TEMPLES OF MAYILADUTHURAI

Temples around Mayiladuthurai

The town of Mayiladuthurai in Tamil or Mayuram in Sanskrit is at a distance of around 280 Kilometers from Chennai. The river Cauvery traverse through this town. Mayuram is glorified with an old saying “Aayiram aanaalum mayuram aahaathu (ஆயிரம்  ஆனாலும்  மாயூரம்  ஆகாது)”, meaning even a combination of 1000 special places can not be compared to Mayuram. The name of the town comes from the legend that Goddess Parvathi took birth as Peacock and worshiped Lord Shiva at the Mayuranathar temple in the town (Mayur in Sanskrit and Mayil in Tamil means peacock).

Festival:

It is believed that Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi come to Cauvery during the month of Iyppasi every year to get rid of their sins that are collected from the pilgrims who take a holy dip in them and recharge themselves for the next year. The whole month of Iyppasi is the festival period and is called Thula Utsav. People from all over the place throng the banks of Cauvery to take a holy dip. The last day of Iyppasi called “Kadaimugam” and the next day, i.e., the first day of Karthigai called “Mudavan Muzhukku” are the most sacred days. The day before kadaimugam, car festival (Rath) is celebrated where cars from Vallalar temple, Mayuranathar temple and Parimala Ranganathar temple go around in their car streets.

Temples:

Maylidauthurai is the travel base from where you can see most number of Divya desams and Thevara padal petra sthalams, more than even Kumbakonam and Kanchipuram! Especially, Thirunangur (near Sirkazhi) and its surroundings have the maximum no of Divya desams and Thevara Padal Petra sthalams.

Since there are many no of temples the directory has been split into two pages as below:

Mayliaduthurai – North

Mayliaduthurai Town
Mayiladuthurai – Keezhaiyur – Poompuhar
Mayiladuthurai – Vaitheeswaran koil – Sirkazhi
Sirkazhi Town
Sikazhi – Poompuhar
Thirunangur
Sirkazhi – Thirumullaivayal
Kollidam – Achalpuram – Mahendrapalli
Sirkazhi – Thiruvazhkoli puthur (West of Sirkazhi)
Mayiladuthurai – Manalmedu

Mayiladuthurai – Kathiramangalam – Kumbakonam (North of Cauvery)
Mayiladuthurai – Kuttalam – Kumbakonam (South of Cauvery)
Poonthottam – Thiruveezhimalai – Nachiyar koil
Mayiladuthurai – Peralam (Thiruvarur)
Peralam – Karaikkal
Mangainallur – Poraiyar – Tharangambadi
Mayiladuthurai – Sembonar Kovil – Akkur
Sirkazhi – Karaikkal

Mayuranathar Temple

Significances:

One of the 276 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams

One of the six temples on the banks of Cauvery which are considered equivalent to Kasi.

It is considered that Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi come here every year during the month of Iyppasi (Thula month) and take bath here. The “tula snanam” is highly popular.

Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Mayuranadhar with Abhayambkai ammai.

Legend:

Dakshayani (Parvathi devi) attended her father Daksha’s Yagnam (The Thiruppariyalur Veerattanam where the Daksha yagnam is believed to have been performed is about 10 kms from here) without an invitation and without obeying Shiva’s words to only get humiliated there. So Shiva asked her to take birth as peacock and penance here for the entire month of Iyppasi to reunite with Him. Later Shiva also took a peacock form, performed the Gowri Tandavam and united with Her. Hence the name Mayiladuthurai (Mayil in tamil means peacock). There are only two temples where Parvathi took the form of peacock and worshipped Shiva, the other one being Mylapore.
Also, all the devas who attended Dhaksha yagam worshipped Shiva here and got liberated from their sins.
It is considered that the place of Mayuram itself was created by Lord Brahmma who worshipped Lord Shiva here.
One of the six temples on the banks of Cauvery which are considered equivalent to Kasi. Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi became sinful and very ugly since people take bath in these rivers to wash off their sins. So, as per the advise of Kannuva muni, they all came to Mayuram during the Iyppasi month, took bath at the Cauvery and got their sins cleared off and got back their beauty. So it is considered very sacred to take bath at Cauvery here during the month of Iyppasi. Especially, the last day of Iyppasi, called “Kadaimugam” is considered the most sacred day to take bath here and get moksha.
A couple by name Nathasama and Anavidhyambihai came here to take bath during the “Kadaimugam” but by the time they arrived here it was too late. So they were very upset and prayed to Lord Shiva. The Lord appeared in their dream and said He will extend the sacred period to the next day and asked them to take bath before the sunrise. So the first day of Karthigai month before sunrise is called “Mudavan Muzhukku” and is considered as holy as “Kadaimugam”.

The Temple:

This is a vast temple with five praharams including the car streets and has many gopurams. The east facing rajagopuram has 9 tiers. Natarajar in the koshtam with Juradhevar near his foot is a rare appearance. Siva Chandikeswarar and Dejas Chandikeswarar are both present in the same shrine. Ashta lakshmis are present in the praharam. Mahavishnu is present in a separate shrine doing pooja to a lingam.
The entire temple excepting Murugar shrine is being maintained Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam and the Murugar shrine is being maintained by Dharmapuram Adheenam. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on this Murugar.

