This
is the 68th Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 14th Sthalam
on the north side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. This temple is also
considered as the 11th Sakthi peedam. The temple is in the
heart of Sirkazhi city. Sirkazhi is the birthplace of
Thirugnanasambandar, one of the 63 Nayanmars and First of the Moovar, who are instrumental in regaining and flourishing the saivam in Tamil
Nadu.
The place Sirkazhi was called by 12 different names,
Brahmapuram, Venupuram, Pukali, Venkudu, Thonipuram, Poonthurai, Sirapuram,
SaNbai, Kazhumalam, Kalipuram, Puravam, Kochaivayam, etc. The
same was mentioned by Thirugnanasambandar as...
பிரமனூர் வேணுபுரம் புகலி வெங்குருப் பெருநீர்த்தோணி
புரமன்னு பூந்தராய் பொன்னுஞ்சிரபுரம் புறவஞ் சண்பை,
பரமனூர் பன்னிரண்டாய் நின்றதிருக் கழுமலம் நாம் பரவும் ஊரே
Sekkizhar
in his Periya Puranam mentions that out of 4169 hymns sung by
Thirugnanasambandar, this is the first hymn sung by him at Sirkazhi, which
starts with தோடு உடைய செவியன் –
thodudaiya seviyan...
செம்மைபெற எடுத்த திருத்தோடுடைய செவியன் எனும்
மெய்ம்மை மொழித்திருப்பதிகம் பிரமபுரம் மேவினார்
தம்மை அடையாளங்களுடன் சாற்றித் தாதையர்க்கு
எம்மைஇது செய்த பிரான் இவன் அன்றே என இசைத்தார்
Thirugnanasambandar,
Appar, Sundarar, and Vallalar have sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this
temple. Since this was the birthplace of Thirugnanasambandar and considered as
the most sacred place Sundarar didn’t want to step in. So he
worshiped Lord Shiva and asked his darshan, from the outskirts of the City.
தோடு உடைய செவியன் விடை ஏறி ஓர் தூ மதி சூடிக்
காடு உடைய சுடலைப் பொடி பூசி என் உள்ளம் கவர் கள்வன்
ஏடு உடைய மலரான் முனை நாள் பணிந்து ஏத்த அருள் செய்த
பீடு உடைய பிர மாபுரம் மேவிய பெம்மான் இவன் அன்றே.
....... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்
நாலஞ்சு புள்ளினம் ஏந்தினஎன்பர் நளிர்மதியம்
கால்கொண்ட வண்கைச் சடைவிரித்து ஆடும் கழுமலவர்க்கு
ஆளன்றி மற்றும் உண்டோ அந்தண்ஆழி அகலிடமே
....... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்சாதலும் பிறத்தலும் தவிர்த்தெனை வகுத்துத்
தன்னருள் தந்தஎம் தலைவனை மலையின்
மாதினை மதித்தங்கொர் பால்கொண்ட மணியை
வருபுனல் சடையிடை வைத்த எம் மானை
ஏதிலென் மனத்துக்கோர் இரும்புண்ட நீரை
எண்வகை ஒருவனை எங்கள்பி ரானைக்
காதில்வெண் குழையானைக் கடல்கொள மிதந்த
கழுமல வளநகர்க் கண்டுகொண் டேனே
.......... சுந்தரர்-“அருகாத
கார்காழில் நெஞ்சக் கவுணியர்க்குப் போதமருள்
சீர்காழி ஞானத் திரவியமே
........... திரு அருட்பாMoolavar :
Sri Brahmapureeswarar, Sri Thoniappar,
Sri
Sattainathar.
Consort :
Sri Periyanayagi, Sri Thirunilai Nayagi.
Some
of the important features of this temple are .....
The
temple faces east with a 5-tier Rajagopuram, Balipeedam Rishabam, and
Dwajasthambam in front of the Mukha mandapa. The Temple tank is after the Rajagopuram.
Somaskandar is near the sanctum sanctorum. Dwarapalakas are on both sides of
the sanctum sanctorum entrance. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma,
Durgai, Pichadanar, Bairavar and Ganga Visajanar /Alinganamurti.
In
praharam Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar and 63var. Shiva
Lingas, Nalvar, Santhana Kuravars, Saptamatrikas, Muthu Sattainathaar, a
separate sannadhi for Ashta Bairavas.
The
15th Century Arunagirinathar has sung Hymns in praise of Lord
Muruga of this temple. It is believed that Thirugnanasambandar is considered the incarnation of Lord Muruga, Hence he is called Ilaya Pillayar.
