Dhatreeswarar Temple, Sitharkadu – Prayers
Swati Starrers:
The
temple is known to be particularly relevant to those born in Swati Nakshatra,
with many benefits such as long life and the removal of obstacles associated
with impending weddings. The sacred word Swathi has in it the combined graceful
powers of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The letter ‘Va’ is in Namasivaya Mantra.
It also contains the sacredness of the seed letters in the names of Vishnu –
Sundararajar, Vasudeva and Trivikrama. Swathi starrers are advised to worship
in the Chithukadu temple filled with the combined grace of Shiva and Vishnu.
They are
advised to offer curd rice Nivedhana with gooseberry pickle, tamarind rice and
offer the same to the poor for a prosperous life. Those who have heart problems
are encouraged to pray in the temple, lighting lamps with ghee and offering
them to the Lord. Besides Swathi people generally worshipping for relief from
adverse planetary effects, those facing obstacles in marriage proposals and
those suffering from cardiac problems pray to Lord for solutions.
Marriage Parihara Sthalam:
Wedding
worship is mainly followed in this temple. A king, while commencing the
renovation of the temple, found the idol of Mother, named her Poonkuzhali and
erected a shrine. Those facing obstacles in their marriage proposals, perform
abishek to Lord with gooseberry powder, juice and seeds and milk to Lord and
offer green vastras and bangles to Mother and light ghee lamps.
Prayers for longevity:
There are
carvings of some Siddhas in the pillars ensuring longevity to devotees.
Padukkai Jadamudi Siddha and Prana Deepika Siddhas are in the Nandhi shrine
pillars.
Offerings:
Devotees
perform abishek to Lord with gooseberry powder and juice and milk. They offer
green vastras and bangles to Mother Poonkuzhali Thayar and light ghee lamps in her
shrine. A number of garlands are offered. Devotees bring lot of flowers –in
large quantities lotus, koovalam etc.