04th February
2020.
This
Sri Nattrateeswarar Temple’s Visit was a part of Heritage Visit to temples,
Hero stones and Heritage sites in Erode and Karur Districts, scheduled on 04th February
2020. This temple is in the middle ( நடுவே ) of
river Kaveri on a small rocky hillock. Hence Lord Shiva is called as
Nattrateeswarar. Also this temple is middle way between the start point of
River at Kudagu and Poompuhar where it meets the sea Bay of Bengal. (The river
is 805 Km long and the temple is almost at the centre )
Moolavar : Sri Agastheeswarar,
Consort
: Sri Annapoorani Ambika
Moolavar : Sri Nattatreeswarar
Consort : Sri Nallanayaki
Some
of the salient features of this temple are…
The
temple is facing east on a small rocky hillock in the middle of river Kaveri.
May be accessed through a bridge constructed in the recent years ( at an
estimated cost of Rs. 2.25 crores ). Cars will go up to the temple base (
before the bridge construction the temple was accessed through Coracles -
Parisal ). The temple was built in three levels, depends on the contour of the
rock surface. It was told that the sanctums of various deities are constructed
in such a way that the circumambulation path will be in the form of “OM” ( ஓம் ), the
pranava mantra. A manadapa was built under the temple complex, which was
used as steps during the recent renovation. Vinayagar and Nagars are under a
peepal tree at the entrance of the steps. Sri Sthala Vinayagar is at the first
level. The Sri Aathi mara Vinayagar / Kaviri kanda Vinayagar ( red in colour )
is under the sthala vruksham Aathi three. The sthala vruksham is on this
rocky hill and believed to be of 3000 years old.
Ambal
Annapoorani is in the middle level with sanctum and a mukha mandapam. Lord
Shiva’s dance postures are painted ( using natural dyes ) on the ceiling of the
front mandapam. Nandhi andbalipedam are in the mukha mandapam. Natarajar’s
stucco image is in the mandapam wall as bas relief.
On
the top level is the sanctum sanctorum of Sri Nattrateeswarar, Nattratu Malai
Murugan, Chandikeswarar, Kala Bhairavar, Navagrahas, Saneeswarar, Chandran,
Agasthiyar, Suryan and Nalvar. Lord Shiva is in a separate temple with sanctum
sanctorum, antarala, artha mandapam. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy,
Arthanareeswarar ?, Brahma and Durgai. In the mandapam sannidhi for Bhoomi
Neela sametha Sri Aathi Periya Perumal. Nattratu Malai Murugan is not with his
consorts and the legs are in walking posture with a parrot in his hand. It was
told that Muruga went forward to welcome the Sage Agasthiyar to this temple
with Arunagirinathar as a Parrot.
HISTORY
AND INSCRIPTION
The
original temple was built during 10th Century Sundara Chozha
period. An inscription
stone, belongs to Rajendra Chozha’s 5th year rule ( starts with ஸ்வதிஸ்ரீ கோப்பரகேசரி பன்மராகிய ஸ்ரீ இராஜெந்திர சோழதேவர்க்கு…. ), in
the mandapa is the only proof. The temple was reconstructed and bears a new
temple look, with granite tiles all over.
Rajendra Chozha's inscription
LEGEND
As
per the legend The sage Agasthiyar was asked to go to south to balance the
earth during the celestial wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati, since all the
Devas, and rishis gathered for the wedding. There are 5 tasks were assigned to
Agasthiyar on the way to South and also Lord Shiva promised him that he will
give Kalyana Kola darshan when ever the sage wants. The 5 tasks are to 1.
change of the course of direction of the Kaveri river from North to south. ( In
another version Vinayagar in the form of Crow toppled the Kamandalam in which 7
holy rivers was brought by Agasthiyar. These 7 rivers flowed as Kaveri ). 2. To
put an end to the torture on human and sages by Asuras Vallavan and Vatabi. 3.
To support Rama for the victory over Ravana. 4. To create a Tamil Sangam
for literature at Madurai ( ?) and 5. To bring out and enhance the
ancient secrets of medicines.
In
the process of killing the Asuras Vatapi - Vatabi in the form of food offered
by Vallavan, was digested by Agasthiyar and Killed Vallavan, the
sage Agasthiyar has got the Bramhahathi dosham for killing these asuras. To get
rid of the dosha Agasthiyar made a Shiva Linga from the river sand and prayed
for 12 days Continuously at this place. At the end of 12th day, it
was on Chithirai 1st, he tried to dissolve the Shiva Linga but
couldn’t do so. Instead he heard the Voice of Lord Shiva, the he wants to stay
here and bless the Devotees. Then Agasthiyar Continued to wards south to
complete his mission. Since the sage installed the Shiva Linga in the middle of
the river Kaveri and offered only the porridge made out of Bajra and curd.
FESTIVALS
AND CELEBRATIONS
On
Chithirai 1st, lakhs of devotees gathered at this temple for the
Darshan of Lord Shiva. ( Agasthiyar completed his 12 days prayer on
this day ). As a Prasad porridge made out of bajra, a type of millet mixed with
Curd ( கம்பங்கூழ் ) will
be offered. The bajra will be brought form Tiruvannamalai and Curd will be from
Erode. This includes the offering from the Devotees also.
Adi
pooram is also celebrated in a grand manner with 108 conch abhishekam . People
believes that all the doshas will be removed if one prays Lord Shiva of this
temple.
TEMPLE
TIMINGS:
The
temple will be kept opened between 06.30 hrs to 12.30 hrs and 15.30 hrs to
18.00 hrs.
CONTACT
DETAILS:
Gurukkal
Guganathan and Senthil may be contacted on their mobile 9894132096 and
9842732004 for further details.
Secretary
Mr Gandhi 98420 22017
HOW
TO REACH:
From
Erode to Kodumudi, take left at Chavadipalayam Pudur junction and you can reach
the bridge on the Kaveri to the temple.
The
temple is 15 KM from Erode, 112 KM from Coimbatore and 420 KM from
Chennai.
Nearest
Railway station is Erode.
LOCATION: CLICK
HERE
Sthala Vruksham with Sri Aathi mara Vinayagar - Kaviri Kanda Vinayagar
Bottom mandapam
---
OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
