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Saturday, January 14, 2017

Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Sirkazhi, Nagapattinam

Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Sirkazhi, Nagapattinam
Kasi Viswanathar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Sirkazhi in Nagapattinam District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kasi Viswanathar and Mother is known as Visalakshi.

Legends
Demons Surapadma and his brothers established the demon empire in Veeramahandrapuram. They also captured worlds Earth, the world below Band the Indraloka. Driven out of power, Indira, the king of Devas, came to earth, took the form of a bamboo and stayed in a bamboo forest with his wife in Sirkali and performed penance on Lord Shiva, seeking restoration of his power. During the nights, they stayed in the Lotus flower in the hands of Kai Videl Appar so that they could not be seen by any one.
Pleased with his penance, Lord Shiva directed him to come to Kailash and place his grievances. Indira left Indirani in the hands of Lord Kai Videl Appar and left. Meantime, Kai Videl Appar also came to Kailash to submit his accounts to Lord Shiva, leaving Indirani under the care of his army chief. Expecting an opportunity to capture the beautiful Indirani, Surapadma’s sister Ajamukhi came near to her with the intention of getting her married to her brother. Mahakalan, the army chief, fought with her and chopped off her hands. The place where her hand fell is known as Kai Vizhundha Cheri or Kai Vilancheri meaning where the hand fell.  Kai Videl Appar thus protected Indirani. Remembering the event, the temple for Dharma Sastha is raised in the south half of Sirkali.
The Temple
Lord Dharma Sastha occupies greater importance in this small temple granting the boons devotees seek for. As he protected Indirani, wife of Indira, He is also known as Kai Videl Appar meaning that he does not let down his devotees. He graces from the south east corner of the temple with his consort Poorana Pushkala. In the south half of Sirkali, Dharma Sastha graces with his consort in a sitting form with one leg hanging and the other bent.

Sri Kanchi Mahaswamihal visited this temple and worshipped Lord and Mother. Those on Sabarimalai pilgrimage begin the journey from here. Though a Shiva temple, prominence is more attached to Dharma Sastha. Surrounding to this temple Kamala Vinayagar, Dhakshina Moorthy, Subramaniyar, Durgai, Chandikeswarar and Navagraham shrine are situated. Kasi Viswanathar and mother Visalakshi had a separate shrine. 
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Monthly Pradosha Pooja (13th day either from new moon or full moon day), new moon day pujas, Karthikai in November-December, Chathurthi (4th day either from new moon or full moon day), are regularly observed in the temple with special pujas. On the last Sunday of the English year, Lakshrachana is performed for Kaividelappar (God who would not let us down) and Navarathri is celebrated in the shrine of Mother Visalakshi in September-October.
Prayers
Devotees submit their prayers for removal of obstacles in marriage efforts, for child boon and excellence in education. Abishek is offered to Lord and Mother with vastras.
Contact
Sri Kasiviswanathar Temple,
Sirkali, Nagapattinam District
Mobile: +91 94439 11905 / 88831 76439
Connectivity
The temple is situated at Thenpathi half a km from Sirkazhi Bus Stand. Auto facilities are available. Nearest Railway Station is located at Sirkazhi and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.