Thiru Neiythanam / Thillai sthanam: Neyyadiappar Temple. Tanjavoore Dt.

Thiru Neiythanam / Thillai sthanam: Neyyadiappar Temple.



The place Neiythanam is about 2 kms west of Thiruvayaaru. This is one of the 275 Devara Sthalams of Tanjavoore Dt. Thillai Sthanam is seventh temple of Saptha Sthana Sthalam.








Main Raja Gopuram is of five storeys. There are two prakaram in the temple.





Dwajasthambam.



Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam and Teertham is River Cauvery.



Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Sri Kruthapureeswarar/ Neiyyadiappar and his consort known as Balaambikai Amman Illamangai Ammai seen in separate Temple here.



Here daily abishekam for Lord Siva is performed with Ghee and later with hot water hence he is known as Neiyyadiappar.




Shrines for Lord Vinayakar and Murugan are seen in inner prakaram of the temple.
As we go around the prakaram we see Nardhana Ganapathy, Dakshina Moorthy in standing posture, Lingothbavar and Brahama as Goshta Deivam around the sanctum of Lord Siva.
Goddess Saraswathy worshiped Lord Siva in this place.









During festival time Lord Iyarappar and his consort Aram Valartha Nayaki visit all seven temples known as Saptha Sthana Sthalams. The seven places are Thiru Pazhanam, Thiru Chottru thurai, Thiru Vedikudi , Thiru Kandiyoore , Thiru Poondthuruthi and Thiru Neiyathanam. This temple Thilla sthanam is seventh temple of Saptha sthanam. One can have darshan of all urchava idols in seven palanquins of Saptha Sthana Sthalams.




A cow in this region was pouring its milk in a place habitually in a specific place. The milk turned into Ghee due to climatic condition. When a shepherd tried to find about the cow it disappeared. It was Kamadenu. He reported about this in the village. When they dug the place they found a Siva Lingam. The King built a temple for the Siva Lingam in that place and arranged for Abishekam with Ghee everyday followed by hot water Abishekam.





A devotee of Lord Siva used to visit the temple daily and used to light a lamp with Ghee and on his return he used to pluck leafy vegetable grown in the temple premises. This was happening for a long period. When grew old one day after lighting the lamp he prayed to Lord Siva to show mercy and bless him for having lighted lamp for so many years. The old man heard a voice saying what mercy remains to be shown as he has plucked daily leafy vegetable grown in the temple as wages says the Sthala Puranam.





Thiru Gyana Sambandhar and Thiru Navukkarasar sang hymns on Lord Siva here. Aunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this temple. Ottakuthar and Pugazhendi Pulavar (poet) sang on Lord of this place.

Keezha Pazhuvoore: Arulmigu Vadamoola Nadhar Temple, Perambaloore Dt.

Keezha Pazhuvoore: Arulmigu Vadamoola Nadhar Temple.



This place Thirupazhuvoore is about 10 kms to south of Ariyaloore on the south bank of River Marudhudayaar. The place is also known as Yoga Vanam.
This is one of the 275 Devara sthalams.








The Main Raja Gopuram is of five tiers and two prakaram in the temple.









We see Dwajasthambam as we enter inside.



Teertham is known as Brama Teertham in the front of the temple. Sthala Vruksham is Banayan Tree.









Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Vadamoola Nadhar / Aalanthurayaar and his consort known as Arunthava Nayaki Amman in separate shrine. Here the Lingam represents Prithivi. Sambarani thailam is applied on Siva Lingam. The lingam is too small, so a cup is placed upside down and abishekam is done on this only.









Goddess penanced and performed yoga hence the place is known as Yoga Vanam. We see Goddess in yoga posture here in the temple.









Other deities seen in the temple as we go around the prakaram are Kamala Ganapathy, Murugan, Pancha Boodha Lingams, Mahalakshmi, 63 Nayanmars, Lingothbavar, Durgai, Chandeeswarar, Saptha Kanniyar and Navagraham.




Sthala Purana says Once Goddess Parvathy closed the eyes of Lord Siva due to which the complete universe came to a stand still. Sooryan and Chandran are considered as the two eyes of Lord Siva. Lord says to Goddess Parvathy if any act which troubles others is punishable. To get rid of the dosha for her act,Goddess Parvathy was asked to go down to earth. Lord asks her to penance in different places and finally reach Yoga Vanam and stay there penancing till he joins her.



