Friday, June 16, 2017

Neeneri Nathar Temple, Thandalachery, Thiruvarur

Neeneri Nathar Temple, Thandalachery, Thiruvarur
Neeneri Nathar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Thandalachery in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. The presiding deity is Shiva. Presiding Deity is called as Neeneri Nathar / Sthira Budheeswarar and Mother is called as Gnanambika. Thandalachery is the birthplace of the Saivite saint Arivattaya Nayanar one of the 63 Nayanmars. The temple is frequented by people afflicted with leprosy. The Saivite saint Sambandar had sung praises of the temple. This is the 227th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 110th Sthalam on the south side of River Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. Four worship services are offered each day here. The historical name of the place is Thiru Thandalai Neel Neeri. 



Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;
History
The temple was constructed by the Early Chola king Kochenganan who was cured of leprosy at this place. The village of Kannandangudi had served as a Chola capital.
The Temple
This is one of the 78 “Maadakovils”, built on an elevation, by Ko Chenkata Chola Nayanar so that elephants cannot enter the sanctum. The current temple is a result of the contributions from the Nagarathaar community. Lord in the temple is a Swayambumurthy. Presiding Deity is called as Neeneri Nathar / Sthira Budheeswarar and Mother is called as Gnanambika. Sthala Vriksham is Kurunda Tree and Theertham is Omaka Theertham.




It is noteworthy that Mother Ganga, traditionally on the head of Lord Nataraja is at his feet in this temple. Sannadhi for Adhikara Nandhi is located at the entrance of Rajagopuram and the temple has no Dwajasthambam. Sannadhi for Vinayagar, Shiva Lingam, Subramaniyar, Navagrahas, Viyakrabathar & Pathanjali worshiped Lingams, Suryan, Chandran, Arivattaya Nayanar are located in the prakaram.




Sculptures of Naalvar and Ko Chenkata Chozhan are located in Karuvarai front mandapam. Stucco images of Shiva in Rishabaroodar and Arivatta Nayanar killing himself with his knife can be seen in the entrance of moolavar Sannadhi. Urchava Idols of Natarajar, Naalvar, Arivatta Nayanar with his wife, Pathanjali, Viyakrabathar are in the mandapam. Durgai and Dhakshinamoorthy are in the Koshtas.




In Navagrahas, the positions are inter changed and Suryan is facing west towards Moolavar. The positions of Navagrahas are 
Kethu
Chandran
Chevvai
Sukran
Suryan
Budhan
Raghu
Guru
Sani
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Festivals
Guru Puja of Arivaldaya Nayanar is celebrated on the Arudra star day in the month of Thai-January-February.
Singers
The Lord of the temple is praised in the hymns of Saint Thirugnana Sambandar. This is the 227th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 110th Sthalam on the south side of River Cauvery in Chozha Nadu.
Prayers
Farmers pray here before commencing cultivation. Those suffering from leprosy pray to Lord for a cure after a bath in the sacred spring. Farmers contribute their yields to the temple.
Contact
Sri Neeneri Nathar Temple,
Thandalachery, Velur – 614 715
Thiruthuraipoondi Taluk,
Thiruvarur District
Mobile: +91 98658 44677
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Thiruthuraipoondi, 26 Kms from Thiruvarur and 124 Kms from Trichy. The Temple is located on the Thiruvarur to Thiruthuraipoondi Route. The temple is located very near to Thandalachery bus stop. Nearest Railway Station is located at Thiruthuraipoondi and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.