தந்த னந்தன தன தன தனவென
வண்டு விண்டிசை முரல்தரு மணமலர்
தங்கு சண்பக முகிலள வுயர்தரு
பொழில்மீதே
சங்கு நன்குமிழ் தரளமு மெழில்பெறு
துங்க வொண்பணி மணிகளும் வெயில்விடு
சண்பை யம்பதி மருவிய அமரர்கள் பெருமாளே
Koshta Murtis
Pichadanar & Bairavar
Pichadanar
Brahma and Durgai
Lingothbavar
Chandikeswarar
SPECIALTIES OF THIS TEMPLE
The
temple has the maximum number ie 71, Thevara hymns are sung by the Moovar. There
are 22 sacred water bodies associated with this temple. Lord Shiva graces in
Three forms Brahma, Maha Vishnu, and Shiva. Bhairava is considered as
equivalent to Kasi. Hence special poojas are performed on Valarpirai ( new moon
– Amavasya) and Theipirai ( Full moon –Pournami ) 8th day ie
Ashtami day.
Lord
Shiva is believed to be the maker of all laws ( Satta Nathar ), A 3 tired
Shrine – Brahmapureeswarar at the base as Shiva Linga with Goddess Thiru Nilai
Nayaki, in the second level Sri Periya Nayakar as Thoniappar ( considered as
Guru ) with Periya Nayaki – on a raft ( Thoni ), on the 3rd Level
Bhairavar as Sattainathar and unified form of Sangamam.
This
is the place where Thirugnanasambandar called Thirunavukkarasar “Appa”,
which turned to Appar later. Thiruneelakanda Yazhpanar was accompanied by
Thirugnanasambandar during all his pilgrimages. This is the birthplace of
Gananatha Nayanar one of the 63 Nayanmars. Sattai Muni Siddhar, one of the 18
Siddhar, Jeeva Samadhi with a peedam is inside this temple. Lord Shiva of
this temple was praised by Nalvar, Arunagirinathar, Gannathar, Pattinathar,
Sekkizhar, Arunachala Kavirayar, Nambiyandar Nambigal, Muthu Thandava Desikar and
Vallalar
Dwarapalakas
Dwarapalakas
ARCHITECTURE
The
main temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and mukha
mandapam. The adhistanam is of prati bandham with padma jagathy, Vrudha Kumuda, and vyyalavari. The Bhitti starts with Kapotam, Brahmakantha, Vishnukantha, and
Indra kantha pilasters supporting the wall. Kumbha panjaras are between
salaipathi and karnapathi. Koshtas are sala types without mahara thorana.
The
prastram is with valapi, kapotam with nasis and vyyalavari. Bhutaganas are in
the valapi. An Ekathala, stucco Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. The Greeva
koshtas are extended up to sigaram Maha nasis. Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu with
his consorts, and Brahma with his consorts are in greeva Koshtams. The Praharam is of mada style with two tiers.
A
unique malai Koil/ like mada Koil type with 3 tiers on the back side of
the sanctum sanctorum, Thoniappar – beautiful big sila roopam / stucco, signifies
Kailayam in which Lord Shiva and Parvati are in sitting Posture, two male and
two female images are on the back side and Utsavars are in front of Lord Shiva
and Parvati. On 3rd tier, Sattainathar- can be viewed through the window.
Sanganidhi on both sides of the Makara Thorana
Sanganidhi on both sides of the Makara Thorana
Padmanidhi & Sanganidhi
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The
original temple may belong to the 6th to 7th Century
and was reconstructed during the Chozhas period and extended during Telugu Chozhas,
Vijayanagara Nayaks, and later Pallavas.
There
are about 46 inscriptions recorded from this temple. The inscriptions belong
to Latter Chozhas, Pallava King Koperunchingan, and Vijayanagara Nayaks. As per
the inscriptions, this place was under Rajathiraja Valanadu. Lord Shiva was
called Thiruthonipuram Udayar and Ambal was called Periya Nachiyar.
Thirugnanasambandar was mentioned as Aludaya
Pillaiyar. Most of the inscriptions record the endowment of
nandhavanam, the Burning of Perpetual lamps, and Naivedyam like Adaikaiyamuthu,
Ilaiyamuthu, etc.
