Saptharishishwarar Temple /Sri Saptharisheeswarar Temple / சப்தரிஷீஸ்வரர் கோவில், லால்குடி / Lalgudi, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu.

திருத்தவதுறையைச் சேர்ந்தவர் தம்மைச் சேர்ந்திடா தீவினைநோய்கள்

திருத்தவத்துறையைச் சேர்ந்தவர் தமக்குச் சேர்ந்திடும் செல்வமும் திருவும்

திருத்தவதுறையைச் சேர்ந்தவர் தமக்கு சித்தி புத்திகள் வளரும்

...... தல புராணம்

The visit to this temple was a part of the “Trichy Heritage Walk” organized by “Yaaooyakay – யாஊயாகே- Group”, to the Historical Chozha period temples, in and around Trichy aka Tiruchirappalli, scheduled on 20^th & 21^st March 2021. Even after the damage done by the Muslim invaders, this temple still stands majestically with 1000 and odd years of history, Heritage, and cultural values. Even though they were contributed by the Pallava, Chozha, Pandya, Vijayanagara Kings, and the present Nattukottai Nagarathars, they are less popular. During ancient times, this place was called Bhairavi Vanam and Thennalakai. Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal mentions this place in his Thevara hymns as “Pandezuvar thavaththurai- பண்டெழுவர் தவத்துறை”. Since the Chozha Kings had done their coronation after taking Abhishekam, this place was also called “Abishekapuram” during the Chozha period. After the Muslims / Hyderabad Nizam invasion, the place was called Lalgudi.

This is a Thevara Vaippu Sthalam sung by Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal and Thirugnanasambandar. In Periya Puranam, Sekkizhar records that Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal established a madam /mutt at Thirupoonthuruthi, before meeting Thirugnanasambandar for the third time and had sung various Thiruthandakam, and this place was mentioned in the “Adaivu Thiruthandakam”. In Thirugnanasambandar Puranam, Sekkizhar records that Thirugnanasambandar (347 of Thirugnanasambandar Puranam ) came to this temple and  sang hymns on Lord Shiva of this temple. But we couldn’t get those Devara hymns.

பல்வகைத் தாண்டகத்தோடும் பரவும் தனித்தாண்டகமும்

அல்லல் அறுப்பவர் தானத்து அடைவு திருத்தாண்டகமும்

செல்கதி காட்டிடப் போற்றும் திருஅங்க மாலையும் உள்ளிட்டு

எல்லை இல் பன்மைத் தொகையும் இயம்பினார் ஏத்தி இருந்தார்

....... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள் புராணம்

கை தொழுது ஏத்திப் புறத்து அணைந்து

        காமர்பதி அதன் கண் சிலநாள்

வைகி வணங்கி மகிழ்ந்து அணைவார்

        மன்னும் தவத்துறை வானவர்தாள்

எய்தி இறைஞ்சி எழுந்து நின்றே

        இன்தமிழ் மாலை கொண்டு ஏத்திப்போந்து

வைதிக மாமணி அம்மருங்கு

        மற்று உள்ள தானம் வழுத்திச் செல்வார்

......... திருஞானசம்பந்தர் புராணம்.

In that 6-71-11^th song he mentions 12 Shiva temples which are ends with “Thurai – துறை” and this place as Thavathurai.  Thyagaraja Swamigal also sung hymns in Telugu in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

