Thiru Narayur, Thiru Sounderyeswarar temple. Kattumannar koil taluk, Cuddlore District.

Thiru Narayur:  Thiru Sounderyeswarar temple.

This temple is one of the Devara Sthalam in Nadu Nadu temples. The temple is about 6 kms to NE from Kattumannar koil.

The main Raja Gopuram is of three tiers.

Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Soundaryesar and his consort known as Thirupura Sundari Amman.

Sthala Vruksham is Punnai.

Teertham of the temple is known as Karunya Teertham.

As we go around we see a separate sanctum for Polla Pillayaar. It is a Swayambu Moorthy.

Murugan, Thirumoola Nadhar, Navagraham, Natarajar, Bairavar, Nalvar, Sekizhar sanctums are there. 

We see painting of Polla Pillayaar when we go around the prakaram

Durvasa muni was performing penance here to get darshan of Lord Siva. His penance was disturbed by a Gandhrava. Durvasa Muni cursed him to become a Crane (Naarai) for his act and refused to forgive him. Gandarva prayed to Lord Siva, to suggest way to get relief. Lord Siva asked

to perform abishekam to Him, daily with Ganga water to get out of the curse.

Being a bird it took Ganga water from Varnasi and performed abishekam to Lord Siva here. It got salvation and hence the place is known as Narayur 

Sthala Purana:

Nambi Andar Nambi as a young boy used to watch his father performing pooja to Pollaa Pillayaar and finally offering nivedana (neyvedyam). Once it happened so, the boy had to perform the pooja in absence of his father. When he offered nivedhanam, Pillyaar did not eat. He was worried why Pillayaar is not eating the offering. He started weeping and punishing himself by dashing his head.

Pillayaar was touched with the sincere Bakthi of the child and consumed the offering.

When everyone was talking about this King Rajaraja Cholan came to know about the miracle and he refused to believe. King came with nivedhana and asked Nambi to offer it to Pillayaar. Now the pillayaar was keeping silent. Nambi was worried and sang the Iratai Mani Malai hymns which moved Pillayaar and he consumed the offering in presence of the gathering.

It was Nambi Andar Nambi who gathered Thevaram sung by Moovar which was damaged by pests. Idol of Nambi and King Rajaraja cholan is seen in the temple.

There is a Small sanctum for Nambi Andar Nambi who is seen holding kalasam in his hand.

Thiru Navukkuarasar and Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.

Sivapuri / Thiru Nelvoyil: Uchinadhar temple, Cuddlore District

Sivapuri / Thiru Nelvoyil:  Uchinadhar temple / Kanakambal Temple.


The temple is about 3 kms SW, from Chidambaram. This is one of the Devara sthalam of Nadu Nadu.


The main Raja Gopuram is of five tiers with single prakaram facing east.


Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Uchi Nadeswarar and his consort known as Kanakambikai Amman. 


This is one of the places where Lord Siva gave darshan to Agasthya Muni. We see Parvathy Parameswarar at the back of Siva Lingam in wedding posture.


Sthala Vruksham is Amla.


Teertham is known as Krupa samudram in front of the temple.


As we enter we see Dwajasthambam






Nandi is seen in a mandapam



As we go around the temple prakaram we see Vinayakar, Murugan, Pancha Lingam, Saneeswarar, Navagraham and Natrajar sanctums.






Kala Bairavar sannidhi






Inner sanctum Gopuram


The temple was surrounded with paddy field hence the name Thiru Nelvoyil. At present the place is well known as Sivapuri.



Sthala Purana says Thiru Gyana Sambandhar who is great devotee of Lord Siva, was blessed by Lord. When he was 3 years old, his father left him on the steps of pushkarani to have bath. The child was hungry and cried for milk.  Goddess Parvathy gave him milk. When his father came he saw milk in the lips of child, asked the child who gave him milk. He pointed the hand towards temple and sang his first Hymn in praise of Lord. His father Sivapadhar felt happy to know this.



