Glorified by Thevaram Hymns (Pathigams) of Nayanmars
-****- by Tamarapu Sampath Kumaran About the Author: Mr T Sampath Kumaran is a freelance writer. He regularly contributes articles on Management, Business, Ancient Temples and Temple Architecture to many leading Dailies and Magaines. His articles for the young is !ery popular in "The #oung $orld section% of TH& H'(D). He was associated in the production of two Documentary films on (a!a Tirupathi Temples, and Tiru**urungudi Temple in Tamilnadu. His boo* on "The +ath of ,amanu-a%, and "The .uide to /01 Di!ya Desams% in boo* form on the 2D, has been well recei!ed in the religious circle.
Preface: Tirth #atras or pilgrimages ha!e been an integral part of Hinduism. +ilgrimages are considered 3uite important by the ritualistic followers of Sanathana dharma. There are a few centers of sacredness, which are held at high esteem by the ardent de!otees who dream to tra!el and worship .od in these holy places. All these holy sites ha!e some mythological significance attached to them. $hen people go to a temple, they say they go for Darsan 4 of the image of the presiding deity. The pinnacle act of Hindu worship is to stand in the presence of the deity and to loo* upon the image so as to see and be seen by the deity and to gain the blessings. There are thousands of Si!a sthalams5 pilgrimage sites 5 renowned for their di!ine images. And it is for the Darsan of these di!ine images as well the pilgrimage places themsel!es 5 which are belie!ed to be the natural places where .ods ha!e dwelled 5 the pilgrimage is made. (otable of these are 678 Si!a Sthalams, of whom (ayanmars ha!e compiled Hymns 4 the +athigams. Though there are se!eral reference boo*s of these sthalams, this boo* of mine is brought out as a consolidated reference guide to the !isiting pilgrims to these Si!a sthalams, and dedicated to 9ord Si!a, our belo!ed .od. An attempt is also made to de!elop this into a comprehensi!e source of information on Sai!ism, by presenting here some of the Basic Teachings, which form the core of Sai!ism 5 an important sect of Hinduism. The information is compiled from se!eral authentic sources, as well from learned scholars, Si!acharyas and priests at each shetram. Since se!eral authors ha!e translated the original te:t, a certain degree of coincidence is li*ely to occur in my presentation with regard to the choice of words and phrases, which is not intentional. ";m (amah Si!aya% Tamarapu Sampath Kumaran Siva and Saivism: ;f all the Hindu .ods none appealed to the emotions of a Hindu mind as much as 9ord Si!a, who dwells in the mountains bearing the trident. His third eye symbolies, the all5*nowing awareness of the !ery Brahman. Although ac*nowledged as one of the Trinity .ods of Hinduism, He is Maheswara, to His followers representing the Trinity all by Himself, and His different aspects manifest themsel!es as the creator, preser!er and destroyer of the worlds He create. Symbolically He is worshipped as 9ingeswara, which name stands more for His creati!e prowess. Si!a is belie!ed as a pre5<edic .od who was admitted into the <edic +antheon because of His immense popularity among many non5Aryan tribes. 'n the S!eta!atara )panishad He was ele!ated to the status of Brahman, by the sage who composed it, after he had a !ision of 9ord Si!a as the Absolute and Supreme Brahman. As the perfect #ogi, He is credited with the source of all *nowledge concerning the !arious yogas. Such was His prowess and di!inity, that 9ord <ishnu in His incarnation as ,ama and Krishna, worshipped Him with great re!erence. Siva and His different Titles: Si!a is *nown by many names and titles. He is Rudra, the ,ed ;ne, as the .od of anger, feared by one and all. Since He dwells in Kailash, in the Himalayas, He is referred to as Kailaspathi. As +urusha, He is 'swara Himself. As the 9ord of the beings, He is *nown as Pasupathinath. As the husband of )ma, the Mother .oddess, He is *nown as Umapathi and Parvathipathi. As the bearer of the sacred ri!er .anges, He is *nown as Gangadhar. And because of His matted hair, He is called as Jatadhari. As a perfect being He is Siddheshwara. $ith His Trident in His hands, He became popular as heroic and fearless Trisuladhari. As the world teacher, He is referred to as Dahshinamurthi by Adi Shan*ara in his famous boo*, =Hymns to Da*hshinamurthi=. Si!a as Da*shinamurti is another beautiful concept. He becomes the cosmic preceptor. His chinmudra where the right thumb and first finger meet while the other three stand away has great philosophical significance. The thumb represents .od> the forefinger the indi!idual self, and the other fingers are delusion, toil and egoism. The meaning is that the indi!idual self unites with the 2osmic self, if relie!ed of these three doshas. 9ord Si!a is popularly *nown as Sanara. The word San*ara is made up of two words, namely =sana= and =hara=. San*a means doubt and hara means dispeller or destroyer 5He who dispels or destroys all doubts. He rules o!er our disbeliefs and hesitations and establishes firm faith in us through his compelling nature. By dispelling our doubts and establishing faith, He destroys all our bondages. To the connoisseurs of art, He is well *nown as !atara"a, the master of all dance forms. He was dearer not only to .ods but also to demons li*e ,a!ana and Bhasmasura. He ga!e se!eral boons to His ardent followers out of His unbound lo!e and in the process in!ited great trouble for Himself and for others. &!er willing to help those who are in distress, He sa!ed the worlds and all the .ods by parta*ing Halahal, the poison that emanated during the churning of the ocean by De!as and Asuras in their efforts to obtain Amrita. 2ombining in Himself both the male and female aspects of creation, He earned the popular name of #rdhanariswara. As rider of the Bull (andi, He is *nown to the world as !andiswara. His names are endless. So does His popularity. ";M (ama Si!aya%? according to some is the same as +ancha*shara. Si!a is belie!ed to reside high up on snowy mountain ranges. 'mage of Si!a in his physical form presents him as a soothing meditati!e figure. His ornaments are not gold and precious stones. He wears a nec*lace made of s*ulls signifying his role as destructor. He has sna*es coiling all o!er his body and his hair is matted and long e:tending o!er the whole s*y and space. The crescent moon adorns his crown, signifying his control on the time cycle. @Ama!asya and +ournamiA. He smears his body with ashes and wears a tiger s*in and elephant s*in. He has a third eye on his forehead, which is the source of *nowledge and wisdom. The holy .anges is imprisoned in his flowing loc*s. 'n his two arms he holds the Trisulam @the three prongs representing the three gunas of satt!a, tamas and ra-asA in one and Damaru in the other. His !ahana is (andi, who is also his chief disciple to whom Si!a passed on all his immense *nowledge in arts. Siva w$rship in temples: 'n temples Si!a is worshiped as Si!a5linga, which are mostly made of stone, consisting of three parts. The lowest portion in the shape of a s3uare symbolises Brahma @2reationA. The middle part in the shape of an octagon symbolises <ishnu @MaintenanceA. These two portions are embedded inside a pedestal. The cylindrical portion pro-ecting from the pedestal symbolises Si!a @DestructionA. 'n Si!a5linga, .od is sought to be represented as ha!ing "a form% as well as "without% form 5 "Saguna% as well as "nirguna%. The three5 fold principle of creation, protection and destruction is con!eyed in this form. The linga may either be car!ed or natural. The natural lingas are usually collected from the ri!erbed. A Si!a5linga is bathed, offered flower garlands, co!ered with mil*, and offered food as part of the worship. A Si!a5linga may be chala @mo!ableA or achala @immo!ableA. A chala linga may be in a house, carried, or sometimes worn around the nec*. The achala lingas are installed in temples. Si!a in his human form is worshipped as the )tsa!a murthi, and ta*en out of the temple in processions. The <rishabha or the bull (andi that Si!a rides is Dharma. The (andi before Si!a temples signifies that we are all "+asus% and Si!a "+ati%> hence the name "Pasupati% for Si!a. The presentation of (andi, in the temples, loo*ing towards Si!a indicates +asu i.e. "Bi!a% should see* union with "+ati% i.e. +aramatman. Pradh$sha p$$"a
's one of the most important among the poo-as performed to the .raceful 9ord Si!a. The e!ening of the trayodasi @thirteenth moon dayA between C.D0 p.m. to E.00 p.m. is called +radhosha and praying 9ord Si!a during this time is belie!ed to free us from our sins and finally gi!es us mo*sha 5 hence the name +radhosha Pradh$sha Purana ;nce De!as and Asuras using the serpent <asu*i and Mandhara hill were trying to get Amrutham, from Ksheerabthi 4 the mil*y ocean. $hile churning, Halahalam 5 the terrible poison came up. Frightened by this, they pleaded to 9ord Si!a for rescue. Being the pea* of mercy 9ord Shi!a consumed the poison. As a result Si!a turned Blue and gained the name (eela*antan. 9ater as per His orders they resumed their effort to get Amrutham and got it on the Dhwadhasi day @twelfth moon dayA. $ithout praying and than*ing the 9ord, De!as started celebrating their !ictory. ;n the thrayodhasi day @thirteenth moon dayA they realised their sin of not e:pressing their gratitude to 9ord Si!a, pleaded for forgi!eness. The pleased graceful 9ord Si!a forga!e them and belie!ed to ha!e danced between the horns of (andhi @the holy bullA. That time is called +radhosham. 't is belie!ed that whoe!er prays 9ord Si!a at that time, will ha!e their wishes fulfilled. ;ffering <il!am and flowers to 9ord Shi!a and chanting "shiv#%a nama&m 'hav#%a namaH 'hav#%a nama&m namaH shiv#%a( will bring sal!ation. During +rodhosha time anointing @Abhishe*amA the deity with the following is considered fruitful.
Mil* 5 gi!es long life .hee 5 gi!es Mo*sha state 2urd 5 gi!es good children Honey 5 gi!es melodious !oice ,ice powder 5 frees from debts Sugar cane -uice 5 gi!es good health +an-amrutham 5 gi!es wealth 9emon 5 remo!es fear of death Sugar 5 remo!es enmity Tender coconut 5 gi!es en-oyment 2oo*ed ,ice@AnnamA 5 gi!es ma-estic life Sandal 5 gi!es 9a*shmiGs grace The five elements $f Siva: 9ord Si!a is worshipped as fi!e element lingas at fi!e ma-or temples in South 'ndia? /. A*ash5linga 5 S*y or space @etherA 5 in 2hidambaram, Tamil (adu. 6. Appu5linga 4 $ater 5 at the Bambu5*eswaram temple near Tiruchinappalli, Tamil (adu. D. Agni5linga 4 Fire 5 at the Arunachaleswar Temple, in Tiru!annamalai, Tamil (adu. C. +rith!i linga 4 &arth 5 in Kanchipuram, Tamil (adu, @some claim it in .o*arna, Karnata*aA. 8. <ayu5linga 4 Air 5 in Sri Kalahasti, Andhra +radesh. The Trident
The trident is the weapon of Si!a with which he destroys e!il and restores order. The trident stands for the triple 3ualities of nature, namely 5 satt!a, ra-as and tamas. Si!a is the master of maya and thereby master of these three 3ualities with which he controls the worlds. The trident symbolically represents the fact that Si!a is the controller of the worlds and controller of all illusion. The trident also represents the three aspects of time, the past, the present and the future. Si!a is considered as the master of Time 5 Kala Bhaira! 5 who determines the progress of the worlds according to His will. )aheshwara murtis According to Sai!a Sidhdhaantha .od is formless @ArupaA. But for the sal!ation of li!es He too* the form of lingam 5 meaning symbol @arupa rupaA. *ingam can be considered both as form as well as the formless symbol. This murti is called Sadashi!a murti or Maheshwara murti. There are twentyfi!e Maheshwara murtis. 1. Bhi*shtanar 2. Kamari 3. Kalari 4. Kalyana Sundarar 5. ,ishabharudhar 6. 2handra She*harar 7. )ma Mahesh!arar 8. (atara-ar 9. Tripuranta*ar 10. Balandharari 11. .a-asamhara murti 12. Kara9lr @<irabhadrarA 13. Shan*ara (arayanar 14. Ardha (arish!arar 15. Kiratar 16. Kan*alar 17. 2handeshanugrahar 18. 2ha*ra pradar 19. Saha uma s*andar @Somas*a.ndharA 20. &*a padar 21. .a-amu*hanugrahar @<ighneshanugraharA 22. Da*shina murti 23. (ila*anthar 24. 9ingodbha!ar 25. Su*asanar Significance $f !atara"a Si!a, particularly as (atara-a or Dancing Si!a, has won international esteem. 'n that image, Si!a is concei!ed as the embodiment of &ternal &nergy, engaged in the fi!e5fold acti!ity @+ancha5KrityaA of creation, preser!ation, destruction, obscuration and sal!ation. 't indicates cosmic acti!ity. Si!a dances on the body of Apasmara purusha who represents ego, ignorance and the original sin or soulGs illusion. By trampling upon him Si!a points out that wisdom consists in destroying the same. 'n one of his upper arms, Si!a holds the *ettledrum whose sound symbolises creati!e energy. The other upper arm holds the fire pot of destruction. The lower right hand shows abhaya @protectionA mudra. The lower left5hand points to the 9ordGs lifted foot belie!ed to be saying? =#our sal!ation lies in worshipping my feet=. Sometimes a deer is shown in one of his hands, e3uating to mind> thereby the control of the mind in us is taught. The framewor* with lighted lamps, at the bac* of the idol, represents the dance of +ra*riti or (ature, reflecting the dance of wisdom. At the base of the crown of hair on Si!aGs head is a s*ull. 