Aaranya Sundareswarar Temple, Keezhtirukkaattuppalli,
Nagapattinam
Aaranya
Sundareswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Keezhtirukkaattuppalli
Village in Nagapattinam District of Tamilnadu. This Shivastalam located
adjacent to Poompuhar and Thiruvenkadu is known as
Keezhtirukkaattuppalli to distinguish it from Melaittirukkaattuppalli near Thanjavur. This is one of the oldest temples
located on the northern banks of river Cauvery. It is just 1 km away from
another Thevara Shivasthalam Tiruvengadu and 11 kms from Sirkazhi.
The
distinguishing style of construction of Sri Dakshinamurthy shrine provides the
rumble of sea can be heard at all times. This is the 66th Devara
Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 12th Sthalam on the north side of
river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. Thiruganasambhandar has sung hymns in praise of
Lord Shiva of this temple.
Legends
Devas
appealed to Indira to protect them from the atrocities of demon Vruddhasura
with the might of the boon he obtained from Lord Brahmma. Indira fought the
demon and killed him and incurred the evil effect of the killing. He also
lost his kingship of the Devas. As advised by his Guru, Jupiter, he came
down to earth to worship Lord Shiva for remedy. He came to this jungle
region-Aaranyam, found a Swayambulinga and performed pujas. Pleased with his
devotion, Lord appeared before Indira and said that the effects of both good
and bad deeds had to be experienced by all. Lord stayed here then as
Aaranyeswarar. Brahmma is said to have created 10 Shivalingams here and
worshipped Shiva.
The
Temple
The
temple is facing west and has no Rajagopuram. Presiding deity is called as Sri
Aranya Sundareswarar with his consort Goddess Sri Akilanda Nayaki. Lord in the
temple is a swayambumurthy. As Lord Shiva was in the midst of a jungle – Aaranyam
– He is also called Aaranyeswarar and Kattazhagar in Tamil - Lord of the
Jungle. Mother in a separate shrine is facing south. As all
prominence is for Lord alone, there is no shrine for the Navagrahas the nine
planets. The manner in which the temple is constructed is said to
cause a sound resembling the sea to be heard in the Dakshinamurthy shrine.
At the
four corners surrounding the temple are four Theerthams. There are shrines to
Shiva in the form of two Shiva Lingams referred to as Muniyeswarar and
Bhramhesar. There are also shrines to Skanda, Bhairavar and Surya. There are
seven Lingas in the Temple of which one Linga has two Banas, a different form
in this temple. Lord Dakshinamurthy is seated on a square shaped peeta facing
west with 6 disciples though in temples he appears with four disciples,
Sanakar, Sanathanar, Sananthanar and Sanathkumarar. He is also praised as
Rajayoga Dakshinamurthy.
Lord Vinayaka,
praised as Nandu Vinayaka was worshipped by a cancer - Nandu in Tamil to regain
his original Gandharva personality. The Nandu is his peeta. He does
not have his Mouse vehicle with him as the Nandu plays the role. Lord Aaranyeswarar
also has his name after a sage of the name who worshipped here. The sculpture
showing the sage worshipping Lord Shiva while Mahakalar is blowing the conch is
in the prakara. There is a shrine for Dasalingam in the prakara having
seven Lingas. There is one Linga with two scars.
The
vimana above the sanctum sanctorum is called Dwaidala Vimana. Dasalinga is in
the prakara. There are seven Lingas here with one having two Banas on the Avudaiyar. This
is a rare and different Linga not commonly seen in Shiva temples. Mentioning
this form in his hymn, saint Sambandar says “Lord having Dasalinga with him”.
Tiruvengadu, known for Mercury planet worship is just a kilometer far from
here. Sthala Vriksham is Panneer tree and Theertham is Amirtha Theertham.
Temple
Opening Time
The temple
is open from 8.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 6.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Festivals
Shivarathri
in February-March; Aipasi Skanda Sashti in October-November; Arudra Darshan in
December-January and Vinayaka Chathurthi in August-September are the festivals
celebrated in the temple. The festival image of Shiva from Thiruvenkadu is
brought here in procession on a horse mount on the 2nd day of the month of Thai
(Capricorn).
Singers
This is
the 66th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 12th Sthalam
on the north side of river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. Thiruganasambhandar has sung
hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Sambandar is said to have visited
here after visiting Tiruchaaikkadu at Poompuhar.
Prayers
Seeking
pardon for sins committed unknowingly and to regain the lost position, people
pray in the temple. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer
vastras. Those who had been demoted from positions and those deprived of
promotions despite honest and hard work perform special pujas to Lords
Dakshinamurthy and Aaranyeswarar offering vastras. They believe that they
will recover their losses.
Contact
Sri Aaranyeswarar
Temple,
3/288,
Sannadhi street,
Tirukattupalli,
Tiruvengadu – 609 114
Nagapattinam
District
Phone: +91 – 4364 – 256
273
Mobile: +91 – 94439 85770
/ 98425 93244
Connectivity
This Shivasthalam
is located 1 Km west of another Paadal Petra Sthalam Thiruvenkadu. Sirkazhi is
25 km from Mayiladuthurai. The temple is further 11 km from Sirkali. Bus
facility is not convenient. Devotee can travel to Thiruvenkadu by bus. Autos
can be hired from here to the temple, 1 km from this place. Nearest
Railway Station is located at Sirkazhi and Nearest Airport is located at
Trichy.