Goddess Parvathy penanced in many places and she finally came to Yoga Vanam where she made a Siva Lingam with the mud of Valmeekam and worshiped Lord Siva. She penanced here standing on single leg. Lord Siva was pleased with her penance and blessed her by joining with her. This Yoga Vanam is the place now known as Keezha Pazhuvoore.




Brahaman, Thirumaal, Indran, Pandavar, Agasthiyar, Chandran, Poororavan, Vasishtar, Sadanandar, Kanvar, And Vyasar worshiped Lord Siva here and were blessed by Him.
Parasuramar worshiped Lord Siva here to get rid of his dosha for killing his mother. Here Vinayakar is seen in dancing posture.




Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this place. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this Temple.




Stone inscriptions are found in the temple. The temple was constructed by stones during the period of first Parandakan Cholan.

Thiru Mazhapadi, Sri Vaidhyanadhar Temple, Ariyalore.

Thiru Mazhapadi, Sri Vaidhyanadhar Temple.



This place Thiru Mazhapadi is about 28 kms south of Ariyaloore on the banks of River Kollidam.




This place is one of the 274 Siva Devara Sthalams.









The Main Raja Gopuram is of seven tiers. There are three prakaram in the temple.








We see Nandi in a mandapam and Dwajasthambam to front.








As we enter in we see two more Nandi here.







Teertham is River Kollidam, Lakshmi and Sivagangai Teertham.











Sthala Vruksham is Palm Tree.










The place was full of Palm tree hence it is known as Talavanam. Lord Siva with his Mazhu (axe like weapon) blessed Sage Markandeya, hence the place is also known as Mazhapadi.










Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Vaidhyanadhar / Mazhuvadeesar and his consort known as Soundaraambikai and Balambikai in separate Shrines.



As we go around the prakaram we see deities like Sundara Vinayakar, Murugan, Akora Veerabadharar,









Somaskandar, Meenakshi, Durgai, Thirumaal, Mahalakshmi, Sundarar, Meenakshi, Chokkanadhar, Durgai, Jurahareswarar, Kalasamhara Moorthy, Kathyayini, Natarajar









We see two Dakshina Moorthy in the temple.









Lord Somaskandar idol is made of single stone.










In the shrine of Lord Brahma we see four Nandi represting four Vedas.









We see kalyana Mandapam named as Nandi Kalyana Mandapam.
Nandikeswarar and Suasambikai marriage took place in this place in the Tamil month Panguni (March / April) on the day of Punarpusam star. This day is celebrated every year as a festival in this temple.




Sthala Purana says Sage Siladha muni of Thiruvayaru performed penance on Lord Siva to bless him with child. He heard a voice asking him to perform Putharakamesti yagam. He was told he will find a child in a box while he is preparing the land for Yagnam. He was asked to bring up that child, who is blessed with just 16 years of life span.



Sage while he tilled the land found the box and when he opened it he found a child in it with three eyes four shoulders and crescent moon adoring the head. He was surprised and closed the box. Once again when he opened the box he saw a child in it. He took the child and named him as Japesar. As the child grew the sage was worried and sad. When the child was fourteen years he started penancing with single leg on the bank of Ayana teertham of Thiruvayaru. His penance was so severe the creatures in the tank started consuming his body. Lord Siva was pleased with his penance, cured him and blessed him long life.




Japesar was married to Suasambikai in Thirumazapadi. Japaser continued his penance even after the marriage. He was made chief of the Siva Ganas. He was named as Nandi Devar and he is security chief at the first gate of Kailash.



Sundarar, Thiru Navukkarasar and Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva here. Stone inscriptions of Chola, Pandya and Hoysala period are found.

Thiru Chotru thurai Nadhar / Oudhavneswarar Temple, Thiru Chotru thurai, Tanjoore Dt.

Thiru Chotru thurai Nadhar / Oudhavneswarar Temple:




The place is about 15 kms from Tanjavoore and 4 kms from Kandiyoor.
This temple of Chotuthurai is one of the Devara Sthalam, on the south bank of River Cauvery. This is third temple of the Ezhur (Seven) sthalams, where Lord fed is devotees.