Sambandhar & Navakkuarasar sang hymns on Shiva.

Theertham: Rishaba theertham and Brahmma theertham.
Sthala vriksham: Mango tree

Sri Kasi Vishwanatha swamy temple

This temple of Kasi Viswanathar with Visalakshmi is in the thula bathing ghat (Laghatam) on the banks of Cauvery. The temple has vimanams in the same style as Benares (Kasi). Dhondi vinayaka and Bhairava are also there in this temple. It houses a beautiful abode for Lord Muruga on a small raised platform.

Sri Ayyarappar temple

This temple, located just behind the Mayuranathar temple, contains many stone inscriptions of Kulothungha chola period and is of archeological interest. Ambal’s name is Dharmasamvardhani (one who helps the growth of Dharma).

Parimala Renganathar Temple at Thiru Indalur (Divya Desam)

Location: The temple is situated on the northern bank of river Cauvery in Uttara (North) Mayuram

Significances:

One of the 108 Divya desams
Ekadasi vratham got its fame only through this kshetram
One of the five Ranganathars (Pancharangams) on the banks of river cauvery
Main Deities: Parimala ranganadhan, Sugandhavana nadhar, Maruviniya Maindhan with Parimala Ranganayaki, Pundareekavalli, Chandra-sapa-vimochanavalli. The deity is in veerasayana posture facing East with four hands (Chathur bujha).

Legend:

The demons Madhu and Kaitaba stole the Vedas and disappeared into the sea. Lord Vishu in the form of Matsya Avatara restored the Vedas as well their fragrance and hence the name Sugandharanyam and Parimala Ranganathar.
Ambareesan got the dharshan of Lord here after his 100 Ekadasi vratham.
Chandran (moon) who was afflicted by a curse got absolved by Thaayar by taking bath in the Chandra pushkarani here and so the name of the Thaayar as Chandra-sapa-vimochanavalli.
River Cauvery is given the status of Ganges in this kshetram. She is being taken by the Lord as bed at Srirangam,, as mother in Thirucherai and above His head at this kshetram, just as Ganges occupies the head of Shiva. Cauvery is near the head side and Ganges at the foot side of the Lord in the sanctum.

Temple:

From the birth of holy river Cauvery to its end, there are five Ranganathars (Pancharangams) on its bank and this temple is one of them; the other four being Srirangapatnam (Karnataka), Srirangam, Koyiladi (Anbil, near Trichy) and Kumbhakonam.
While Srirangam is known as Aadhi Arangam, Kumbakonam as Madhya Arangam, this kshetram is known as Andhiya Arangam.
The moolavar Parimala Ranganathar, an imposing 12 feet long sculpture of green stone, is in a reclining posture with four hands.
The Dwajasthamba mantapam and the Garuda mantapam have exquisitely carved pillars and images of Dasa avatarams. There are sannidhis for Santhana Gopalan, Yoga Narasimhar, Ramar, Anjaneyar, Surya and Chandran.
Worship to Santhana Gopalan in this temple will bless the couple to beget children.

Theertham: Indu (Chandra) pushkarini
Vimanam: Vedachakra Vimanam.

Vallalar Koil, Medha Dakshinamurthy (Guru Bhagawan) Temple

Location: The temple is situated on the northern bank of river Cauvery in Uttara (North) Mayuram

Main deity: The main deity called Lord Vada Aranyeswarar in Sanskrit and popularly known as Vallalar in Tamil faces west with Ambal Gnanambika facing South.

Legend:

Rishaba Deva felt proud that he was above all as he was carrying Lord Siva on his back. The Lord coming to know of it, wanted to teach him a lesson. One day, He just placed a strand from the matted hair of His head on Rishaba Deva. Unable to bear its weight, Rishaba Deva felt crushed and immediately realised his mistake. He prostrated before the Lord and sought his pardon. The Lord not only pardoned him but also initiated him into the mysterious divine wisdom. Hence, when the Lord took the form of Guru Bhagawan or Gurumurthi, Rishaba Deva was permitted to serve as his mount. The Lord made Nandi Deva to stay at Mayuram, in the middle of the Cauvery.
He also directed that Ganga and other rivers should flow into Cauvery on New moon day in the Tamil month of Aipasi. Hence, the river at the spot came to be known as Rishaba theertham.
Iyppasi New Moon day is an important festival during which all the deities around the place come down to the Rishba theertha ghat and Goddess Ganga Devi is carried on a makara (crocodile) vahanam.