கயிலாய மலையெடுத்தான் கரங்க ளோடு

        சிரங்களுரம் நெரியக்கால் விரலாற் செற்றோன்

பயில்வாய பராய்துறைதென் பாலைத் துறை

        பண்டெழுவர் தவத்துறை வெண் டுறைபைம் பொழிற்

குயிலாலந் துறைசோற்றுத் துறைபூந் துறை

        பெருந்துறையுங் குரங்காடு துறையி னோடு

மயிலாடு துறைகடம்பந் துறை ஆவடு

        துறைமற்றுந் துறையனைத்தும் வணங்கு வோமே

..... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்

தேவ ஸ்ரீதபஸ்தீர்த புர நிவாஸ

        தேஹி ப்க்நிமதுநா                                 தேவ

பாவந ப்ரவ்ருத்த ஸ்ரீமதி ஹ்ருத்

        பவந் ஸகல ஜகத்வந ஸ்ரீமஹா        தேவ

பாசஹஸ்த கணேச ஹரன ப

        லாசநாரி நுதேச வரத ரு

சேசயாரி தராசரேப ம்ரு

        கேச ஸப்தரு ஷீச தேவ                      தேவ

நீலகள ஸுரஜாலநுத நத

        பால கிரீச விசால பலக்ரு

பால வால ஸுசீல கௌரீ

        லோல சிவ மாம் பாலயாத்புத         தேவ

நாக பூஜித நாகத நுஜ ஹ

        ராக மர்தந லாசுநிப விது

தாகணிதருண ராகமத தூ

        ராக ஹர ஸ்ரீத்யாகராஜ                        தேவ

.......ஸ்ரீ தியாகராஜ சுவாமிகள்

Moolavar  : Sri Saptharishishwarar

Consort    : Sri Perunthirupiratiyar  

Some of the salient features of this temple are...
The temple faces west with an entrance arch. The stucco images of Lord Shiva and Parvati as Rishabarooder, Saptarishis worshiping Lord Shiva, Vinayagar, and Murugan are on the top of the entrance arch. A long passage called Mattaiadi Mandapa (Paddy grains are stored) leads from the road. A 5-tier Rajagopuram is before the Thiruvathirai mandapam. Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam, and Rishabam are in this Thiruvathirai mandapam. Stucco images of Lord Shiva with Parvati, Saptha Rishis, Bhairavi,  and Dwarapalakas are at the entrance to the inner praharam. Moolavar is of swayambhu on a round avudayar, called Vedipadra Peedam. Dwarapalakas are in the artha mandapam. In koshtam: Veena Dakshinamurthy, Arthanareeswarar, and Pichadanar.

In the inner praharam, Saraswati, Durga, Natarajar, Gajalakshmi, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Navagrahas, Mangalya Maharishi, Kapaleeswarar, Chandikeswarar, Saptamatrikas, Thirukadaiyur Amirthakadeswarar, Jwarahareswarar, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswarar, Pichadanar, Bhairavar, Saptha Vinayagars, 63var, Nalvar, Santhana Kuravars, Pidari, Vinayagar, Saptha Nagars, Maharishis Athiri, Brugu, Pulathiyar, Vashistar, Angirasar, and Marisi.

Saraswati

In the outer praharam, Ambal Perunthirupirati is in a separate temple facing east. Ambal is in a sitting posture with Jadamakudam. Hands are in abhaya varada hastham. Ambal is also called Srimathi, Aramvalartha Nayagi, Nithya Kalyani, Uma Maheswari, and Perunthirupiratiyar. In koshtam Gaumari, Brahmi, Vaishnavi, Gauri, and Nardana Ganapathy. Mahavidvan Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, in Perunthirupirattiyar Pillaiththamizh, praises as...

பொன்பூத்த திருமுகங் கருணை பொழி தரவம்மை பொன்னூசல் ஆடியருளே

பொன்னகர நிகரான தென்னளகை நகர் மாது பொன்னூசர் ஆடியருளே

The 15th-century Arunagirinathar has also sung hymns in praise of Lord Muruga of this temple.