't is symbolic of Si!aGs destroying energy. ,i!er .anga on his head denotes fertility. The crescent5moon on his head @Si!a is 2handra5 se*haraA signifies Si!aGs grace and also Time. The 2obra on his head indicates Kundalinisha*ti at Sahasrara5cha*ra. His third eye stands for omniscience or wisdom. @$hen Hindus wear *um*um or sandal5 paste on their forehead, it is to remind themsel!es of their latent power of wisdom to which they should awa*en.A ;n the right ear, Si!a wears ma*ara5*undala, signifying the male principle and on the left tatan*a @being ArdhanaarisaA denoting the female principle. His nec*lace of s*ulls proclaims that he is the arbiter of numberless creations and destructions. The ashes smeared all o!er Si!aGs body are symbolic of purity. By wearing it we remind oursel!es that in the lo!e of transient Samsara we should not lose sight of .od. The body will end up in ashes. Beads of rudra*sha he wears represent the solidified tears of pity Si!a shed, at the woes of his bha*tas. @$earing rudra*shas on our body, remind us of Si!aGs concern for us and the need for deser!ing his grace by our steadfast de!otion to him.A The )pa!ita or sacred thread consists of HE strands representing the HE tattwas. Si!aGs wearing it proclaims that he is the arbiter of all actions. The 2obraGs coiling round Si!a is symbolic of the cosmic force about him. The tiger s*in he wears tells us that we must strip oursel!es of ahan*ara or pride, which is e3uated to the tiger. By dri!ing away maya, burning *ama, crushing the ego and raising Bee!a by grace 5 these are said to be the wor*s of the 9ordGs dance during pradosham 5 its deepest significance will be felt, when we !isualised that it ta*es place in our heart. This in turn will bring in the realiation that .od is e!erywhere, as well within us. Si!a destroys not only the hea!ens and the earth but also the fetters that bind each separate soul. The burning ground of Si!a is the heart of the bha*ta where their sel!es are to be destroyed> where their illusions and doubts ha!e to be burnt away. )aheshwara )urthams: The holy forms shown by the Formless Supreme 9ord Si!a are the "Maheshwara )urtham+. These are considered to be EC and are listed hereunder? /. Si!alingam 6. 9ingodbha!ar D. Mu*halingam C. Sadashi!am 8. Mahasadashi!am E. )mamaheshwarar 7. Su*hasanamurti 1. )meshamurti H. SomAs*andhamurti /0.2handrashe*aramurti //.<risharudhamurti /6.<rishandi*amurti /D.Bhu-anggalalitamurti /C.Bhu-anggatrasamurti /8.Sandhiyanrittamurti /E.Sadanrittamurti /7.2handatanda!amurti 18. .angadharamurti /H..anga!isar-anamurti 60.Tripuranta*amurti 6/.Kalyanasundaramurti 66.Ardanarishwaramurti 6D..a-asurasamharamurti 6C.B!arabhagnamurti 68.Shardhulaharamurti 6E.+ashupatamurti 67..angalamurti 61.Kesha!arthamurti 6H.Bhi*satanamurti D0.Simhagnamurti D/.2handeshwaranugrahamurti D6.<ya*hyanada*sinamurti DD.#ogada*shinamurti DC.<inadharada*shinamurti D8.Kalanta*amurti DE.Kamahari @KamadahanamurtiA D7.<aguleshwaramurti 38. Bhaira!amurti DH.Apatdharanamurti C0.<adu*amurti C/.Kshetrapalamurti C6.<irabhadramurti CD.Agorastramurti CC.Da*shyagnaharamurti C8.Kiratamurti CE..urumurti C7.Ash!arudhamurti C1..a-andi*amurti CH.Balandhara!atamurti 80.&apadatrimurti 8/.Tripadatrimurti 86.&*apadamurti 8D..auri!arapradamurti 8C.2ha*ratalaswarupamurti 88..aurililasaman!itamurti 8E.<rishabhaharanamurti 87..arudandi*amurti 81.Brahmasiracheta*amurti 8H.Kurmasamharamurti E0.Matsyari E/.<arahari 62. +rarthanamurti ED.,a*tabhi*shapradanamurti EC.Sishyabha!amurti !a%anmars: 'n ancient 'ndia Sai!ism too* shape as a distinct and ma-or religious mo!ement mostly in the south due to the untiring wor* of many great saints who were dedicated to Si!a in e!ery concei!able way and showed e:emplary de!otion to their belo!ed 9ord through their li!es and wor*s of great merit. The illustrious propagators of Sai!ism ha!e been classified into two groups? the four IISamayaGG @religiousA leaders and four IISanthana Acharyas.GG The farmerJs outpourings ha!e been collected as The!aram. The lineage of the latter commences with (andi De!ar @bodyguard of 9ord Si!aA followed by three illustrious saintly guides. The Nayanmars hailed from all walks of life and the +eriya +uranam was an account of the li!es of the Sai!a saints who li!ed in the Tamil land. 't is also *nown as Thiruthondar +uranam as it chronicles the li!es of de!otees and was composed by Se**hihar. Sundaramurthy Swamigal undertoo* the pioneering tas* of documenting their li!es in the Thiruthondar Tho*ai on which Se**hihar based his wor*. Se**hihar was a minister of the 2hola rulers and his documentation is more elaborate. ;ne may wonder why only ED saints ha!e been singled out as (ayanmars. 2ertainly the Sai!a saints are many more. 't is by no means a limitation but a representation of the different ways de!otion e:pressed itself in human li!es and how .od graced them each in a uni3ue manner. The biographies of the ED (ayanmars, totally committed to the worship of 9ord Si!a, con!ey their poignant feelings. They spread the message of Sai!a Siddhanta, which deals with the three entities, .od, Soul and Bondage, the former two being eternal. Born as humans, with norms of beha!iour and codes of conduct, pious persons in noble company are rewarded with di!ine life and e!ildoers are punished with sufferings in their subse3uent birth. The characteristics of the followers of Sai!ism as seen from the biographies of these ED saints are their de!otion to the 9ord, their chanting of the holy fi!e5lettered Mantra and their re!erence for holy ash @!ibhuthiA. They are? /. Sundaramurthi (ayanar 6. Tiruneela*anta (ayanar D. 'yarpahai (ayanar C. 'llayan*udi Mara (ayanar 8. Maiporul (ayanar E. <iralminda (ayanar 7. Amaraneedi (ayanar 1. &ripatha (ayanar H. &nadinatha (ayanar /0.Kannappa (ayanar //.Kunguliya Kalaya (ayanar /6.Mana*anchara (ayanar /D.Ari!attaya (ayanar /C.Anaya (ayanar /8.Murthi (ayanar /E.Muruga (ayanar /7.,udra +asupathi (ayanar /1.Tiru (alai +o!ar (ayanar @(andanarA /H.Tiru Kurippu Tonda (ayanar 60.2handeswara (ayanar 6/.Tiru (a!u**arasar (ayanar @ApparA 66.Kulachirai (ayanar 6D.+erumihailai Kurumba (ayanar 6C.Karai**al Ammaiyar 68.Appudi (ayanar 6E.Tiru (eela*anta (ayanar 67.(ami (andi Adigal 61.Tiru .nana Sambandar 6H.&yar*on Kali*ama (ayanar D0.Tiru Mula (ayanar D/.Dandi Adigal (ayanar D6.Mur*ha (ayanar DD.Somasira (ayanar DC.Sa**iya (ayanar D8.Sirappuli (ayanar DE.Siruthonda (ayanar D7.2heraman +erumal (ayanar D1..ananatha (ayanar DH.Kootru!a (ayanar C0.+ugal 2hola (ayanar C/.(arasinga Muniyarayar C6.Adipattha (ayanar CD.Kali*amba (ayanar CC.Kalia (ayanar C8.Satti (ayanar CE.Aiyadigal Kada!ar*on (ayanar C7.Kanampulla (ayanar C1.Kari (ayanar CH.(inra Seer (edumara (ayanar 80.Mangayar*arasiyar 8/.<ayilar (ayanar 86.Munaiyadu!ar (ayanar 8D.Kaharsinga (ayanar 8C.Seruthunai (ayanar 88.'dangahi (ayanar 8E.+ugah Thunai (ayanar 87.Kotpuli (ayanar 81.+usalar (ayanar 8H.(esa (ayanar E0.Kochengat 2hola (ayanar E/.Tiru (eela*anta #ahpanar E6.Sadaya (ayanar ED.'saignaniyar ,$rs $f !a%anmars: Te!aram 2ollection of the hymns of the foremost of the Sai!ite (ayanmars, Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar> set to music> these ancient hymns ha!e had a profound influence on the growth of 2arnatic Music, and are e!en now being sung in temples as part of worship. The Te!Kram, as we now ha!e it, is a corpus of appro:imately 100 hymns @ pathigamsA to .od Si!a, that were composed by D saints @Sambanthar, Appar and SundararA at a time of powerful religious fer!our, or 'hati, between the Eth and Hth centuries, in the Tamil world. Most of these hymns refer and are attached by tradition to specific Si!a temples located at specific sites @sthalamsA. Tradition also attaches some musical information to a great number of hymns in so far as it specifies what musical scale @ pa-A is to be used when singing them. As a conse3uence, two traditional classificational canons @or mu.aiA are met with, in the collections of hymns, one being called tala mu.ai @with primary classification according to the 67E sitesA, and the other one being called pa- mu.ai @with primary classification according to the three authors, and secondary classification to 6C different musical scalesA. 'n the latter case, the Te!Kram is seen as consisting of 7 sacred canonical boo*s @or 7 tiru mu.aiA? the first, second and the third boo* contain the pathigams composed by Sambanthar> the fourth, fifth and the si:th of those composed by Appar> the se!enth boo* containing /00 pathigams, the wor* of Sundarar. The Te!aram hymns were rescued from obscurity and set to music by (ambiandar (ambi during the rule of ,a-ara-a 2hola '. Tiru!empaa!ai "Thiru!empaa!ai% is the composition of 60 hymns in praise of 9ord Si!a written by Mani**a!acha*ar, at the grand Tiru!annamalai Arunachaleswarar temple. This is e:actly on the same lines of "Tiruppa!ai% of Sri Andal. This deals about the paa!ai nonbu aspect on sai!aite bha*thi and is sung ceremoniously during the winter month of Margahi Tiru!achagam The Tiruvachaam is, one of the most well5*nown and best5lo!ed wor*s of Tamil de!otional literature of Mani**a!achagar. +arts of it are regularly chanted e!ery day in many South 'ndian temples. Mani**a!acha*ar emphasied that Tiru!achagam leads to the awa*ening of the flame from within, and show how man, step by step, can obtain sal!ation by reaching 9ord Si!a. /01 Siva Sthalams: The 678 Shi!astalams glorified by the Te!aram Hymns @pathigamsA with at least /0 Te!aram !erses each, of (ayanmars are listed hereunder?
1. KOYIL @ Chidambaram A 2hidambaram is one of the most ancient and most celebrated shrines of great religious as well of historic and cultural significance. The word =Koyil= or temple in the Tamil Sai!ite tradition refers to none other than the 2hidambaram (atara-ar temple. The presiding deity (atara-a, or Shi!a is in his Ananda Tanda!a pose in the cosmic golden hall of consciousness @2hit SabhaA. Shi!a is also worshipped as A*asa 9ingam, in the =formless form= which is popularly called the 2hidambara ,ahasyam. The presiding deity is Ambala!aanar, (atara-ar and the Ambal Si!a*amiAmman. The sthala <ri*sham is Tillai and the Theertham Si!a .anga Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egends has it that Aadi Sesha, learning from <ishnu the grandeur of Shi!aGs cosmic dance was filled with irrepressible desire to witness this dance in person at 2hidambaram. He descended to the earth as +atan-ali 5 meaning one who descended. <yagrapaadar another de!otee of Si!a, who obtained the tigerGs claws so that he could collect with ease the sacred <il!a lea!es meant for Si!aGs worship, was also at 2hidambaram. At the appointed hour, Si!a @with +ar!ati 5 Si!a*amiA granted to +atan-ali and <yagrapaadar, a !isual treat in the form of his 2osmic Dance of Bliss, to the accompaniments of music played by se!eral di!ine personalities in the Hindu pantheon. This Dance of Bliss is also said to ha!e been witnessed by <ishnu. 2ommemorating this there is a shrine for <ishnu 5 .o!indara-a in the (atara-ar temple, and the (aalayira Di!ya +rabandam of the <aishna!ite Ahwars sing the glory of this image. Adi San*ara is said to ha!e presented a Spati*a 9ingam, which is still under worship in this temple. The dance of bliss, or the Ananda Tanda!am of Si!a 4 popularly called (atara-a 5 is said to symbolie the fi!e di!ine acts @pancha *rityasA of creation, sustenance, dissolution, concealment and bestowment of grace. The dance of Si!a is re!erentially held in worships in (atara-a Sabhas, in all of the Sai!ite temples in Tamilnadu. 'mportance is gi!en to fi!e of the foremost Sabhas called "+ancha Sabhai%. They are located at 2hidmbaram @Kana*a Sabhai 5 the hall of goldA, Madurai @,a-ata Sabhai 5 the hall of Sil!erA, Tiru!alangadu near Ara*onam @,atnasabhai 5 the hall of rubiesA, Tirunel!eli @Tamrasabhai 5 the hall of copperA and Kutralam @2hitrasabhai 5 the hall of picturesA. ;ther dance halls of significance are Adri Sabhai in the Himalayas, Aadi 2hitsabhai at Tiru!en*aadu near 2hidambaram, and +erur Kana*asabhai in the +atteeswarar temple at +erur near 2oimbatore. The innermost sanctum of the temple, houses the grand images of Si!a @(atara-aA and +ar!ati @Si!a*amiA in the 2hitSabha or the hall of consciousness The 2hitsabha, the holiest shrine in the temple, is a wooden structure supported with wooden pillars, with a hut shaped roof. 't is in this hall, that the images of (atara-a and Si!a*ami are housed, in front of a set of two curtains, the inner @in!isibleA one being red in color, the outer one being blac* in color. To the right of Si!a, is the re!ered 2hidambara rahasyam 5 or a representation of emptiness garlanded with golden !il!a lea!es. The curtain in front of the 2hidambara ,ahasyam, representing Si!a @and +ar!atiA in the formless form @AroopamA is lifted ceremoniously during worship ser!ices, with offerings of lamps The outermost pra*aram is home to the grand Si!a*ami Amman temple, the Si!aganga tan* and the /0005pillared hall or the ,a-a Sabha, where (atara-a is brought during two annual festi!als. The !ast Si!a*ami Amman shrine is a temple on the right. 