Main Raja Gopuram is of three tiers




The temple has single prakaram only. As we go around the prakaram, Sanctum of Annapoorani Amman is in the south east, Lord Arumugan facing east is seen in a shrine facing south.








Lord Maha Vishnu sanctum is seen facing east. We get to see Gautama Muni worshiping Lord Vishnu here.









Lord Vinayakar and Lord Murugan are seen near the temple entrance to either side.









We see a mandapam and Adigara Nandi is seen in front of the mandapam. We see Natarajar in the mandapam which leads to the Artha mandapam and main sanctum of Lord Oudhavaneswarar.




Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam. Teertham is River Cauvery and Soorya teertham.










Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Thiru Chotru thurai Nadhar / Oudhavaneswarar with his consort known as Annpoorani Amman facing east. She is seen in a separate sanctum in SE while go around the prakaram.










Brahma, Vishnu, Sooryan, Indran and Sage Gautama worshiped Lord Siva in this place. Sage Gautama attained Mukthi in this place.










Sthala Purana: Once due to severe famine people were starving. The temple was not taken care off at that time. A devotee of Lord Siva named Arulalan worshiped Lord Siva to overcome the severe famine. He banged his heads to the steps and cried out for help from Lord Siva. There was heavy down pour and the place was flooded. There was a bowl floating in the water which was picked by Arulalan. He heard a voice announcing, the bowl is Akshya Patra which gives food always without any bounds. It will never go dry and it can help in feeding the people to get rid of their hunger.




Since the Lord here has helped to get rid of famine and gave Akshya Patra which gave food, Lord is praised and named as Thiru Chotru Thurai Nadhar. (Chotru means food).





Saints Sundarar, Thiru Navakkuarasar and Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan here. Thiru Ramalinga Vallalaar has praised and worshiped Lord here.

Thiru Needoore, Arulmigu Somanadhar temple. Nagapattinam Dt.

Thiru Needoore: Arulmigu Somanadhar temple.



The place is about 5kms to north of Mailaduthurai. The place is also known as Vakularanya Kshetram.






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This temple is one of the, Devara Sthalam temple of Nadu Nadu.









The temple Raja Gopuram and we see two prakarams in the temple. Vimanam over the main sanctum is of two layers.








Nandi is seen in a mandapam.




Sthala Vruksham is Magizha Maram (Tree) and there are nine teertham for the temple.









Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Somanadhar and his consort known as Veyuru tholi Ammai / Veda Nayaki Amman. Urchavar, in the temple here is known as Soma Skandar.



As we go around the prakaram we see Kailasa Nadhar, Siva Lokanadhar, Kasi Viswanadhar, Murugan, Vinayakar, Saptha Kanniyar, Natarajar and Aanandha Thandava Moorthy.Vinayakar here is known as Siddhi Vinayakar.




Vinayakar is seen in three forms as big, old and wise which are represented as Chintamani Vinayakar, Selva Maha Vinayakar and Sivaandha Vinayakar. Before starting any new work people come here worship Vinayakar and with his guidance they start the work.




Sthala Purana says once when Indran came down to Bhoolokam he was not able to find a Siva Lingam to do his daily morning worship of Lord Siva. He collected sand from the Cauveri River bed and made a Siva Lingam and performed his pooja. He sang a song to have darshan of Lord Siva dancing. Lord Siva was pleased with his song and gave darshan for him as he wished. So Lord Siva here is also known as Gana Nardhana Sankaran. When he left the place, he left the Siva Lingam here. We can see the finger prints on the Siva Lingam.




King Danmadha Sudhan due to his Karma in previous birth was born as a crab in his next birth. The King approached Sage Naradha who guided him to worship Lord Siva in this place to get rid of his karma and gain Moksha. The king took bath in River Cauvery and worshiped Lord Siva as he was guided by Naradha Muni. Lord Siva appeared and blessed the king. Lord Siva made hole in the Lingam and the Crab (King) entered inside this hole and attained Moksha. The hole is there in the Siva Lingam.




