Monday, September 4, 2017

Saptharisheeswarar Temple, Lalgudi – The Temple

Saptharisheeswarar Temple, Lalgudi – The Temple
Saptharisheeswarar Temple is located in center of Lalgudi town. Shiva Linga here is in a self-made form. The main Sannidhi is facing the west direction. The lord Shiva here is also called as Saptharisheeswarar / Thiruthavathurai Nathar / Thejovidangar. The Linga has a vertical red split on its head. Sun rays illuminate the base of the Shiva Linga for about 15 minutes daily in the morning for six months. Earlier Lalgudi used to be called as Thiruthavathurai. When Malik Kapoor of “Aladdin Kilji’s” army ruled this place during 13th century he checked his people about this temple. This temple’s tower was in red color. In his mother tongue Urdu he enquired about the Red Tower temple (Red – Lal, Tower – Gudi). Hence this place became Lalgudi.






Goddess at this temple is named as Periya Nayagi / Shivakamasundari Perunthiru Piratiyar / Maha Sampath Gowri. Periya Nayagi Sannidhi is facing the east direction. There are separate Sannidhis for Maha Lakshmi, Bitchadanar and Artha Nareeshwarar. At this temple Dhakshinamoorthy is in unique form as he is carrying a Veena (Veena – Indian musical instrument) in his hand. During the “Guru Peyarchi”, Special poojas will be conducted for the Dhakshinamoorthy at this temple. There is also dedicated Navagraha Sannidhi at this temple. Navagraha Sannidhi is facing the direction of Sun. Lighting the ghee lamp is the method of worship at this temple.






As per Sekkizhar’s Periya Puranam, Sambandhar had sung Thevaram on this Shiva but the Thevara verses have not been found so far. Theertham is called as Sivagangai and Chakra Theertham. Sthala Vriksham is Peepal Tree. A pond that adorns the front of the temple has water in it based on the monsoon that year. The pond had intricate canals constructed which lead water to the base of the Shiva Linga. But over the years the canal seems to have given way and water does not flow down to the Linga as described in literature.