the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Abodes of Shiva

It is said that Goddess Parvathi, Lord Brahma, Lord Mahavishnu, Chandikeswarar, Sukran, Indran, Ashtathik Balakars, Suryan, Saptharishis and Garudan have worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. Also, Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar, and his parents Sadaya Nayanar and Isaignaniyar and his foster father Narasinga Munaiyaraiyar have worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. All of them find a place among the 63 Nayanmars. As advised by Goddess Parvathi, Sukrachariyar (Sukran) worshipped the Lord Shiva here and got relieved from Vakra dhosham. The lingam installed and worshiped by Sukran is named as Bhargaveeswarar and it can be seen in the temple’s corridors. Lord Mahavishnu is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here to seek his blessings before taking the Narasimha Avatar to destroy demon Hiranyan (Pragalad’s father). There is a separate shrine for Sri Varadaraja Perumal (Lord Mahavishnu) in this temple. It is also believed that Goddess Parvathi worshipped Lord Shiva here before their wedding. It is believed that Sivapriyar, a Shiva devotee, worshipped Lord Shiva here and attained the post of Chandikeswarar. Beautifully engraved reliefs depicting the life of Chandikeswarar can be seen in this temple. It is also believed that in a fight between Garudan and the Serpent Aadhiseshan, Garudan had turned blue after coming in contact with Aadhiseshan’s venom. Garudan prayed to Lord Shiva here and got relief from his ailment. Goddess Parvathi is in a separate temple and can be seen in a meditative posture. It is interesting to see that her hair is not braided or tied. The temples of both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi are facing east.

This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 8th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. This is the birth place of Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar, one of the four great Saints (Nalvar) and one of the 63 Nayanmars.This temple’s entrance has a 5- tiered main tower (Rajagopuram) and it has 2 corridors.The temple is considered to be one of the oldest one and is said to have existed here even before the 4 yugas. This temple was earlier called Thiruthondeecharam and the place around it was called Thirunavalur and Jambunathapuri. However, it is now called Thirunamanallur. As per the stone inscriptions available in this temple, the Chola king Rajathithan, son of Paranthakan-I, renovated and expanded this temple.

The important festivals celebrated here are – Saint Sundararamurthy Nayanar’s birthday (Janana Vizha) in the Tamil month of Avani (Aug-Sept) on the day of the Uthiram star day, Sundarar’s Guru Pooja in the Tamil month of Adi (July-Aug) on the day of the Swathi star, and Car festival (Ther) in the Tamil month of Chithirai (Apr-May).Pradosham is also observed regularly.