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Friday, May 12, 2017

Sadasivamurthy Temple (Yoga Dhakshinamoorthy Temple), Puliyarai, Thirunelveli

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.

There is also a beautiful small Krishna Temple here.

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