2eilings on the mu*hamandapam of this temple ha!e paintings from the (aya*a period. There are friees of dancers, drummers and musicians all along the enclosing walls of this temple. The thousand5pillared hall has witnessed se!eral grand e!ents in history. This hall is also designed in the form of a chariot. 'ts entrance features two elephants, and on the basement there is a friee of dancing figures. +erhaps the most magnificent structures in the temple are the four lofty gopurams or towers in the four cardinal directions, piercing the walls of the outermost pra*aram. &ach is a gigantic masterpiece in itself 5 about 680 feet in height, with se!en tiers. The $estern tower is the oldest one. 'n the towers, on either side of the gateways there are representations of the /01 poses of the classical Bharata (atyam Tradition as enunciated in the 2lassic (atya Sastra. The Sai!a Agama system of temple rituals followed in almost all of the Sai!ite temples in Tamilnadu is not followed at 2hidambaram. 't is a uni3ue worship protocol said to ha!e been prescribed by +atan-ali, and is being followed at this temple. $hen the images of the Trinity Saints were brought in procession to the temple by ,a-a ,a-a 2hola, the ruler at that time, it is belie!ed that the sacred Tamil wor*s of the (ayanmaars 5 rich in musical content, which were missing for se!eral years, were reco!ered in a dilapidated state in one of the chambers in this !ast temple. The bul* of Mani**a!aca*arGs wor* is in praise of Si!a at 2hidambaram. Two annual Brahmotsa!ams at 2hidambaram are of great significance, as they in!ol!e colorful processions of festi!al deities. The grandest of these occurs in the month of Margahi @Dec /8 5 Ban /8A, concluding on the full moon day corresponding to the Arudra Darisanam festi!al. The second Brahmotsa!am happens in the month of Aani, and it concludes with Aani Tiruman-anam on the tenth day, in a manner similar to Arudra Darisanam in Margahi 6. Tiru!et*alam This temple is located in the !icinity of the Annamalai )ni!ersity at 2hidambaram. The presiding deity is +asupateswarar and the Ambal (alla (aya*i The sthala !ri*sham is Moongil and the Theertham Si!a .angai Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e appeared in the form of a hunter and then blessed Ar-una with the +asupatastram and this e!ent is enacted during the festi!al in the Tamil month of <ai*asi. The bows .andipam and +ina*am are said to ha!e been formed here. There are festi!al images of Ar-una, and Shi!a with the +asupatastram. Many !illages around this shrine participate in the celebrations of their association with the legend of Ar-unaJs encounter with Si!a. )suppoor is where Ar-una is said to ha!e chased a wild boar, which disturbed his meditation. &esanpor!eli is where Ar-una is belie!ed to ha!e fought with Shi!a, and <illeruttaan Kuttai is where Ar-unaGs bow, is said to ha!e been bro*en by Shi!a. Sambandar, considering the entire town of 2hidambaram to be the holy temple, resided in Tiru!et*alam, and regularly !isited the 2hidambaram temple from here. D. Tirunel!ayil This Si!astalam is located at Si!apuri, close to 2hidambaram. The presiding deity is )chinathar, Shi*hapureeswarar and the Ambal Kana*ambi*a The Theertham is Kripasamudram Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a re!ealed His cosmic dance to Sambandar. 't is belie!ed that Sambandar !isited 2hidambaram from Sir*aahi, accompanied by Tiruneela*anda #aahpaanar and others. 2onsidering the whole of 2hidambaram to be a Koyil, he resided at Tiru!et*alam. He is belie!ed to ha!e !isited Tirunel!aayil, and Tiru**ahippaalai from Tiru!et*alam and composed his +athigam. There are inscriptions from the (aya* period here. Si!aratri and Arudra Darsanam are important festi!als. C. Tiru**ahippaalai This Si!a sthalam is close to 2hidambaram. The Kollidam ri!er washed away, the original shrine sung by the (ayanmars and the deity remains in the (el!ayil5Si!apuri temple @2hidambaramA *nown as the +aalaiyappar Ko!il. 'nscriptions to this effect, from the 'mperial 2hola period are found in this temple. The presiding deity is +aal!anna (aathar and the Ambal <edanaya*i The Theertham is Kollidam Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <almi*i worshipped Shi!a here. The water in the templeGs well is belie!ed to be white in color. Arudra Darsanam is celebrated in a grand scale. 8. Tirunallurperumanam This Si!astalam is located near Kollidam railway station on the 2hidambaram 5Mayiladuturai railroad. The presiding deity is Shi!alo*atyagar and the Ambal Tiru!enneerammai,)maDe!i. The Sthala <ri*sham is Maamaram and the Theertham +ancha*shara Theertham. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that +arasarar, <ashishtar, Bhrigu and Bamadagni Munis were blessed with a !ision of Shi!alo*am after their arduous meditation here @hence Si!alo*atyagarA. <ishnu and Brahma are also belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. This temple is the site of SambandarGs wedding where the entire gathering is belie!ed to ha!e been blessed by Tiru!enneerammai 4 +ar!ati, and attained sal!ation. This e!ent is commemorated each year. Maha!idwan Meena*shisundarampillai has composed the Tiru!enneetrumai +illaittamih in honor of this shrine. E. Mahendrappalli This Si!astalam is located in the !icinity of Aachalapuram near Kollidam. The presiding deity is Tirumeniahagar, Somasundareswarar and the Ambal<adi!ambi*ai The sthala !ri*sham is <il!am and the Theertham Mahendra +ush*arini. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e re!ealed a !ision of his 2osmic Dance to the sages, Surya, 2handra, 'ndra and Brahma who worshipped her. Sundarar has referred to this shrine in his +athigam dedicated to Tiruppun*ur. Arudra Darsanam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Margahi. 7. Ten Tirumullai!ayil This Si!astalam is a coastal shrine in the !icinity of Tiru!en*adu and +alla!aneeswaram. The presiding deity is Mullai!ananathar and the Ambal Kothaiyammai The sthala <ri*sham is Mullai and the Theertham 2handra Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. The legend has it that 'ndra is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here, and that the (amachi!aya mantram was re!ealed to +ar!ati De!i here. An interesting legend surrounds this shrine. The mortal remains of a de!otee of Si!a turned into gems when they were immersed in the Theertham here. Arudra Darsanam is celebrated during the Tamil month of Margahi. 1. Kali**aamoor This Si!astalam is located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, near +oompuhar. The presiding deity is Sundareswarar and the Ambal Ahagammai. The Theertham is Ambuli Theertham Sundarar has composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that +araasarar worshipped Si!a here. The S*anda Shasti festi!al is of great significance at this place. H. Tiruchaai*adu Also *nown as 2haayaa!anam, this Si!a sthalam is in the ancient 2hola seashore capital of +oompuhaar and this shrine considered to be on par with Banares. The presiding deity is 2haaya!aneswarar and the Ambal Kuyilinum (anmohiammai>.oshambaal. The sthala !ri*sham is Korai and the Theertham Sangumu*ha Theertham. Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that 'ndra and Aira!atam @the elephantA are said to ha!e worshipped here> 'ndra is said to ha!e attempted to ta*e the deity to his hea!enly abode but failed. The deity is at present found in a <imanam shaped chariot within the temple. 'ndira <iha is celebrated in the Tamil month of 2hittirai, and the 'yarpa*ai (ayanar festi!al is celebrated in the month of Mar*ahi. Karti*ai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, <inaya*a 2haturthi, S*anda Sashti and (a!aratri are the other festi!als celebrated here. /0. +alla!aneeswaram This Si!a shetram is at the confluence of the ri!er 2au!eri with the Bay of Bengal near +oompuhaar. The presiding deity is +alla!aneswarar and the Ambal Soundara (aya*i. The sthala !ri*sham is Mullai and the Theertham Baana!i Theertham. Sambandar composed the +athigam. Kubera is belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a at this sthalam. There is also a separate shrine to Sambaapathi Amman, which is belie!ed to ha!e been worshipped by Madha!i and Manime*alai of the Sangam epics. +attinathaar, who is belie!ed to be reincarnation of Kubera, is worshipped during the festi!al celebrated in the Tamil month of Aaadi. (a!aratri and S*anda Sashti are the other festi!als celebrated here. //. Tiru!en*aadu This shrine is located near Sir*ahi. The presiding deity is <en*adar, Swetaraneswarar and Ambal +ann Moitta 'nmohiyaal, Brahma <udya (aya*i. The sthala !ri*sham is Aalamaram and the Theertham Surya Theertham. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that 'ndra, Aira!atam, Budhan, Surya and 2handra are said to ha!e worshipped here. Similar to the legend of Mar*andeya, a sage by name Sweta*etu is said to ha!e been sa!ed from the clutches of death by the grace of Shi!a here. 't is also belie!ed that Shi!a too* the fierce Aghoramurthy form, to !an3uish the demon Maruttu!an, who has misused the "soolam% gi!en as a boon by Si!a. Mei**andaar the author of Si!agnanabodham is said to ha!e been born by the grace of Swetaranyeswarar and there is a shrine to him on the ban*s of the Agni Theertham Si!a thanda!am festi!al as in 2hidambaram is celebrated here. /6. Keehai Tiru**aattuppalli This Si!astalam is located close to +oompuhaar. The presiding deity is Aranya Sundareswarar and the Ambal A*ilandanaya*i The Theertham is Amuda +oi*ai Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the De!as are said to ha!e prayed to Si!a to relie!e 'ndra of the sin of ha!ing slain the demon <riddirasuran. Brahma is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a by creating ten Si!alingams at this shetram. The annual festi!al is celebrated during the Tamil month of Thai. The design of the temple is such that it causes a sound resembling the wa!es of sea, heard in the Da*shinamurthy shrine. /D. Tiru**uru*aa!ur This Shi!astalam, also *nown as <elladai is located close to Sir*ali. The presiding deity is <elladaiyappar, ,atnangureswarar and the Ambl Kaa!iyan*anni> (eelotpala <isala*shi The Theertham is <el!idai Theertham. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <ishnu is said to ha!e ta*en the form of a white ,ishabham and prayed to Si!a, hence <el!idai, ,ishabapuram, and <ishnupuram. 't is also belie!ed that Si!a caused Kuberan to pro!ide a poor de!otee with a gift of gems hence the name ,atnan*ureswarar. Agni in the guise of a pigeon had tested King Sibi and to regain his original form, created a ri!er and offered its waters in prayer to Si!a, hence Kuru*a!ur. Si!a is also said to ha!e miraculously pro!ided Sundaramoorthy (ayanar with a meal of curds rice and hence this place is also called Daddiyonnapuram. Shi!aGs blessing Sundaramoorthy (ayanar is enacted on 2hitra +ournami, and his blessing Sambandar is enacted on Thai Ama!asai. S*anda Sashti is also celebrated here.
/C. Sir*ahi Sir*ahi is a highly re!ered shrine with 7/ @the most number of *nownA Te!ara +ati*ams and is located in the !icinity of <aitheeswaran Koil. 't is a center for Bhaira!a worship. The presiding deity is Thoniappar, Bhramapureeswarar, Sattanathar and the Ambal Tirunilainaya*i The Theertham is Bhrama Theertham Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that during the great deluge that submerged the earth, Si!a is said to ha!e carried the EC arts with him in a raft, in this shrine, hence the name Toniappar, and Tonipuram. Brahma is belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a here, hence the name Bhrammapureeswarar. Bhaira!ar or Sattainathar, who is said to ha!e 3uelled the arrogance of Tri!i*ramar, after his ha!ing shown his dominance o!er the three worlds, is worshipped here each Friday night. Sambandar as an infant is said to ha!e been fed with the mil* of wisdom by the di!ine mother +ar!ati on the ban*s of the temple tan*, -ust prior to the commencement of his authorship of the anthology of Te!aram hymns commencing with Todudaiya Se!iyan. This well maintained temple is under the administration of the Dharumapura Adhinam. This is a !ast temple comple: with three different Si!a Shrines. The Bhramapureeswarar shrine is housed in the lower le!el. The second le!el houses +eriyana*ar with +eriyanaya*i on a GThoniG and hence the name Thoniappar. SattainatharM<atu*anathar is also housed here. From the steps leading to the Toniappar and the <atu*anathar shrine, one can grasp the entire layout of this !ast temple and its towers and mandapams. There are 66 Theerthams associated with this shrine. Three different forms of Si!a are worshipped here, the Si!alingam @BhrammapureeswararA, a collossal image of )ma Maheswarar @ToniapparA at the upper le!el, and Bhaira!ar @SattanatharA again at the upper le!el. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of 2hittirai, where on the second day, the Tirugnanasambandar festi!al is celebrated.