Thiru Gyana Sambandhar along with Nayanmars and relatives was traveling to Achalpuram Siva Temple for his marriage ceremony. They members in marriage party were hungry when they reached this place Sivapuri. Lord Siva in guise of the temple priest fed the party with delicious food. So the lord was praised by them as Uchinadhar / Madhyaneswarar.



Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns in praise of Lord Siva here. Arunagiri Nadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this temple.

Sri Sangameswarar temple. Bhavani, Erode.

Sangameswarar Temple / Thiru Nanaa :



The temple is situated at confluence spot of River Bhavani and River Cauvery. This is one of 275 Siva Devara sthalam. The place is about 60kms from Salem.










Here River Cauveri, River Bhavani and River Amudha join together. River Amudha flow as Antharvahini, just like Sarasvathy at Triveni Sangamam of Allahabad. The place is also known as Dakshina Triveni Sangamam.
This place is known as Padhuma Giri which is surrounded by Naga Giri, Veda giri, Sanga Giri and Mangala Giri.









It is good to have bath at Sangama Kshetram. They have provided rooms for changing wet cloths. Near the sangamam ghat there is a Aswattha tree under which Nagar is installed. This place is considered good for any type of pariharam. Rituals for ancestors are performed here. On the day we went here lot of devotees were performing rituals and pariharam.









There is a big Aswattha tree and a Siva Lingam known Koteeswarar is installed under it.









We see a small sanctum for Amirtha Lingeswrar.
Amirtha Lingeswarar is placed on an Avudai, which is mobile and it is removed and given in the hands of couple, who come here to perform pooja for sake of child. The couple should have bath in sangamam,and they carry Amritha linga in hand and go around the sanctum three times and place it back on Avudai.




Illandhai Tree is Sthala Vruksham of this temple.
The sweet fruit of illandhi from tree is offered to Lord Siva after pooja everyay. The fruit is given as prasadam for the couple who come and worship forsake of child. This fruit is consumed by ladies for fertility.











As we go further there is a separate sanctum for Sahasra Lingeswarar. Sthala purana says Ravana worshiped sahsralingeswarar here.










We see a small Gopuram leading inside the temple premises from west side.









Main Raja Gopuram is of five tiers facing North.
Here in this Kshetram we see Lord Siva, as well Perumal within the same premises.










As we enter from the main Raja Gopuram there is a sanctum for Perumal is seen to right. Main deity here is sri Adi Kesava Perumal in standing posture. There is another sanctum for Sri Venugopalan to the right side of sri Adi Kesava Perumal.









Next to Adi Kesava perumal we see seperate sanctum for Sri yoga Narashimar with Lakshmi as santha swaroopam.







Next to sri Yoga Narashimr we find Soundara Valli Thayar sannidhi.














There is small sanctum for Siddhi vinaykar.










Here the sanctum of Lord Siva, Ambal, and Subramanya is in the form of somaskandam. This is side entrance of sri sngameswarar temple.









Main sanctum of Sri Sangameswararis facing east side.
We find Dwajasthambam in front of the main dwaram of Sri Sangameswarar sanctum We find Vinayakar and Subramanian in small sannidhi, to either side of the main entrance.




Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Sri Sangameswarar / Alagesan.
Thiru Gyanasambandhar Sang Hymns on Lord Sri Sangameswarar.







As we go round we see Dakshina Moorthy. This is the picture of sri sangameswara sanctum gopuram.








Subramanya Swamy is seen in separate sanctum. This sanctum is seen in between Lord Siva and Ambal Sanctums. Arunagirindhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Subramnya of this temple.









There is a mandapam, in which where we see Stone pillar to the centre with Ganesha to a side and Cow with calf to other side which looks very attractive.















Next we come to Veda Nayaki Amman sannidhi.
Here in the main sanctum, we see Vedanayki Amman in standing posture.









There is a mandapam where, we see beautiful carvings to the pillars.









We see beautiful Carvings, to the inner ceiling hall in front of Ambal sannidhi.




