Rajendra
Chozheeswarar Temple, Ilayankudi, Sivaganga
Rajendra Chozheeswarar Temple is
a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Ilayankudi Town in Ilayankudi
Taluk in Sivaganga District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Rajendra
Chozheeswarar and Mother is called as Gnanambigai. This Temple is considered as
Avathara and Mukthi Sthalam of Ilayankudi Maranar, one of the 63 Nayanmars. The Temple is considered as
Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple. The place was called as Indira
Avathara Nallur in ancient times.
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History
It is believed that this temple
was originally a Buddha Vihara but later got converted to Jain Temple and
subsequently into Hindu Temple when Buddhism and Jainism lost its relevance
among the local populace. The adjacent pond to this Temple is called as Thevoorani.
This pond derives its name from Therar Oorani (Therar means Buddhist Monk).
Jains from this place was eliminated by Shaivites in 10th Century
and established this Temple. There is an idol of Mahaveerar kept outside of the
Temple.
The Temple
This is an east facing temple
with an entrance arch. Presiding Deity is called as Rajendra Chozheeswarar and
is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Mother is
called as Gnanambigai. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Utsava
Idol is Somaskandar. Lord Dakshinamoorthy in the Goshta wall appears with only
two disciples.
There is a shrine for Lord
Muruga, located in the front Mandapam of sanctum. He is gracing the devotees
without Mother Valli. As Indira installed the Shivalinga and worshipped here,
it is said that his daughter Deivanai alone is with Lord Muruga. There are
separate entrances for the shrines for Lord Shiva, Mother Gnanambigai and Lord Muruga.
Saint Ilayankudi Maranar has a
shrine in the temple. He was praised by the people as Annadhana Prabhu. His
service to Lord Shiva was through this service to society. He is praised as healer
of Hunger. Maranar’s home and the land he cultivated are near the temple. His
land is praised as “Mulai Vari Amudhu Alitha Nattrangal” meaning, the land that
produced rice for nivedhana to Lord.
There is a shrine for Venkatachalapathi
behind the sanctum. There are shrines for Mahaganapathy, Lord Muruga with his
consorts Valli & Deivanai, Navagrahas, Saneeswarar, Suryan and Chandran in
the prakara. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwam Tree. Theertham associated with this
temple is Deiva Pushkarini.
Temple
Opening Time
The temple remains open from
6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Festivals
Maha Shivrathri in
February-March; Aipasi Annabishekam and Skanda Sashti in October-November; and
Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Mara
Nayanar and his wife Punithavathi come in procession in the same Chapparam
along with Lord and Mother on Guru Puja day. This is an important event in the
temple. Palak with stems – Thandu Keerai in Tamil, is offered as nivedhana to
Lord.
Literary
Mention
The Temple is considered as
Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Sundarar had a mention about
this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 7th Thirumurai in 39th
Patikam in 1st Song.
தில்லைவாழ் அந்தணர்தம் அடியார்க்கும் அடியேன்
திருநீல கண்டத்துக் குயவனார்க் கடியேன்
இல்லையே என்னாத இயற்பகைக்கும் அடியேன்
இளையான்றன் குடிமாறன் அடியார்க்கும் அடியேன்
வெல்லுமா மிகவல்ல மெய்ப்பொருளுக் கடியேன்
விரிபொழில்சூழ் குன்றையார் விறன்மிண்டர்க் கடியேன்
அல்லிமென் முல்லையந்தார் அமர்நீதிக் கடியேன்
ஆரூரன் ஆரூரில் அம்மானுக் காளே
Prayers
People pray here for food
security and to cultivate in them the traits of being selfless and helpful to
society. Those aspiring excellence in education and academic pursuits pray in
Mother’s shrine. As Nayanar attained salvation through his Annadhanam service,
people follow this nivedhana practice as a prayer commitment.
Contact
Rajendra Chozheeswarar Temple,
Ilayankudi – 630 702
Sivaganga District
Phone: +91 4564 268
544
Mobile: +91 98651 58374
The Temple is located at about 250 meters from Ilayangudi
Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Paramakudi, 12 Kms from Paramakudi Railway Station, 13
Kms from Paramakudi Bus Stand, 26 Kms from Kalayarkoil, 32 Kms from Sivaganga,
62 Kms from Karaikudi, 74 Kms from Madurai and 81 Kms from Madurai Airport. The
Temple is situated on Paramakudi to Karaikudi Route.