/8. Tiru**ola**a The temple is also *nown as Taalam )daiyar Ko!il, located near Sir*ahi. The presiding deity is Shabdapureesar and the Ambal ;sai Kodutta (aya*i. The Theertham is Surya Theertham Sambandar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is belie!ed to ha!e been worshipped by Kan!a ,ishi at this place. Tirugnana Sambandar is said to ha!e recei!ed a pair of golden cymbals from Si!a, and +ar!ati 5 ;sai Kodutta (aya*i, in turn blessed the cymbals. The Tirumulaippaal )tsa!am in the Tamil month of 2hittirai, where an image of Tirugnanasambandar is brought here from Sir*ahi is the most important one. /E. +ulliru**u!elur @<aitheeswaran KoyilA This Si!astalam is a well5*nown shrine hailed as one of the nine (a!agraha Stalams, sacred to Angara*an. 't is located in close pro:imity to Sir*ahi. The presiding deity is <aidyanathar and the Ambal Thaiyal (aya*i, Balambi*a The sthala <ri*sham is <epa Maram and the Theertham Sidhamrita Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is considered to be the Di!ine Healer "<aidyanathar%. His consort Thaiyalnaaya*i is said to accompany him with a !essel containing medicinal oil. There is also a shrine dedicated to Dhanwantari here. The prasadam offered at this temple goes by the name Tiruchaandu )rundai and it is considered to cure many ailments. 't is made of ashes ta*en out of the homa *undam in front of the Subramanya shrine. ,ituals are performed where a mi:ture of earth and ashes from the homa*undam are shaped into pills and placed at the Thaiyalnaya*i shrine and distributed. ama )akshmana and the Saptarishis are also said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. 't is belie!ed that ,ama performed the last rites to Batayu here. The nectar with which the Sidhas worshipped Si!a is said to ha!e flown into the Sidhamrita Theertham. ,ig <edam @'ru**uA, Batayu @+ullA, Sambadi, the Surya @;orA and S*anda @<elA are said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here and hence the name +ulliru**u<elur. The (a!agrahams are in a single file. This temple is rich in legend and tradition. There are se!eral wor*s in Tamil dedicated to this shrine. 't was !isited by Tirugnanasambandar, Appar. ArunagirinatharGs Tiruppugah hymns also spea* of the glory of this shrine. So do the hymns of saints such as Kumaragurupara Swamigal and ,amalinga Adigalaar. +oems of Kaalamega +ula!ar and +adi**asu Tambiran also spea* of the glories of this shrine. The annual Brahmotsa!ams are celebrated in the Tamil months of +an*uni and Thai. ;ther festi!als celebrated here include S*anda Sashti. /7. Kannaar Ko!il This Si!astalam is located close to <aitheeswaran Koyil. The presiding deity is Kannayireswarar, Sahasranetreswarar and the Ambal Murugul!alar Kodaiyammai, Sugandha Kundalambi*a. The sthala <ri*sham is Sara**onrai and the Theertham is 'ndra Theertham. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the De!as prayed to Si!a to rid 'ndra of the curse of .owtama ,ishi who had cursed his body to be co!ered with a multitude of eyes, on account of his ha!ing decei!ed Ahalya. 't is also belie!ed that <ishnu as <amanar obtained the blessings of Si!a, prior to his setting out to MahabaliGs court and hence the name Kurumaani**udi. Festi!ities are obser!ed in the Tamil month of Kaarti*ai. /1. Tiru**adaimudi This Si!astalam is located near <aitheeswaran Koyil. The presiding deity is Kadaimudinathar and the Ambal Abhirama!alli The sthala <ri*sham is Kilu!ai and the Theertham Kadaimudi Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Brahma worshipped Si!a at this shetram. Arudra Darsanam is celebrated at this shetrm. /H. Tiruninriyur This Si!astalam is located close to Sir*ahi. The presiding deity is Mahala*shmeesar, +ari*eswarar and the Ambal )laga (aya*i, 9o*a (aya*i The Theertham is (eelamalarppoi*ai Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Bamadagni and +arasuramar are said to ha!e worshipped here. <ishnu and Mahala*shmi are also said to ha!e worshipped here, hence the name Mahala*shmeeswarar. 't is belie!ed that the 2hola *ingGs retinueGs lamps used to get put out upon crossing this temple. The sans*rit name here is <arthi (ir!apanapuram, which translates into Tiri5ninra!ur, -ibing with the legend associated with <eera 2holan. This temple is under the able administration of the Dharumapuram Adhinam. 60. Tiruppun*ur This Si!a shetram is located near <aideeswaran Ko!il. The presiding deity is Si!alo*anathar and the Ambal 2ho**a (aya*i, Soundara (aya*i The sthala !ri*sham is +un*amaram and the Theertham ,ishabha Theertham Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. Si!a is worshipped as a +rith!i 9ingam here. 9egend has it that 'ndra, Agasthyar, Bhrama, Surya and 2handra, +atan-ali and <yagrapadar and the <anaras who had gone in search of Sita @in the ,amayanaA are said to ha!e worshipped here. The (andi is said to ha!e mo!ed away from the shrine to pro!ide a !ision of Shi!a to (andanar. Sundarar is said to ha!e miraculously caused it to rain to pro!ide much needed relief from a prolonged drought upon being re3uested by Kali**aama (aayanar of Tirupperumangala**udi, a !illage nearby. The well5*nown legend of Agastyar being blessed with a !ision of Si!aGs marriage with +ar!ati is also associated with this temple. A +anchamu*ha lingam, representing Shi!aGs appearance before Brahma is seen under the stala!ri*sham in the +ra*aram. 't is belie!ed that after their defeat the two of the three !ain asuras of the Tri5+urams became dwarapala*as and other became (atara-aGs drummer at this shetram. Si!aratri is celebrated on a grand scale at this shetram. 6/. Tiruneedur This Shi!astalam is located at a distance of / *m from the (eedur railway station near, Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is Arulsomanathar, Somanathar and the Ambal <eyurutoliammai, Adityapradambi*a. The sthala !ri*sham is Magihamaram @Ba*ulaA and the Theertham Sen*ahuneerodai Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that 'ndra, Surya, 2handra and Kaali are said to ha!e worshipped here. 'ndra is belie!ed to ha!e fashioned a Si!alingam out of earth from the ban*s of 2au!eri ri!er. Si!a is also *nown as Kar*ateswarar and this name comes from the belief that a crab had offered worship to Si!a. (eedur is also *nown as <a*ularanyam, Ma*ilaranyam and Magiha!anam. There is an imposing shrine to Bhadra*ali 5 Aalaalasundari and Surya here. ;n Sundays special worship is being conducted to Sun .od in the shrine located in the temple. (eedur has been mentioned in ancient Sangam literature @A*anaanooruA, and Sundarar and Appar ha!e described its richness and natural wealth. 't is belie!ed that this shrine will remain indestructible through the great deluge, hence (eedur. 66. Tiru Anniyur This Shi!astalam is located close to Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is Aabatsa*ayeswarar and the Ambal +eriya (aya*i. The sthala !ri*sham is 9emon tree and the Theertham <aruna Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Manmathan is belie!ed to ha!e restored bac* his physical form when his wife ,athi, worshipped Si!a at this shetram. Si!a is also said to ha!e gi!en darsan to Agni under the lemon tree, which is the sthala !ri*sham here, and hence the deity is also called <ri*charanyeswarar. The +anda!as are also belie!ed to ha!e !isited this shrine. Si!a is said to ha!e blessed Harischandra here, and hence the name Aabatsa*ayeswarar. The sunGs rays illuminate the sanctum for fi!e days from the 6Cth day of the Tamil month of +anguni and hence this shrine is referred to as a Bhas*arastalam. 6D. Tiru!el!i**udi This is a small temple located close to Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is Kalyanasundareswarar and the Ambal +arimalasugandha (aya*i The Theertham is Mangala Theertham Sambandar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e blessed the marriage ceremony of a de!out prince here, hence the name Kalyanasundareswarar. Shi!a is said to ha!e married +ar!ati here *eeping his promise to her @Sonna!aarari!aarA. Arudra Darisanam and Si!aratri are celebrated here. 6C. &dir*olpaadi This shrine is also referred to as Melaittirumanancheri and is located close to Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is Aira!ateswarar and the Ambal Malar*uhal Maadammai. Sundarar composed the +athigam. +ar!ati is said to ha!e been born as a daughter to Bharata Muni, and Si!a as the bride groom is said to ha!e been recei!ed here by Bharata Muni, hence the name &dir*olpaadi. Besides Si!aratri, +ar!athi Tiru*alyanam is celebrated at this shetram. 68. Tirumanancheri This shrine is located close to Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is Arul <allal, Kalyanasundareswarar and the Ambal Kuyilin Menmohiammai, Ko*ilaambaal The sthala !ri*sham is <anni and the Theertham Samudra Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that +ar!ati is said to ha!e e:pressed her desire to Si!a to ha!e the e:perience of an earthly wedding> Si!a obliged to the proposal and so she was reborn as the daughter of Bharata Muni. Si!a emerged from the lingam at Tirutturutti. Bharata Muni approached Si!a and as*ed for his hand in marriage to +ar!ati and was married to Si!a at this shetram, hence the name Tirumanancheri, and the 9ord Kalyanasundareswarar. +arents desirous of celebrating the marriage of their children throng to this temple and worship the presiding deity. The Tiru**alyanam is celebrated in the Tamil month of 2hittirai> Karti*ai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam and (a!aratri are also celebrated here. 6E. Tiru**uru**ai This is one of the eight <eeratta sthalams located near Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is <eeratteswarar and the Ambal .nanambi*a The sthala !ri*sham is Kadu**ai and the Theertham Trishula .anga Appar composed the +athigam Tiru**uru**ai is associated here with the destruction of Manmathan by Si!a Si!a is said to ha!e been in a state of meditation under the Kadu**ai tree after the destruction of the !ain Da*shaGs yaagam, hence the name #ogeeswarar. The +aha!aaru ri!er to the north of this town is *nown as .naana Theertham, as it is belie!ed that the tears of -oy that flowed out of Si!a in a state of meditation merged with this ri!er. A rishi by name Deerga!ahu performed the ritual of !isiting se!eral Sai!ite shrines, and in!o*ing the ri!er .anges through his #ogic powers offered the waters to Si!a. 't is said that his arms got shrun* as he did the same at this sthalam, hence Tiru**uru**ai. The annual brahmotsa!am festi!al is conducted during the Tamil month of Masi. The slaying of Kama is enacted on Masi Magham. 67. Karuppariyalur This Shi!astalam is located close to Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is Kutram +orutta (atheswarar, Aparadha Kshameswarar and the Ambal *ol!alainaya*i, <ichitra Balambi*a The sthala !ri*sham is Ko*utimullai and the Theertham 'ndra Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that 'ndra the *ing of De!as is said to ha!e attac*ed Si!a with his <a-rayutham and Si!a is said to ha!e forgi!en him for his hasty act of aggression, hence the name Aparadha Kshameswarar @and Karmanaasapuram for this Shi!astalamA. <asishta Muni is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a upon the ad!ice of Brahma. Hanuman is also belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. 't is belie!ed that acts of goodness committed at this shetram, multiply manifold. Si!aratri is celebrated in a grand scale. 61. Kura**u**a This Si!astalam is located near <aideeswaran Koyil. The presiding deity is Kuntaleswarar and the Ambl Kuntalalambi*a Appar composed the +athigam. This temple is !ery closely associated with Karuppariyalur temple nearby, where Hanuman is belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a see*ing pardon for the offence of ha!ing tried to uproot the Si!alingam at ,ameswaram. Si!a is said to ha!e blessed Hanuman at Karuppariyalur, and Hanuman is belie!ed to ha!e built a temple for Si!a at Kura**u**a. 't is said that e!en now, during the Tamil months of 2hittirai and <ai*asi a pac* of mon*eys enter the sanctum and ma*e offerings of flowers to the deity. Si!aratri is celebrated in this temple. 6H. Tiru!aal*oliputrur
This Si!a sthalam is located close to Mayiladuturai. This place is also *nown as <aal*oliputrur, <aaloliputrur or Tiru!aalapputrur, Durgaputtur. The presiding deity is Mani**a <annar and the Ambal <andaar +oon*uhali,Bhramara*undalambi*a The sthala !ri*sham is <aagai Maram and the Theertham Bhrama Theertham Sambandar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the +anda!as and Draupadi worshipped Si!a here. .oddess Durga is said to ha!e slain Mahishasuran at Kadaattalaimedu nearby. 't is also belie!ed that the serpent <asu*i is said to ha!e resided in a sna*e hill 4 +utru, and worshipped Si!a here. Si!a is said to ha!e blessed Ar-una and re!ealed His Self. Durga is being worshipped first, in this temple. The (a!agrahams are notably absent in this shrine. The annual Brahmotsa!am festi!al is celebrated in the Tamil month of <ai*asi. ;ther festi!als celebrated here include Karti*ai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, +an*uni )thram, Aa!ani Moolam, Aadi +ooram, (a!aratri, <inaya*a 2haturti and S*anda Sashti. D0. Tirumannippadi**arai This Si!astalam is also *nown as Tiruppahamanni paddi**arai and is located at a distance of 60 *m from Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is (eela*antar and the Ambal Amrita!alli The sthala !ri*sham is 'luppai Maram and the Theertham Brahma Theertham Appar composed +athigam on this shetram. This shrine is also associated with characters from the Mahabharatam. #udhishtra worshiped (eela*antar, and Ar-una worshiped +adi**arai (aya*ar. Duryodhana is said to ha!e poisoned the Brahma Theertham and Si!a is said to ha!e con!erted the poison into celestial nectar. The Brahma Theertham is also *nown as Amrita Theertham or (achchuppoi*ai. Si!aratri is celebrated in this shetram. D/. ;mampuliyur This shrine is located at a distance of /1*m from Kutralam on the Mayiladuturai Kumbha*onam railroad. The presiding deity is Tuyartheerthanathar, +rana!apureeswarar and the Ambal +oon*odinaya*i, +ushpalalitambi*a The sthala !ri*sham is 'landai and the Theertham Kollidam Sambandar composed the +athigam. Si!a as Da*shinamurthy is said to ha!e re!ealed the +rana!a )padesam to +ar!ati, and hence the name +rana!a!yagrapuram. <yagrapadar 5 the saint with tigerGs claws and feet 5 is said to ha!e worshipped here. Thai +oosam, Maasi Magam, (a!aratri and Si!aratri are the annual festi!als celebrated here. D6. Tiru**aanaattumullur This is a Si!astalam located in the !icinity of ;maampuliyur, near Mayiladuthurai. The presiding deity is +atan-ali (athar and the Ambal Kaanaar Kuhali. The sthala !ri*sham is Atthi Maram and the Theertham Surya +ush*arini Sundarar composed the +athigam. +atan-ali Muni!ar is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here and this shrine is also *nown as Madhoo*a!anam. <ai*asi <isa*am and Arudra Darisanam are the festi!als celebrated here. DD. Tirunaarayur This shrine located close to Mayiladuthurai is associated with +ollaappillayar 5 who is connected with the legend regarding the reco!ery of the Tirumurais from the 2hidambaram temple by ,a-ara-a 2holan and (ambiyaandaar (ambi. The presiding deity is Soundareswarar and the Ambal Tripurasundari The sthala !ri*sham is +unnaga Maram and the Theertham Karunya Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that a (aarai @stor*A, Surya and others are belie!ed to ha!e worshipped here. +ollaappillaiyaar @formerly +ollaappillaiyaar 5 one untouched by a chiselA is said to ha!e aided the monarch and the de!otee in reco!ering the "Tirumurais% hidden in a !ault in the 2hidambaram Temple To (ambiyaandaar (ambi goes the credit of compiling and classifying this colossal collection. He compiled the wor*s of the D saints into the /st through 7th Tirumurais> Mani**a!aca*arGs Tiru!aca*am and Tiru**o!aiyar into the 1th. He included Tiru!isaippaa and Tiruppallaandu in the Hth and TirumoolarGs Tirumantiram in the /0th. Tirumu*happaasurm and other wor*s were included in the //th Tirumurai. $ith the aid of a descendant of (ila*anta #aahpaanar he assigned and fitted +anns to the Te!aram Hymns. The (ambiandar (ambi festi!al conducted during the Tamil month of <ai*asi and sponsored by the Tiruppanandal Matham witnesses the chanting of the Tirumurais. ;ther festi!als include (a!aratri and S*anda Sashti. 