Importance is during the month of February sun light falls for three days on Sri Sangameswarar, Vedanayki and Subramanian.














We see sanctum for Navagrahas.









We see separate Sanctum of Bairavar here.











There is a Separate sanctum for Saneeswarar here in this kshetram.




Sthala purana says once Kuberan was visiting places. When he was crossing this place, he saw lot of Rishi, and Muni penancing here. All animals were friendly with each other. He felt good vibration of this place and started penancing here. Lord Siva and Perumal were pleased with Kubera, and as a result swayambu Lingam came under the Sthala Vruksham.
Kubera heard a voice which said he can ask for a boon. Kubera wished the place to be known as Alagesan and the sthala should be a blessing place and fulfil the wishes of devotees. Vishnu also stayed in this place as Adi Kesava Perumal.

Yazhmoori Nadhar Temple: Dharmapuram, Pudhuchery.

Yazhmoori Nadhar Temple: Dharmapuram, Pudhuchery.






The place Dharmapuram is about 4 Kms from Karikal. The temple has a Raja gopuram of three tiers and two prakaram. This is One of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam.







Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Yazhmoori Nadhar and his consort known as Theynamirtha Valli in a separate sanctum. Siva Lingam is seen with Silver kavacham in this temple. Vinayakar is known as Karpaga Vinayakar.



Sthala Vruksham is Plantain and Teertham of the temple known as Brahma teertham.



As we go around the prakaram we come across sanctum of Vinayalkar, Viswanadhar, Lingothbavar, Murugan, Gaja Lakshmi, Maha Vishnu, Durgai, and Chandikeswarar . Mahishasuran is seen at the back of Durgai.



Importance of the temple is Lord Siva played music in the instrument known as Yazh. Dakshina Moorthy other form of Lord Siva was listening to the music in slightly relaxed form. Here in this temple Dakshina Moorthy is seen slightly slanting to back.



Thiru Neelakanda Yazhpana Nayanar and his wife were great devotees of Lord Siva. They heard of service rendered by Thiru Gyana Sambandhar and joined him in visiting temples. Sambandhar used to sing Hymns on lord Siva, for which Yazhpanar used to play his instrument Yazh. He was feeling proud of his instrumental music perfection to all the Hymns of Sambandhar. Lord Siva wanted to teach him a lesson to bring down his ego.



Next day when they reached this place and Sambandhar sung Hymn on Lord Siva Yazhpana Nayanar was unable to tune with his instrument. He felt bad for his in- capability. He thought of breaking his instrument and suicide. At this hour Lord Siva revealed himself and played the instrument and danced for the same composition for which Yazhpana Nayanar was able to do in the morning. Listening to the music he got rid of the ego. Hence Lord Siva is known as Yazhmoori Nadhar.

Ambal sang when Lord Siva played the instrument and she did Abishekam for the Siva
Lingm with Honey and Amrutham hence she is known as Theynamritha Valli.



Sthala Puranam Says, Yama lost his post, when he tried to take Markandeya’s soul by his pasam. Siva got angry and destroyed him, and he lost his post. Yama regretted for his act and requested Lord Siva to give back his post. Lord Siva said at appropriate time he will get his post once again. Yama came down and started visiting temples and penanced.



No one was there to do Yama’s job. There was no deaths occurring and Boodevi was feeling difficult. She prayed Lord to give life for Yama and help her. Yama when he came to this place he was given life again. Her he dug a pushkarani and worshiped Lord Siva and got back his post again. Teertham is known as Yama Teertham.


Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this place.

Thiru Sundareswarar Temple, Thiru Vettakudi, Puduchery.

Thiru Sundareswarar Temple: Thiru Vettakudi, Puduchery.







The place Thiru Vettakudi is about 9 kms from Karikaal. This temple is One of 275 Siva Devara Sthalams. The Main Raja Gopuram is of five tiers in this temple, and it has two prakaram.








Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Sundareswarar and his consort known as Santha Nayaki. Urchvar in this temple is known as Veda moorthy. Arjuna is seen with pasupdha asthram, Soolam in his hand and with Rudraksha garland, as urchava Vigraham.