Temple:

The temple is situated at the bank of river Cauvery with the beautiful Rishabha Mandapam in the middle of the majestic river.
Since this Lord gives knowledge, wealth, health etc., abundantly, He is known as Vallalar.
This temple is highly popular for the ‘Medha Dakshinamurthy’ (Guru Bhagawan); ‘Medha’ means wisdom or `Gnanam.’ Here, Guru Bhagawan (Jupiter) is seen in a sitting posture with His right hand in ‘chinmudhra,’ the left hand is seen holding a book to teach the devotees. The unique feature of the deity is that the Lord is seated on the Nandhi offering ‘upadesam’ to Rishaba Deva who is seated in front. There is a banyan tree behind and there is also a stone Nandhi in front of him.
The tank adjoining the temple goes by the name of Gnanamrutha Saras. It also goes by the name Pancha Brahma

Theertham.

Uttara Mayura Mahatmiyam in Sanskrit, gives the history of the place in 20 chapters. Maha Vidwan Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai has sung the history of the temple in tamil. The temple is attached to the Dharmapura Adheenam. Every year in the month of karthigai, a grand Mahabishekam is performed for Medhaa Dakshinamurthy.

Sri Punukeeswarar temple

This temple is situated in “Koorainadu” in the western part of Mayuram. This is named after Punuku siddar who got moksha here. During the marriages, the brides wear a saree called “Koorai saree” (Koorai means clothe). In olden days such sarees were woven only in Koorainadu and this is the reason behind the name “Koorai saree”.

Sengazhuneer Pillaiyar Temple

A popular Vinayagar temple

Dharmapuram Adeenam Mutt

At the mutt, there are temples of Gnanapureeswarar, Dharmapureswarar, Ashta Dasapuja Durgadevi and Vana Durgadevi beside others.

Mayiladuthurai – Keezhaiyur – Poompuhar

Gathra Sundareswarar Shiva Temple at Kanja nagaram (Karthigai Star Temple)

Location: The temple is locared 7 kms east of Mayiladuthurai. At 6 kms from Mayiladuthurai enroute Keehaiyur, you can reach Kanjanagaram and from there half a km diversion to the left of main road.

Significance: A parihara sthalam for people born in “Karthigai” star

Main deities: Thungabalasthanambigai sametha Gathra Sundareswarar

Karuvazhakkarai Kamakshi Amman Temple

Melapathi Temple

It is believed that visiting this temple heals fever.

Some unknown temple here

Renuka Parameshwari Temple at Tiruchampalli

This is an old and historic temple of powerful goddess Renuka Parameshwari, mother of Parasurama avatharam, wife of Rishi Jamadagni, daughter of Nagaraja. Temple more popularly known as Yellaiamman Kovil (guardian of the boundaries)

Kadaimudi Easwarar temple at Thirukkadaimudi (Keezhaiyur / Keezhur)

Distance: 2 kms from Semponar koil; 12 kms from Mayliaduthurai. Since the place contained 7 villages once, this is also called Ezhur.
Significance: One of the 276 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams.
Main Deity: Swayambu linga known as Kadaimudinadhar facing south with Abhiramavalli amman facing west.
Legend: Brahma worshipped and gained back his power and fame; Kanva maharishi worshipped.
River Cauvery flows north and then west here.
Sthala Vruksham: Kiluvai
Theertham: Kadaimudi

Thirunanipalli, Punjai nanipalli

Location: 3 kms north-east of Sembonar koil

Significance: One of the 276 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams; birth place of sambandhar’s mother.
Main Deities: Swayambu linga known as Swarnapureeswarar, Natrunanaiappar with ambal Malaimaan madanthai, Swarnambika.

Legend:
Shiva is said to have given the dharshan of His dance to Sambandar.
Sambandhar sang the pathiham by sitting on the shoulder of his father and converted the desert land into forest and then full of fields.
One of the places where Agasthiar got the dhrshan of Shiva’s wedding.

Theertham: Soornatheertham.

Kadarankondan Mariamman Koil

An excellent temple situated on the banks of the Cauvery river amidst lush greenery. The atmosphere is just perfect for a spiritual cleansing. Kidarangondan is famous because it celebrates the victory of Chola raja on kedaram (Malaysia).

ValampuraNathar Temple at Thiruvalampuram (Mela Perumpallam)

Location: 12 kms from Sembanar temple and 6 kms from Poompuhaar.

Significance: One of the 276 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams.
Main Deities: Swayambhu linga known as valampura nadhar with Vadurvahirkanni ammai.

Legend:

Vishnu worshipped Shiva to receive a Valampuri Sanghu. Vishnu left back Lakshmi with Goddess to do penance. He returned with sanghu & chakra & in this place he got hands to hold it.
Heraranda muni who entered into the ground (phila dwara) in Thiruvalanchuzhi in search of Cauveri river came out here. He has a separate sanctum and the lingam he worshipped is present.
Dananjaya the King of Magada asked his son to dissolve his bones after his death in the theertha and here it bloomed into flowers.
When Saint Pattinathar had his meal here the king was relived of his sin occurred due to a lady curse.
Since the place is to the west (right side) of Cauvery river, the place got its name
Temple: There is a cavity over upper portion of the linga and abishekam is done only after covering (kavacham) it. Bikshadana moorthy was found here in the pond. Sambandhar, Sundrar Appar sang hymns about Shiva here.