Thiribhuvana Chakravarthi Konerimai Kondan’s reign inscription records that a sannidhi was
constructed for Aludaya Pillaiyar ie Thirugnanasambandar, by the
King’s kitchen staff, an old woman, called Uyyavanthal
Rajavithyathiri ( Vithyathiri – a title given to her). The first
Prakara was reconstructed by Nuramboondan, son of Vanamalikai Udayan
Vemban Vysian, who lived at Vadagur Uthamachaozha Peruntheru inside the
Gangaikonda Chozhapuram, Gangai konda Chozhan, thirumathil. The same king
Konerimai Kondan’s 6th-year 193rd-day reign, a
land measuring 4 veli at Uyyakondar Valanattu Ambar Nattu, Mathur was gifted
to this temple as irayili, by Kovan Nambi.
Further, when the King was at Sri Kalahasti, the land was donated to Aludai Pillayar
Temple. Chozhavalanattu Akkoor nattu Thalachangattu sabhai assembled
at Mummudi Chozhan Perambalam donated a land measuring 5 veli, to
Thirukazhumalam Aludaya Pillayar temple, named Kannaru at Chozhapandya
Nallur in Thalachangadu. This Land was donated to the endowment of Naivedyam.
In
1393 CE, Veerahariharayar’s son Sri Viruppanna Udayar gifted 40 ma land to
Aludaya Pillayar temple. Venmani Kizhan Adkonda Nayakan Thirunatta
Peruman, gifted one ma land towards Naivedyam, Pooja on special days, annual
function.
The
Rajathirajan’s 12th-year reign inscription records the
endowment of naivedyam to Aluday Pillayar Sannadhi Mangaiyarkarasi Nachiyar, a
land gifted by Santhosha pallava Araiyar of Thirukazhumala nattu
Veerachozha Nallur.
The
Viruppanna Udayar Period inscription records that there was a madam by the name of Thirunerimaligai Madam who existed during that time.
Natarajar and Sivakami:
Rajathirajan’s 16th year reign inscription records that Chozha
Nadu Suththamali Valanattu Vennikootrathu Kuna Nadu, Araiyan Pothappi Chozhan
after conquering Veera Pandyan, brought the Natarajar ( Koothadum Thevar ) and
Sivakami from Pandya Country, installed at this Thiruthonipuram
Udayar temple. For Pooja 2 veli land at Akkoor, was donated.
This
is one of the 27 temples administered by Dharmapura Adheenam. Under 25th
Maha Sannidhanam Sri-la-Sri Subramaniya Desika Gnanasambanda Paramachariyar’s
period, in 1946, Thirupani was done
TripurasundaraiAmbal Temple, Praharam, Sri Devendra Lingam, Chandikeswarar
Sannidhi, cement flooring of Main Sanctum inner praharam and Mandapam, raising
of floor levels with stone slabs of Main sanctum and Mukha mandapam.
Maha
Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 17th March 1952.
LEGENDS:
This
is the birthplace of Thirugnanasambandar and he was fortunate to receive milk
( Ganappal ) from Ambal when he was a child. He was called different names like Aludai Pillai, SivakanRu, Thamizhaakaran, Kazhipillai,
Kazhikoman etc,. His Thevaram was grouped in the first 3 Thirumurai. Nambiyandar
Nambigal in his Thirumurai Kanda Puranam mentions as...
பண்புற்ற திருஞான சம்பந்தர் பதிகம் முந்நூற்
றொன்பத்து நான்கினால் இலங்குதி ருமுறை மூன்று.
He
had done many miracles during his life span of 16 Years. This is the birthplace of Gananatha Nayanar one of the 63 Nayanmars, who had done thiruthondu /
service in this temple. It is believed that Murugan, Kali, Brahma,
Mahavishnu, Guru, Indran, Suryan, Chandran, Agni, Adiseshan, Rahu, Ketu, and
Vyasar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.
It
is believed that during Pralaya, Lord Shiva with Parvati brought 64
arts in a raft ( Thoni in Tamil ) to this temple. Hence Lord Shiva
is called Thoniappar.
In
one Legend, Lord Shiva as Sattainathar – Bhairavar-quelled the arrogance
of Maha Vishnu’s avathara as Thiruvikrama, who killed Mahabali Chakravarthy.
Special Poojas are conducted every Friday night and will end around
midnight.
Brahma
worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. Hence Lord Shiva is called Brahmapureeswarar. In addition to these Devas, Maharishis worshiped Lord Shiva
of this temple.
Aalingna Murti - Vinayagar - Agasthiyar
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart
from regular poojas, Pradosham, 10 days Brahmotsavam with 2nd-day
Thirumulaipal utsavam in Chithirai ( April – May ), Karthigai deepam in
Karthigai ( November – December ), Thiruvathirai in Margazhi ( December –
January ), Maha Shivaratri in Masi ( February –March ), Aadi Pooram in Aadi
month ( July–August ) and Navaratri in Puratasi ( September–October ).
TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The
temple will be kept open between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to
21.00 hrs
CONTACT DETAILS :
The
Land line number +91 4364 270235, may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH :
Buses
are available from different parts of Tamil Nadu to this temple town
The
temple is 19 KM from Chidambaram, 20 KM from Mayiladuthurai, and 240 KM from
Chennai.
The nearest railway station is Sirkazhi.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
Ashta Bairavar Sannidhi
Ashta Bairavar Sannidhi
Ashta Bairavar Sannidhi
Sattainathar balipeedam on the ground level ( in side praharam ) 
Sattaianar Rajagopuram on the Praharam wall. 
Sattaianar Rajagopuram on the Praharam wall and balipeedam on the ground.
Thoniappar stucco image
Pranala
Sthala Vrusksham bamboo tree and stucco images of Sthala Purana
Natarajar sannidhi
A New Sannidhi under construction
A New Sannidhi under construction
A New Sannidhi under construction
Ambal temple
Ambal temple
Ambal temple
Ambal temple
Thirugnanasambandar sannidhi
2023 - Kumbhabhishekam
The place where the idols and Devara copper plates are unearthed
The Unearthed idols and Devara copper plates are kept under safe custody
OLD PHOTOGRAPHS
Maybe a Chozha King 
Buddha bas-relief on a Pillar
Thoniappar
Under renovation
Rasi & Nakshtras
Gangadharar / Gangavisargnar / Alingana murti
Saptamatrikas
---OM
SHIVAYA NAMA---
The
Heritage visit to this Sri Sattainathar
Temple at Sirkazhi was a part of the “Mada Temples Heritage Walk in Nagapattinam
and Mayiladuthurai Districts”, organized by “Chozha Mandala Varalatru Thedal
Kuzhu – GCHRG, on 05th and 6th March 2022. Thanks to V Ramachandran, Thasildar of
Nagapattinam, who took us to all these Temples. This is the second visit to
this temple.
Visited after the 2023 Kumbhibhishekam and the old photos were replaced with new photographs.
This
is the 68th Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 14th Sthalam
on the north side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. This temple is also
considered as the 11th Sakthi peedam. The temple is in the
heart of Sirkazhi city. Sirkazhi is the birthplace of
Thirugnanasambandar, one of the 63 Nayanmars and First of the Moovar, who are instrumental in regaining and flourishing the saivam in Tamil
Nadu.
The place Sirkazhi was called by 12 different names,
Brahmapuram, Venupuram, Pukali, Venkudu, Thonipuram, Poonthurai, Sirapuram,
SaNbai, Kazhumalam, Kalipuram, Puravam, Kochaivayam, etc. The
same was mentioned by Thirugnanasambandar as...
பிரமனூர் வேணுபுரம் புகலி வெங்குருப் பெருநீர்த்தோணி
புரமன்னு பூந்தராய் பொன்னுஞ்சிரபுரம் புறவஞ் சண்பை,
பரமனூர் பன்னிரண்டாய் நின்றதிருக் கழுமலம் நாம் பரவும் ஊரே
புரமன்னு பூந்தராய் பொன்னுஞ்சிரபுரம் புறவஞ் சண்பை,
பரமனூர் பன்னிரண்டாய் நின்றதிருக் கழுமலம் நாம் பரவும் ஊரே
Sekkizhar
in his Periya Puranam mentions that out of 4169 hymns sung by
Thirugnanasambandar, this is the first hymn sung by him at Sirkazhi, which
starts with தோடு உடைய செவியன் –
thodudaiya seviyan...
செம்மைபெற எடுத்த திருத்தோடுடைய செவியன் எனும்
மெய்ம்மை மொழித்திருப்பதிகம் பிரமபுரம் மேவினார்
தம்மை அடையாளங்களுடன் சாற்றித் தாதையர்க்கு
எம்மைஇது செய்த பிரான் இவன் அன்றே என இசைத்தார்
மெய்ம்மை மொழித்திருப்பதிகம் பிரமபுரம் மேவினார்
தம்மை அடையாளங்களுடன் சாற்றித் தாதையர்க்கு
எம்மைஇது செய்த பிரான் இவன் அன்றே என இசைத்தார்
Thirugnanasambandar,
Appar, Sundarar, and Vallalar have sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this
temple. Since this was the birthplace of Thirugnanasambandar and considered as
the most sacred place Sundarar didn’t want to step in. So he
worshiped Lord Shiva and asked his darshan, from the outskirts of the City.