சீரணி யுந்திரை தத்து முத்தெறி

        காவிரி யின்கரை மொத்து மெத்திய

        சீர்புனை கின்றதி ருத்த வத்துறை                    வரும்வாழ்வே

    சீறியெ திர்ந்தவ ரக்க ரைக்கெட

        மோதிய டர்ந்தருள் பட்ச முற்றிய

        தேவர்கள் தஞ்சிறை வெட்டிவிட்டருள்         பெருமாளே

....அருணகிரி நாதர்-திருப்புகழ்

ARCHITECTURE
The sanctum sanctorum consists of the sanctum, antarala, and artha mandapam. In addition to that, there are many mandapas in this temple. There are 4 pillar mandapam in front of the temple on the roadside, called Mattaiadi Mandapam, Vasantha Mandapam (16 pillars) on the left after the entrance, Thiruvathirai Mandapam after the Rajagopuram, bas-relief of 12 Rasis, ashtadikPalakas with various animals like Horse, Snake, Elephant, Dog, etc, is on the ceiling of Thiruvathirai mandapam (Thiruvathirai festival is conducted in this mandapa), Most of the pillars has the bas reliefs of  Narasimhar, Rama worshiping Lord Shiva, Epic Ramayana story, Vinayagar, Murugan, Anjaneyar,  Krishna, Dancers, etc,.

The temple bell was installed in the year 1914 with inscriptions “Saptharisheeswarar Koil” and weighs 120 Kg and measures 2 feet in diameter.

Natarajar Mandapam is supported by more than 50 Pillars. On Thiruvathirai arudra Darshan days, Natarajar will be kept here, and abhishekam with aradhana will be conducted. This was built during the Maratha period, and the King’s bas relief is on one of the pillars. The Ceiling has the bas relief of Vinayagar, Murugan, and Gajalakshmi. Annam bird, Horse, A warrior fights with an Elephant.

Kannadi mandapam is the opposite of Natarajar Mandapam. During the Thiruvathirai festival, Mirrors will be kept to reflect the Natarajar’s image. Vahana mandapa has the vahanas used during the utsavam. Some of the vahanas are Peacock, Rishaba, Snake/ adiseshan, Elephant, Horse, Annam, Kailash, lotus, etc.

Stucco images of Lord Shiva, Parvathi, and Saptarishis are at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of the ardha mandapam and the sanctum sanctorum.

The adhistanam is of prati bandha adhisthana. Oorthuva Padmam is on the jagathy, virutha kumudam, and Yazhivari are shown on the adhisthana. This adhistana is called “Sronibandam”, “Padmapuskalam”, or “Padmabandam”. The sanctum sanctorum was built with stone from the adhisthanam to the prastaram. The prastaram consists of valapi, kapotam, and vyyalavari. Bhuta Ganas are in the valapi.  An eka thala vesara vimana is over the sanctum sanctorum. In tala, Rishabas are on the 4 corners. Maha Nasis are on the cardinal (4) directions, and alpa nasis are in between the maha nasis. Sigaram is with Thookkodu, padmam, kandamalai, oorthuva padmam, padmam kattumala, kannadi sattam, maha padmam, and stupi. Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma, and Lord Shiva are in the griva koshtam. The Sthala Puranam stucco images are also in the grivam. Kumbh Panchara is on the antarala outside the walls.   

The 5-tier Rajagopuram was built during the Vijayanagara period. The image of Parisarakar “Thejovidangan”, who had done service in this temple and attained Mukti, is near the Rajagopuram.

The adhistana kanda portions has the miniature sculptures of Lord Shiva in seating posture with Bhuta Ganas surrounding him, Kirathajunar purana- Arjuna and Lord Shiva as  a hunter gave Pasupata astra, Lord Shiva with Uma as Rishabanthigar and Maha Vishnu worshiping Lord Shiva, Kala Samhara murti, Lord Shiva Kicked Yama for Markandeya, Lingothbavar ie Annamalaiyar, Gaja samhara moorthy the sthala purana of Vazhuvur Veerattanam, Lord Shiva in chathura Nadanam for Bhuta Ganas music, Kali’s Dance, Maha Vishnu worshiping Lord Shiva, Parvati being worshiped by her Devotees, Mahishasura Mardini, Lord Shiva with Nandhiyamperuman, Vali Sugriva fight,  Maha Vishnu with Sridevi and Bhudevi, Bala Murugan as Child, Lord Shiva as Hariharan, Parantaka Chozha with his Queen, Maha Vishnu’s Sayana Posture, Dakshinamurthy, Hiranya with Narasimhar, Kannappa Nayanar Purana, Gajendra moksham, ladies helping a pregnant lady for delivery, Lord Shiva burning Muppuram, Vinayagar, Dancing ladies, Agora Veerabhadra, Sandesa Anugraha Murthy, etc are worth to see.

