Chozheeswarar Temple, Sirupakkam, Cuddalore

Chozheeswarar Temple, Sirupakkam, Cuddalore

Chozheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Sirupakkam Village in Thitagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Chozheeswarar and Mother is called as Kamalambigai. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old and belonged to Chola Period.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east, but the entrance arch is facing towards west. Nandi, Balipeedam and Dhwaja Sthambam can be seen facing the sanctum. Nandi is facing the sanctum through window. The entrance to the sanctum is from southern side. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam.

Presiding Deity is called as Chozheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum wall. Mother is called as Kamalambigai. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the left side of the sanctum. Her shrine consists of Sanctum and Artha Mandapam.

Nandi and Balipeedam can be seen facing her shrine. There are shrines for Vinayaga, Murugan, Bhairavar, Navagrahas, Suryan and Chandran in the temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Vilwa tree. There is a stucco image of Lord Shiva can be seen below the Vilwa tree. An inscription dated to 1128 CE belonged to Vikrama Chola can be seen in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 200 metres from Sirupakkam Bus Stand, 21 Kms from Veppur, 21 Kms from Thozhuthur, 23 Kms from Chinna Salem Railway Station, 28 Kms from Thittagudi, 39 Kms from Virudhachalam and 108 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Virudhachalam to Salem route.

Location

Thirukaram Thondreeswarar Temple, Kattumayilur, Cuddalore

Thirukaram Thondreeswarar Temple, Kattumayilur, Cuddalore

Thirukaram Thondreeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Kattumayilur Village in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Thirukaram Thondreeswarar and Mother is called as Thirupurasundari. The Temple is believed to be built by Cholas.

Legends

As per legend, Sage Bharatama wanted Mother Parvathi to be born as his daughter. He performed severe penance to achieve his wish. Mother Parvathi was born to him as he wished. She grew and attained marriageable age. Once, she made a Shiva Lingam out of sand in the banks of the River and stared worshipping daily. One day, a hand raised from the sand Linga and held Mother Parvathi hand for marriage. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Karam Thondreeswarar.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has stucco images of Rishabaroodar flanked by Vinayaga and Murugan. The Temple covers an area of about 2 acres. Nandi housed in a Mandapam and Balipeedam can be found in front of the entrance arch, outside the temple premises. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found immediately after the entrance facing the sanctum.

The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Artha Mandapam and Sanctum. Stucco Dvarapalas can be seen at the entrance of the Artha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Thirukaram Thondreeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.

Mother is called as Thirupurasundari. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated on the left side of the sanctum. There is a 100 years old Vanni tree on the left side immediately after the entrance. Two Vinayagars and Naga Idols can be seen beneath this tree. There are shrines for Selva Vinayagar, Annamalaiyar, Vishnu, Navagrahas and Murugan in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 6 Kms from Seppakkam, 8 Kms from Veppur, 12 Kms from Koothakudi Railway Station, 22 Kms from Thittagudi, 25 Kms from Ulundurpet, 27 Kms from Virudhachalam and 109 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Veppur to Ulundurpet route.

Location

Chidambareswarar Temple, Thachur, Cuddalore

Chidambareswarar Temple, Thachur, Cuddalore

Chidambareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thachur Village in Thittagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Chidambareswarar and Mother is called as Shivagama Sundari. The Temple is situated on the eastern banks of Thachur Lake.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The path to the temple is encroached by miscreants. Nandi can be found facing the sanctum. The Temple consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and maha mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Chidambareswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Mother is called as Shivagama Sundari. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. There are shrines for Vinayaga and Murugan in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Ezhuthur, 5 Kms from Thozhuthur, 5.5 Kms from Thozhuthur Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Veppur, 20 Kms from Thittagudi, 34 Kms from Pennadam Railway Station and 92 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated at about 3 Kms from Ezhuthur off Thozhuthur to Veppur route.