Shthala vruksham: Pannai
Theertham: Brahma, Lakshmi & Swarna pankajam

Chayavaneswarar Temple at Thichaykkadu (Chaayavanam)

Location: 17 kms south east of Sirkazhi; 20 kms east of Mayiladuthurai. Also known as Chaayaavanam, this Shiva sthalam is in the ancient Chola seashore capital of Poompuhaar, on the main road itself.

Significances:

one of the 276 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams;
one of the 6 places that are considered to be on par with Kasi; the others being 1)Thiruvaiyaru 2)Mayiladuthurai 3)Thiruvenkadu 4)Thiruvidaimarudhur 5)Thiruvanchiyam.
Main deities: Rathna Chaayavaneswarar and the Ambal Kuyilinum Nanmozhi ammai, Kokilavani, Goshambaal.

Legend:

Athithi, mother of Indira was harbouring a desire to come to earth and worship Chayavaneswarar. Therefore, she landed on the earth. Indira was searching for the missing mother and found that she had come to earth. To fulfill the desire of the mother, Indira wanted to take the temple to his place by pulling it through his white elephant Iravadha. He could not succeed since the lingam was extended to the bhadhalalogam below and the scar of that attempt can be seen on the lingam. While he made the attempt, Mother Parvathi made a sound that was sweeter than that of a nightingale, hence the name to the Goddess ‘Kuyilinum Nanmozhi ammai’. Lord Shiva also appeared before Indira and told him to drop the idea of taking the temple to his place and advised him to do the worship on earth here itself and be blessed. The deity is at present found in a Vimanam shaped chariot within the temple.

Temple:

The utsavar of Shri Subramanya is very special here. He holds the bow and the arrow instead of his usual weapon Velayudham, readying for the war against Soorapadma. It is also said that the idol of Lord Muruga was found in the sea and taken from there to the temple. Muruga also wears the Veeragandamani (anklet) in his right leg, presented by Father Lord Shiva. Those who have fear of enemies, worship this Muruga for freedom from enemy fear. While Mother Shakthi offered the Vel to Muruga, the Lord gave him the Veeragandamani. Those who come and worship here sum up all courage to advance in life.
“Eyarpagai nayanar”, one of 63 nayanmars, belongs to this village. He worshipped the Lord here and attained salvatation here. His idol is present in the temple.
One of Kochengat cholan’s maadakoils, i.e., temple built in steps from entrance to the sanctum.
Indira Vizha is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chittirai, and the Iyarpakai Nayanar festival is celebrated in the month of Markazhi.
Sthala vriksham: Korai
Theertham: Sangumukha Theertham, Iravaa theertham.
Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 12.00 PM and from 4:00 to 7:30 PM.

Pattinaththar Temple at Pallavaneeswaram (Kavirippoompattinam, Poompuhar)

Location: half a km from Chayavanam; just after the Kannagi arch as you enter the Poompuhar town.
Poompuhar is the place of confluence of the river Cauveri with the Bay of Bengal.

Significance: One of the 276 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams.
Main detities: Pallavaneswarar and Ambal Soundarya nayagi

Legend:
Gubera is believed to have worshipped Shiva at this sthalam.
There is also a separate shrine for Pattinathaar, who is believed to be the reincarnation of Gubera and the temple itself is known as “Pattinathar temple”.

Temple:
There is a separate shrine to Sabaapathi Amman, which is believed to have been worshipped by Madhavi and Manimekalai of the Sangam epics.
There is also an image of Subramaniar, said to have been recovered from the ocean. It is believed locally that this image is that of Subramaniar at Tiruchendur, which is said to have been carried away by Dutch sailors in 1648.

Sthala vriksham: Mullai
Theertham: Jaanavi Theertham in front of the temple, created by Agasthiar.

Navagraha Kethu Temple at Keezhperumpallam

Location: 19 kms south east of Sirkazhi; 22 kms east of Mayiladuthurai; 2 kms south east of Pattinathar temple.

Significance: Navagraha Kethu parihara sthalam.
Main Deities: Naganatha Swamy and his consort Soundaryanaki

Legend:
This is the place where an asura was caught disguising as a deva for amrutham. He was idenfied by Surya & Chandra and handed over to Vishnu. Lord Narayana hit the asura on the head with the serving spoon. The head was cut off and fell on the ground. As the asura had consumed amirtham, his head and body continued to live. The head portion of the asura attached itself to a snake body and became Rahu Bhagavan. The body portion that was thrown away fell in Pothigai mountain region which was found and preserved by a Brahmin. The head of a snake got attached to the asura body to become Kethu.
It is said that Kethu prayed to Lord Shiva to get rid of his sins. It is rare to find Ketu Bhagvan enshrined with head of a snake and body of an asura, which you can see here. In this Kethu temple, Lord Kethu faces west in the north praharam. Lord Ketu appears with the body in divine form, his head as a five-headed snake and the folded hands worshipping Lord Shiva.

