This is the 46th Devaram Paadal
Petra Shiva Sthalam and 14th Shiva Sthalam of Nadu Naadu at
Thiruvennainallur on the banks of Then Pennai River. This place is also called
as Thiru arut Thurai.
Sekkizhar narrates the life history
in his Periya Puranam. At the end of the Thaduthatkonda Puranam, he writes ‘
Lord shiva himself gave the first word to start the songs as ‘Pithaa..”, since
Sundarar or Van Thondan uttered / called Lord Shiva as “pithaa...”
அன்பனை அருளின் நோக்கி அங்கணர் அருளிச் செய்வார்
Sundarar has sung his first hymn in
praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Sundarar’s first Thevaram song “
Pitha Pirai Sudi Arulala“ paadal petra sthalam. And also Lord Shiva thaduthankonda sthalam
for Sundarar. Sundarar is seen with Palm leaf in this temple.
All the songs ends with the note that he was surrendered & slave to him
already and now is it correct to say I am not your slave...?
பித்தா பிறைசூடீ பெருமானே அருளாளா எத்தான் மறவாதே நினைக்கின்றேன் மனத்துன்னை வைத்தாய் பெண்னைத் தென்பால்வெண்ணெய் நல்லூர் அருட்டுறையுள் அத்தா உனக்கு ஆளாய் இனிஅல்லேன் எனலாமே
காரூர் புனல் எய்திக்கரை கல்லித் திரைக்கையால் பாரூர் புகழ் எய்தித் திகழ் பன்மாமணி யுந்திச் சீரூர் பெண்னைத் தென்பால் வெண்ணெய்நல்லூர் அருட்டுறையுள் ஆரூரன் எம் பெருமாற்காளல்லேன் எனலாமே
Arulnandhi
Sivam also sung in praise of lord Shiva
of this temple.
மெய்கண்ட தேவர் துதி பண்டைமறை வண்டரற்றப் பசுந்தேன் ஞானம் பரிந்தொழுகச் சிவகந்தம் பரந்து நாறக் கண்ட இருதய கமல முகைகளெல்லாம் கண் திறப்பக் காசினிமேல் வந்த அருட்கதிரோன் விண்டமலர்ப் பொழிபுடைசூழ் வெண்ணெய் மேவும் மெய்கண்ட தேவன்மிகு சைவநாதன் புண்டரிக மலர்தாழச் சிரத்தே வாழும் பொற்பாதம் எப்போதும் போற்றல் செய்வாம்......அருணந்தி சிவாசாரியார் “இடையாது சொல் ஊரன் தன்னைத் தொழும்பு கொளுஞ் சீர்வெண்ணெய் நல்லூர் அருட்டுறையின் நறபயனே.. திரு அருட்பா.Moolavar : Sri Krupapureeswarar, Sri Aruturainathar, Sri Thaduthatkonda Nathar Consort : Sri Mangalambigai, Sri Verkanniammai
Some of the important features of
this temple are....The temple is facing east with a 5
tier Rajagopuram. On the top a shrine for the Rishabaroodar, who gave darshan
to Sundarar. A small Sundarar sannathi is opposite to Rajagopuram. Sundarar
Vazhakku Theertha mandapam is on the right side before the Rajagopuram. Kodimara
Vinayagar, Kodimaram/ flag post/ Dwajasthambam, balipedam and Rishabam are
immediately after the Rajagopuram. Moolavar is of swayambu. In Koshtam
Pichadanar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Maha Vishnu and Durgai. In the inner
prakaram Polla Pillayar, Murugan, Sundarar and Chandikeswarar.
In the outer prakaram Vinayagar, Sri
Valli Devasena Subramaniyar, Nalvar, 63var, Somaskandar, Saptamatrikas,
Thirugnanasambandar, Maha Vishnu, Arulnandhisivam, Meikanda Devar, Gajalakshmi
is with Sanga Nidhi and Padma Nidhi and Sri Chakra, Navagrahas, Chandikeswarar
and some loose sculptures like Murugan, Ayyanar, etc,. Ambal is in a separate temple like
sannadhi and in standing posture. Palliarai and on the pillars, sculptures of
Bhairavar, Dakshinamurthy, etc,.
Lord Murugan as Shanmugar with his
vahana Peacock gave his dance darshan to Arunagirinathar and he has sung in
praise of Murugan.