Lord Sooryan worshiped Goddess here hence she is known as Adithya Abhya varadha Ambikai. Sani Bagwan is seen in the mandapam in front of Goddess. One who worships Goddess here in this place gets rid from the power of Sani Dosha.



Sundarar and Thiru Navukkarasar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this place.

Swarnakateswarar Temple, Neivanai, Vizhupuram.

Neivanai: Swarnakateswarar Temple.



This place is about 15kms from Ulundoorpettai, Vizhupuram, TN. This is one of the Devara sthalam of Nadunadu.












Main Deity Swayambu Lingam known as Chandra Shekarar / Vennaiappar seen under Rudraaksha Pandal and his consort known as Neelamalar Kanni in standing posture. She resides in separate sanctum. Here in the temple Lord Siva is seen in the centre of Soolam as Urchavar Idol which denotes Ardanareeswara tathvam.








Adikara Nandi is seen with both palms together here.




During the month of Feb/ Mar (Masi Tamil month), Early morning sun rays falls on Lord Siva and we see change of different colours.



Sthala Vruksham is Punnai and Teertham is well water, which is in front of Ambaal sanctum.



Other deities seen in the temple as we go around the prakaram are Vara Siddhi Vinayakar, Murugan with Valli and Devani is seen seated on peacock, Kasi Viswanadhar, Visalakshi, Natarajar seen in separate sanctum, Navagraham, Chandeekeswarar and Bairavar.



Lord Vishnu is seen seated with Mahalaksmi with both her palms together, on his left lap as Lakshmi Narayanar. Their eyes are closed as if they are meditating.



Lord Siva Himself built a dam with paddy hence the place is known as Nelanai which later changed into Neivanai.



Thiru Gaynasambandhar, during his pilgrimage reached this place in the night. He had difficulty in tracing the path. Lord Siva asked Ambikai to guide Sambandhar to reach the temple. “She” met Sambandhar in nearby place, known as Ethalavadi. When he reached the temple, Sambandhar worshiped Lord Siva who gave a wonderful darshan for him. In excitement he danced and sang Hymns on Lord Siva. The idol of Gyana Sambandhar is beautiful in dancing form. Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarar are seen in the sanctum.




Sthala puranam: People of this region did not worship god because of their wealth and luxury. In order to teach them a lesson Varuna was asked to pour down as rain causing heavy disaster. Lakes and tanks began to breach. People started worshiping “God” to rescue them. Lord appeared as a youth and asked them to bring their paddy bags from their homes to build dam. They looked upon the youth as their saviour. He said “God” is the one who gives prosperity and they should be grateful to Him. He gave them pot full of Gold to recover their loss and disappeared. Lord appeared before them as Swayambu Lingam. They raised a temple for Lord and named him as Swarnakateswarar

Siddhalinga matam, Devara vaippu sthalam.

Siddhalinga matam: This place is one of the Devara Vaippu Sthalam.



The place is about 10 kms SE of Thiru koiloore on the south bank of River Penna.








The Raja Gopuram of the temple is of three tiers.







As we enter we see Dwajasthambam.








Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Vyagya Padhar and his consort known as Neela Visalakshi Amman. The Swayambu Lingam came up under Kondrai Vruksham.



Other Deities seen in the temple are Vinayakar, Murugan, Dakshina Moorthy, Durgai, Natarajar, Chandikeswarar, Bairavar and Navagraham.







Temple Pushkarani.




Here in this place Vinayakar and Sundarar had discussion, hence Vinayakar is known as Vadhadum Vinayakar.



Vyagyapadha Muni worsiped Lord Siva here and was blessed by Lord. Hence, Lord Siva in this place is known as Vyagyapadhar.



Sundarar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.

Thiru Edaiyaru, Arulmigu Marundeesar Temple. Vizhupuram.

Thiru Edaiyaru: Arulmigu Marundeesar Temple.




The place Edaiyaru is about 16 SE of Thiru Koiloore. The place is in-between River Malattaru and River Penna, hence the place is known as Edayaru.This place is one of Nadu Nadu Devara Sthalams




The place is known as Edayaru and the temple is known as Thiru Maruthanthurai.









The main Raja Gopuram is of three tiers with single Prakaram facing west.









