Thanthondreeswarar Temple

Overview

This temple is located in Akkur in Nagapattinam.

About the Temple

This town marks the birth place of Sirapuli Nayanar, one among the 63 celebrated saivite Nayanmars. He attained salvation also here. People also celebrate their 60th birth day in the temple. Devotees perform Sahasranama (chanting 1000 names of the Lord) archana to Lord Bhairava on the Ashtami the 8th day of the new moon fortnight. Lord Muruga in the temple is praised in the Tirupugazh hymns of Arunagiriar. This is also one of the sacred places where Lord Shiva granted Wedding Darshan to Sage Agasthya. The temple belongs to Mada category built by king Kochengatkannan. In a banquet here, Lord Shiva participated with others.

About the Deity

The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Thanthondriappar. His consort is known as Valnedunkanni.

Legend and Stories

King Kochenganan was suffering from ulcer in the stomach. A voice said that he could be cured if he built in a temple at a place that had three sthala vrukshas-sacred trees. He saw Kondrai, Pakku and Vilwa trees here and began building the temple. During the construction, the wall built the previous day would fall the next day. He begged Lord Shiva for the solution. He was advised to feed 1000 Brahmins for 48 days. He found that one Brahmin short each day. He again fell at the feet of the Lord to help him. On the final day-48th day- all the seats were full with 1000 Brahmins present. The king politely asked the old 1000th guest to which place he belonged to. The old man replied “Yarukku Oor” meaning “place! to whom?” The security with the king was angry as the old man questioned back the king. The guest ran from there and disappeared in an anthill. When opened, a Swayambulinga was found in the anthill with an injury caused by the hit of the crowbar used to demolish the anthill. It is still visible on the Linga.

Festivals

Thiruvadhirai in Margazhi (December-January) is the important festival in the temple. Monthly Shivarathri, Pradosham. Karthikai deepam, Poornimas are the festive days in the temple.

Prasad and Offering

For removal of adverse effects on children, people use to offer their kids in adoption to other, and get them back again. Those seeking child boon perform archanas with white lotus flowers.

Significance

This is a place considered sacred for performing remedial rituals for removal of any evil and adverse effects faced by the devotees. Devotees perform Parvathi Homa to conclude wedding proposals successfully. Those seeking child boon perform Santhana Gopalakrishna Homa.

Nearby Place To Visit

Kayaroganeswarar Temple
Neelakandeswarar temple
Pallavaneswarar Temple
Aranyeswarar Temple
Naganathar Temple
Uthavedeeswarar Temple

Accessibility

The nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, located 145 km (90 miles) away from the town. The Nagapattinam railway junction connects Thiruvarur in the west, Nagore in the north, Velankanni in the south and Karaikal in the east. There is a daily express train to Chennai via Mayiladuthurai and Ernakulam via Coimbatore and it connects all major cities. Extensive network of roads connect it to Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and all other major cities. Nagapattinam is located at a distance of about 330kms from Chennai by Road.

Temple Address

Sri Thanthondreeswarar Temple,
Akkur,
Nagapattinam Dist.
Pincode - 609 301.