Pichadanar... is with Jada Maguda wearing patra and makara kundalas. Holding Damaru, kapala, feeding deer, Brahma’s backbone of soolam. Also wearing a raised padaraksha. The koshta makara torana has the bas-reliefs of the Epic Ramayana Story.

Arthanareeswarar... is in a standing posture with Jadamaguda and wearing patra and makara kundala. His lower right hand is resting on Rishabam, his upper hand holds an antelope and mazhu, and his left hand holds a flower. Haras are on the neck, yagnopaveetha, wearing respective (male & female) dress. The makara torana has floral designs.

Veenadhara Dakshinamurthy.... is standing in tribhanga posture with Jadabaram wearing makara and patra kundala. With a beautiful smile on his face, holding Veena in two hands and the other two hands holding acca mala and Damaru. 2 haras are on the neck, Uthara bandham on the stomach, and yagnopaveetha on the chest, and dress on the hip is shown. Believed to be from the early Chozha period.

Vishnu Durgai... is with Jada Magudam wearing Kundalas and in a standing posture. While two hands hold Chakra & Conch, the front right hand is abhaya hastha, and the left hand is in kadi hastham.  Mahisan’s head is not shown.       

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
This place might have obtained the name Lalgudi when Tiruchirappalli was under the control of the Arcot Nawab or the Hyderabad Nizams. In Urdu, Lalgudi means a red Gopura. During Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji’s Chieftain Malik-kafur’s 2^nd invasion of this side, there was a war near Peruvalanallur to save this temple. In the war, many people, including scholars, died. In appreciation of the Chieftain called Lalkhan, this place was named Lalkhankudi, which has been corrupted to the present name of Lalgudi.

The Original brick temple belongs to the 8th-century Pallava period. The sanctum was built by a person called Arthanareeswarar, and the same was reconstructed as a stone temple during the Chozha period and further extended by Mutharayars /Pandyas /Marathas / Vijayanagaras.

The inscriptions recorded from this temple belong to Nandhi Varman, Nirupathunga Varman, Varaguna Maharajar, Adhitha Chozha-I, Parantaka Chozha, Rajarajan-I, Rajathirajan-I, Rajendra Chozha-II, and the Vijayanagaras. As per the inscription, this place was under Kaveri Vadakari Mazhavar Nadu, the Rajasriya Valanadu. In the name of Kulothunga Chozha’s wife Thina Chinthamani, Pandyakulapathi Valanadu during the Pandya period, Lord Shiva was called Thiruvathurai Eswara Badarakar, Thiruvathurai Perumanadigal, Thiruvathurai Udayar, Thiruvathurai Mahadevar, Thejovidangar, etc.

The Pallava King who conquered in the Thellaru war (811 CE), Nandhi Potharayar’s period inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which gold coins are given to the Nannimangalam Sabha.

The Pallava King Nrpatungavarman’s 2^nd reign year 871 CE inscription on the north wall of the central shrine in the Saptarşīśvara¹ temple, records that the sabha of Muttayil in Idaiyārru-nādu received 10 ½ kalañcu of gold donated by Pudi Kandan (chief), of Kavirapporkattiyūr, for the welfare of his mother and agreed to supply 1½ kalam of rice measured the grain-measure called Nārāya-nāli, daily for seven days on the occasion of Cittirai-vişu festival every year in the temple of Mahādēva at Tiruttavatturai in Idaiyarru-nādu. On their failure to supply, the sabha agreed for the collection by the panmāhēśvaras twice the (quantity of rice that was in) default.

NOTE

1. It has been suggested that some of the inscriptions in this temple are later copies, though it is not stated so in the present epigraph (EI, XX, 47).

