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

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.