தோடு உடைய செவியன் விடை ஏறி ஓர் தூ மதி சூடிக்
காடு உடைய சுடலைப் பொடி பூசி என் உள்ளம் கவர் கள்வன்
ஏடு உடைய மலரான் முனை நாள் பணிந்து ஏத்த அருள் செய்த
பீடு உடைய பிர மாபுரம் மேவிய பெம்மான் இவன் அன்றே.
நாலஞ்சு புள்ளினம் ஏந்தினஎன்பர் நளிர்மதியம்
கால்கொண்ட வண்கைச் சடைவிரித்து ஆடும் கழுமலவர்க்கு
ஆளன்றி மற்றும் உண்டோ அந்தண்ஆழி அகலிடமே
தன்னருள் தந்தஎம் தலைவனை மலையின்
மாதினை மதித்தங்கொர் பால்கொண்ட மணியை
வருபுனல் சடையிடை வைத்த எம் மானை
ஏதிலென் மனத்துக்கோர் இரும்புண்ட நீரை
எண்வகை ஒருவனை எங்கள்பி ரானைக்
காதில்வெண் குழையானைக் கடல்கொள மிதந்த
கழுமல வளநகர்க் கண்டுகொண் டேனே
கார்காழில் நெஞ்சக் கவுணியர்க்குப் போதமருள்
சீர்காழி ஞானத் திரவியமே
Sri Sattainathar.
Consort : Sri Periyanayagi, Sri Thirunilai Nayagi.
காடு உடைய சுடலைப் பொடி பூசி என் உள்ளம் கவர் கள்வன்
ஏடு உடைய மலரான் முனை நாள் பணிந்து ஏத்த அருள் செய்த
பீடு உடைய பிர மாபுரம் மேவிய பெம்மான் இவன் அன்றே.
....... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்
நாலஞ்சு புள்ளினம் ஏந்தினஎன்பர் நளிர்மதியம்
கால்கொண்ட வண்கைச் சடைவிரித்து ஆடும் கழுமலவர்க்கு
ஆளன்றி மற்றும் உண்டோ அந்தண்ஆழி அகலிடமே
....... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்
சாதலும் பிறத்தலும் தவிர்த்தெனை வகுத்துத்தன்னருள் தந்தஎம் தலைவனை மலையின்
மாதினை மதித்தங்கொர் பால்கொண்ட மணியை
வருபுனல் சடையிடை வைத்த எம் மானை
ஏதிலென் மனத்துக்கோர் இரும்புண்ட நீரை
எண்வகை ஒருவனை எங்கள்பி ரானைக்
காதில்வெண் குழையானைக் கடல்கொள மிதந்த
கழுமல வளநகர்க் கண்டுகொண் டேனே
.......... சுந்தரர்
-“அருகாதகார்காழில் நெஞ்சக் கவுணியர்க்குப் போதமருள்
சீர்காழி ஞானத் திரவியமே
........... திரு அருட்பா
Moolavar :
Sri Brahmapureeswarar, Sri Thoniappar,Sri Sattainathar.
Consort : Sri Periyanayagi, Sri Thirunilai Nayagi.
Some
of the important features of this temple are .....
The temple faces east with a 5-tier Rajagopuram, Balipeedam Rishabam, and Dwajasthambam in front of the Mukha mandapa. The Temple tank is after the Rajagopuram. Somaskandar is near the sanctum sanctorum. Dwarapalakas are on both sides of the sanctum sanctorum entrance. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Durgai, Pichadanar, Bairavar and Ganga Visajanar /Alinganamurti.
The temple faces east with a 5-tier Rajagopuram, Balipeedam Rishabam, and Dwajasthambam in front of the Mukha mandapa. The Temple tank is after the Rajagopuram. Somaskandar is near the sanctum sanctorum. Dwarapalakas are on both sides of the sanctum sanctorum entrance. In koshtam, Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Durgai, Pichadanar, Bairavar and Ganga Visajanar /Alinganamurti.
In
praharam Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Chandikeswarar and 63var. Shiva
Lingas, Nalvar, Santhana Kuravars, Saptamatrikas, Muthu Sattainathaar, a
separate sannadhi for Ashta Bairavas.
The
15th Century Arunagirinathar has sung Hymns in praise of Lord
Muruga of this temple. It is believed that Thirugnanasambandar is considered the incarnation of Lord Muruga, Hence he is called Ilaya Pillayar.