Worship to Kethu:

Kethu Bhagavan is adorned in multicolor and it is believed that offering pooja to the Lord Kethu at Keezhperumpallam with red Lilly, kollu (horse gram), and cloth will get relieved from illness, poverty and other doshams.

Temple Timings:
The temple opens daily from 6 AM to 12.00 PM and 4 PM to 7 PM. Besides the worship services that are offered six times daily, Abhishekam is performed by 08.30 AM. Pradhoshams are held great reverence here. The specialty of Kethu Temple at Keezhperumpallam is that the temple remains open even during Rahu kalam and Emakanda Kalam.

Location

Mayiladuthurai – Vaitheeswaran koil – Sirkazhi

Vana Durga temple at Senthangudi

There is a powerful Vanadurga temple with 6 ft tall deity at Senthangudi but not sure whether it is this specific location.

Location

Uluthukkuppai Shiva Temple

Location
Mahalakshmeesar Temple at Thiruninriyur

Location:
       This is located at around 8 kms from Mayiladuthurai en route Vaitheeswaran koil

Significances:

One of the 276 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams
“Anusham” Star Temple
Main deities: The presiding deity is Mahalakshmeeswar, Parikeswarar and the Ambal Ulaga Nayaki, Loka Nayaki

Legends:
Sage Jamadagni, his son Parasuramar and Agasthyar are said to have worshipped here.
Vishnu and Mahalakshmi are also said to have worshipped here, hence the name Mahalakshmeeswarar.
The sanskrit name of the place is Varthi Nirvapanapuram, which translates into Thiru-Ninravur, jibing with the legend associated with Veera Cholan. It is believed that the Chola king’s retinue’s lamps used to get put out upon crossing this temple.
Another legend is one that is associated with a Chola king who accidentally hit the top of the Shivalingam as he was attempting to excavate the land to build the temple. The dip can be seen on top of the banam.

The Temple:
One of the madakoils built by Kochenget cholan.
A 3 tiered, 45 feet high Rajagopuram adorns the entrance to this temple with 2 prakarams occupying an area of about an acre. The moat lends the name Parikeswarar. (Parikeswara theertham). The theertham has been described as one with fragrant blue flowers by Sambandar. There are shrines to the Shivalingam worshipped by Parasurama as well as shrines to Ganesha, Subramanya, Mahalakshmi, the Navagrahas, Bhairava, Chandra.
Parasuraamar is believed to have endowed 36 measures (Veli) of land to this temple with the idea that the income generated from each measure would be used for a day’s worship here. In the present day, the Dharumapuram Adhinam which is administering the temple, has set up a similar trust to provide for daily worship services.
Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the Pathigam.

Theertham: Neelamalarppoikai

Kannayiram udayar Koil at Thirukannaar koil (Kurumaanakkudi)

Location: This Shivastalam is located at a distance of 6 kms from Vaitheeswaran Kovil. From Vaitheeswaran koil travel for about 2 kms towards Mayiladuthurai and then turn left towards Pagasalai for further 4 kms to reach the temple. Kannaar Koyil is also referred to by the names Kurumaanakkudi and Kannaayiranaar Koyil.

Significances: One of the 276 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams
Main deities: Kannayireswarar, Sahasranetreswarar with Ambal Murugulvalar, Kodaiyammai, Sugandha Kundalambika.

Legend:
Devas prayed to Shiva to rid Indra of the curse of Gowtama Rishi who had cursed his body to be covered with a multitude of eyes, on account of his having deceived Ahalya.
It is also believed that Vishnu as Vamanar obtained the blessings of Shiva, prior to his setting out to Mahabali’s court and hence the name Kurumaanikkudi.

The Temple:
This has been designed in such a way that the Vimanam and the presiding deity can be viewed simultaneously from a vantage point. The main shrine enshrines Shiva in the form of a Lingam with cavities symbolic of the Sahasra netra / Kannayiramudaiyar (aayiram kann – thousands of eyes) that constitute the name of the presiding deity. The niches are adorned with images of Narthana Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhava, Bhrahma and Durga. There are shrines to Ganesha in bas relief and to Skanda on either side of the mandapam enshrining the deity. There are sub shrines to Gajalakshmi, Subramanya, Bhairava, Saneeswara and Chandra. Outside of the shrine to the consort of Shiva – Sugandha kundalaambaal are images personifying the 12 zodiac signs.
Sambandar composed the Pathigam.
Five worship services are offered each day.
People who suffer with eye problems and also people who would like to come out of illegal relationship problems should come and pray here!

Sthala Vriksham: Sarakkonrai
Theertham: The Indra Theertham tank is located across the temple.

Sri Purantheshwarar Temple at Pagasalai 

This is about 1 km from Thirukannaar koil.

Vaitheeswaran koil (Pullirukkuvelur)

Location: This temple is located between Mayliaduthurai and Sirkazhi, at about 14 kms from Mayiladuthurai and 6 kms from Sirkazhi.