'mages of ,a-ara-a 2hola and (ambiyaandaar (ambi adorn this temple. DC. Kadambur This Si!astalam 5 a !eritable art gallery of the /6th century and a uni3ue graceful monument of Dra!idian art 4 is located close to Kattumannargudi, and near 2hidambaram. The presiding deity is Amritaghateswarar and the ambal Byotiminnammai. Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that 'ndra is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here, to obtain the celestial nectar Amritam and the temple is also *nown as Kara**o!il. This temple is built in the shape of a chariot on wheels, two on each side, drawn by caprisoned horses in a prancing posture, depicting a hea!enly chariot ha!ing come down to the earth with Si!a as its occupant. There are also series of sculptures of the rishis and the .ods who are belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a here, and interestingly there are labels in /6th century Tamil and in .rantha characters gi!ing the names of each of these figures. Si!aratri is celebrated here on a grand scale. D8. +andanainallur This Si!astalam also *nown as Konrai!anam, Bhanupuram and Ten*ayilai, is located near 2hidambaram. The presiding deity is +asupateeswarar and the Ambal <eyurutoli Ammai, <enubhu-ambi*a. The sthala !ri*sham is Sara**onrai and the Theertham Kadhir +ush*arini Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a upon being angered by +ar!atiGs indifference to him in the middle of a ball game with 9a*shmi and Saraswati, cursed her to turn the form of a cow. She was relie!ed of this curse upon offering worship here, with Murugar as a calf. Kamadhenu, 'ndra and <aali are also said to ha!e worshipped here. The (a!agrahams are seen enshrined in a straight line here, unli*e in other temples. There is also the 2hitrambalam shrine nearby housing (atanapureeswarar and Soundarambi*ai The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of Maasi. DE. Kan-anoor This Si!astalam is located in a 3uiet hamlet in the !icinity of Tiru!aa!aduturai, and close to *uryanar Koyil and this shrine is also referred to as +alaasa!anam, Bhrammapuri and Agnistalam. The presiding deity is Agneeswarar and the Ambal Karpagambal Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Brahma is said to ha!e been blessed with a !ision of Si!aGs marriage with +ar!ati here. Agni is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here, hence the name Agneeswarar. 9egend also has it that Si!a blessed +araasara muni with a !ision of the cosmic dance 5 Mu*ti tanda!am. Associated with Su*ran this is one of the nine Shi!a temples in the Than-a!ur area lin*ed with the (a!agrahams. 't is belie!ed that Haradatta Si!acharyar, a <aishna!ite who was originally *nown as Sudarshanar, is said to ha!e undergone ordeals to pro!e the tenacity of his de!otion for Si!a to the fellow <aishna!ites, and images depicting legends related to Haradatta Si!acharyar are seen in this temple. A festi!al commemorating Haradatta Si!acharyar is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai each year. Mahasi!aratri, Arudra Darisanam, (a!aratri and Aadi +ooram are celebrated here. D7. Tiru**odi**a This Si!astalam is near 2hidambaram and all of the multitudes of .ods @KotiA are said to ha!e worshipped at this shrine beautified by countless gardens @*a!uA, hence Koti**a The presiding deity is Kodi**a &swarar, Tiru*oteeswarar and the Ambal <adi!ambi*ai The Theertham is Mu**oti Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e escorted a de!otee Haradatta to Kan-anur nearby, and mysteriously disappeared. <asishtar is said to ha!e installed an image of .anapati fashioned out of earth. 't is also belie!ed that the Ahwars were as*ed by <en*atachalapathi of Tirupati to worship Tripurasundari here before offering worship at Tirupati. Agasthyar is said to ha!e helped them cross the 2au!eri ri!er, which was in spate. Tripurasundari Amman is then said to ha!e blessed them with a !ision of <en*atachalapati Arudra Darisanam, Karti*ai Deepam, (a!aratri, Si!aratri, 2hitra +ournami, Si!aratri, Aadi +ooram and <inaya*a 2haturthi are the festi!als celebrated here. D1. Tirumangala**udi This Si!astalam is located in the !icinity of Suryanaar Koyil near Kumbha*onam. 't is belie!ed that this temple should be !isited first before proceding to Suryanar Ko!il enshrining the (a!a .rahams. The presiding deity is +rananatheswarar and the Ambal Mangalambi*a The sthala !ri*sham is 'la!a Maram and the Theertham Mangala Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that +ar!ati is said to ha!e been relie!ed of a curse @wherein she had assumed the form of a parrotA> this incident and the di!ine marriage are belie!ed to ha!e happened on Ma*ara San*aranti at this shetram 5 hence Mangala Kshetram. +anguni )thiram, Arudra Darisanam, +adinettaam +eru**u, <inaya*a 2haturthi, (a!aratri, Aadi +ooram and S*anda Sashti are the festi!als celebrated here. DH. Tiruppanantaal This Si!astalam located near Kumba*onam is an )padesa Stalam with Shi!a facing $est and Ambal facing &ast. The presiding deity is Senchadaiyappar, Aruna-ateswarar and the Ambal +eriyanaya*i, Taala!aneswari The sthala !ri*sham is +anai and the Theertham Bhrama Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. ;f the 678 Shi!astalams si: shrines are associated with +anai maram @+alm TreeA. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e bent forward to allow an an:ious de!otee Tata*ai to adorn him with a garland. Kungiliya**alaya (ayanar is said to ha!e straightened the tilted Shi!alingam by !irtue of his ardent de!otion to the deity The fact that this is an )padesa Stalam renders significance to this shrine. This shrine is under the administration of the Dharumapura Adhinam. C0. Tiru!aappaadi This Srine is located near Kumbha*onam. This temple is said to ha!e been located on the ban*s of the Manniyaru before it changed its course. Se!eral natural springs are seen in the temple during the monsoon months. The presiding deity is +aalugandeeswarar, Ksheerapurinathar and the Ambal +eriya (aya*i, Brihannaya*i The sthala !ri*sham is Athi and the Theertham Ksheera*undam Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that 2handi*eswarar created a Si!alingam of earth and offered worship here. There are two shrines to Si!a, one under the Stala <ru*sham and the other in the sanctum. This temple is associated with the familiar legend of a cow offering mil* on its own accord, to a Swayambu lingam. The name Aappaadi arises from the fact that 2handi*eswarar was graing a herd of cows here. (a!aratri is calebrated annually. C/. Tirucheignalur This Si!astalam is located at Senganoor near Kumba*onam and is said to be the birthplace of 2handesar 5 the foremost of Shi!aGs de!otees The presiding deity is Satyagireesar and the Ambal Thohiyahi, Sa*thi De!i The Theertham is Manni (adhi Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a was worshipped here by Subramanya and was blessed with a +aasupatastram before he proceeded to !an3uish Soorapadman. Harischandra and se!eral families associated with King Sibi are said to ha!e li!ed here. (a!aratri is celebrated in this shetram. C6. Tirundude!an*udi This Si!asthalam is located at Tiru!isalur near Kumba*onam. The presiding deity is Kar*ateswarar, Arumarundu De!ar and the Ambal Arumarundu (aya*i> Ara!inda (aya*i The Theertham is +an*a-a Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egends has it that a crab has worshipped Si!a at this shetram and that is the reason for the deity being called Kar*ateswarar, and the image of a golden crab can be seen on the Si!alingam during the ablution rituals. Si!a is said to ha!e in the guise of an elderly person, relie!ed a de!out King of his painful affliction> and said to ha!e directed him to the spot where the Si!alingam is now installed. He is also said to ha!e promised to re!eal to him medicines for other afflictions, hence the name Arumarundu De!ar, the 9ord of Medicine and Healing. 't is belie!ed that the !egetation co!ering the temple is of high medicinal !alue. CD. Tiru!iyalur This Si!astalam is located close to Tiru!idaimarudur. The presiding deity is Si!ayoginathar, #oganandeswarar and the AmbalShantha(aya*i>Soundaranaya*i The sthala !ri*sham is Arasa maram and the Theertham Batayu Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Brahma is said to ha!e ta*en the form of a mortal, worshipped and merged with Si!a here. 't is belie!ed that Agasthyar worships Si!a during Si!aratri. . <il!am, <anni, +unnai, Magihamaram, Aalamaram, (elli, Arasamaram are the trees found in this temple. Si!aratri is celebrated on a grand scale. CC. Kottaiyur Kottiyur is located near Kumba*onam and is also *nown as <il!aranyam and Harendrapuram. This temple is also *nown as Kodeeswaram. The presiding deity is Koteeswarar and the Ambal +andaadiammai, Kadu*a Kredambi*a Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the Si!alingam here is said to ha!e emerged from a castor seed, hence Kottaiyur. The Si!alingam is belie!ed to be composed of se!eral lingams, and hence called Koteeswarar. Atreya rishi performed penances here. .ood deeds committed at this shetram are said to multiply se!eral folds in !alue. <inaya*ar here is Koti!inaya*ar. .anesh 2haturthi is an important festi!al. C8. 'nnambar This Si!astalam is located close to Kumba*onam. The presiding deity is &huttarinatheswarar and the Ambal (itya*alyani The sthala !ri*sham is +alaamaram Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e re!ealed the grammar of Tamil language to Agasthyar at this place. Aira!atam the mythological elephant is also said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. The entrance to the sanctum and the Si!alingam are huge and the (atara-ar image is of great wor*manship. (itya*alyani Amman is situated to the right of Si!a, while there is a separate shrine for Sugandha Kundalambal in the outer pra*aram. (itya*alyani AmmanGs shrine located close to Si!aGs shrine is said to represent the Kalyana**olam of Si!a. Si!aratri is celebatrated in this shetram. CE. Tiruppurampayam This Si!astalam is located near Tiru!aiyaru, and is said to be one of 6C shrines special to Da*shinamurthy and is surrounded by Manniyaru, Kollidam and the 2au!eri. The presiding deity is +unnai!ana (athar, Saa*shi (athar and the Ambal Karumpadu Solli The sthala !ri*sham is +unnai and the Theertham Saptasagara Theertham Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Brahma is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. 't is belie!ed that this shrine sur!i!ed the great deluge, and hence the name +urampayam @+uram5outsideA came into being. The <inaya*ar at this shrine is referred to as +ralaya Kaala <inaya*ar. 't is belie!ed that Sambandar caused miracles to happen at this shrine. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of Maasi and the annual <inaya*ar festi!al is obser!ed in the Tamil month of A!ani. Karti*ai Deepam, Arudra Darsanam, <ishu, Aadipooram, (a!aratri, S*anda Sashti and Taippoosam are celebrated here. C7. <i-ayamangai This Si!astalam is located in the !icinity of Tiru!ai*a!ur near Kumba*onam. The presiding deity is <i-ayanathar, .anga-ateswarar and the Ambal Mangai (aya*i The sthala !ri*sham is +urasu Maram and the Theertham Ar-una Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that a cow worshipped Si!a and Ar-una is said to ha!e obtained the +asupatastram after se!ere penances towards Si!a here, hence the name <i-ayamangai. (andi is also said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. 't is belie!ed that when Sambandar arri!ed here, the Kollidam ri!er was in spate, which forced him to compose his +athigam from across the ri!er. The annual Brahmotsa!am falls in the Tamil month of 2hittirai. ;ther festi!als celebrated here are Margahi Tiru!adirai, (a!aratri, Karti*ai Deepam and Aadi +ooram. C1. Tiru!ai*a!ur This Si!astalam is located in pro:imity to Tiruppurampayam, near Kumba*onam. The presiding deity is <il!a!ananthar and the Ambal <alai**ai (aya*i, Sar!a-ana ,a*sha*i The sthala !ri*sham is !il!am and the Theertham Brahma Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the Sapta Matas are said to ha!e worshipped Da*shinamurthy here. There is also an image of <eenadhara Da*shinamurthy here. The <edas in the form of <il!a lea!es are also said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. There are no regular Dwarapala*as here, as according to legend they were sent to protect a de!out hunter who worshipped Si!a with !il!a lea!es. Brahma and <ishnu are belie!ed to ha!e acted as Dwarapala*as in their absence, and there are festi!al images for both. The (andi faces the entrance portraying his attempt to subdue #ama who had come to bring the hunterGs life to an end. Si!aratri is celebrated here in great splendor.
CH. Kurangaaduturai This Si!a shetram is located near Tiru!aiyaru. There are two shrines Then Kurangaaduturai @AaduturaiA and <ada Kurangaaduturai, because of their location on the (orth and Southern sides of the ri!er 2au!ery, where Sugree!an and <aali are belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a. The presiding deity is Ahagu Sadaimudinaathar, Dayanideeswarar and the Ambal Ahagu Sadaimudiammai, Bata Ma*utanaya*i The sthala !ri*sham is 2oconut and the Theertham 2au!eri Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <aali is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here at <ada Kurangaaduturai and Sugree!a at Then Kurangaaduthurai. A sparrow is also said to ha!e worshipped here. Hanuman who is said to ha!e lost his tail at ,ameswaram while trying to uproot the Si!a lingam regained it here. Dayaniteeswarar or Kulai!anangu (aathar is said to ha!e come to the aid of a thirsty de!otee in causing a coconut tree to bend down and to pro!ide her with tender coconut Si!arathri and Arudra Darsanam are celebrated here. 80. Tiruppahanam This Si!a sthalam is located near Tan-a!ur and is one the se!en Saptastanams of Tiru!aiyaru and is *nown as +rayanapuri in Sans*rit. The presiding deity is Aabatsahayar and the Ambal +eriyanaya*i. The sthala !ri*sham is <aahaimaram. Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the moon is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a. The Saptastana festi!al here, where festi!al images of Si!a from Tiru!aiyaru are ta*en in procession to each of the se!en Saptastana temples and is of great significance 8/. Tiru!aiyaru This Si!a sthalam is located near Tan-a!ur. Known as Da*shina Kailasam, this is a Sai!ite shrine of great significance. The presiding deity is Aiyaarappar, +anchanadeeswarar and the Ambal Aram <alartta (aya*i, Dharma Sam!ardhini The sthala !ri*sham is <il!am and the Theertham 2au!ery Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the Ambal is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a with two measures of grains. Si!a, in the form of a column of light, redeemed a de!otee by name Sucharitan from untimely death. Agasthyar is said to ha!e obtained his dwarfed physical stature here. $hile Appar was on his tre* to Kailasam a di!ine inter!ention is said to ha!e miraculously transported him to Tiru!aiyaru the e3ui!alent of Kailasam. This incident is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aadi. Tiru!aiyaru is *nown more for the samadhi of one of the foremost composers of 2arnatic Music, Saint Tyagara-a. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of 2hittirai, and the float festi!al is celebrated on Aa!ani Moolam, while the Appar festi!al is celebrated in the month of Aadi.
