Sudarkozhundeesar Temple (Pralayakaleswarar Temple),
Pennadam, Cuddalore
Sudarkozhundeesar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva located at Pennadam Village in Thittakudi Taluk in Cuddalore
District of Tamilnadu. The temple is also called as Pralayakaleswarar Temple.
This place is also called as Pennaagadam (Thoonganai Maadam) during ancient
times. This is one of the 78 shrines built by Kochengata Cholan at an
elevation. Nandi at this temple is very unique as it is turned fully and facing
the entrance of the temple (or facing the village instead of facing the Lord
Shiva). Presiding Deity is called as Pralayakaleswarar / Sudarkozhundeeswarar /
Kadanthai Nathar / Kaivazhangeesar. Mother is called as Aamodanambal / Kadanthai
Nayaki / Azhagiya Kadhali.
This is the 34th Devaram
Padal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 2nd Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. The temple
is praised in the hymns of Saint Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarar. This is the birth
place of celebrated saints Kalikamba Nayanar and Meikandar, the pioneer of Saiva
philosophy. Saint Marai Gnanasambandhar, the third Santhana Kuravars is also
believed to have lived here. The last consecration ceremony took place on
10.05.1989. Before that, the consecration ceremonies were held on 18.03.1981
and 13.07.1973.
Legends
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History
According to the inscriptions found in this temple it is
one of 78 shrines build by the legendary Chola king Kochenganan. This king is
only known from legends and Tamil texts from the Sangam age (approximately the
centuries just before and after CE). The main shrine belongs architecturally to
the Early Chola period. It is a vimana (garbhagriha=sanctum plus the roof) in
the form of an elephant’s back which is called a Gajabrushta. The historical
names of this place are - Soundarya Chola Puram, Thiru Kadanthai, Parvathi
Puram, Pushpavanam and Dhayarasapathi.
The
Temple
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Temple
Opening Time
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from
5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Festivals
12 day Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Chithirai
(April-May) is celebrated in a grand manner. Maha Shivarathri in the Tamil
month of Masi (Feb-Mar), Thiruvadirai in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan),
Karthikai Deepam, Skanda Sashti, Arudra Dharisanam, Thai Poosam, Sankaranthi,
Panguni Uthiram and Aadi Pooram are the other important festivals celebrated in
this temple. Pradosham is also observed regularly.
Literary
Mention
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Prayers
This is a parihara Sthalam for those who born during the
periods of the constellation Kettai (Jyeshta Nakshatram). Devotees whose birth
star is Kettai visit this temple for special poojas. Those suffering from any
kind of body pain can visit this temple and worship the lord here to seek
relief. People pray to Lord of the temple seeking cure from hand ailments.
Devotees perform abishek to Lord Shiva and offer vastras.
Contact
Sudarkozhundeesar Temple (Pralayakaleswarar Temple),
Pennadam Post,
Thittakudi Taluk,
Cuddalore District – 606 105
Phone: +91 4143 222 788
Mobile: +91 99940 88359 /
98425 64768
Connectivity
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