மலைசிலை பற்றிய கடவு ளிடத்துறை கிழவி யறச்சுக குமரி தகப்பனை மழுகொடு வெட்டிய நிமிலிகை பெற்றருள் முருகோனே மகிழ்பெணை யிற்கரை பொழில்முகில் சுற்றிய திருவெணெய் நற்பதி புகழ்பெற அற்புத மயிலின் மிசைக்கொடு திருநட மிட்டுறை பெருமாளே
ARCHITECTUREThe temple consists of sanctum sanctroum, antarala, ardhamandapam and maha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is ona pada bandha adhistanam with 3 patta kumudam. The Vimanam above the sanctum sanctorum was built like a mada temple. The 3 tier Vimanam is of Nagara - Vesaram style.
HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONSSadaiappa vallal who was the
instrumental behind the writing of Epic Ramayana in tamil by Kambar is from
this place. This is the birth place of Meikanda Nayanar, one of the Santhana
Kuravars. The jeeva samadhi of Meikanda Nayanar is very close to the temple.
This is under the control of Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam. Meikandar Guru pooja
will be celebrated in Aipasi Swati nakshathra day. Annadhanam will be served on
that day, to thousands of people.
The original temple exists before 7th
Century may be by Pallavas and reconstructed as stone temple during Chozhas and
further extended during Vijayanagaras and Chalukyas. The available inscriptions
belongs to Pallavas, Chozhas, Pandyas, Chalukyas Vijayanagaras and Sambuavarayas.
As per the inscriptions this place was called as Rajendra chozha valanattu
Thirumunaipadi Thiruvennainallur Nattu Brahmadeyam Thiruvennainallur and
Rajarajavalnattu Thirumunaipadi Thiruvennainallur nattu Brahmadeyam Thiruvennai
Nallur. This place is also called as Thiru Arut thurai. Lord Shiva is called as
Thiru arut thurai Alwar, Thiruvennainallur Udayar Atkonda Devar and Thaduthu
Atkonda Devar.
Rajaraja Kesari.... 6th
year reign inscription ( AR 309 of 1902
) records the endowment of burning of a perpetual lamp for which a gift of 90
saava moova peradu and 5 lamps.
Veerarajendran’s 7th year
reign inscription ( AR 310 of 1902 ) records the endowment of sacred bath for
which a gift of cow 10 and calf 12, for which supply of 3 nali milk measured in
Arumozhidevan nali.
Other Chozha period inscriptions
records the gift of Lands and their measurements ( 16 jan kol ) to this temple.
Koperunchingan’s 4th year
reign inscription ( AR 449 of 1921) records the gift of a Cow by Arasur Village
Agambadiar Thirumazhapadi’s son Subramaniyan. Of the same King’s 6th
year reign inscription ( AR 448 of 1921 ) records the gift of Bell, plate,
Chain lamp, doopakal by a Deavaradiyar Aramudaiyar’s son Thirumalai Azhaki
alias Veerakan veera Pallavarayan. The same Kings 10th year reign
inscription ( AR 450 of 1921 ) records the gift of 32 vows by a member of sabha
for which milk of two and six nail daily
measured in Arumozhidevan Nali, Thiruvannamalai Bhattan of Mel Amur. Koperunchingan’s
12th year reign inscription ( AR 440 of 1921 ) records the endowment
of lighting and maintenance of perpetual lamp for which 32 cows were gifted by
Thiuvannamalai Udaiyan, son of Kavini Sambhu Bhattar during Rajaraja-III ( 1237
CE ) 21st year reign. ( The reason for recording of this inscription
delayed by 18 years is not known ).
Koperunchinga’s 15th year
reign inscription ( AR 447 of 1921 ) records the endowments burning perpetual
lamp for which gifts of Lands 9.5 ma dry land 800 veli land in Emapperur on the
death of Thirumalai Azhakiyan alias Viraga Virappalavarayan, belonging to him
was handed over by Perunjingan to Rajaradevan AmmaiyanValavarayan. The officer
in turn handed over to this temple.
Koperunchinga’s 16th year
reign inscription ( AR 439 of 1921 ) records the endowment of burning a
perpetual lamp by Kavini Sambandapperumal aliasValenduma (vu)li Bhattar. A
reference was made during Rajaraja-III.
Koperunchinga’s 16th year
reign inscription ( AR 455 of 1921 ) records the endowment of sacred bath of
god for which gift of 20 cows and to
supply 5 nali milk measured in arumozhidevan nazhi by ElisainadanJinattarayan of Marudur. Another
inscription records the gift 32 Cows and a bull by Solaikkon Allalan alias
Tyagavinodan.
Koperunchinga’s 26th year
reign inscription ( AR 466 of 1921 ) records the gift of two trumpets weighing
118.5 kalanju silver by Perumal Pazhavavanachchokkan Raghutharayavelaan.
Koperunchinga’s 27th year
reign inscription ( AR 431 of 1921 ) records the gift of two trumpets weighing
55 kalanju Silver, and golden anklet weighing 2 Kalanju gold by Madhyastha Udayan Sri Kayilayamudayan
of Senji.