2. Read Nṛpatunga.

3. May be identified with Muttayampaļaiyam in the Musiri Taluk of the Tiruchirapalli district.

The Pallava King Nrpatungavarman’s 23^rd reign year 892 CE inscription, in a niche of the north wall of the first prākāra of the Saptarşıśvara temple, records the sale of land called Tolunervēli measuring a veli to the temple of Mahādēvar at Tiruttavatturai in Idaiyārzu-nādu for 50 kalañcu of gold, for providing sacred food offerings and burning a perpetual lamp in the temple. The gold included 30 kalañcu donated to the temple for a lamp by Pūdi Kandan of Kavirapporkatți in Idaiyārru-nādu and 20 kalañcu belonging to the temple itself. Duvedi Nakkanūrān, Cāvāndi-Nārāyaņa-Mādēvan, Nārāyanan Sendan and Nārāyanan Nakkan sold the said land in Sirugāvūr, a unit on the west of Kalarak-kūrram, a sub-division of Mala-nādu² on the northern bank (of the Kaveri), with all the adjuncts, i.e., illavaļāgam (house-site), tõttam (house garden), agaiyāru, punsey and nansey. The land has been gifted as iraiyili to the religious preceptor (gurukkal) of the four. The land was exempted from the tax burden, including irai, eccoru, vețți, vēdinai, senntr-vețți and any other velti. The sale was endorsed by the sabhaiyar of Tengankudi. They also agreed to pay 500 kāņam to the Panmaheśvarar as a fine for their failure.

NOTE:

1. 50 represented by a symbol.

2. The territorial division of Mala-nādu is the same as Milādu, also called Jananātha-valanādu in later inscriptions, and comprised of the Tirukköyilür and Kallakkurichi taluks in the South Arcot, Attür taluk in the Salem, Tiruchirapalli and Lälgudi taluks in the Tiruchirapalli district.

The Pandya King Maransadaiyan alias Varaguna Maharaja’s 4+1 reign year 867+1 CE, inscription  on the north wall of the sanctum sanctorum, records a gift of 60 polankāśu by the king to god Mahādeva at Tiruttava-tturai in Idaiyārrunādu for a perpetual lamp. The sabhaiyar of Nallimangalam who received the amount agreed to bring to the temple and measure out daily one nali of ghee by the liquid measure nārāyanāļi. They also agreed to pay a fine of 216 kanam in case of default, either collectively or individually, to the royal officers (kavinukku-pukka), inclusive of the nilakkalam (whichever they desire). It is also stated that the maheśvaras (attached to the central shrine) have control over the sabhaiyar. Let this charity be protected by the 48,000 Panmāhēśvaras.

NOTE:

1. This inscription is dated in the 4+1 (4-vadin edirămandu) of a king who has been identified with Marañjadaiyan alias Varaguņa Mahārāja (II), whose 5th year corresponds to the 21st regnal year of Pallava Nandivarman III. For the discussion of the date, see KESIH, 202-3.

2. There is a symbol which can be read as vīļa (mistake for vula), which then becomes pukkavula.

The Pandya King Maran Sadayan, Pandya Kulapathy Varaguna Marayan’s 13^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp on Dhanur month, Tuesday Sathya Nakshatra day, for which 120 gold coins were given to Anda Nattu Velan

Rajakesari Varman, Aditha Chozha’s 13^th reign year inscription records that his sister “Nangai Varaguna Perumanar” has given the gift of 30 Kalanju Gold for burning a perpetual lamp, to Manakkal Sabhai, from which a land was purchased and given to this temple.

Madurai Konda Koparakesarvarman Parantaka Chozha-I’s 37^th reign year inscription records the endowment of reciting Thevara Pathigams daily through Brahmins in front of Thiruvathurai Batarakar by Sivakesari Pidaran. For the same, a Land was gifted to this temple. During Parantaka Chozha’s son Rajakesari Varman’s 3^rd reign year, the endowment was not sufficient; the same person, Sivakesari Pidaran, purchased lands and gifted them to this temple again.

Rajendra Chozha-II's period inscription records that 100 Kuzhi land was sold to this temple. This was measured on a scale called “Rajakandan Maligai”.