தந்த னந்தன தன தன தனவென
வண்டு விண்டிசை முரல்தரு மணமலர்
தங்கு சண்பக முகிலள வுயர்தரு பொழில்மீதே
சங்கு நன்குமிழ் தரளமு மெழில்பெறு
துங்க வொண்பணி மணிகளும் வெயில்விடு
சண்பை யம்பதி மருவிய அமரர்கள் பெருமாளே
Pichadanar
வண்டு விண்டிசை முரல்தரு மணமலர்
தங்கு சண்பக முகிலள வுயர்தரு பொழில்மீதே
சங்கு நன்குமிழ் தரளமு மெழில்பெறு
துங்க வொண்பணி மணிகளும் வெயில்விடு
சண்பை யம்பதி மருவிய அமரர்கள் பெருமாளே
Koshta Murtis
Pichadanar & Bairavar
Brahma and Durgai
Lingothbavar
Chandikeswarar
SPECIALTIES OF THIS TEMPLE
The temple has the maximum number ie 71, Thevara hymns are sung by the Moovar. There are 22 sacred water bodies associated with this temple. Lord Shiva graces in Three forms Brahma, Maha Vishnu, and Shiva. Bhairava is considered as equivalent to Kasi. Hence special poojas are performed on Valarpirai ( new moon – Amavasya) and Theipirai ( Full moon –Pournami ) 8th day ie Ashtami day.
The temple has the maximum number ie 71, Thevara hymns are sung by the Moovar. There are 22 sacred water bodies associated with this temple. Lord Shiva graces in Three forms Brahma, Maha Vishnu, and Shiva. Bhairava is considered as equivalent to Kasi. Hence special poojas are performed on Valarpirai ( new moon – Amavasya) and Theipirai ( Full moon –Pournami ) 8th day ie Ashtami day.
Lord
Shiva is believed to be the maker of all laws ( Satta Nathar ), A 3 tired
Shrine – Brahmapureeswarar at the base as Shiva Linga with Goddess Thiru Nilai
Nayaki, in the second level Sri Periya Nayakar as Thoniappar ( considered as
Guru ) with Periya Nayaki – on a raft ( Thoni ), on the 3rd Level
Bhairavar as Sattainathar and unified form of Sangamam.
This
is the place where Thirugnanasambandar called Thirunavukkarasar “Appa”,
which turned to Appar later. Thiruneelakanda Yazhpanar was accompanied by
Thirugnanasambandar during all his pilgrimages. This is the birthplace of
Gananatha Nayanar one of the 63 Nayanmars. Sattai Muni Siddhar, one of the 18
Siddhar, Jeeva Samadhi with a peedam is inside this temple. Lord Shiva of
this temple was praised by Nalvar, Arunagirinathar, Gannathar, Pattinathar,
Sekkizhar, Arunachala Kavirayar, Nambiyandar Nambigal, Muthu Thandava Desikar and
Vallalar
Dwarapalakas
Dwarapalakas
ARCHITECTURE
The main temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and mukha mandapam. The adhistanam is of prati bandham with padma jagathy, Vrudha Kumuda, and vyyalavari. The Bhitti starts with Kapotam, Brahmakantha, Vishnukantha, and Indra kantha pilasters supporting the wall. Kumbha panjaras are between salaipathi and karnapathi. Koshtas are sala types without mahara thorana.
The main temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and mukha mandapam. The adhistanam is of prati bandham with padma jagathy, Vrudha Kumuda, and vyyalavari. The Bhitti starts with Kapotam, Brahmakantha, Vishnukantha, and Indra kantha pilasters supporting the wall. Kumbha panjaras are between salaipathi and karnapathi. Koshtas are sala types without mahara thorana.
The
prastram is with valapi, kapotam with nasis and vyyalavari. Bhutaganas are in
the valapi. An Ekathala, stucco Vimanam is on the sanctum sanctorum. The Greeva
koshtas are extended up to sigaram Maha nasis. Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu with
his consorts, and Brahma with his consorts are in greeva Koshtams. The Praharam is of mada style with two tiers.
A
unique malai Koil/ like mada Koil type with 3 tiers on the back side of
the sanctum sanctorum, Thoniappar – beautiful big sila roopam / stucco, signifies
Kailayam in which Lord Shiva and Parvati are in sitting Posture, two male and
two female images are on the back side and Utsavars are in front of Lord Shiva
and Parvati. On 3rd tier, Sattainathar- can be viewed through the window.
