Sadasivamurthy Temple (Yoga Dhakshinamoorthy Temple), Puliyarai,
Thirunelveli
Sadasivamurthy
Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Puliyarai in Thirunelveli District
of Tamilnadu. The Temple is a Guru Sthalam. This is the only temple in the world
where Lord Dhakshinamoorthy is situated between 'Nandhi' and the idol of 'Lord
Shiva'- All in one line. One can view Shiva through the horns of the 'Nandhi'
and Dhakshinamoorthy. This is said to be of unique in nature. Thursdays and
Saturdays are very special for lord Dhakshinamoorthy and people beeline to
Puliyarai on these days to have a glance of the god and seek his
blessings. It is a beautiful temple surrounded by thick green forest slopes on
one side and fields and pond on the other side.
Legends
It was a
time when the Jains had an upper hand in Tamilnadu. Chidambaram temple was
under their control. Shiva devotees took the Nataraja idol from there and
came to Thrikoodachala Hills dense with Tamarind trees and hid the idol in a
tree hole. The idol fell in the view of the owner of the trees. He was
worshipping Nataraja daily. Many years later, Shiva devotees returned to this
place and took the idol back to Chidambaram. The tree owner was
disappointed to the see the empty hole and prayed to Lord Shiva to grace the
place with his presence. Lord Shiva appeared there as a Swayambu Linga. The
owner praised him as Sadasiva. People built the temple here then.
The
Temple
The main
deity is a Swayambu lingam Sri Sadasiva Moorthy with Ambal Sivagami Ammai. Urchavar
is Sadasivam. Sthala Vriksham is Tamarind Tree. Theertham is Jadamagudam
Theertham. There are 27 steps to reach the sanctum and they represent the 27
stars. Those having problems due to some planetary movements are advised to
worship Lord Shiva ascending on the steps. Since the Lord gave
darshan under a Tamarind tree, the place is called Puliyarai. More
importance is attached to Lord Dakshinamurthy than to Lord Shiva in the
temple. The devotee crowd would be huge on Thursdays as this a shrine for
Jupiter worship.
The one
speciality in the temple, against traditions followed in other Shiva temples is
that Lord Dakshinamurthy graces in between the presiding deity and the Nandhi
at the entrance instead of in the southern corridor. One can view
Shiva through the horns of the 'Nandhi' and Dhakshinamoorthy. This is said to
be of unique in nature. Near the feet of Dhakshinamoorthy there are 9 Avathara Peetas
in the form of squares on a square stone which represent the Navagrahas.
As
Mother was brought from Chidambaram, She is worshipped as Sivakami. The place
has also the reputation as Chinna Sringeri as a sub-mutt of Sri Sringri Sharada
Peetam. There are shrines for Navaneetha Gopala, Sadasivamurthy, Chandikeswara,
Saturn, Subramaniar, Bhairavar, Nagar, Chandra the Moon and Saptha Kannikas the
seven maidens. Lord Vinayaka graces in the name of Teppakulam Vinayakar. Sweet
Pudding – Sarkarai Pongal is offered as Nivedhana.
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
10 day
main festival in Thai (January-February), Jupiter and Saturn transit days, Maha
Shivarathri in February-March), Navarathri in September-October and Aadi Pooram
in July-August are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
Removal
of obstacles in marriage talks, child boon, education, job, progress in trade
and Naga Dosha relief are the prayer subjects of the devotees. Special abisheks
and Archanas are performed to the Lord and Mother with vastras, and special
pujas for Guru Dakshinamurthy with pulses and jasmine garland and curd rice as Nivedhana
are the prayer commitments followed by the devotees. They also light lamps
called Kodi Deepam and light lamps with black pulse to Saturn.
Contact
Sri
Sadasivamurthy Temple,
Puliyarai,
Thirunelveli District
Phone: +91 – 4633 – 285518 / 285490
Connectivity
The
Temple is located at about 9 Kms from Sengottai, 16 Kms from Courtallam, 12 Kms
from Panpoli, 13 Kms from Ilanji, 17 Kms from Tenkasi, 77 Kms from
Thirunelveli, 175 Kms from Madurai and 95 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Bus
facility is conveniently available from Tenkasi to Puliyarai. The temple is
about a kilometer from the bus stop. Therkumedu buses from Tenkasi pass through
the temple. Nearest Railway Station is located at Sengottai and Tenkasi.
Nearest Airport is located at Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.
References