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 by Padmani,

Birth Star Temple

The temple is located 21 kms south-east of Mayavaram on Mayavaran-Akkur Road and SH149 and 17 kms north-west of Karaikal on SH149.

This temple was built by Rajaraja Chola II between 1146-1163. It was built on an area of more than 2 acres having entrance on 3 sides with tower. There is no separate corridor for Navagrahas as It is headed by Lord Shiva Himself.

Once Sage Mruganda Maharishi performed a great Yagna here for the benefit of the people here. He collected all the material for the Yagna from the public here. They wove three silk clothes one for Lord, one for the Rishi and one for the King. At the end of the Yagna, Sage offered both the silks clothes of Lord and himself to the Agni in the Yagna. Public raised the question that whether the clothes offered in the Yagna will reach God. Sage asked the public to go and see the Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbha Graha). It was a pleasant surprise to them on seeing the clothes offered in the Yagna were worn by the Lord. Sage explained them that the Agni here is Bharani Rudragni and it is the one who takes it to the God. Hence this is temple is very important for the Bharani Star. This is a place where they wove clothes for the Lord. Hence this place was called as 'Neithalaadai' and over the period it was shrunk as 'Nalladai'.