the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Abodes of Shiva

According to the legend, there was once a flood which was consuming the entire world. This was the only place left that wasn’t submerged in water. Devas (celestial gods) rushed to this place and prayed to Lord Shiva to protect all beings by preventing the water from entering this place. Lord Shiva directed Nandhi to prevent the flood water entering here. Nandhi, till then facing Lord Shiva, turned to the opposite direction, swallowed the incoming flood water and saved this place from getting submerged. Hence, the lord of this place is praised as Pralaya Kaleswarar – “the lord who protected the world”. Nandhi, is still facing the opposite direction, that is, facing the entrance of the temple. Another legend is that once Indira, the king of Devas needed flowers form earth to perform Shiva pooja at his abode. He sent two maidens to earth to bring flowers. Although the maidens found flowers there in plenty, they did not return back to the celestial world and instead decided to stay in this place itself after seeing a Shiva lingam here. They started worshiping this Shiva lingam. When they did not return, Indira sent the divine cow Kamadenu to bring them back. Kamadenu found the maidens but instead of taking them bak she joined them in their worship of the Shiva lingam. When Kamadenu also did not return, Indra was perplexed and sent his white elephant Iravadham in search of them. Iravadham found them worshiping Lord Shiva and decided to join them. He stood near the lingam in such a way that prevented sunlight from falling directly on the Shiva lingam so as to not let the lord feel the heat of the sun. Finally, Indira himself came down to earth and saw everyone worshiping the lord. He also joined them in the worship. Later on, all of them returned together to the celestial world with the blessings of Lord Shiva. The name of this place Pennadam is believed to have originated from this legend. Penn means angel (maidens), Aa means divine cow (Kamadenu) and Kada means elephant (Iravadham). Another legend associated with this temple is that of Anandavalli Ammaiyar, an ardent Shiva devotee, who used to worship the lord here regularly. Once there was a heavy flood in the river Vellaru that prevented her from reaching the temple. She decided to perform her daily worship from the other bank of the river itself. Although she completed her worship, she could not see the lord. Lord Shiva realised this and as a token of his appreciation for her devotion, he raised the ground level by about 40 to 50 feet. Even today, the shrine is an elevated position and one has to climb up some steps to enter it. There is another legend associated with this place that involves Kalikamba Nayanar (one of the 63 Nayanmars) and his wife. Kalikamba Nayanar and his wife used to do “Pada Pujai” (washing the feet of Shiva devotees before offering them food). Once, his wife was reluctant to perform pada pooja for a devotee who happened to be their servant. In a fit of rage, Kalikambar chopped off the hands of his wife for refusing to perform a divine duty. Pleased with his dutifulness, Lord Shiva restored his wife’s hands and blessed both of them with salvation. Hence the lord here is also praised as Sri Kaivazhangeesar – (in Tamil Kai means hand and Vazhangu means to give). Another legend associated with this temple is that it was here that Saint Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) appealed to Lord Sudarkozhundhu Nathar to inscribe tattoos of a Trident (Thrishul), Vibuthi pattai (sacred lines of ash) and Nandhi (Lord Shiva’s mount) on his hands and forehead. Lord Shiva felt that Appar is deserving of such an honour and blessed the saint with these inscriptions. This episode is beautifully described by the renowned poet Sekkizhar in his magnum opus Peria Puranam. There is a saying about this temple - you will be blessed once for each time you circumambulate this temple. This is also a parihara sthalam for those who born during the periods of the constellation Kettai (Jyeshta nakshatram). Devotees whose birth star is Kettai visit this temple for special poojas. Those suffering from any kind of body pain can visit this temple and worship the lord here to seek relief.

This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 2nd Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. This temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers. The vimanam (roof tower) of the sanctum sanctorum has been constructed according to the Gaja Brishtam style of architecture. This is the birth place of Saint Kalikkamba Nayanar - one of the 63 Nayanmars and Saint Meikandar - the first of the four Santhana Kuravars. He is considered a pioneer of Saiva philosophy. Saint Marai Ganasambanthar, the third Santhana Kuravars is also believed to have lived here. It is believed that this temple was built in the early Chola period. The historical names of this place are - Soundarya Chola Puram, Thiru Kadanthai, Parvathi Puram, Pushpavanam and Dhayarasapathi. The lord of this temple is praised as Sri Sudarkozhunthu Nathar and Sri Kaivazhangeesar. This lingam inside the elevated shrine is made of 16 plate faces (Sodasa lingam) and is known as Sri Soundaraeswarar. One can see this lord from outside the temple also.

12 day Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May) is celebrated in a grand manner. Maha Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar) and Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan) are the other important festivals celebrated in this temple. Pradosham is also observed regularly.