Significances:

One of the 276 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams
Highly popular Navagraha Stalam for Sevvai – Angarakan (Mars)
Shiva is considered to be the Divine Healer Vaidyanathar and the prasadam by the name Thiruchaandu Urundai offered to the devottes is considered to be a panacea capable of curing many ailments.
Legend:

Shiva is considered to be the Divine Healer Vaidyanathar. His consort Thaiyalnaayaki is said to accompany him with a vessel containing medicinal oil. There is also a shrine dedicated to Dhanwantari here. The prasadam offered at this temple goes by the name Thiruchaandu Urundai and it is considered to be a panacea capable of curing many ailments. It is made of ashes taken out of the homa kundam in front of the Subramanya shrine. Rituals are performed where a mixture of earth and ashes from the homakundam are shaped into pills and placed at the Thaiyalnayaki shrine and distributed as prasadam. Another prasadam offered here is sandal paste mixed with saffron again at the Murugan shrine here. It is referred to as Nettirapidi Chandanam.
Offereings of salt and pepper are made in this shrine. Offerings of unrefined sugar are placed in the temple tank Siddhamrita Theertham.
Jatayu (Pull), Rig Vedam (Irukku), Sambadi, Skanda (Vel) and the Surya (Oor) are said to have worshipped Shiva here and hence the name PullirukkuVelur.
Rama Lakshmana and the Saptarishis are also said to have worshipped Shiva here. It is also believed that Rama performed the last rites to Jatayu here.
The nectar with which the Sidhas worshipped Shiva is said to have flown into the Sidhamrita Theertham.
Arunagirinathar sang Thiruppugazh hymns on this Murugan. Saints such as Kumaragurupara Swamigal, Ramalinga Adigalaar and Poets like Kaalamega Pulavar and Padikkasu Tambiran sang hymns on this temple.
The Temple:
This is a vast temple with several mandapams and gopurams. The Navagrahams are in a single file as in Thiruvarur and a few other places.
Vaidyanathaswamy and ThaiyalNayaki are the presiding deities of this temple.
The Selvamuthukkumaraswamy shrine here is also considered to be of importance.
There are Shivalingams said to have been worshipped by Rama, Jatayu, Skanda, Surya and Angaraka.
Angaaraka: The Angaaraka shrine here is of great significance and is indeed unique to this temple. A bronze of image of Angaaraka is housed in this shrine and is taken out in procession on a goat mount every Tuesday. Angaaraka represents the planet Mars and is described as one with a fiery red complexion attired in red and as the overlord of the zodiac signs of Aries and Scorpia and as the strongest in the zodiac sign of Capricorn.

Worship: Six worship services are offered each day. The final worship service (arthajama puja) is offered to Skanda before being offered to Shiva.
Normally a set of five archanas are performed by the devotees for Vinayagar, Shiva, Ambal, Muthukumara Swamy and Angarakan.
The annual Bhrahmotsavams are celebrated in the months of Pankuni and Thai.

Shivalokhanadhar temple at Thirupunkur

Location: This temple is located at a distance of 3 kms from Vaideeswaran koil.
Significances:

One of the 276 Thevara Padal petra sthalams;
Nandhi is huge and stays few steps away from its original position to give a good view of the Lord to Nandanar from outside.
Main Deities: Swayamu linga known as Shivalokha nadhar with Sokkanayaki amman, Soundaranayaki.

Legend:

Nandanar was born in Mela Adhanur village in a low-caste family but was a great Shiva Bhakta. He was working as a ‘Coolie’ in the nearby paddy field and devoting most of his time with pure devotion to Lord Shiva. He was keen to worship Lord Shiva at the famous Chidambaram (Nataraja) temple and waiting for the right opportunity to go there. However, he did not get permission from the land-owner who kept on postponing Nandanar’s holy trip everyday. This earned him the ‘nick name’ of “Thiru nalaikku povar” – meaning “he will go tomorrow”. Finally he was granted permission one day and came to Thirupungur enroute to Chidambaram. He was stopped at the entrance itself because of his ‘outcaste’. So he decided to worship Lord Shiva from outside itself but Nandhi was obstructing the view. Brushing aside that, he sang hymns and prayed to the Lord. Shiva directed Nandhi to step aside to allow him to see without hindrance. With tears rolling out on his cheeks, Nanadar took a full darshan of the Lord Shiva.
Indhra, Agasthyar, Bhrama, Surya and Chandra, Patanjali & Vyagrapadar, the Sapta Kannikas and the Vanaras who had gone in search of Seetha devi (in the Ramayanam) are said to have worshipped here.
Sundarar is said to have miraculously brought rain to provide much needed relief from a prolonged drought upon request by Kalikkaama Naayanar of Tirupperumangalakkudi a village nearby. It is believed that Sundarar had to further sing hymns to stop the deluge that threatened the village following his rendition of hymns.
One of the temples where Agasthiar got the dharshan of Shiva’s marriage with Parvati.
It is also believed that the Punka theertham was excavated by Nandanaar with the blessings of Ganesha.
It is believed that the two of the three vain asuras of the Tri-Purams after their defeat became dwarapalakas and the third one became Nataraja’s drummer here. The Nataraja image here is of great beauty and in this shrine is an image of a celestial playing the Panchamukha Vadhyam.
PANCHA LINGAMS: The legend goes that once upon a time, there was an interesting debate between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi as to who looks more charming. Lord took out a Darbhai and made three ‘knots’, throwing down the earth, saying wherever this Darbhai falls, He will make a statement on Her beauty. The Darbhai fell on the ground and got converted as ‘Pancha lingams’. These ‘Panchalingams’ are situated in this temple is something special to worship. According to legends, worshipping these Panchalingams removes marriage problems, serpent related sins.

