Thursday, November 2, 2017

Shista Gurunathar Temple, Thiruthuraiyur, Cuddalore

Shista Gurunathar Temple, Thiruthuraiyur, Cuddalore
Shista Gurunathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thiruthuraiyur (Thiruthalur) Village in Cuddalore District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Shista Gurunatha Eswarar / Pasupatheeswarar / Thava Neri Aaludayar. Mother is called as Shivaloka Nayaki / Poongothai Nayaki. The significance of this temple is that Lord Vinayakar is facing the east, Lord Shiva is facing the west, Lord Murugan is facing the south and the Goddess Parvathi is facing the north. Since the four main deities are facing different directions, this temple is considered unique and auspicious.












This temple is closely associated with Sundaramoorthy Nayanar who is said to have sought & received initiation here, hence the name Thava Neri Aaludayar or Shista Gurunathar. Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. This is the 47th Devaram Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 15th Shiva Sthalam of Nadu Naadu.  Saint Arunagirinathar has sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh. This is the birth place of Saint Arunandhi Sivachariyar - one of the four "Santhana Kuravarkal".











Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
The temple is situated on the southern bank of the river Pennai / Malattaru. From Sundarar’s hymn of this temple it is known that during his period the river was flowing on northern side of the temple, but now it flows on the opposite side. The historical name of this place is Thiruthuraiyur but it is now known as Thiruthalur. As per the inscriptions, this village was earlier called “Rajaraja Valanattuth Thirumunaippadi Thiruthuraiyur”.  
The Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
Temple Opening Time
This temple remains open from 6.00 AM to 11.00 AM in the morning and 5.00 PM to 7.30 PM in the evenings.
Festivals
10-day Brahmotsavam in “Vaikasi Visakam” in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), Skanda Sashti and Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November) and Shivarathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar) are the important festivals celebrated in this temple. Arudra Dharisanam, Navaratri, Karthikai, Navaratri and Aippasi Pournami are the other festivals celebrated here. Pradosham is also observed regularly. During Pradosham days – 13th day from new moon and full moon fortnights, a flag with Nandhi symbol is hoisted here.  In olden days, this practice was followed.  It is not in vogue now.  This practice is still followed in Shiva temples in Sri Lanka even now.
Literary Mention
For brief details, please refer below link;
Prayers
This is the temple where Lord Guru occupies an important position. Hence, special pujas are conducted on all Thursdays to Lord Shiva and Lord Dakshinamurthy. Devotees believe that worshiping the lord here on Thursdays will bless them with excellence in education. Devotees offer yellow vastras to Lord Dakshinamurthy. It is believed that those seeking “santhana prapthi” (child boon) can pray to Goddess Shivaloka Nayaki here for nine consecutive Fridays. Those facing problems in wedding proposals and those concerned with the health and welfare of children light ghee lamps and perform archanas with Vilwa leaves.  
Contact
Shista Gurunathar Temple,
Thiruthuraiyur Post,
Panruti Taluk,
Cuddalore District – 607 205,
Phone: +91 4142 248498
Mobile: +91 94448 07393
Connectivity
For brief details, please refer below link;