As we go around the temple prakaram, we see Vinayakar, Subramanayar with valli Devanai, Maha Lakshmi, Natarajar, Punnai Vana Nadhar, Sani Bagawan, Sambandhar Poorna Pushkla Samedha Iyappan, and Chandekeswarar.
Sthala Vruksham is Punni Maram and Teertham is known as Deva Teertham.




Importance of the temple is here, Urchavar known as Veda Moorthy is seen with Bow and Soolam in his hands. Lord Subramanyar also has bow in his hand, along with Valli Devanai to his side. The purana says Lord Siva brought Lord Subramanyar along with him, hence both of them is seen with bow in their hand which is a unique.


Punnaivana Nadhar seen in separate sanctum in the prakaram is the Lord, on whom Sambandhar sang his Hymn. Near this sanctum Sani Bagawan and Sambandar are seen.



Sthala Purana says Vyasa guided Arujuna to penance in this place to get Pasupadha astharam from Lord Siva, to win in the war. Duruyodhan came to know about this and he saked Mukasuran to disturb Arjuna. Mukasuran came to the place in the form of a pig and disturbed Arjuna. Mukasuran was killed by Arjuna for his act.



A hunter with his wife and son came, to claim the pig which was a prey for his arrow. Arjuna refused to spare the pig. There was argument between the two. Lord made him realize that the hunter and his wife were Lord Siva and Goddess Parvathy. Lord Siva gave Pasupatha asthrum which is the best one in the weapons and blessed Arjuna. Lord Siva was requested by Arjuna to stay in this place and bless the mankind as he has done for him. That is the reason here urchavar and Subramanyar are seen with bow in their hands and Parvathy holding a pot on her head.


Once at Kailasam Parvathy Devi told Siva, without her presence, he is nothing and cannot do anything. Lord Siva was offended by her ego, made her to be born in a fisher man’s family. She was brought up here as a fisherman’s daughter. As she grew she was worshiping Lord Siva who came down as a fisherman and married her. This is a place of parihara sthalam for marriage delays.


Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.

Thiru Parvatheeswarar Temple, Thiru Talicheri / Koiyerpathu, Karikal

Thiru Parvatheeswarar Temple: Thiru Talicheri / Koiyerpathu, Karikal.







The temple is about a kilometer from Karikal bus stand. This temple is One of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. Main Raja Gopuram of the temple is of five tiers and two Prakaram.



Main Deity is Arulmigu Parvtheeswarar and his consort known as Parvathy Ammai / Suyamvara Thapasvini. Lord Siva is facing west and Ambal is seen in separate sanctum facing south. Vinyakar in this temple is known as Sambandha Vinayakar.








Sthala vruksham is Vilvam and Vanni. Teertham here, known as Sakthi and Soorya teertham.






Other deities seen in the temple are Vinayakar, Valli Devanai samedha Subramanyar, Lingothbavar, Maha Lakshmi, Dakshina Moorthy, Natrajar, Durgai, Chandikeswarar, Bairavar, 63 Nayanmars,Sani Bagavan, Nalwar, Soorya and Chandra and Navagraham sanctums.



Importance: During the 3rd and 4th week sunrays falls on main deity when sun sets.


In Krutaha yugam the place was known as Brahma Vanam, in tretha Yugam it was known as Samee Vanam, Dwapara Yugam it was known as Ananda Vanam and in Kali Yugam the place is known as Mukthi Vanam.



Palgunan and Soorya worshiped Lord Siva, hence the “He” is known as Palgunan and “Bskara Lingam”. King Ambareesha was blessed with a child after his worship in this temple, hence Lord Siva is known as Raja Lingam.



Ambal worshiped Lord Siva as Kathyayani, daughter of Kathyayana muni. She was blessed and she married Siva and she is known as Suyamvara Thapasvini. Devotees worship for marriage and Ambal blesses them and fulfill their wishes.