Nirupathungan period inscription records the endowment of early morning pooja Naivedyam by Bhoothikandan. For the same, he was given a gift of  50 Kalanju Gold. The end of the inscription (ompadai kilavi) ends with the statement that whoever continues this endowment will live long and will get the Dharma.

Rajathi Rajan Period Inscription records that his daughter’s personal servant /maid, called “Singankuppai,” was given a gift of 11 Kalanju Gold. Through that 1.4 veli lands, which were irrigated through “Kundu Vaikal sei”, were bought and gifted to this temple as irayili. 

The Kokkilan Adigal, daughter of this Chera king (Queen of Parantaka Chola), provided gold for expenses for lighting lamps at the temple at Lalgudi in Cholanadu in the year 923 CE.

Like this, many ladies were also gifted to this temple. The important people are Cheraman’s daughter Kokizhanadigal, Adita Chozha’s Sister Nangai Varaguna Perumanar, Rajaditha's daughter Chozhakula Sundaram UranVembi, Kadamban Maran's daughter MaRRukkaLvi, Brahmani Thiruneelakandi, Kalanganilai Chokki, and Thaththa Narayani

Vijayanagara King Viruppanna Udayar period, Lord Shiva was called Thiruthavathurai Udaya Nayanar, and for burning a lamp, the land was gifted Thiruvilakkupuram.

From the inscriptions on the pillars, Valluvapadi Nattu Anjathakopan and Selvanathan alias Rajakambeerakon DevankuRRi built the entrance mandapa. The same Nattu Valavkkon, Kulothunga Chozhan, UlagamuNdakon, and Akalanga Gopalan constructed the Vasanthamandapam. The place Akalangam is on the west side of Poovalur and about 4 km from Lalgudi.  

References:

1. ARE, 1928-9, 1892, and 1928 – 9.

2. South Indian Inscriptions Volume – XII, IV, and XIV.

3. Inscriptions of the Pallavas by T V Mahalingam. 

Maha kumbhabhishekam was conducted after maintenance was carried out.06^th January 1998, 08^th April 2009, and 04^th June 2017,

LEGENDS
As per the legend, the Saptarishis were Athiri, Brugu, Pulathiyar, Vashistar, Gauthamar, Angirasar, and Marisi. The Saptarishis believed that the Sivaganga Theertham came directly from the head of Lord Shiva. The Saptarishis took a bath and worshiped Lord Shiva. They merged with the agni svaroopa of Lord Shiva. Hence, Lord Shiva is praised as Saptharishiswarar.

Once, the Rishi Vashistar happened to see an abandoned child crying near the Saptarishi’s ashram. So Vashistar asked his wife, Arunthathi, to feed the Child. Since she was in a hurry to pluck flowers for the Pooja, she didn’t attend to the Child. So the Karthigai penkal took care of the Child. Vashistar got angry and separated from his wife, and other Rishis also did the same. While the Rishis argued in favor of Vashistar, the Rishi Patnis were in favor of Arundhati. Immediately, The Child turned to Lord Arumuga and laughed at them. The Sapta Rishis realized their mistake, begged Arumuga, and begged for pardon for them. As advised, the Sapta Rishis worshiped Lord Shiva, and Lord Shiva absorbed them. Hence, Lord Shiva is called Saptharisheeswarar.

As per the Purana, Maha Lakshmi did penance at this temple and married Maha Vishnu. Mangalya Maharishi also worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple; hence, it is believed that marriage obstacles will be removed if prayed to Saptarishis, especially Mangala Maharishi of this temple. It is believed that Maha Vishnu obtained the Chakrayutha from Lord Shiva from this temple. Since Lord Shiva danced with Kali, this place was also called “Bhairavi Vanam”.    

In another legend, Mazhava Nattu king was suffering from Venkushta disease – வெண்குஷ்டம் – Leucoderma. So, the King prayed to Lord Shiva of this temple. Lord Shiva directed him to take a bath in the Sivaganga Theertham and worship him. After taking a bath, the King was relieved from the disease. He also made arrangements to settle Brahmins in this place and do the Vedaparayana at this temple. Mazhava Nadu was praised in the Ayyanar Puranam.

