Yal Moori Nathar Temple

Overview

Yal Moori Nathar temple is located in Darmapuram, Pondicherry district, Pondicherry state, India. The main God here is Yal Moori Nathar and Amman (Thayar) is Thenamirthavalli. This temple is a 274 Sivalayam Koil.

About the Temple

The temple is praised in the Dhevaram hymns of Thirugnana Sambandhar. This is the fifty first of temples on the southern banks of Cauvery praised in Dhevaram hymns. The temple is closely linked with the life of a Shiva devotee Neelakanda Yalpaana Nayanar of Erukathampuliyur. Yal is a musical instrument as Veena or violin. Neelakanda Yalpaanar and his wife Madangashoolamani joined Saint Thirugnana Samabandar in his pilgrimage. Paanar would set the hymns of Sambandhar to music in his Yal. As Paanar mastered the art of composing, a sense of pride rose in his mind. Lord Shiva wanted to correct him. When they reached this place, Sambandhar sang his hymns as he did in all Shiva temples. But Paanar was not able to set it in his Yal despite all efforts. In frustration, Paanar decided to break the Yal and end himself. Lord Shiva intervened in time, got the Yal from Paanar, set the hymns to music and also danced to the song. Paanar shed his pride. Based on this event, Lord is named Yal Moori Nathar. Lord Shiva always appears in the sanctum sanctorum with silver cover.
When Lord Shiva set the hymns of Sambandhar, Ambika sang so sweetly in a voice as if mixed in honey and nectar, hence is praised as Thean Amirthavalli (Amirtham-Nectar). Those wanting a sweet voice, worship Ambika with special Pujas and vastra. Those aspiring to master music, worship Lord Shiva and Lord Dhakshinamurthy. When Lord Shiva played the Yal, the nightingales joined the performance with Him as described by Saint Sambandhar in the hymn. Guru Puja for Sambandhar is celebrated on the Vaikasi Moola star day when Lord comes in procession granting darshan to the saint. There is a spring in the prakara created by Darma tasting so sweet. Consuming the water of the spring relieves the devotee of all sins, it is believed. The three-tier Rajagopura-main tower is facing east. Lord Karpaga Vinayaka graces the devotees.

About the Deity

The main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Yalmoori Nadhar and his consort is known as Theynamirtha Valli in a separate sanctum. Siva Lingam is seen with Silver kavacham (armour) in this temple. Vinayagar is known as Karpaga Vinayagar.

Legend And Stories

Lord Shiva punished Yama the God of Death when he came to take the life of Rishi Markandeya in Thirukadayur and dismissed him from the job. As there were no deaths at all on earth, the burden of Bhoodevi increased which she could not bear due to the effect of Lord’s action against Yama; she implored the Lord to reinstate Yama to keep the birth-death ratio in order. Lord Shiva directed Yama to perform penance and worship him to get his job back. Yama came to this place, created a spring, and performed penance. Lord Shiva appeared to Yama and said that the job would come back to him at the appropriate time. As prayed by Yama, Lord stayed here to grace his devotees.

Festivals

Vaigasi festival in May-June, Shivarathri in February-March and Thirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Significance

Devotees perform Homas for longevity seeking the blessings of Lord. Those facing problems to children’s welfare and in wedding matters perform anointment to Mother Durga on Uthrada star days.

Nearby Place to Visit

Lakshmi Hayagrivar
Pancha Nadeeswarar
Sundareshwarar
Parvatheeswarar
Sengazhuneer Amman
Prithiyangara Devi

Accessibility

Road

The temple is 4 km far from Karaikal bus stand. Bus facility is not available. Autos charge Rs. 60 to and fro.

Railways

Karaikal

Airport

Chennai

Temple Address

Sri Yalmoorinathar Devasthanam,
Darumapuram,
Puducherry,
Pincode -609 602