86. Tiruneittanam This Shi!astalam is located to the west of Tiru!aiyaru. The presiding deity is (eyyadiappar and the Ambal <aalambi*ai, Balambi*a The Theertham is 2au!eri Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Saraswati worshipped at this shrine. 9egend also has it that Kamadhenu and .owtama muni worshipped Si!a here. Da*shinamurthy is portrayed in a standing posture in this shetram. The Saptastana festi!al here, where festi!al images of Shi!a from Tiru!aiyaru are ta*en in procession to each of the se!en Saptastana temples is of great significance. 8D. Thirupperumpuliyur This Si!astalam is located close to Than-a!ur. The presiding deity is <yagrapureeswarar and the Ambal Soundara (aya*i The Theertham is Kollidam Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <yagrapadar 5 the saint with tigerGs claws and feet 5 is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a at this shetram. Si!aratri is celebrated on a large scale. 8C. Tirumahapadi This Si!a shetram is located near Tiru!aiyar. The presiding deity is Mahu!aadeesar, <a-rastampeswarar and the Ambal Ahagammai The Theertham is Kollidum. Appar, Sundarar and Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a performed Taanda!am with the Mahu!aayudam @hence MahapadiA for Mar*andeyar. +urushamriga Muni!ar is said to ha!e established a shrine for Shi!a, and Brahma tried in !ain to remo!e the same, and hence referred to as <a-rastamba Murthi. Brahmotsa!am is celebrated during the Tamil month of Masi. (andiGs marriage with Suyahambi*ai is celebrated in the month of +an*uni 88. Tiruppahu!ur@AalanturaiA This si!a sthalam is located nearAriyalur The presiding deity is Aalanturaiyeesar, <adamoolesar and the Ambal Arunta!anaya*i. The sthala !ri*sham is Aalamaram and the Theertham Kollidam. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that +ar!ati is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here prior to marrying him. +arasuramar is said to ha!e prayed here and is also said to ha!e made arrangements for the up*eep of religious ser!ices here. There is an image of +arasuramar in this shrine. SambandarGs hymns refer to the fact that priests from Kerala were engaged in carrying out worship ser!ices here during his time. The word +ahu refers to the stala !ri*sham Aalamaram here. The stala !ri*sham being Aalamaram the presiding deity here is Aalanturaiyeesar or its e3ui!alent <atamoolesar or <atatheerthanathar in Sans*rit. The sculpture of Anantasayana o!er the gateway of the Ardhamandapam is popularly belie!ed to represent +arasuramar engaged in penance after ha!ing *illed his mother, in response to his fatherGs command. Margahi Tiru!adirai, Aippasi +ournami and Karti*ai Deepam are the fesit!als celebrated here. 8E. Tiru**aanoor This shrine located near Tan-a!ur was buried underground and was e:ca!ated only during the last century. The presiding deity is Semmeninatheswarar and the Ambal Si!ayoganaya*i The Theertham is <eda Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e appeared as a column of fire before +ar!ati in answer to her prayers, hence the name Semmeninaathar. Si!a is also *nown as Arumbeswarar and Kaanoor Mulai. +arasuramar is also belie!ed to ha!e worshipped at this shrine. The sunGs rays illuminate the sanctum during the Tamil month of 2hittirai for a period of D days. Si!aratri and Arudra darsanam is being celebrated here. 87. Anbilalanturai This Si!astalam is located near 9algudi. The presiding deity is Satya!ageeswarar and the Ambal Soundara (aya*i The sthala !ri*sham is Aalamaram and the Theertham .ayatri Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Brahma from Satyalo*a and <aageesamuni worshipped here, hence the name Satya!ageeswarar or Brahmapureeswarar. 't is belie!ed that Sambandar sang the praises of Anbil, from across the Kollidam ri!er which was in spate, and that .anapati leaned forward to hear it and hence .anapathi in this she tram is called Se!i Saitha <inaya*ar. Si!aratri is celebrated in a grand scale. 81. Tirumaanturai This shrine is located near 9algudi. The presiding deity is Maanturaiappar, Amra!aneswarar and the Ambal Ahagammai> Balambal The sthala !ri*sham is Maamaram and the Theertham .ayatri (adi. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Surya, 2handra, Kan!ar and <ishnu are said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. Mri*andu Muni!ar @father of Mar*andeyaA and a deer are said to ha!e worshipped Si!a under a mango tree, and this legend is illustrated in the stucco in the temple. 'ndra is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a to absol!e himself of the sin of ha!ing decei!ed A*alya, the wife of .owtama ,ishi. Besides Si!aratri Arudra Darsanam is celebrated here. 8H. Tirupaatrurai This Si!astalam is located near Tiru!erumbur, and Tiruchirappalli. The presiding deity is Aadi Mudal!ar, Moolanathar and the Ambal Moga (aya*i, Me*alambi*ai. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Mar*andeya worshipped here, and Si!a obliged him by causing enormous 3uantities of mil* to materialie for his daily worship ser!ices. This small temple celebrates (a!aratri in the month of +urattasi and Arudra Darisanam in Margahi. . E0. Tiru Aanai**aa This well !isited Si!astalam is located in the !icinity of Tiruchirappalli and Srirangam This is one of the most re!ered temples to Si!a> and it is also one of the +anchabhoota Stalams signifying the element of water. The presiding deity is Bambulingam, Bambu*eswarar and the Ambal A*hilandeswari The sthala !ri*sham is (aa!al and the Theertham 2au!eri Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. As per the legend Si!a is said to ha!e appeared under one of the Bambu trees as a Shi!a 9ingam. 't is also belie!ed that two de!otees of Si!a were born under the influence of a curse as a white elephant and a spider. The elephant worshipped Shi!a with flowers and water brought in its trun* and hence the name Tiru Aanai**a. The spider also worshipped the 9ingam by spinning a web on top, to protect it from the falling lea!es. Since the elephantJs worship would destroy the spiderJs web, and the spiderJs web amounted to desecration in the eyes of the elephant, this lead to animosity between the two of such proportion that a fight between them resulted in the death of both. Both of them were reborn as staunch de!otees of Si!a. There is a continuous flow of water out of a spring in the sanctum. The stala !ri*sham is said to ha!e grown out of a muni!ar, who offered his worship to Si!a and A*hilandeswari. Adi San*ara is said to ha!e !isited the A*hilandeswari shrine, and is said to ha!e adorned her with earrings bearing the symbol of the cha*ram. The annual festi!als here include the +an*uni Brahmotsa!am, <asanta )tsa!am, and the float festi!al in the Tamil month of Thai, Aadi +ooram and the +ancha +ra*ara festi!al. E/. Tiruppainneeli This Si!astalam is located close to Tiruchirapalli and is one of the Saptastanam Temples of Tiru!anai**a!al. Shi!a here is referred to as Aranya <itan*ar. The presiding deity is (eeli!ananathar, (eela*antar and the Ambal <isala*shi The sthala !ri*sham is <aahai and the Theertham <ishala +ush*arini Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e blessed <asishtar with a !ision of the cosmic dance and the dance hall here is *nown as ,atna Sabha. Si!a is said to ha!e blessed Tiruna!u**arasar who arri!ed from Tirupachilasramam after a sumptuous meal on a banana leaf @+ainneeli 5 <aahaiA. Hence the name Tiruppainneeli. After Si!a !an3uished the powers of #ama at Tiru**ada!ur to sa!e Mar*andeyan, #ama is belie!ed to ha!e gained bac* his power of control o!er mortal souls, on worshipping Si!a at this shetram. Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of 2hittirai. E6. Tiruppachilaasramam This Si!astalam is located on the ban*s of the Kollidam ri!er near Tiruchi. The presiding deity is Maatrari!aalar, Saamee!aneswarar and the Ambal Angilamangai, Balasundari The sthala !ri*sham is <anni and the Theertham Brahma Theertham Sambandar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. Si!a is said to ha!e presented Sundarar with thousand copper coins upon hearing eight of his hymns. 9ater upon hearing another four, Si!a is said to ha!e prayed to <ishnu to turn them into gold. The Tapana mandapam is said to be the place where Sh!a is belie!ed to ha!e blessed Sundarar with gold. Sambandar is said to ha!e relie!ed the daughter of a de!otee, Kolli Maha!an of the Muyala*an disease. Si!aratri is celebrated at this shetram. ED. Tiru!eengoimalai This temple is located at Kulittalai in the !icinity of Tiruchirappalli The presiding deity is Maragathachaleswarar and the Ambal Maragatha!alli Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Agasthyar assumed the form of a housefly to fly past the thousands of waiting de!otees, to worship Si!a. Hence the name &engoimalai. The temple has been designed in such a manner that the sunGs rays fall on the Maragata lingam on Si!aratri, when it is found that the lingam emits different hues of colour. During Thai +oosam, the festi!al image of the deity is ta*en across the 2au!eri to Kadambathurai. ;ther festi!als are Arudra Darisanam, and Aadi +eru**u. 2hola (aadu 5 South of Ka!eri @/61 TemplesA /. <aatpo**i This Si!astalam is located at ,atnagiri near Kulittalai, by road from Tiruchirappalli. The presiding deity is <atpo**inathar, ,atnagireeswarar, and the Ambal is Hara!at*eswari. Appar composed the +athigam on this shetram. The ,atnagireeeswarar temple is built on a hilloc* reached by a flight of /000 steps while the Si!apureeswarar temple is at ground le!el. The idols of Si!a and Ambal face each other in the )padesa posture. A legend has it that 'ndra, Surya, Adi Sesha, Durga, Agasthya Muni and the Sapta Matas ha!e worshipped the presiding deity at this shetram. 't is also belie!ed that this hill temple is being worshipped by lightning once in /6 years 't is considered to be of significance to !isit the temples at Kadambar Ko!il, &engoi Malai and ,atnagiri @located close byA on the same day. ;n "Arudra Darisanam%day in Margahi, 9ord (atara-a is ta*en in procession on a decorated chariot. The deity is ta*en to Kadambanturai on Tai poosam day with the con!ergence of deities from se!eral temples, close by. The procession of the deity on a horse mount, during +anguni attracts large crowd of pilgrims from the surrounding !illages. 6. Kadambar Ko!il This Si!astalam is located at Kulittalai by road from Tiruchirappalli, is considered to be one of the fi!e5*adamba shrines. The presiding deity is Kadamba!ananthar, Anantheswarar and the Ambal Mutrilamulaiammai, Abhirami. The sthala !ri*sham is Kadambamaram and the Theertham is 2au!eri. Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Brahma is said to ha!e conducted the chariot festi!al here, and <ishnu is said to ha!e prayed to Si!a prior to reco!ering the <edas from Somasran. Hence the shetram is also called Brahmapuram and 2hatur!edapuri. A fine car!ing of the Saptamatas are engra!ed in the sanctum behind the Si!alingam. Muthuswamy Dee*shitarGs Kriti !eelaantham 8ha"e sings the glory of this shrine. The annual Brahmotsa!am is being celebrated during the Tamil month Masi. During Taipoosam, deities from nearby temples of Kattupathur, Si!ayam, &engoimalai, Musiri, <ellur and ,a-endram are brought in a grand procession to this shetram. D. Tirupparaaitturai This shetram is located at Tirupparaaitturai, close to Tiruchirapalli, on the ban*s of the A*handa Ka!eri considered to be the widest point in the course of the ri!er. This shrine is also *nown as ,a-agambiranallur. The presiding deity is +araitturai (athar, also called Dharu*a!ananathar and the Ambal +asum +on (aya*i, Hema!arnambi*a. Sambandar and Appar composed the (ayanmar +athigam 9egend has it that a de!out 2hola King, upon his seeing a golden bird fre3uently flying out of an anthill dug out the Si!alingam from it. 't is interesting to find the sunGs rays illuminate the sanctum on the /1th day of the Tamil month of +urattasi. The Brahmotsa!am is celebrated during the Tamil month of <ai*asi. C. Tiru**ar*udi @)yya**ondan MalaiA This Shi!astalam is located close to Tiruchirappalli. The presiding deity is )chinathar, )--ee!aneswarar and the Ambal An-ana*shi Sambandar, Appar, and Sundarar composed the +athigam 9egend has it that Tirisirand, one of the characters from the ,amayanam, worshiped this hill temple. This hill temple has fi!e +ra*arams, with si: feet thic* circular surrounding walls. There are two sanctums for An-ana*shi Amman, one facing the &ast and the other $est. Shi!aGs sanctum faces west, and Ardhanareeswarar occupies the &astern niche, while Durga and Brahma occupy niches in the (orthern wall of the sanctum. (andi!arma +alla!an built this temple, and the Te!aram hymns and +eriyapuranam refer to this shrine as "Kar*udi%. This temple is a formidable fortress> by !irtue of the layers of strong walls surrounding it, and this temple is under the administration of the Dharmapuram Adheenam The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of +anguni. 8. )raiyur This shetram is located close to Tiruchirappalli, which was the ancient capital of the early 2holas. Tiruppaanaahwar, one of the <aishna!ite Ahwars was born here. )raiyur is also *nown as Kohimanagaram as legend holds that a fowl blessed with di!ine powers defeated an elephant in a duel. The presiding deity is +ancha!arneswarar and the Ambal Kantimathi. The sthala !ri*sham is <il!am and the Theertham +ancha!arna Theertham. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that .aruda, Kasyapa Muni and Kar*ota*an are said to ha!e worshipped at this shetram. Si!a is said to ha!e manifested himself in fi!e different shades of colour to )ttanga Muni!ar as ,atna 9ingam in the morning, Spati*a 9ingam at noon, .old 9ingam in the afternoon, Diamond lingam at night and 2hitra lingam later on at midnight. Se!eral legends are associated with this temple and the one in!ol!ing the merger of si: Si!alingams into one is commemorated during the annual festi!al in the Tamil month of <ai*asi. This legend states that a 2hola *ing saw the fi!e daughters of (agara-an worshipping a Si!alingam each, on the ban*s of the (agatheertham. He married the youngest of these princesses and re3uested his father in law for the Si!alingam that was held in worship by (agara-an. He handed o!er a half of the Si!alingam to his daughter, who in turn handed it along with the fi!e Si!alingams worshipped by the siblings> all of these merged into one under a <il!a tree. 't is belie!ed that the present temple originated under this tree. There are also shrines to Ambal, <inaya*ar, Subramanyar and Mahala*shmi. The main sanctum faces east while the Ambal shrine faces south. 'mages of .anesha, Da*shinamurthy, <ishnu, Brahma and Durga occupy the niches around the sanctum. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of <ai*asi, and the +anchapraharam festi!al in the month of Aadi. E. Tiruchirappalli This Si!astalam is a roc* cut temple on a hill and forms one of the most prominent landmar* in Tiruchirappalli, reached by a flight of steps on the way to the famous )cchi +illayar temple. The ,oc* Fort Temple comple: is a collection of three temples 5 the Mani**a <inaya*ar temple at the foot of the hill, the )chhi +illayar Koyil at the top of the hill and the Taayumaana!ar Koyil Shi!astalam on the hill. The presiding deity is Taayumaana!ar, Matrubhuteswarar and the Ambal Mattu!aar*uhali> Sugandha Kundalambi*a The Theertham is Ka!eri. Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the demon ruler Tirisiran worshiped Si!a, and hence gained the name Tirisirapuram and corrupted as Tiruchirappalli. 't is also belie!ed that the name Tri5Shi*haram or Tirisirapuram came into being, since Si!a, +ar!ati and <inaya*a occupy the three pea*s on this hill. 9egend also has it that since Si!a attended to the call of a de!otee in labor in the guise of a woman @motherA, he is called Matrubhuteswarar. Tiruchirappalli is hailed as the Da*shina Kailasam, as the hill is said to be one of the three pieces that flew off the Himalayas during a fierce tussle between Adi Sesha, the mythical sna*e and <ayu the $ind .od. The other two shetrams are Triconamalee and Sri Kalahasti. This is a fascinating roc* cut temple, and the approach to the temple is through a flight of co!ered stairs. The annual Brahmotsa!am is during the Tamil month of 2hittirai. Aadi +ooram and the float festi!al in +anguni are also other important festi!als. 7. Tiru!erumbur This Si!astalam is located in the !icinity of Tiruchirappalli. The presiding deity is &rumbeeswarar and the Ambal Saurabhya Kudalaambal, (arun*uhal naya*i. Sambandar composed the +athigam. The legend has it that the De!as fearing Karan @The demon of the Kara Dhooshana duo of ,amayanaA are said to ha!e assumed the form of ants and ha!e worshipped Si!a at this shetram. ,esponding to their prayers the Si!a lingam is said to ha!e tilted forward to accept their worship. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of <ai*asi. 1. (edun*alam This is a Si!astalam in the !icinity of Tiru!erumbur near Tiruchirappalli. The presiding deity is (edun*alanathar, (ityasundareswarar and the Ambal ;ppila (aya*i. The Theertham is Surya Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that when +ar!ati worshipped Si!a at this shetram with the intention of being united in marriage. Si!a in disguise grasped her hand and +ar!ati ran away and hid in a gro!e. Hence this shrine is also *nown as ;limadicholai. 