Location

Thatha Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi, Virudhachalam, Cuddalore

Thatha Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi, Virudhachalam, Cuddalore

Thatha Swamigal Jeeva Samadhi is a Hindu burial shrine dedicated to Thatha Swamigal located in Virudhachalam Town in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. This Jeeva Samadhi Temple houses Jeeva Samadhis Thatha Swamigal, Nirvana Muthukumara Swamigal and Sivapalani Gnani Swamigal. The temple is situated on the southern banks of Manimutharu River opposite to the District court.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Virudhachalam Town Railway Station, 2 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 3.5 Kms from Virudhachalam Junction Railway Station, 19 Kms from Neyveli, 31 Kms from Sethiyathope, 46 Kms from Chidambaram, 63 Kms from Cuddalore and 206 Kms from Chennai Airport. Virudhachalam is situated on Cuddalore to Salem highway. Virudhachalam Junction Railway Station is situated on Chennai - Madurai Line.

Location

Viswanathar Temple, Pinjanur, Cuddalore

Viswanathar Temple, Pinjanur, Cuddalore

Viswanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Pinjanur in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Viswanathar and Mother is called as Visalakshi. The Temple is situated on the northern banks of Manimuktha river.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east surrounded by wall made by remaining blocks of stones from the existing grand temple. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum and Ardha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Viswanathar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The Sanctum is of granite construction.

Mother is called as Visalakshi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. There are shrines for Dakshinamoorthy, Vinayaga and Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Devasena in the temple premises at the back of the sanctum. There is a dilapidated idol of Jyeshta Devi in the temple premises. The presence of this idol shows the antiquity of this temple.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 11 Kms from Koothakudi Railway Station, 18 Kms from Virudhachalam Junction Railway Station, 18 Kms from Ulundurpet, 19 Kms from Virudhachalam, 19 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 78 Kms from Cuddalore and 202 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Temple is situated on Mangalampettai to Elangiyanur Route via Idaichittur.

Location

Kailasanathar Temple, Siruvarappur, Cuddalore

Kailasanathar Temple, Siruvarappur, Cuddalore

Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Siruvarappur Village in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Parvathy. The temple is situated on the banks of Manimutharu River.

The Temple

The Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has stucco images of Lord Shiva, Mother Parvathy, Murugan, Vinayaga, Nandi and Narada. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. The Temple consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and mukha mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and is facing east.

He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Parvathy. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the left side of the sanctum. There are shrines for Vinayaga and Murugan in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 14 Kms from Srimushnam, 14 Kms from Sethiyathope, 17 Kms from Virudhachalam, 18 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 20 Kms from Virudhachalam Junction Railway Station, 24 Kms from Neyveli, 32 Kms from Chidambaram, 61 Kms from Cuddalore and 144 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Virudhachalam to Chidambaram route.

Location

Kalikamba Nayanar Temple, Pennadam, Cuddalore

Kalikamba Nayanar Temple, Pennadam, Cuddalore

Kalikamba Nayanar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Kalikamba Nayanar, a venerated Shaivite Nayanmar, located at Pennadam Town in Thitagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. This Temple is considered as Avathara and Mukthi Sthalam of Kalikamba Nayanar.

History

Kalikamba Nayanar is a Nayanar saint, venerated in the Hindu sect of Shaivism. He is generally counted as the forty-third in the list of 63 Nayanars. His hagiography speaks about how he cut the hand of his wife, who did not help in serving a Shaiva, devotee of the god Shiva. The primary account of Kalikamba Nayanar's life comes from the Tamil Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar (12^th century), which is a hagiography of the 63 Nayanars.

Kalikamba Nayanar was born and lived in Pennagadam, also known as Tirupennagadam, currently situated near Virudhachalam the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is famous for Sudarkozhundeesar Temple, dedicated to the god Shiva, the patron god of Shaivism. In Kalikamba Nayanar's times, Pennagadam was part of the Chola kingdom. Kalikamba was a Vaishya, the merchant caste that flourished in Pennagadam. He was a devotee of Shiva and used to serve the devotees of Shiva (Shaivas).

Every day, he welcomed them, washed their feet, and worshipped them. He also served lunch to the devotees and offered them money and gifts. Once, when the devotees gathered for lunch at Kalikamba's house, he started with his daily ritual of pada-puja (washing of feet to show respect) of the devotees. His wife helped him in the service. The wife would pour water from the pot, as Kalikamba washed the feet. When Kalikamba was about to wash the feet of a devotee, she recognized the devotee as their former servant and hesitated from pouring water from the pot.