Temple:

This temple is called Thirupungur because the temple was surrounded by Punga trees and Shivlingam and Nandi surfaced from an anthill (small mud mountain) [Putru]. Everyday at 8.30 pm, even today, a special pooja is performed by dalbing Punugu chattam to the Lord, worshipped by many.
Nandhi is huge and stays a few steps away from its original position to give a good view of the Lord to Nandanar from outside since he was not allowed inside.
In most of the temples Nandhi will have tongue but in this temple Nandhi does not have a tongue.
In all the temples, Dhwarabalakas at the entrance will be standing straight, but here Dhwarabalakas’ face is slightly tilted and positioned diagonal. This is so because Dhwarablakas inform the Lord that “Nanadanar has come to have a darshan and is waiting outside to see you”.
Mahaganapathi is called “Kulam vettiya Vinayagar” (The God who dug pond), and the pond is believed to have been dug up by Lord Ganesh by using his Gana-boothas overnight for Nandanar to take bath.
There is a sculpture of Nandhanar with a bowl in his hand, near the gate.
Removing Naga dosha and poorva janma sins are achieved by praying sincerely in this temple.
A Panchamukha lingam, representing Shiva’s appearance before Bhramma is seen under the stalavriksham in the Prakaram.
Sthala Vruksham: Punga tree
Theertham: Rishba

Sirkazhi

Location: 20 kms from Mayiladuthurai and 19 kms from Chidambaram.

Chattanathar Temple

Significances:

One of the 276 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams.
A highly revered shrine with 71 (the most number of known) Thevara Patikams
Lord Shiva gives dharsan in 3 forms in 3 tiers; He is in the form of a collossal image (human form) of Uma Maheswarar in the first tier.
The temple is a center for Bhairava worship where special pujas are conducted every Friday till midnight.
Legend:

During the great deluge that submerged the earth, Shiva is said to have carried the 64 arts with him in a raft, to this shrine, hence the name Thoniappar, and Thonipuram.
Brahma is believed to have worshipped Shiva here, hence the name Bhrammapureeswarar.
Bhairavar or Sattainathar, who is said to have quelled the arrogance of Trivikramar (there is a Ulgalantha Perumal temple in the Sirkazhi town), after his show of dominance over the three worlds, is worshipped here each Friday night.
Sambandar as an infant is said to have been fed with the milk of wisdom by the divine mother Parvathi (Thirunilai nayagi) on the banks of the temple tank inside, just prior to the commencement of his authorship of the anthology of Thevaram hymns commencing with “Thodudaiya Seviyan”.
Temple:

This is a vast temple complex with three different Shiva Shrines. The shrine of Bhramapureeswarar in the form of a Shivalingam is housed at the ground level; the first tier houses Periyanakar with Periyanayaki on a ‘Thoni’ (and hence the name Thoniappar) in the form of a collossal image of human form as Uma Maheswarar; and Bhairavar as Sattainathar/Vatukanathar in the second tier. The Ambal is known as Thirunilainayagi.
From the steps leading to the Thoniappar and the Vatukanathar shrine, one can grasp the entire layout of this vast temple and its towers and mandapams.
There is also an Ashta Bhairavar shrine and the temple is a center for Bhairava worship where special pujas are conducted every Friday till midnight.
There is a separate shrine for Thirugnanansambandar located in between Moolavar and Ambal shrines.
Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the Pathigam.
The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chittirai, where on the second day, the Tirugnanasambandar festival is celebrated.
This well maintained temple is under the administration of the Dharumapura Adhinam.
Festival: The Thirumulaippal Urchavam is celebrated on the second day of the Brahmotsavam of the temple in the Tamil month of Chittirai. On this day, the Utsavamoorthy of Thirugnana Sambandar is taken to Thiruthalamudaiyar temple at Thirukkolakka (Sirkazhi) wherein the Golden Cymbals presented by the Lord and The Amman giving it the sound are symbolically celebrated and Sambandar is brought back here in a flower decorated palanquin (Poo Pallakku)

Theertham: Bhrama Theertham mainly; there are 22 Theerthams associated with this shrine.

Ulagalandha Perumal Temple (Thirukkazhichcheerama Vinnagaram)

Location: This Divya kshetram is located in Sirkazhi town.