Sanganidhi on both sides of the Makara Thorana
Padmanidhi & Sanganidhi
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
The original temple may belong to the 6th to 7th Century and was reconstructed during the Chozhas period and extended during Telugu Chozhas, Vijayanagara Nayaks, and later Pallavas.
The original temple may belong to the 6th to 7th Century and was reconstructed during the Chozhas period and extended during Telugu Chozhas, Vijayanagara Nayaks, and later Pallavas.
There
are about 46 inscriptions recorded from this temple. The inscriptions belong
to Latter Chozhas, Pallava King Koperunchingan, and Vijayanagara Nayaks. As per
the inscriptions, this place was under Rajathiraja Valanadu. Lord Shiva was
called Thiruthonipuram Udayar and Ambal was called Periya Nachiyar.
Thirugnanasambandar was mentioned as Aludaya
Pillaiyar. Most of the inscriptions record the endowment of
nandhavanam, the Burning of Perpetual lamps, and Naivedyam like Adaikaiyamuthu,
Ilaiyamuthu, etc.
Thiribhuvana Chakravarthi Konerimai Kondan’s reign inscription records that a sannidhi was
constructed for Aludaya Pillaiyar ie Thirugnanasambandar, by the
King’s kitchen staff, an old woman, called Uyyavanthal
Rajavithyathiri ( Vithyathiri – a title given to her). The first
Prakara was reconstructed by Nuramboondan, son of Vanamalikai Udayan
Vemban Vysian, who lived at Vadagur Uthamachaozha Peruntheru inside the
Gangaikonda Chozhapuram, Gangai konda Chozhan, thirumathil. The same king
Konerimai Kondan’s 6th-year 193rd-day reign, a
land measuring 4 veli at Uyyakondar Valanattu Ambar Nattu, Mathur was gifted
to this temple as irayili, by Kovan Nambi.
Further, when the King was at Sri Kalahasti, the land was donated to Aludai Pillayar
Temple. Chozhavalanattu Akkoor nattu Thalachangattu sabhai assembled
at Mummudi Chozhan Perambalam donated a land measuring 5 veli, to
Thirukazhumalam Aludaya Pillayar temple, named Kannaru at Chozhapandya
Nallur in Thalachangadu. This Land was donated to the endowment of Naivedyam.
In
1393 CE, Veerahariharayar’s son Sri Viruppanna Udayar gifted 40 ma land to
Aludaya Pillayar temple. Venmani Kizhan Adkonda Nayakan Thirunatta
Peruman, gifted one ma land towards Naivedyam, Pooja on special days, annual
function.
The
Rajathirajan’s 12th-year reign inscription records the
endowment of naivedyam to Aluday Pillayar Sannadhi Mangaiyarkarasi Nachiyar, a
land gifted by Santhosha pallava Araiyar of Thirukazhumala nattu
Veerachozha Nallur.
The
Viruppanna Udayar Period inscription records that there was a madam by the name of Thirunerimaligai Madam who existed during that time.
Natarajar and Sivakami:
Rajathirajan’s 16th year reign inscription records that Chozha
Nadu Suththamali Valanattu Vennikootrathu Kuna Nadu, Araiyan Pothappi Chozhan
after conquering Veera Pandyan, brought the Natarajar ( Koothadum Thevar ) and
Sivakami from Pandya Country, installed at this Thiruthonipuram
Udayar temple. For Pooja 2 veli land at Akkoor, was donated.
This
is one of the 27 temples administered by Dharmapura Adheenam. Under 25th
Maha Sannidhanam Sri-la-Sri Subramaniya Desika Gnanasambanda Paramachariyar’s
period, in 1946, Thirupani was done
TripurasundaraiAmbal Temple, Praharam, Sri Devendra Lingam, Chandikeswarar
Sannidhi, cement flooring of Main Sanctum inner praharam and Mandapam, raising
of floor levels with stone slabs of Main sanctum and Mukha mandapam.
Maha
Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 17th March 1952.
LEGENDS:
This is the birthplace of Thirugnanasambandar and he was fortunate to receive milk ( Ganappal ) from Ambal when he was a child. He was called different names like Aludai Pillai, SivakanRu, Thamizhaakaran, Kazhipillai, Kazhikoman etc,. His Thevaram was grouped in the first 3 Thirumurai. Nambiyandar Nambigal in his Thirumurai Kanda Puranam mentions as...