Kalikamba felt that the wife has desecrated the sacred service. He took the pot from her hand and cut off the hand by his sword. He continued to wash the feet of the devotees and served them food, a duty generally performed by his wife. For his act of devotion, he attained the grace of Shiva. The tale of Kalikamba Nayanar is also recalled in the 13^th century Telugu Basava Purana of Palkuriki Somanatha with some variation. The devotee is recognized the son of their servant Mallandu or Malla. He had refused to serve Kalikamba and left Kalikamba's house and become a Shaiva mendicant.

The wife refuses to serve a son of a slave and advises her husband not to do so, however Kalikamba considers every Shaiva as a manifestation of Shiva and refuses to pour water to wash his feet. Kalikamba considers this as an insult of Shiva and cuts both her hands as a punishment. The account ends by saying that Kalikamba attained moksha (salvation) by the grace of Shiva. Kalikamba Nayanar receives collective worship as part of the 63 Nayanars. Their icons and brief accounts of his deeds are found in many Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. Their images are taken out in procession in festivals.

The Temple

This is a Small temple with an entrance arch. Sanctum houses an idol of Kalikamba Nayanar. Vinayaga and Murugan can be found at the entrance of the sanctum.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 350 meters from Pennadam Bus Stop, 3 Kms from Pennadam Railway Station, 15 Kms from Thittakudi, 18 Kms from Virudhachalam, 21 Kms from Virudhachalam Railway Station, 23 Kms from Srimushnam, 29 Kms from Thozhuthur, 34 Kms from Neyveli, 39 Kms from Ulundurpet, 42 Kms from Sethiyathope, 48 Kms from Kurinjipadi, 50 Kms from Gangai Konda Cholapuram, 60 Kms from Chidambaram, 78 Kms from Cuddalore, 97 Kms from Puducherry, 106 Kms from Trichy, 114 Kms from Trichy Airport and 257 Kms from Chennai.

The Temple is located on Virudhachalam to Thittakudi Route. Frequent Bus facilities to reach this temple are available from both ends.  There is a railway station at Pennadam which is on the Virudhachalam – Tiruchirappalli section of the Southern Railway. Pennadam Railway Station is located at about 3 Kms from the Temple. Nearest Major Railway Station is located at Virudhachalam (21 Kms). Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry, Chennai and Trichy.

Location

Sundareswarar Temple, Panaiyandur, Cuddalore

Sundareswarar Temple, Panaiyandur, Cuddalore

Sundareswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Panaiyandur Village in Thittagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Sundareswarar and Mother is called as Meenakshi.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The Temple covers an area of about 0.5 acre. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found immediately after the entrance arch facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Artha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. Dvarapalas can be seen on either side at the entrance of the Artha Mandapam. Vinayaga and Murugan can be found at the entrance of the Artha Mandapam.

Presiding Deity is called as Sundareswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. There is an inscription dated to Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola I in the northern wall of the sanctum and another inscription dated to Veera Rajendra Chola in the southern wall of the sanctum. Lord is mentioned as Brahmeeswaramudaiyar Nayanar in the inscriptions.

Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Meenakshi. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine consists of Mukha Mandapam and Sanctum. Her shrine is situated on the left side of sanctum. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum.

There is a shrine for Lord Murugan behind the sanctum. It is said that sun rays fall on Lord Murugan on 15^th, 16^th, 17^th, 18^th, 19^th, 20^th and 21^st of Tamil Month of Aadi at 08.00 A.M. to 08.15 A.M. There are shrines for Vinayagar, Murugan, 63 Nayanmars, Navagrahas, Bhairavar and Suryan in the temple premises. Idols dated to Rajendra Chola I period are kept in a separate Mandapam.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 6 Kms from Korakkavadi, 8 Kms from Koogaiyur, 17 Kms from Aragalur, 18 Kms from Chinna Salem Railway Station, 19 Kms from Thozhuthur, 19 Kms from Thozhuthur Bus Stand, 34 Kms from Thittagudi and 100 Kms from Trichy Airport. Devotees need to travel in Thozhuthur to Aragalur Route and then take a diversion road at Korakkavadi towards Nainar Palayam to reach this temple.

