the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Abodes of Shiva

Sage Agasthiyar is believed to have visited this place during his pilgrimage. He is also believed to have been installed a lingam and worshipped it. This lingam is praised as Agastheeswarar. Sage Agasthiyar’s idol can also be seen here. Another legend associated with this place is that of the sage Sukhar Brahma Rishi. He is believed to have been an expert in changing forms. Once he took the form of a parrot and flew to Mount Kailash where he saw Lord Shiva imparting the knowledge of Shiva Gnanam to Goddess Parvathi. Curious to learn the Shiva Gnanam, the sage, in his parrot form, flew towards Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. Upon noticing him, Goddess Parvathi cursed him to be born on earth. The sage begged Lord Shiva for pardon. Lord Shiva informed him that he would be born to Sage Veda Vyasa and he would live in Thirumaruthanthurai (Idayaru). He further advised him to do penance under the Marutha tree to be absolved of this sin and to seek solvation. However, during his period on earth, he would have human body with the face of a parrot. Sukha in Sanskrit means parrot. It is believed that on the day of the Swathi nakshatra, Lord Shiva gave dharisanam to Sage Sukhar Brahma Rishi and taught astrology (Jothidam) to him here. Traditionally, Lord Murugan (as Somaskanda) is seen between the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. However, in this temple Lord Vinayakar (Bala Ganapathy or Infant Ganapathy) occupies Lord Murugan’s place. This is the birth place of the saivite guru Marai Gnana Sambandar. He is the third of the four Santhna Kuravar. It is believed that Lord Suryan (Sun) worships Lord Shiva of this temple by directing his rays on the lingam on the 15th and 16th of the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb-Mar) from 5.00 p.m. to 5.15 p.m. In this temple, Lord Shiva is facing west and Goddess Parvathi is facing east, as if they are exchanging garlands. Hence this temple is famous with devotees seeking wedding boon. Devotees facing prolonged delays in their marriage proposals worship the lord here and take the garlands exchanged between the God and Goddess to their homes. It is believed that doing this will remove obstacles from their marriage proposals.

This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 13th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. This is a west facing temple and its main tower (Rajagopurm) has 3-tiers.There is no flag post (dwajasthambam) in this temple.This is the birth place of the saivite guru Marai Gnana Sambandar. This ancient temple is believed to have been constructed during the time of the Chola dynasty. There are 18 stone inscriptions belonging to the Chola, Pandiyas, Vijayanagar and Chalukiyas periods.

The most important festival celebrated in this temple is “Aattru Thiruvizha” (River festival) in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb). Surya Puja is performed in the temple on 15th and 16th of the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb-Mar) from 5.00 p.m. to 5.15 p.m.