Significance:

One of the 108 divya desams
‘Mangai Mannan’ crowned as ‘Mangai Azhvaar’ and was handed over the Vel by Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
One of the five Divya Desams referred by Thirumangai Azhvaar as ‘Vinnagaram’. The others being Parameswara Vinnagaram (Kanchipuram), Arimeya Vinnagara(Thiru Naangur), Vaikunta Vinnagaram (ThiruNaangur) and Nandipura Vinnagaram(Nathan Koil, Kumbakonam)
Main deities: The moolavar is Trivikraman seen measuring the three worlds (Ulagalanda perumal) and the Thayar is Lokanayaki.

Legend: Lord Vishnu blessed Romesa Muni with a vision of Trivikrama with his left foot raised in the gesture of dominating the three worlds.
It is believed that Thirumangai Azhwar was conferred the title “Nalu kavi perumal” on his winning the religious debate with Thirugnana Sambandar and obtaining a vel as prize.

Sthala Vruksham: Jack fruit
Theertham: Sangu chakra pushkarini
Vimanam: Pushkalavartha Vimanam.

Thiru Thalam Udaiyar Temple at Thirukkolakka

Location: The temple is located just behind the Ulagalandha Perumal temple

Significance: One of the 276 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams.
Main deities: The presiding deity is Shabdapureesar and the Ambal Osai Kodutta Nayaki.

Legend: Shiva is believed to have been worshipped by Kanva Rishi at this place.

Thirugnana Sambandar is said to have received a pair of golden cymbals (jalra) from Shiva and Parvathi – and hence the name of Ambal as Osai Kodutta Nayaki.
Sambandar and Sundarar composed the Pathigam.

Theertham: Surya Theertham

Kasi Viswananthar Temple
The temple is situated at Thenpathi half  a km from Sirkazhi bus stand
Links: Location Weblink

Sri Sastha (Kai Vide Appar) temple at Kaivilancheri
The temple is 5 km from the Sirkazhi bus stand

Sikazhi – Poompuhar

Thirunangur

Thirunangur is located at a distance of 10 Kms from Sirkazhi; the ThiruNangur arch at 7 kms from Sikazhi en route Karaikkal / Poompuhar, welcomes the devotees. It is a remote place, almost isolated but highly popular for the 11 Divya desams (EKADASA DIVYA DESAMs – Ekadasa means eleven) in and around but the little known fact is that there are 11 Shiva kshetrams (Ekadasa rudra kshetras) also in and around Thirunangur. For the temple lovers, there are 11+11=22 very special temples in and around Thirunangur. It is very rare to see so many special temples packed in a small area like this.
Also,  Thirunangur is the born and brought up place for Karikal Chola’s wife as well as Senthanar

Legend of Thirunangur – Ekadasa Divya Desams and Ekadasa Rudhra kshetras

It is said that Lord Shiva performed Ekadasa Rudra Ashwamedha Yagam in 11 places here to rid himself of the Brahmahati dhosham he got due to the killing of Lord Brahma. Lord Narayana gave His dharshan to Lord Shiva and the Ekadasa Rudhrars here. This is being interpreted in their own ways by Shaivaites and Vaishnavaites. Shaivaites say that in order to get the dharshan of these Ekadasa Rudras only, Perumal has landed Himself in these Ekadasa divya desams. On the other hand, Vaishnavaites say that in order to get the dharshan of Vishnu only, Shiva performed the Ekadasa Rudra Ashwamedha Yagam. Neverthless, Thirunangur is an ideal kshetram of Shiva-Vaishnava unison.

As a wish of Lord Shiva, Lord Narayana is accompanied by 11 forms of Para Shakthi (Goddess) inhering the powers of all the 108 Shakthi peedams in order to give their devotees Shakthi and Gyana; also all these Perumals together get us out of all our dhoshams and sins (since the Perumal got rid of the Brahma harthi dhosham of Shiva Himself!).

The reason behind the formation of the total number of 11 is the Ashtaksha Mandiram “Om Namo Narayanaya” of 8 syllable reduces in to the “Om Narayanaya” manthram of 6 syllable to combine with Lord Shivas Panchatsaram “Namashivaya” of 5 syllable to give a total of 11 syllables – 11 Thirunaangur Divyadesams.

Ekadasa Rudhras

Ajaykapathan, Aahirputheyar, Binanai, Roodhar, Pithuroopar, Thriyambakar, Maheswarar, Virushakabi, Shambuvahanar, Easwarar – all these 10 are known as Ekadasa Rudhrars.
Ajaykapathan was once the carrier of Lord Shiva who was having 4 mouths, 1000 shoulders, Karala Vadhanam, ears with shell earrings and 100 legs.
Aahirputheyan is the son of Maharishi Boothan and Surabi.
Binaki is actually a bow which was formed by Lord Indra. Once Kanva Maharishi who brought up Shakuntala was in a deep prayer and was covered by sand dunes. Bamboo trees started to grow on the top and seeing the finest quality of these bamboos, Lord Indra made 3 bows out of them. He named the first one as Kandibam and kept it for himself. The other one was named Shargam and was given to Lord Narayana and the third one was named Binaki and was given to Lord Shiva.
Maheswarar has the body and ornaments as Lord Shiva but is of white colour.