Inscriptions
LEGENDSWhen Lord Shiva happened to see his
beautiful image image on the ice of Mount Kailash. He admired the beauty of the
image and called him to come near. The image came near to him as Sundarar.
Sundarar is the person who brought the “alakala visham” which came out in the
process of churning the Thiruparkadal. Hence sundarar is called as “ Alala
Sundarar”. Lord Shiva made hime one of the anukka thondar / personal assistant.
The Poison which Lord Shiva
swallowed stoped at Kandam / throat. Due to this lot of heat was generated. To
reduce the heat ma Parvati built a fort with butter on the banks of Then Pennai
river and started penance on lord Shiva. Hence this place was called as
Thiruvennainallur.
The initial part of Sundarar’s life
is very much associated with this place and this Temple. At Kailash, while
Sundarar and Kamalini and Aninthitai attendants
of ma Parvati, plucking flowers for pooja, Sundarar fell in love with them. Knowing
this Lord Shiva asked all the three to
go to Bhoolok, take birth as human beings, experience the family life and
return back to Kailash. Sundarar requested Lord Shiva to call back him at an appropriate time.
In bhoolok born as Nambi Arurar to Sadayar and Isaignanaiyar at Thirunavalur,( which is about 20 KM from
this place ). He was brought up by the king Narasingamunayar. At the age of 16,
his father arranged a marriage with Puttur Sangadavi Sivachariyar’s daughter.
On the day of marriage Lord Shiva, as an old man came and stopped the marriage,
telling that his grand father had given an undertaking that he and all his descendants will be slave for him. When the old man showed the palm leaf, Nambi
Arurar, teared and had an argument with him. At one stage Nambi Arurar called
Lord Shiva as ‘Pithaa’... a mad person / lunatic person. Since the argument was
inconclusive, the old man asked him to come to Thiruvennainallur, where this
case will be referred to the sabha of learned persons.
At Thiruvennainallur the case was
heard and the original palm leaf was compared with Nambi Arurar’s grand father
signature. Finally the judgement was given in favour of the old man. Since
Nambi Arurar has no other way, followed Lord Shiva to the Thiruvennainallur
temple. In the Sanctum Sanctorum Lord Shiva left his chappal and disappeared in
the Shiva Linga. Nambi Arurar’s surprise Lord Shiva appeared and told his old
life at Kailash and the present Life and asked him to sing hymns on him. When
Nambi Arurar puzzled what and how to start, Lord Shiva himself gave the starting
word as “Pithaa, since you called me as Pithaa,, From then onwards Nambi Arurar
was called as Sundarar and Van Thondar ( for his argument and arrogant
behaviour ). Since Lord Shiva stopped the marriage and gave blessing, called as
Thaduthu Atkondanathar.
In, Lord Shiva’s Pichadanar form,
finally the Rishis realized their folly behaviour and surrendered. Lord Shiva forgave them all, hence this place is called as Thiru Arut Thurai – place of
blessings. As he showered his Kruba – forgiveness, Lord Shiva is praised as
Krupapureeswarar
People worships Lord Shiva for
marriage boon, Child boon, Job and Professional success, to get rid of dumb and
excel in speech skill, etc,.
Vazhakku theertha mandapa 
Believed that Lord Shiva stands at this Pillar
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONSApart from regular poojas, special
poojas are conducted on 2 days, Aadi Swati day – July – August ), to celebrate
Sundarar, 10 days Brahmotsavam on Panguni Uthiram ( March – April )Avani Puttu
pudding festival ( August – September ), Skanda Sashti in ( October – November
), Pradosham and maha Shivaratri days.
TEMPLE TIMINGSThe temple will be kept opened
between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS : Mobile number + 91 9345660711
may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH : Town bus route no 5D and 5E are
available from Villupuram Town.The temple is 18 KM from Villupuram,
23 KM from Thirukovilur, 62 K from Thiruvannamalai and 180 KM from Chennai.Nearest Railway station is
Thiruvennainallur and Railway Junction is Villupuram.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK
HERE
63var
Saptamatrikas
Saptamatrikas
Durga
Dakshinamurthy
Loose sculptures
Loose sculptures 
Ayyanar---
OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
அன்பனை அருளின் நோக்கி அங்கணர் அருளிச் செய்வார்
பண்டைமறை வண்டரற்றப் பசுந்தேன் ஞானம்
“இடையாது
Sri Thaduthatkonda Nathar
Inscriptions
Vazhakku theertha mandapa
Believed that Lord Shiva stands at this Pillar
63var
Saptamatrikas
Saptamatrikas
Durga
Dakshinamurthy
Loose sculptures
Loose sculptures
Ayyanar
---
OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