't is also belie!ed that Agastya Muni worshipped Si!a here. The Tamil pathigams of (ayanmars are depicted in the temple tower. +an*uni )tthiram and <ai*asi <isaa*am are the ma-or festi!als celebrated here. H. Melaittiru**attuppalli This Si!astalam is located close to Budalur, near Than-a!ur, on the Southern ban* of the ri!er Kudamurutti. The presiding deity is Theeyadiappar, Agneeswarar and the Ambal <aar*onda Mulaiyammai, Soundara (aya*i The sthala !ri*sham is <anni and the Theertham Surya Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that when )raiyur got submerged in a sandstorm, the Nueen of the 2hola monarch of )raiyur, who was a staunch de!otee of Si!a managed to find solace in Tiru**attuppalli. Si!a blessed her and relie!ed her of the scorching heat that ra!aged the region. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated during the Tamil month of +an*uni. /0. Tiru!alampohil This temple is located in the !icinity of Tiruppoonturutti, near Tan-a!ur. The presiding deity is Atmanathar and the Ambal .nanambi*a The sthala !ri*sham is Aalamaram and the Theertham Kudamurutti ,i!er Appar composed the +athigam on this temple. 9egend has it that the Ashta <asus worshipped Si!a here. Si!a, at this shetram is also *nown as <adamooleswarar. Si!aratri and S*anda Sashti are celebrated in this temple. //. Tiruppoonturutti This Si!astalam is located near Tiru!aiyaru between the ri!ers Ka!eri and Kudamurutti. This is one of the Sapta Sthana Temples of Tiru!aiyaru, also *nown as +ushpa!anam. The Saptastana temples of Tiru!aiyaru are Tiruppanturai, Tiruppahanam, Tiruchottruturai, Tiru!edi**udi, and Tiru**andiyur. The presiding deity is +oonturutti (athar, +ushpa!ana (athar and theAmbalis)ru!udaiyambi*ai The Thertham is Kasyapa Theertham. ApparGs pathigam Angamaalai was composed here. 9egend has it that <ishnu and 9a*shmi, 'ndra and Kasyapar, are said to ha!e worshipped Shi!a here. Appar is said to ha!e spent a good part of his life here and this shrine represents the first point of interaction between him and Sambandar. 't is belie!ed that to allow Si!a to ha!e a clear sight of Appar and Sambandar arri!ing together at the shrine (andi is said to ha!e mo!ed aside. Da*shinamurthy is portrayed in this temple with a !eena, and is called G<eena dhara Da*shinamurthyG. The saptastanam festi!al during the Tamil month of 2hittirai in!ol!ing a !isit by Aiyarappar to each of the saptastanams is of great importance here. /6. Tiru**andiyur This Si!a shetram is near Tan-a!ur and is one of the eight <eeratta Stalams associated with Si!a. The eight <eeratta Stalams are Tiru!ati*ai, Tiru**uru**ai, Tiru**ada!ur, Tiru!ahu!ur, Tiru**o!alur, Tiruppariyalur, Tiru**andiyur and Tiru!ir*udi. Tiru!ahu!ur is considered to be a Te!ara <aippustalam, as it has no +ati*ams dedicated to it. There is also a Di!ya Desam of <ishnu across this temple sung by the Alwars. The presiding deity is <eeratteswarar and the Ambal Mangalanaya*i. The sthala <ri*sham is <il!am and the Theertham Kapaala Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that upon the re3uest of the De!as, Si!a remo!ed the fifth head of Brahma, because of which Brahma was causing great misery to others. There is also a shrine to Brahma in this temple. The Saptastana festi!al is conducted during the Tamil month 2hittirai. /D. Tiruchotrutturai This Si!astalam is located at Kandiyur near Tan-a!ur. This is one of the Saptastanams of Tiru!aiyaru. The presiding deity is ;ppillachel!ar, ;dana!aneswarar and the Ambal;ppillaAmmai>Annapurani The Theertham is Surya Theertham. Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that .owtama, 'ndra and Surya worshiped Si!a. Shi!a and Ambal are said to ha!e pro!ided a number of de!otees with food, with rice that grew in the paddy fields close by and gained the name Annam +adaitta <ayal. Si!a is also referred to as "Sorudaiyan%, and this shrine Anna!atarastalam. The Saptastana festi!al during the Tamil month 2hittirai, where the festi!al image of Si!a of Tiru!aiyaru is brought in procession is a grand one. /C. Tiru!edi**udi This Si!astalam is located near Than-a!ur and is considered to be one of the Saptastanams of Tiru!aiyaru. The presiding deity is <edapureeswarar and the Ambal Mangayar*arasi Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Brahma and the <edas are said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here, hence the name <edi**udi. Si!a at this shrine is also *nown as <aahaimadunaathar. 't is interesting to find .anesha in a reclining posture listening to the <edas and is called <edappillayar. 't is obser!ed that the rays of the sun illuminate the sanctum for a period of D days from the /Dth day of the Tamil month of +anguni. The annual Brahmotsa!am falls in the Tamil month of 2hittirai. /8. Ten*udittitai . This Si!astalam is located at Tittai near Tan-a!ur and the name comes from the templeGs location on sand dunes between the ri!ers <ennar and <ettar. The presiding deity is +asupateeswarar, <asishteswarar and the Ambal )la*a (aya*i, Sugandhamundalambi*a The stala <ri*sham is Karu!elamaram and the Theertham 2ha*ra Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the <edas, <asishtar, .owtama, Adi Seshan and <ishnu are said to ha!e worshipped here. The Adhrnareeswarar image in the niche of the sanctum shows +ar!ati constituting the right half of Si!a, in contrast to the norm, where she occupies his left. The annual Brahmotsa!am as well <asishtarGs marriage with Arundhati is celebrated in the Tamil month of <ai*asi. /E. Tiruppullamangai Known as Aalanturai this shetram is located at +asupathi Koil near Kumba*onam. The presiding deity is Aalanturai (aathar, <adatheertha (athar and the Ambal Alliyan*othai The sthala <ri*sham is Aalamaram and the Theertham Shi!a Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e consumed the poison that emanated from the churning of the mil*y ocean here 5 hence the name Aalanturai. 't is also belie!ed that +ar!ati is said to ha!e ta*en the form of a 2ha*ra!aha bird and worshipped Si!a here, hence the name +ullamangai. The Saptastanam festi!al is celebrated in the Tamil month of +an*uni. /7. Tirucha**rappalli This Si!astalam is located at Aiyampettai near Kumba*onam and is one of the se!en shrines associated with the Sapta Matas 4 Abhirami. The other being Pullamangai @2hamundiA, Thahaimangai @MahendriA, Soolamangai @KaumariA, Arimangai @MaheswariA, (andimangai @<aishna!iA, +asupatimangai @<arahiA. The presiding deity is Alanturaiyeesar, 2ha*ra!ageswarar and the Ambal Alliyam*othai, De!anaya*i Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <ishnu obtained his discus @2ha*ramA after worshipping Si!a here, hence the name 2ha*rapalli.'t is also belie!ed that 'ndra and his son Bayanta prayed to Si!a at this shetram.
/1. Tiru**aru*a!oor This Si!astalam is located close to +apanasam, near Kumba*onam. ThisShi!astalamis *nown more for its shrine to .arbara*sha*ambi*a. The presiding deity is Mullai!ananthar, Madha!i!aneswar and the Ambal Karumpanaiyaalammai, .arbhara*sha*amba The sthala !ri*sham is Mullai and the Theertham Brahma Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that +ar!ati assisted a helpless lady in her motherhood and sa!ed her of her offspring, and hence the name "Karu*aa!oor%. $orship at this shetram is belie!ed to help barren couple in obtaining children. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of <ai*asi. /H. Tirupaalaitturai. This is a Si!astalam in the !icinity of +apanasam near Kumba*onam. The presiding deity is +aal!anna (athar and the Ambal Dha!ala <enna*aimangai The Theertham is 2au!eri Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a !an3uished a tiger sent by the arrogant rishis of Dharu*a!anam, at this shetram. <asishtar, ,ama, Sita, 9a*shmana, Ar-una are said to ha!e worshipped here. 't is also belie!ed that 9ord ,ama has installed /01 Si!alingams to e:piate the sins that he had committed by *illing the demons Karan and Dhooshanan. <ai*asi <isa*am, Aippasi +ournami and Karti*ai Deepam are important festi!als. 60. Tirunallur This Si!astalam is located near Kumba*onam. The presiding deity is +eriyandeswarar, Kalyana Sundareswarar and the Ambal Kalyanasundari The Theertham is Saptasagara Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam 9egend has it that at this shetram Agasthyar is said to ha!e been blessed with a !ision of the marriage of Si!a and +ar!athi. Bhrigu Muni and (arasimhar are said to ha!e worshipped here. Tirunallur is also referred to as Da*shina Kailasam> and it is related to the legend of the trial of strength between <ayu and Adisesha where a pea* of Mount Meru fell at (allur and formed a Si!alingam. The Si!alingam here is belie!ed to manifest itself in fi!e different colors in a day, and hence the deity is also called +ancha!arneswarar. 2ommemorating ApparGs surrender at the deityGs feet here, the practice of placing "Satari% containing the imprint of the deityGs feet on the heads of de!otees, as in <aishna!ite temples, is carried out here. 6/. Aa!oor +asupateeswaram This temple is located at .o!inda*udi near Kumba*onam The presiding deity is Aa!oorudaiyar, +asupateeswarar and the Ambal Mangalambi*a The sthala <ri*sham is Arasamaram and the Theertham Kamadhenu Theertham. Appar composed the +athigam.
9egends has it that Kamadhenu is said to ha!e come down to the earth at this shetram and worshipped Shi!a. Si!aratri is celebrated at this shetram. 66. Satthi Mutram This Si!astalam is situated at Sathi Mutram close to +atteeswaram also called +ahayarai. The presiding deity is Si!a**ohuntheesar and the Ambal is +eriyanaya*i. The Theertham is Satthi Mutra <aa!i. The +athigam is composed by Appar. 9egend has it that Si!a appeared as a huge column of light "Byotiswaroopam% in front of +ar!ati while she meditated upon him and later she embraced him. Hence the deity is also called Si!a**ohundeeswarar and Sathi Mutham. An image of Si!a and +ar!ati in the embracing posture, associated with the legend, is enshrined in the temple. The shrines for (atara-ar and the Sarabeswarar are of importance here. Appar is said to ha!e prayed to surrender at the feet of Si!a. The annual Brahmotsa!am falls during the Tamil month of 2hittirai. 6D. +atteeswaram This Shi!astalam is near Kumba*onam. The 2hola *ing, who had +ahiyarai @+atteeswaramA as one of his capitals, patronied this shrine. The presiding deity is +atteeswarar, Dhenupureeswararand the Ambal +al!alai (aya*i. The Theertham is .nana Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam
9egend has it that the calf of Kamadhenu is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. The Koti Theertham well in the temple is said to ha!e been created by ,ama and is considered to be e3ui!alent to Dhanush*oti. Si!a is said to ha!e blessed Sambandar with an umbrella lined with pearls, to protect him from the scorching summer sun, and is said to ha!e re3uested (andi to mo!e aside, in order to be able to loo* at the sight of the arri!al of Sambandar. ,amaGs worshipping of Si!a see*ing pardon for the sin of ha!ing slained <aali is commemorated each year during the Tamil month of Margahi. 6C. +ahayaarai <adathali This temple is located at an ele!ation near +atteeswararm near Kumbha*onam. The presiding deity is Dharmapureeswarar and the Ambal <imalanaya*i The sthala<ri*sham is Aalamaram and the Theertham Soma Theertham Appar composed the +athigam.
9egend has it that 2handra worshipped at this shrine. 'nterestingly, Ardhanareeswarar occupies the rear niche of the sanctum 68. Tiru!alanchuhi This Shi!astalam in the !icinity of Swamimalai The presiding deity is Karpa*a (athar, Khabartheesar and the Ambal +eriya (aya*i, Brihannaya*i. Appar composed the +athigam.
9egend has it that Dur!asa muni is said to ha!e carried out a yagnam at this shetram, and the De!as who attended it are said to ha!e established se!eral Si!a 9ingams. 't is belie!ed that when 2au!eri ri!er went bac* into the ground, Heranda Muni went to retrie!e it and brought it bac* to the surface in this shrine after ma*ing a complete circle to the right, hence the name <alanchuhi. 't is also belie!ed that when the mil*y ocean 5Ksheera Samudram9 was churned by the De!as, they fashioned out of the foam that was emanated, a white colored image of .anapati called Sweta <inaya*ar. 'ndra the King of De!as is said to ha!e had this image installed at this shetram. The <inaya*ar shrine is encountered soon after entering the temple comple:. <inaya*a 2haturthi is celebrated on a grand scale. 6E. Tiru**udamoo**u This temple is located in Kumba*onam. The presiding deity is Kumbeswarar and the Ambal Mangalanaya*i Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. The Mangalambi*ai shrine here is re!ered as a Sha*ti +eetham @Mantra +eethamA. The Mahamagam festi!al associated with this temple attracts crowds from all o!er 'ndia. 9egend has it that during the great deluge, it is belie!ed that Si!a caused the Amrita*alasam 5 the pot holding the di!ine nectar 5 to stall here, and the shrine is said to ha!e been built and consecrated by Bhrama. The huge Mahamagam tan* is surrounded by /E pictures3ue mandapams, dating bac* to the /Eth century. Kumbeswarar representing as a Si!alingam fashioned out of earth, is said to ha!e been made by Si!a himself in the guise of a hunter 5 Kiratamurthy. Moor*a (ayanaar is one of the ED (ayanars associated with this temple. The annual festi!al in the Tamil month of Masi is well attended. The Mahamaham tan* is the center of great festi!ity once e!ery /6 years during Maasi Magam. 67. Tiru*udandai*eeh*ottum This Si!astalam is a grand temple in the temple town of Kumbha*onam and is *nown for its grand shrine to (atara-a 5 Aadal!allaar The presiding deity is (ageswara Swamy and the Ambal +eriya (aya*i. The sthala <ri*sham is <il!am and the Theertham is (aaga Theertham Appar composed the +athigam on this shetram ;ffering worship at Kudandai Kee+hko&&am (ageswarar temple in the morning, and at the temples Tiruna#eswaram and Tiruppampuram, located closeby during noon and in the e!ening on a gi!en day is considered to be of special significance. 9egend has it that Surya is said to ha!e worshipped here to regain his lost splendour. The temple tan* is also *nown as Surya Theertham. . Also *nown as "<il!a!anam%, it is belie!ed that a !il!a leaf from the pot carrying the celestial nectar had drifted away and landed here. Aadi Seshan is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a at this shetram. The SunGs rays fall on (ageswarar in the sanctum on the //th through the /Dth day of the Tamil month 2hittirai and hence this place is also called Bhas*ara*shetram. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated during the Tamil month of +an*uni. 61. Kudandai**aaronam This Si!a sthalam is located in Kumba*onam town. The presiding deity is Kasi <iswanathar and the Ambal Tenaar Mohi> Kasi <isala*shi The Theertham is Maamanga Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam The Kasi <iswanathar temple is associated with the Mahamagam festi!al, which occurs once e!ery /6 years. ,ama and 9a*shmana are said to ha!e worshipped Shi!a here during their search for Sita, and ac3uired ,udramsam, to enable them to fight ,a!ana. 9egend has it that the nine sacred ri!ers of 'ndia, prayed to Shi!a at Banares @<iswanatharA to be absol!ed of the sins they a3uired being washed away by bathers. To ha!e their wish fulfilled they were directed to bathe in the Mahamagam tan* and worship Aadi Kumbheswarar. <iswanathar of Kaasi is belie!ed to ha!e manifested himself here at Kumbha*onam. Masi Magam is the most important annual festi!al celebrated. ;ther festi!als include Arudra Darisanam, Karti*ai Deepam, Aadi +ooram and (a!aratri. 6H. Tirunageswaram This shetram is located at )ppiliappan Ko!il near Kumbha*onam. The presiding deity is (ageswarar and the Ambal Kunramulainaya*i, .iri*uchambal The Theertham is Surya +ush*arini Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Aadi Sesha, Da*shan and Kaar*ota*an worshipped Shi!a here. This temple is *nown for its shrine to ,aahu, one of the nine celestial bodies 5 (a!agraham 5 hence a (a!agrahastalam. There is a separate shrine for ,aahu in one of the +ra*arams. The annual Brahmotsa!am is obser!ed in the Tamil month of Karti*ai while the Se**ihaar festi!al is celebrated in the month of <ai*asi. D0. Tiru!idaimarudur This Si!astalam located in the !icinity of Kumba*onam. The presiding deity is Maruda!aanar, Mahalingeswarar and the Ambal +erunalamaamulaiyaal, Brihadsundara*uchambi*a The sthala <ri*sham is Marudamaram and the Theertham 2au!ery Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Sarasathi, 9a*shmi, Kaali, and the <edas, <asishtar, S*anda, <ishnu and Agastya worshiped Si!a. 't is belie!ed that those suffering from ill health, caused by e!il spirits are said to find relief through prayers offered at this shrine and circumambulating the outermost pra*aram. This huge temple is one of the greatest Sai!ite shrines in Tamilnadu and is referred to as Madhyar-una Kshetram and is said to be on par with 2hidambaram and <aranasi. Madhyar-unam translates into G'dai MaruduG in Tamil. Marudu stands for the stala !ru*sham maruda maram. The colossal (andi here is found seated ma-estically. This temple is surrounded on four corners by temples dedicated to <iswanathar, ,ishipureeswarar, Aatmanathar and 2ho**anathar and hence gained the name "+ancha 9ingastalam%. 't is said that during the abhishe*am to 2ho**anathar rendering of music in megaraaga*urin-i raaga would result in a bountiful monsoon.