This is the birthplace of Thirugnanasambandar and he was fortunate to receive milk ( Ganappal ) from Ambal when he was a child. He was called different names like Aludai Pillai, SivakanRu, Thamizhaakaran, Kazhipillai, Kazhikoman etc,. His Thevaram was grouped in the first 3 Thirumurai. Nambiyandar Nambigal in his Thirumurai Kanda Puranam mentions as...
பண்புற்ற திருஞான சம்பந்தர் பதிகம் முந்நூற்
றொன்பத்து நான்கினால் இலங்குதி ருமுறை மூன்று.
றொன்பத்து நான்கினால் இலங்குதி ருமுறை மூன்று.
He
had done many miracles during his life span of 16 Years. This is the birthplace of Gananatha Nayanar one of the 63 Nayanmars, who had done thiruthondu /
service in this temple. It is believed that Murugan, Kali, Brahma,
Mahavishnu, Guru, Indran, Suryan, Chandran, Agni, Adiseshan, Rahu, Ketu, and
Vyasar worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.
It
is believed that during Pralaya, Lord Shiva with Parvati brought 64
arts in a raft ( Thoni in Tamil ) to this temple. Hence Lord Shiva
is called Thoniappar.
In
one Legend, Lord Shiva as Sattainathar – Bhairavar-quelled the arrogance
of Maha Vishnu’s avathara as Thiruvikrama, who killed Mahabali Chakravarthy.
Special Poojas are conducted every Friday night and will end around
midnight.
Brahma
worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple. Hence Lord Shiva is called Brahmapureeswarar. In addition to these Devas, Maharishis worshiped Lord Shiva
of this temple.
Aalingna Murti - Vinayagar - Agasthiyar
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas, Pradosham, 10 days Brahmotsavam with 2nd-day Thirumulaipal utsavam in Chithirai ( April – May ), Karthigai deepam in Karthigai ( November – December ), Thiruvathirai in Margazhi ( December – January ), Maha Shivaratri in Masi ( February –March ), Aadi Pooram in Aadi month ( July–August ) and Navaratri in Puratasi ( September–October ).
Apart from regular poojas, Pradosham, 10 days Brahmotsavam with 2nd-day Thirumulaipal utsavam in Chithirai ( April – May ), Karthigai deepam in Karthigai ( November – December ), Thiruvathirai in Margazhi ( December – January ), Maha Shivaratri in Masi ( February –March ), Aadi Pooram in Aadi month ( July–August ) and Navaratri in Puratasi ( September–October ).
TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple will be kept open between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs
The temple will be kept open between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 21.00 hrs
CONTACT DETAILS :
The Land line number +91 4364 270235, may be contacted for further details.
The Land line number +91 4364 270235, may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH :
Buses are available from different parts of Tamil Nadu to this temple town
The temple is 19 KM from Chidambaram, 20 KM from Mayiladuthurai, and 240 KM from Chennai.
The nearest railway station is Sirkazhi.
Buses are available from different parts of Tamil Nadu to this temple town
The temple is 19 KM from Chidambaram, 20 KM from Mayiladuthurai, and 240 KM from Chennai.
The nearest railway station is Sirkazhi.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
Ashta Bairavar Sannidhi
Sattainathar balipeedam on the ground level ( in side praharam )
Sattaianar Rajagopuram on the Praharam wall. 
Sattaianar Rajagopuram on the Praharam wall and balipeedam on the ground.
Thoniappar stucco image
A New Sannidhi under construction
A New Sannidhi under construction
2023 - Kumbhabhishekam
The place where the idols and Devara copper plates are unearthed
The Unearthed idols and Devara copper plates are kept under safe custody
OLD PHOTOGRAPHS
Maybe a Chozha King
Buddha bas-relief on a Pillar
Thoniappar
Under renovation
Rasi & Nakshtras
Gangadharar / Gangavisargnar / Alingana murti
Saptamatrikas
---OM
SHIVAYA NAMA---
The
Heritage visit to this Sri Sattainathar
Temple at Sirkazhi was a part of the “Mada Temples Heritage Walk in Nagapattinam
and Mayiladuthurai Districts”, organized by “Chozha Mandala Varalatru Thedal
Kuzhu – GCHRG, on 05th and 6th March 2022. Thanks to V Ramachandran, Thasildar of
Nagapattinam, who took us to all these Temples. This is the second visit to
this temple.
Visited after the 2023 Kumbhibhishekam and the old photos were replaced with new photographs.
ஐயா இது சட்டநாதர் கோயிலா சட்டைநாதர் கோயிலா?
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