Sevuga Perumal Aiyanar Temple, Singampunari, Sivaganga
Sevuga
Perumal Aiyanar Temple is dedicated to the local village deity Ayyanar located
at Singampunari in Sivaganga District of Tamilnadu. It is one of the most
important temples in Singampunari. In the past, it was one of the places where
oaths were made to ensure truth. It also houses the Suyam Prakasar who is known
as Suyambu. This a naturally occurring Sivalingam placed to the left side of
the main shrine. The famous Pidari of Singampunari has a shrine to right side
of the central shrine.
The Lord
Shree Sevuga Perumal Ayyanar is considered as a brother for all Ayyanars around
Singampunari such as Shree Sirai Meetta Ayyanar, Shree Seguttaiyanar Temples
present in M.Soorakkudi village, Some 12 Kilometers from Singampunari. Those
temples are associated with Sevuga Moorthy Ayyanar in many ways. After
completing 10 days festival to Shree Sevuga Moorthy Ayyanar, the Maalai,
Santhanam is brought to Shree Sirai Meetta Ayyanar, Shree Seguttaiyanar Temples
for "Puravi Yeduppu Thiruvizha" which is very famous in and around
Districts.
Legends
Long ago
this place was a Bael wood. A hunter came here to hunt and shot an arrow ata
deer. The deer escaped and disappeared in the hollow of a tree trunk. The
hunter tried to catch it and he found an image of Aiyanaar in the bush. The
amazed hunter said: "O Lord Sevugap Perumal! I went in search of the deer;
but, now I’m blessed to serve Thee from this day!" He worshipped the deity
hailing Him as ‘Perumal’. From that day onwards, this Deity is known as
‘Sevugap Perumal Aiyanaar’ and remains as a Protecting God.
The
Temple
Aiyanaar
of this place is seen seated in the ‘Power Posture’ (Veeraasanam) wearing a
crown on head and a Yoga-band along with his spouses Poorani and Pushpakala and
graces us. On his right side is the Security-goddess, Pidari Amman, and on the
left is Swayamprakaaseswarar, also known as Thanthondreeswarar with Poovaivalli
in separate sanctum. Sevugap Perumal Aiyanaar of this holy place is a powerful
deity. The poojas are performed here with Bael leaves (Vilvam) related to Lord
Siva. He has also acquired the name of Perumal. Since he is born of the union
of Siva and Vishnu, he is given a special significance.
Since
this holy place exists in the Bael woods, the Sacred Tree is obviously the Bael
Tree. All the deities including the Retinue Angels (Parivaara Devathaikal) are
worshipped with Bael leaves only. Pushkarani of this temple are the waters of
River Virisilai and the perennial fountain water of the well in the inner paved
corridor of the temple. Many people believe that the old name of Singampunari
was Singampidaari. This was supposed to have been named after the Pidari. Bali
Karuppar, Periya Karuppar, Chinna Karuppar, Brahmaayee Amman, Adaikkalam
Kaaththa Aiyanaar, Ganesa, Murugan have their sannidhis.
Other
deities like Sangili Karuppar, Muthu Karuppar, Valaithadi Karuppar, Sannasi,
Saptha Kannika, and others share a common Sannidhi. The temple had its own
archives with thousands of palm leaf records. In the paved corridor are seen
Kannimoola Ganapathy, Lord Muruga with His spouses Valli and Deivanai, Angels
of the Retinue (Parivaara Devathaikal), Karuppannasaamy, Karuppar, the Seven
Virgins (Sapta Kannigaikal), the Navagrahas and Chandikeswarar.
Temple Opening
Time
The
temple is open from morning 6’o clock to noon 12.00 and in the evening from
4.00 to 8.00.
Festivals
The Car
Festival (Ther Thiruvizha) in the month Vaikasi. When the car reaches its
permanent station, thousands of devotees break the coconuts as offering by
simultaneously dashing them on the nearby wall. The 10 days Brahmotsavam is
famous and draws huge crowds. The Ther Thiruvizha (car festival) and Poo
Pallaakku are important festivals. There is a peculiar festival called 'Kaluvan
Thiruvila' which is celebrated only in Singampunari.
Prayers
Lord Aiyanaar,
who gracefully bestows anything asked, is hailed as a god who protects the
city, augments harvest and who safeguards the cattle. He is worshipped for
getting rid of the malignant influences of the planets Sani and Raagu.
After
the fulfillment of the prayer, calves are given as offering. Offering can also
be dedicated by conducting Abhishekam (sacred bath) to the Lord and by adorning
him with new clothes.
Contact
Arulmigu
Sevugap Perumal Tirukkovil,
Singampunari,
Sivaganga District
Mobile: +91- 98650 62422
Connectivity
It is
about 47 km from Madurai, 58 km from Dindigul, 216 km from Coimbatore,
65 km from Tiruchi, 50 km from Karaikudi, being 7 km from
Kottampatti which lies along the Madurai-Chennai highways. It also lies on the
Coimbatore – Palani – Karaikudi – Devakottai route. Buses, coming from
Coimbatore to Chettinad region via Palani stops in Singampunari. The temple is
1km away from the Bus-Stand. Nearest Railway Station is located at
Karaikudi and Nearest Airport is located at Madurai.