Teertham is Chitridai Teertham in the form of well. Sthala Vruksham is Marudham.









Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Marundeesar / Edaiyatru Nadhar with his consort known as Gyanaambikai Amman in standing posture is seen in separate sanctum.
















Other deities seen in the temple are Bala Ganapathy, Murugan, Durgai, Dakshina Moorthy, Nalwar, Saptha Kanniyar, Chandekesar, Navagraham, Agasthiyar and Suka Muni.





Bala Ganapathysanctum is seen in-betweem Lord Siva and Goddess Gyanambikaisanctum. NormallyLord Subramanya is seen in this form which is known as Somaskanda moortham. This is something unique. Bala Ganapathy is seen with four hands. He is holding Sweet and Jack fruit in his two upper hands and in one of the lower hand he is holding Sugarcane and the other one is in the the form of Abhaya Hastham.





Suka Muni, Brahma, Agasthiyar, Sundarar and Marai Gyana Sambandhar worshiped Lord Siva of this place. Agasthiya Muni installed a Siva Lingam and worshiped and he was blessed by Lord in this place. We see the Lingam worshiped by Agasthiya muni is known as Agasthiya Lingam. There is a sculpture of Sage Agasthiya in the temple. Lord Murugan of this place is known as Kaliyuga Ramapillayar. This is the birth place of Thiru Marai Gyana Sambandhar.










Sukabrahma Rishi worshiped Lord Siva in this place and attained Mukthi. We find Sukar statue under the Marudha Vruksham. We see lot of Parrots in the temple here.




Sthala Purana says A muni in the form of Parrot overheard Siva Rahyasam, while Lord Siva was preaching it Goddess Parvathy. The muni was cursed by Lord Siva to take birth on earth with parrot face. Muniworshiped Lord Siva and asked for solution to get out of the curse. Lord Siva said he would be born to Veda Vyasa as his child and asked him to worship him at Thiru Marundhurai/ Edaiyaru under the Marudha Vruksham. The Muni had the face of Parrot and hr performed penance as told by Lord Siva under the Marudha Vruksham of Edaiyaru. He learnt about Brahamam and attained Mukthi. Hence he was known as Sukhabrahama Rishi.There are about 18 Stone inscriptions are seen in the temple.




Sundarar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.

Gramm, Siva Loka Nadhar Temple, Vizhupuram.

Gramm: Siva Loka Nadhar Temple. This is one of Nadu Nadu Devara Sthalam.


The place Gramam is about 23Kms NE of Ulundoorpettai on the south bank of Malataru.







The Raja Gopuram is of five tiers. There is only one prakaram



The sanctums of Lord Siva, Ambal and Subramanyar are in Somaskand form. Subramanyar sanctum is in-between Lord Siva and goddess







Near the entrance of Gopuram unlike other temples Vinayakar and Muruganposition is changed



Sthala Vruksham is Vanni. Teertham known as Brahma Teertham







Main Deity is Swayambu Siva Lingam known as Arulmigu Sivaloka Nadhar/ Mundeesurar, with his consort Known as Kanaar Kuzhali / Soundara Nayaki in different sanctum.












Other Deitiies seen, while we go around the prakaram are Vinayakar sanctum, Murugan sanctum, Natarajar, Dakshina Moorthy sanctum, Iyanar, Duragai.








Saptha Madhar, sanctum and Navagraham. Vinayakar is known as Varasiddhi Vinayakar.







Dakshina Moorthy here is seen seated on Nandi, on a mountain. Here kallala maram is missing




Sthala purana says originally Lord Siva was on Lotus flour in pushakarani. Later The Siva Lingam was installed by King Chokkalingam in the temple.
Tindi and Mundi the Dwarapalakar of Lord Siva worshiped here and they were blessed.



Stone inscriptions mentions the name of the place was Mudicharamin olden days later the place is known as Thiru Mundecharam. It is mentioned the place was known as Gramam.in olden days.



Lord Siva offered a bag full of Vibuthi (Pokkanam) to King Veerapandiyan. Hence he is known as Pokkanam kodutha Nayanar.



Brahma and Devandran worshiped Lord Siva here in this place.Thiru Navukkuarasar sang Thiru Thondaga Thiru Padigam on Lord Siva.