Location

Poomalai Appar Temple, Neivasal, Cuddalore

Poomalai Appar Temple, Neivasal, Cuddalore

Poomalai Appar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to village deity Poomalai Appar located in Neivasal Village in Thittagudi Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deities are Poomalai Appar, Semmalai Appar and Muthu Karuppan. The temple is situated on confluence of Chinnaru River and Vellaru River.

Legends

As per legend, once, seven fisherman from Pennadam came here to catch fish at confluence of the rivers. They came at midnight thinking it as early morning. It is believed that gods from this temple used to venture out for hunting and play. When the gods noticed the fishermen, they got angry and cursed them to lose their eyesight. Realizing their folly, the fishermen and begged for forgiveness to the gods. The gods felt pity and restored their eye sight. In memory of this event, their heirs installed the idols of seven fisherman in this temple. Even to this day, their heirs worship Poomalai Appar and offer fishing net every year.

The Temple

The temple is situated amidst groves at the confluence of Vellaru and Chinnaru Rivers.  Presiding Deities are Poomalai Appar, Semmalai Appar and Muthu Karuppan. Poomalai Appar and Semmalai Appar are considered as brothers. All the gods are housed in their respective shrines. There are shrines for Konga Karuppu, Siddhanathar, Kulla Karuppu, Pachaiyamman and Murugan in the temple premises.

There is a shrine for Veeranar outside the temple premises. He is considered as the guardian deity of this temple. This Shrine is situated at about 50 meters from the main temple. Devotees need to worship him first and then only enter the main temple. The temple has seven idols of fisherman in its premises.

Festivals

Mondays are Fridays are considered as auspicious days for worship.

Prayers

People pray to Muthu Karuppan to get relief from diseases, for child boon, to get back the lost items and to get relief from legal disputes.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 2 Kms from Avinankudi Bus Stop, 8 Kms from Pennadam, 9 Kms from Pennadam Railway Station, 9 Kms from Thittagudi, 86 Kms from Cuddalore and 107 Kms from Trichy Airport. The temple is situated on Virudhachalam to Thozhuthur Route. Share Autos are available to reach this temple from Avinankudi Bus Stop.

Location

Pasupatheeswarar Temple, T. Pudaiyur, Cuddalore

Pasupatheeswarar Temple, T. Pudaiyur, Cuddalore

Pasupatheeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in T. Pudaiyur Village in Virudhachalam Taluk in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called Pasupatheeswarar and Mother is called as Akhilanda Nayagi. Tevasthana Pudaiyur was the original name but the village is shortly called as T. Pudaiyur. This Temple is situated on the north east corner of this Village.

History

The Temple was believed to be built during 16th Century A.D. Kovai Sivaprakasa Swamigal started the renovation works for this Temple. Unfortunately, he cannot finish the works due to paucity of funds. Now the local villagers had renovated the temple with the available resources. The Temple is under the control Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Tamil Nadu.

The Temple

This is an east facing Temple with an entrance arch on the eastern side, but the main entrance is from southern side. Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Artha Mandapam, Mukha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Sanctum. Presiding Deity is called Pasupatheeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Vinayaga, Brahma, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava and Durga are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. Inscriptions can be found in the sanctum walls. Nandi, Balipeedam and Dhwaja Sthambam can be found facing the sanctum.

Mother is called as Akhilanda Nayagi. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated to the left side of the sanctum. There is a shrine for Lord Vishnu along with his consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi in the Maha Mandapam. Navagraha Shrine can be found opposite to Lord Vishnu Shrine. There are shrines for Vinayaga, Murugan, Bhairavar and Suryan in the Temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Kandhappankurichi, 11 Kms from Veppur, 14 Kms from Thalanallur Railway Station, 17 Kms from Virudhachalam, 18 Kms from Virudhachalam Bus Stand, 19 Kms from Virudhachalam Railway Station, 81 Kms from Cuddalore, 119 Kms from Trichy Airport, 219 Kms from Chennai Airport and 240 Kms from Chennai. The Temple is situated on Virudhachalam to Veppur Route. Devotees has to take a turn towards southern direction before Kandhappankurichi and travel for 4 Kms to reach this Temple.

Location