Shista Gurunathar Temple, Thiruthuraiyur, Cuddalore
Shista Gurunathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva
located at Thiruthuraiyur (Thiruthalur) Village in Cuddalore District of
Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Shista Gurunatha Eswarar / Pasupatheeswarar
/ Thava Neri Aaludayar. Mother is called as Shivaloka
Nayaki / Poongothai Nayaki. The significance of this temple is that Lord
Vinayakar is facing the east, Lord Shiva is facing the west, Lord Murugan is
facing the south and the Goddess Parvathi is facing the north. Since the four
main deities are facing different directions, this temple is considered unique
and auspicious.
This temple is closely associated with Sundaramoorthy
Nayanar who is said to have sought & received initiation here, hence the
name Thava Neri Aaludayar or Shista Gurunathar. Sundarar has sung hymns in
praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. This is the 47th Devaram
Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 15th Shiva Sthalam of Nadu
Naadu. Saint Arunagirinathar has sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of
this temple in his revered Thirupugazh. This is the birth place of Saint
Arunandhi Sivachariyar - one of the four "Santhana Kuravarkal".
Legends
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History
The temple is situated on the southern bank of the river
Pennai / Malattaru. From Sundarar’s hymn of this temple it is known that during
his period the river was flowing on northern side of the temple, but now it
flows on the opposite side. The historical name of this place is Thiruthuraiyur
but it is now known as Thiruthalur. As per the inscriptions, this village was
earlier called “Rajaraja Valanattuth Thirumunaippadi Thiruthuraiyur”.
The
Temple
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Temple
Opening Time
This temple remains open from 6.00 AM to 11.00 AM in the
morning and 5.00 PM to 7.30 PM in the evenings.
Festivals
10-day Brahmotsavam in “Vaikasi Visakam” in the Tamil
month of Vaikasi (May-June), Skanda Sashti and Annabishekam in the Tamil month
of Aippasi (October-November) and Shivarathri in the Tamil month of Masi
(Feb-Mar) are the important festivals celebrated in this temple. Arudra
Dharisanam, Navaratri, Karthikai, Navaratri and Aippasi Pournami are the other
festivals celebrated here. Pradosham is also observed regularly. During
Pradosham days – 13th day from new moon and full moon fortnights, a flag
with Nandhi symbol is hoisted here. In olden days, this practice was
followed. It is not in vogue now. This practice is still
followed in Shiva temples in Sri Lanka even now.
Literary
Mention
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Prayers
This is the temple where Lord Guru occupies an important
position. Hence, special pujas are conducted on all Thursdays to Lord Shiva and
Lord Dakshinamurthy. Devotees believe that worshiping the lord here on
Thursdays will bless them with excellence in education. Devotees offer yellow
vastras to Lord Dakshinamurthy. It is believed that those seeking “santhana
prapthi” (child boon) can pray to Goddess Shivaloka Nayaki here for nine
consecutive Fridays. Those facing problems in wedding proposals and
those concerned with the health and welfare of children light ghee lamps and
perform archanas with Vilwa leaves.
Contact
Shista Gurunathar Temple,
Thiruthuraiyur Post,
Panruti Taluk,
Cuddalore District – 607 205,
Phone: +91 4142 248498
Mobile: +91 94448 07393
Connectivity
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