மாடுவிரைப் பொலிசோலையின் வான்மதிவந்தேறச்

சூடு பரப்பியண்ணைவரம்பு சுரும்பேற

ஈடு பெருக்கியபோர்களின் மேகம் இளைத்தேற

நீடுவளத்ததுமேன்மழநாடு எனும்நீர்நாடு

.... ஆயனார் புராணம்

It is further believed that all Sins and doshas will be removed after sprinkling the holy theertham of Sivaganga on their heads and worshiping Lord Shiva.  

This legend is associated with Nannimangalam sthala purana. As per the Sthala Purana, the three leaves Vilvacharam could not be found even in Devaloka. If the Vilvasaram is placed on a Swayambhu Linga and the Namasivaya mantra, the Vilvasaram will turn into gold and grow multifold with wealth. This Vilvasaram will be visible only to those with divine Sakthi/power. Lord Shiva gave this Vilvasaram to Kubera. So Kubera asked his sons Manikireevan and Nalakooban to go to the Bhooloka and find out the sacredness of this Vilvasaram and in which temple it will grow multifold. When they were holding it, it was visible to them. They came to this Bhooloka and worshiped Shiva in many temples. The Vilvasaram doesn’t grow and in some places disappears too. They came to Thiruvannamali and worshiped Lord Annamalaiyar, keeping the Vilvasaram on their feet. They prayed to Annamalaiyar to guide them to the Shiva Temple where this Vilvasaram would grow multifold. Lord Shiva guided them to go south to this temple at Chennivaikal, where Lord Shiva was Sundareswarar and Ambal was Meenakshi on the banks of the River Kaveri.

தென்திசைக் காவேரி இயல்சீர் சேர்
சென்னி சிவக்கயல் சுந்தரம் பார்..

Happy with the guidance of Sri Annamalaiyar, Kubera’s sons Manikireevan and Nalakooban came to this Thiruthavathurai Sri Saptharishiswarar Temple at Lalgudi with the Vilvasaram. Both took a bath in the Sivaganga Theertham and found that their Swarna Vilvacharam had disappeared. Worried brothers went inside the temple and found that their Vilvacharam multiplied manyfold on the Shiva Linga when they chanted the OM Shivaya mantra, and they were happy.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on Tamil New Year Day Thai Pongal, Makar Sankranti in the month Thai, Maha Shivaratri in the month Masi, 10 days (really 14 days with Idaiyatru Mangalam, Thirumanamedu, Thirumandurai, Thiru Adhikudi, Thiru Anbilathurai, Thiruchenni Valanadu – 14th-day Chandikeswarar utsavam) Utsavam in the month Panguni, Pancha murti Utsavam in the month Chithirai On Visakam day Vasantha utsavam in the month Vaikasi, Thirumanjanam and Mattaiadi thiruvizha – Natarajar and Amabl Oodal Utsavam in the month Aani, 10 days Aadi Pooram and Sundara Murthy Guru pooja in the month Aadi, Vinayagar Chathurthi in the month Avani, Navaratri in the month Purattasi, Kandar Sashti, Soorasamharam in the month Aippasi, Thiruvathirai 10 days Utsavam in the month Margazhi and monthly pradosam. During Adhirai Peruvizha, Pancha Murtis will be taken to the Kollidam river, and Theerthavari will be conducted. Ezhur Thiruvizha will be conducted in the month of Panguni.

Panguni Chariot festival flex banner

63 var Thiruvizha

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept open from 06.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs, and from 16.30 hrs to 21.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS
The landline is +91 431 2541329, and the mobile number of the Gurukkal is +91 94438 3563,8 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH
The temple at Lalgudi is 19 km from the Main Guard gate, 27 km from Tiruchirappalli,  90 km from Karur, 90 km from Namakkal, 50 km from Thanjavur, 73 km from Kumbakonam, and 322 km from Chennai.The 
The nearest Railway Station is Lalgudi, and the  Junction is Tiruchirappalli.   

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Paddy sacks for naivedyam..?

Nagabandam

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---