the Ultimate Web on Indian Gods & Temples

 by Padmani,

Abodes of Shiva

The Pallava King Mahendra Varma tried to kill Appar by various means but by the grace of Lord Shiva he escaped unhurt. The King then tied him to a stone and threw him in the river. Again bu the grace of Lord Shiva, he has a miraculous escape. The stoe became a boat and he safely reached the shore near Thirupathiripuliyur. Hence this place is called as Karaiyeravittakuppam and the Lord here called as Karaiyearteeswarar. A festival being celebrated in the month of Chittirai (April-May) to commemorate this miracle.Legend here is Once Lord Shiva and Lordess Parvathi were engaged in a game of dice. Though Parvathi won all the time, Lord denied it. Parvathi said that she will cover the eyes of Lord Shiva and if He really won left them show light. By saying she covered the eyes of the Lord. The entire univerese plunged into darkness. After realizing that She has committed a grave mistake prayed Lord for forgiveness. Lord Shiva advised Her to go to earth and pray in 1008 Shiva Sthalams and in which Sthala the left eye and shoulders vibrates, there She should penance. As advised She came to earth and prayed. At last at this place, the vibration of left eye and shoulders happened. She did her penance here in Aruba form and married Lord Shiva. Hence She is called as Arunthava Nayaki. Another legend is Upamanyu, son of Rishi Vyagrapada while offering worship, his feet mistakenly hit the Devi who cursed him to become a hare. He repended for his action and Devi ordained him to pray the Lord here to get rid of the curse. After wandering here for many years, one day King Adirajan wounded the hare with his arrow. While escaping from the hunt, hare came in contact with the branches of Padhiri tree, which resulted in Upamanya regaining his human form. Rishi Vyagrapathar attained salvation here. Lord changed the course of River Gadilam for Saint Manikkavacakar to worship without difficulties.

This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 18th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu on the banks of river Gadilam. This place was called as Kadaignazhal, Kannivanam, Paadalapuram, Adhima nagar, Uthaarapuram, Pathiripathy, Pulisai. Kadaignazhalur has become Cuddalore. The temple is facing east with a Mandapa. The Rajagopuram is of 5 tiers with beautiful stucco images of deities. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are after the Rajagopuram. In the outer prakaram the sthala vruksham Pathiri trees. Dwara Vinayagar and Dwara Subramaniyar are at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai. In the inner prakaram Chandran, Thirunavukkarasar ( Appar is in sitting posture with anjali hastham ),Procession deities, Palliyarai ( Instead of Moolavar Ambal will be brought to Palliyarai to this temple is a special feature ), 63var, Sonnavaararintha Vinayagar, Procession deities, Vyakrapadar, Agasthiyar worshiped Lingas, Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Valli Devasena Arumugar, Aadhi Pathiri tree with kavasam, Gajalakshmi, Arunthava Nayagi ( only pedam without image ), Natarajar Sabha, Navagrahas, Bhairavar, Suryan. Ambal is in a separate temple facing east. In the front Mandapam pillars bas reliefs of Rishabaroodar, Kalinga Narthanar, Mohini Dance, Kamadenu worship Veenavani, Avirjada Peruman, Anjaneyar. In the inner prakaram Vinayagar, Arumugar procession deities. A Pidari temple is in front of Ambal Temple.

Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Navaratri, Sashti, Karthigai Somavara worship, Masi Magam sea bath- Kadalattu vizha-, Vaikasi Perumizha, Chithirai Vasantha utsavam, one week Vaikasi Pidari Utsavam, etc,. Apart from this Appar Sathaya function is celebrated in Chithirai. During that time Lord Shiva will be taken out for procession on Silver Rishaba vahana, Thiruvaiyaru Kailaya katchi, Thirupukazhur Iyakyam etc. Lord Shiva will be taken out to Vandipalayam on Chithirai anusham day for Theppa utsavam in Appar swamy Tank.