Siva disguised like a hunter in this temple, known as kradha Moorthy and blesses devotees. Sambandhar had to argue about the Saiva religion with members of other religion, who were arguing Saivam as inferior? Sambandhar was able to prove the greatness of Saiva religion and changed them to this religion.



There was draught in Chola period once, king worshiped Lord Siva to help who are affected in his regime. Lord Siva was pleased with King’s worship. Lord Siva and Parvathy together Sow seeds in the field and helped them. They had bumper crop and were relieved of draught. Since Lord Siva himself sprayed seeds here the place came to be known as Thiru Telichery.



Thiru Gyana Sambandhar was passing through the village after his visit to Thiru Nallaru Temple. He did not notice the temple here. At this point Vinayakar of the temple called out to him to sing a song on Lord Siva. Sambandhar did not here Vinayakar’s voice, so Vinayakar shouted ten times by Sambandhar name to get his attention. Hence the place is known as Koirpatthu. (Patthu denotes ten in Tamil) Vinayakar of the temple is known as Koovi Azaitha Vinayakar. (Koovi denotes shout)



Thiru Gyana Sambandhar Sang hymns on Lord Siva of this place.

Thiru Navaneeteswarar temple: Sikkal, Nagpattinam.

Thiru Navaneeteswarar temple: Sikkal, Nagpattinam.




The place Thiru Sikkal is about 5 kms from Nagapattinam. This temple is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. The temple is a Maddak koil built by CoChengat Cholan.
This is one of 64 Sakthi Peetam.




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Main Raja Gopuram is of seven tiers and there are two prakaram in the temple. The temple is a Maddak koil built by CoChengat Cholan.



Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Vennaipiran / Nvaneeteswarar and his consort known as Velnedug kanni ammai / Sakthayadatshi.
Teertham is Ksheera Pushkarani and Sthala Vruksham is Kuda Malligai.






As we enter inside and go round the prakarm, we come across Karthigai Vinayakar, Arulmigu Singara Velan, Maragadha Lingam, and Thirumal.







We climb few steps and enter into a mandapam known a Deva kottam. Here we see in separate sanctum Soma Skandar, Viswanadhar, and Arumugan.



Subramanyar was given Vel, to fight against Soorapaduman, by Goddess of this temple hence she is known as Velnedug kanni Ammai. In the month of Karthigai, a day before Sashti they celebrate this, in the urchavam, and at that time one can see the sweat on Lord Subramanian idol. (I have never been during urchavam time, so I have given the information as to what I heard.)



Sthala puranam says once during draught period Kamadenu ate non vegetarian food. Lord Siva cursed Kamadenu to become a tiger. Tiger requested Lord Siva to show him the way to get rid of the curse. Lord Siva asked Kamadenu to go to Mallikaranyam and
Worship Lord Siva. Kamadenu reached the place and dug a pond and had bath. At this time milk starting pouring from its udder, and the water turned into Milk. Hence the pushkarani was known as parkulam. (Milk).



Butter formed from the milk in the pushkarani. Vasishta Muni came to the place on Lord Siva’s command and he made a Siva Lingam from the butter in the pushkarani and worshiped Lord Siva. Here Lord Siva is known as Vennai Nadhar (Butter). After the pooja he wanted to lift the Siva Lingam (Butter) from there, but he was not able to do so. Since there was a trouble in lifting the Siva Lingam, the place was known a Sikkal. (Sikkal means trouble in Tamil)



Importance of the temple is here Perumal has a separate sanctum and he is known as Kola Vamana Perumal. During Vamana Avatharam, Perumal worshiped Lord Siva of this place Sikkal and gained power.



Viswamithrar, Agasthiyar, Kathyayanar, Musukundha chakkravrthi, and Naradhar worshiped Lord Siva of this place.


There is a separate sanctum for Hanuman in this temple. Here in this temple Lord Siva, Murugan, Perumal and Hanuman are seen in same premises.



Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this temple. Arunagirinadhar contributed Thirupugazh, on Lord Murugan here.