built a dam (Anai in Tamil) with paddy (Nel in Tamil) the place was named Nel Anai which later changed as Neivanai.

Mother Neela Malar Kanni graces from a separate shrine on the left side of the Lord. The well – Theertha Kinaru – is opposite the temple. Lord Maha Vishnu graces from the front Mandap with Goddess Mahalakshmi on His lap in a worshipping form as Lord Lakshmi Narayana. Both idols are with closed eyes as if in meditation. There is a separate shrine for Lord Nataraja. There are shrines for Lord Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai, Navagrahas the nine planets. Lord Kasi Viswanatha, Mother Goddess Visalakshi are in the prakara. Special pujas are offered to Sri Bhairava on new moon days. It was dark when Saint Gnanasambandar reached this place during his pilgrimage. He had difficulty in tracing the path. To help him find way, Lord Shiva sent Goddess Ambica to guide Sambandar to the temple. The place from where Goddess Ambica called the child saint is called Ethalavadi nearby. In his excitement, Sambandar danced and sang the praise of Lord. The idol of Gnanasambandar is designed in a dancing form beautifully. Saints Appar-Tirunavukkarasar and Sundarar are placed nearby.

About the Deity

The presiding deity of the temple is Thirunelvennaippar /Sri Swarnaghateswarar with his consort Goddess Sri Neelamalar Kanni Ammai.

Legend and Stories

Once the place was very fertile with paddy fields and people were happy and prosperous. Wealth and luxuries made people forget God. Lord directed Varuna the God of rain to pour heavily in the region. Heavy floods began to threaten their safety. Lakes, tanks and all water resources began swelling. People ran to Lord for safety. Lord appeared as a young man, asked the people to bring all the paddy bags from their homes and built a dam preventing further calamity. Though the people lost their possessions, they praised the young man as their saviour. He said that God was the giver of prosperity and they should not be ungrateful to the Almighty. The young man gave them pots of gold (Swarna) and advised them to recover the loss by using it and disappeared. When the villagers were wonderstruck, Lord appeared before them as Swaymabu. People built the temple for the Lord.. As the Lord gave them Swarna-gold, He is praised as Swarnakadeswarar.

Festivals

The temple celebrates Tirukarthikai in November-December, Arudra Darshan in December-January and Shivrathri in February-March.

Significance

People pray to Lord for release from sins, for wisdom and prosperity in family. Devotees offer vastras to Lord and also contribute for the maintenance of the temple.

Nearby Place To Visit

Aadhi Tiruvarangam Perumal Temple
Sivalokanathar Temple
Atulya Nadeswarar Temple
Maha Kaleswarar Temple
Selva Lalithambikai Temple
Veeratteswarar Temple

Accessibility

Road

The place is 15 km from Ulundurpet. Bus facilities are available only at specific hours.

Railways

Ulundurpet

Airport

Chennai

Temple Address

Sri Swarnakadeswarar Temple,
Neivanai (Nelvennai)
Villupuram district,
Pincode – 607 201.