Neeneri Nathar Temple, Thandalachery, Thiruvarur
Neeneri Nathar Temple is a Hindu
temple located at Thandalachery in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. The presiding deity is Shiva. Presiding Deity is called as Neeneri Nathar / Sthira
Budheeswarar and Mother is called as Gnanambika. Thandalachery is the
birthplace of the Saivite saint Arivattaya
Nayanar one of the 63 Nayanmars. The temple is frequented by people afflicted with
leprosy. The Saivite saint Sambandar had sung praises of the temple. This is the 227th
Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 110th Sthalam on the south
side of River Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. Four worship services are offered each
day here. The historical name of the place is Thiru Thandalai Neel Neeri.
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
The temple was constructed by the Early
Chola king Kochenganan who was cured of leprosy at this place. The village of Kannandangudi had served as a Chola capital.
The
Temple
This is one of the 78 “Maadakovils”, built on an
elevation, by Ko Chenkata Chola Nayanar so that elephants cannot enter the
sanctum. The current temple is a result of the contributions from the
Nagarathaar community. Lord in the temple is a Swayambumurthy. Presiding Deity
is called as Neeneri Nathar / Sthira Budheeswarar and Mother is called as Gnanambika.
Sthala Vriksham is Kurunda Tree and Theertham is Omaka Theertham.
It is noteworthy that Mother Ganga, traditionally on the
head of Lord Nataraja is at his feet in this temple. Sannadhi for Adhikara Nandhi
is located at the entrance of Rajagopuram and the temple has no Dwajasthambam. Sannadhi
for Vinayagar, Shiva Lingam, Subramaniyar, Navagrahas, Viyakrabathar & Pathanjali
worshiped Lingams, Suryan, Chandran, Arivattaya Nayanar are located in the
prakaram.
Sculptures of Naalvar and Ko Chenkata Chozhan are located in
Karuvarai front mandapam. Stucco images of Shiva in Rishabaroodar and Arivatta
Nayanar killing himself with his knife can be seen in the entrance of moolavar Sannadhi.
Urchava Idols of Natarajar, Naalvar, Arivatta Nayanar with his wife,
Pathanjali, Viyakrabathar are in the mandapam. Durgai and Dhakshinamoorthy are
in the Koshtas.
In Navagrahas, the positions are inter changed and Suryan
is facing west towards Moolavar. The positions of Navagrahas are
Kethu
|
Chandran
|
Chevvai
|
Sukran
|
Suryan
|
Budhan
|
Raghu
|
Guru
|
Sani
|
Temple
Opening Time
The temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from
4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.
Festivals
Guru Puja of Arivaldaya Nayanar is celebrated on the
Arudra star day in the month of Thai-January-February.
Singers
The Lord of the temple is praised in the hymns of Saint
Thirugnana Sambandar. This is the 227th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva
Sthalam and 110th Sthalam on the south side of River Cauvery in
Chozha Nadu.
Prayers
Farmers pray here before commencing cultivation. Those
suffering from leprosy pray to Lord for a cure after a bath in the sacred
spring. Farmers contribute their yields to the temple.
Contact
Sri Neeneri Nathar Temple,
Thandalachery, Velur – 614 715
Thiruthuraipoondi Taluk,
Thiruvarur District
Mobile: +91 98658 44677
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Thiruthuraipoondi,
26 Kms from Thiruvarur and 124 Kms from Trichy. The Temple is located on the Thiruvarur
to Thiruthuraipoondi Route. The temple is located very near to Thandalachery
bus stop. Nearest Railway Station is located at Thiruthuraipoondi and Nearest
Airport is located at Trichy.