D/. Ten Kurangaaduturai This Si!astalam is located at Aaduturai near Kumba*onam. The presiding deity is Aabatsa*ayeswarar and the Ambal +a!ala**odiyammai. The Theertham is Sa*haya Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. Hanuman and Sugree!a worshipped here, and Si!a is said to ha!e re!ealed a !ision of his 2osmic dance to Sugree!a. 't is also belie!ed that ,ama, at this place, *illed <aali. The festi!als celebrated here include Arudra Darisanam, (a!aratri and Si!aratri. D6. Tiruneela**udi This Si!astalam is located near Aaduturai The presiding deity is (eyyaadi (athar, (eela*anda and the Ambal +eriya (aya*i, )ma The Sthala <ri*sham is +alaamaram Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <aruna and the celestial nymphs offered worship here. 't is belie!ed that during the abhishe*a ritual, the Si!a 9ingam absorbs half the 3uantity of the sesame oil offered to the deity. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated during the Tamil month of 2hittirai DD. <ai*anmada**o!il This Si!a sthalam is located near Kumba*onam and Aaduturai. The presiding deity is <ai*anathar and the Ambal Kombil 'lan*othai, <ai*alambi*a. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <ishnu, 9a*shmi and Brahma are said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. Si!a is also referred to as Brahmapureeswarar. +an*uni )thiram is the main function celebrated here annually. DC. Tirunallam This Si!astalam is located at Konerira-apuram between Kumba*onam and Karai**al. The presiding deity is )ma Maheswarar and the Ambal Mangala (aya*i The sthala <ri*sham is Bhadra*sha, and the Theertham Bhrama Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Bhumade!i was instructed by Maha!ishnu to build this temple> hence it gained the name Bhumiswaram. 't is also belie!ed that the ruler of this place, *ing +urura!as was cured of leprosy and he in turn gilded the temple <imana with gold and instituted the celebration of <oices full moon festi!al. The annual Brahmotsa!am is during the Tamil month of <ai*asi. Karti*ai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, Si!aratri, Aadi +ooram, and S*anda Sashti are the other festi!als celebrated here. D8. Tiru**ohambam This Si!astalam is located in the !icinity of Tiru!a!aduturai near Kumba*onam. The presiding deity is Ko*ileswarar and the Ambal Soundara (aya*i The Theertham is Madhu Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that a scholar who was cursed by 'ndra to assume the form of a cuc*oo, prayed 9ord Si!a at this shetram and was relie!ed of the curse, hence Ko*ileswaran and the place is called Ko*ilapuram. 't is also belie!ed that +ar!ati too* the form of a cow and worshipped Si!a and the hoof mar*s of a cow are seen on the Shi!alingam The annual Brahmotsa!am is during the Tamil month of Thai. DE. Tiru!a!aduturai This Si!a sthalam is located near Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is Masilamaneesar, .omu*teesar and the Ambal ;ppilamulaiyammai, Atula*uchanaya*i. The sthala !ri*sham is Arasamaram and the Thertham Mu*ti Theertham Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that +ar!ati worshipped Si!a in the form of a cow. Shi!a is said to ha!e displayed this shrine as Tiru!arur, and himself as Tyagara-ar to Muchu*unda 2hola. The stala!ri*sham Arasamaram is said to represent the De!as. #ama is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a at this shetram. Tirumoolar composed his Tirumantiram under the Arasa maram. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the month of Thai @2apricornA, and ,athasaptami is considered !ery significant. D7. Tirutturutti This Si!a shetram is at Kutralam near Mayiladuturai. . 't is also *nown as 2holeeswaram The presiding deity is Sonna!aarari!ar, )*ta <edeeswarar and the Ambal Mu*ihambi*ai. The Sthala <ri*sham is Kutrala Maram and the Theertham Ka!eri Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that +ar!ati is said to ha!e e:pressed her desire to Si!a to ha!e the e:perience of an earthly wedding> Si!a obliged and so she was reborn as the daughter of Bharata Muni. ,esponding to the prayers of Bharata Muni Si!a emerged from the lingam at Tirutturutti and lent His hand in marriage to +ar!ati. The name Sonna!aarari!aar stems from this legend that Si!a *ept his word and the name Mana!alanathar is attributed to Him on marrying +ar!ati. Agni and <arunan are said to ha!e been blessed by Shi!a here. The annual Brahmotsa!am is obser!ed in the Tamil month of 2hittirai. D1. Tiru!ahundur This Si!astalam at Terahandur is located in the !icinity of Mayiladuturai 't is one of the 71 Maada**oyils built at an ele!ation by King 2hen*anna 2holan. The presiding deity is <edapureeswarar and the Ambal Soundara (aya*i.. The Theertham is Sidhaamritam. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the De!as, Ashtadi*pala*as and the <edas worshipped Shi!a here, hence the name <edapureeswarar. Terehundur is also associated with the legend of Si!aJs marriage with +ar!ati 9egend also has it that the chariot of King ;ord!aradan got stuc* in this town and hence the name Terahundur. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of 2hittirai. ;ther festi!als include Karti*ai Deepam, and Surya +oo-a in the month of Maasi. DH. Mayiladuturai This is a !ast with se!eral gopurams and mandapams in the town of Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is <allal, Mayuranathar and the Ambal An-alnaya*i, Abhayambi*a. The sthala !ri*sham is Maamaram Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that after her fatherGs Da*sha #agnam, Da*shayani @+ar!atiA too* the form of a peacoc* and worshipped Si!a. 9ater Si!a also is belie!ed to ha!e ta*en a peacoc* form, and performed the .owri Tanda!am and united with her. The Tiruppariyalur ,eera&&am where the Da*shayagnam is belie!ed to ha!e been performed is located at a distance of /0 *m from this temple. (ear the bathing ghats on the ban*s of the ri!er 2au!eri, is the Kasi <iswanathar temple with !imanams resembling those at Benares. The annual festi!al Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of <ai*asi. C0. <ilanagar This Si!astalam is located close to Mayiladuturai enroute to Tarangambadi. The presiding deity is Turai Kaattum <allalaar, )cheeraaneswarar and the Ambal Turai *attum !alli. The sthala <ri*sham is <ihal and the Theertham 2au!eri. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that when Sambandar was on his way to Mayiladuturai, Si!a is said to ha!e caused the floods in the ri!er 2au!eri to recede, and pointed out this shrine to him. Hence the shetram is also called Turai Kaattu <allal. Karti*ai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, Aadi +eru**u, and Aadi +ooram are the festi!als celebrated here. C/. Tiruppariyalur This Si!a sthalam is located at +arasalur near Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is <eeratteswarar and the Ambal 'lan*ombanaiyaal> Balambi*a The Theertham is Homa Kundam Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the De!as are belie!ed to ha!e got rid of their fear caused by the demon Dharu*a by worshipping Si!a at this shetram. This temple is associated with the story of Da*shanGs yagnam, where Da*shan and his ego were !an3uished. Sundays during the Tamil month of Karti*ai are considered important, and the festi!als celebrated include Arudra Darisanam, Aadi +ooram C6. Tiruchemponpalli This Si!a sthalam is located at 2hemponar Ko!il near Mayiladuturai . The presiding deity is Swarnapureeswarar and the Ambal Maru!aar Kuhali, Sugandha!ana (aya*i The Theertham is Surya +ush*arini Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that 'ndra and Kubera worshipped Si!a here. ,athi De!i is belie!ed to ha!e prayed here to get united with Manmathan. The SunGs rays fall on the sanctum for a period of // days from the 7th day of the month of Aries in this Maada**o!il built at an ele!ation. The annual Brahmotsa!am is held in the Tamil month of 2hittirai CD. Tirunanipalli This Si!astalam is located near Mayiladuturai The presiding deity is (atrunaiyappar and the Ambal Malaiyaan Madandai, Swarnambi*a Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam Shi!a is also *nown as Swarnapureeswarar and ga!e his dancing !ision to Sambandar. SambandarGs mother is said to ha!e hailed from this !illage. CC. Tiru!alampuram This Si!a sthalam is located near +oompuhaar. The presiding deity is <alampurinathar and the Ambal <atu!a*ir*annammai Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam 9egend holds that <ishnu worshipped Shi!a to recei!e a <alampuri Sanghu. 't is also belie!ed that Heranda Muni who went into the ground in search of 2au!eri ri!er at Tiru!alanchuhi is said to ha!e re5emerged here. The annual Brahmotsa!am festi!al is obser!ed in the month of Thai. C8. Tirutalaichandaadu This Si!a sthalam is located near +oompuhaar The presiding deity is Sangu (aya*ar, Shan*arunatheswarar and the Ambal Soundara (aya*i The Theertham is 2au!eri Sundarar composed the+athigam 9egend has it that <ishnu worshipped Si!a here to ac3uire +ancha-anyam. @Talai 2hanguA, the greatest of all Sangu @2onchA 't is 'nteresting to note that the legend associated with this temple is the same as in Tiru!alampuram. 2hitra +ournami is one of the important festi!als celebrated here. CE. Aa**oor 9ocated near Mayiladuturai, this Shi!astalam is a "Maada**o!il% built by Ko 2hen**an 2holan, at an ele!ation, which is also *nown as Shan*haranyam. This temple is also *nown as Taantonrimaadam 5 that which appeared on a self made hill. The presiding deity is Taantonreesar, Swayambu (athar and the Andal <aalaran*anni, Kat*ora (etri The sthala <ri*sham is Sara**onrai and the Theertham Kumuda Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a appeared in the guise of one of the /000 guests 5 Aayirattil ;ru!ar, at a feast offered by a de!out 2hola monarch. An image of this manifestation is seen in this temple. Karti*ai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam are important festi!als celebrated here. C7. Tiru**adayur This Si!asthalam is located near Mayiladuthurai. The presiding deity is Amritaghateswarar and the Ambal Abhirami The sthala !ri*sham is <il!am and the Theertham Amrita +ush*arini Sambandar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Mar*andeya was sa!ed from the clutches of death @#amaA by Shi!a. The con3uest of #ama is ac*nowledged through celebration of the E0th and 10th birth anni!ersaries of pilgrims !isiting this shetram. The Shi!alingam is hailed as a manifestation of the celestial nectar, obtained by the De!as, and hence the name Amritaghateswarar. The Shan*habhishe*am to the deity is of great importance in *eeping with the belief that Mar*andeya had performed this form of worship. Kaalasamhaaramurthy, the fierce form of Si!a, belie!ed to ha!e sa!ed Mar*andeya from the clutches of #ama is enshrined in this temple. Abhirami Amman shrine attracts thousands of !isitors throughout the year. C1. Tiru**ada!ur Mayaanam 9ocated in Tiru**ada!ur near Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is Bhramapureeswarar and the Ambal (imala*uchambi*a. The Theertham is Bhrama Theertham Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e first !an3uished Brahma 5 hence the name Mayaanam 5 and then re!i!ed and initiated him into the act of creating the )ni!erse 't is from a well here in Tiru**ada!ur Mayaanam, that water for daily ablution is ta*en to Tiru**ada!ur Abhirami Amritaghateswarar temple. CH. Tiru!etta*udi This Si!a sthalam is located near Tiru!etta**udi near Karai**al and Mayiladuturai The presiding deity is Tirumeniyahagar and the Ambal Shantha (aya*i The Theertham is Satya +ush*arini Sambandar composed the +athigam 9egend has it that Ar-una is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here, and Si!a is said to ha!e materialied in front of him in the guise of a hunter, hence the name Tiru!etta**udi. 80. Tiruttelicheri This Si!a shetram is located near Karai**al and (agappattinam The presiding deity is +ar!ateeswarar and the Ambal Ampadutta**annaal> Sa*thi (aya*i The Theertham is Sa*ti Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that +ar!ati worshipped Shi!a here. This shetram is associated with the incident of TirugnanasambandarGs singing the pathigam GMaadar MadappidiG in #aahmuhi +ann. The SunGs rays illuminate the sanctum at sunset for a period of /0 days from the /Dth day of the month of +isces. 8/. Dharumapuram This Si!a shetram is located in Karai**al near Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is #aahmurinathar, Dharmapureeswarar and the Ambal Madhuraminnammai, Abhayambi*a The sthala !ri*sham is <aahai and the Theertham Dharma Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that #ama is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here, repenting for ha!ing thrown his noose around Mar*andeya. #uddhishtra of +anda!as is also belie!ed to ha!e worshipped here. #aahmurinathar, bearing a yaah is the festi!al deity 5 )tsa!amoorthy here This town has a shrine to the re!ered .uru .nanasambandar founder of the Dharumapura Adhinam. 86. Tirunallar This Si!astalam is located in close pro:imity to Karai**al and (agappattinam. The shrine for Saneeswarar in this temple is of great significance, which attracts thousands of pilgrims when the planet Saturn transits between odiac sign. The presiding deity is Darbaranyatyagar, Darbaranyeswarar and the Ambal Bogamaartha +oonmulaiyaal> +ranamba The Theertham is Bhrama Theertham. Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that King (ala who was under the influence of Sani in his life and going through se!eral ordeals, obtained total relief after worshipping Si!a at this shrine. The full moon night in the Tamil month of +urattasi witnesses se!eral special ser!ices to the &merald 9ingam. The best5*nown festi!al here is the one mar*ing the transition of Saturn between Oodiac sign, once in two and a half years 8D. Tiru**ottaru Tiru**ottaru is a Si!astalam in the !icinity of Amba*arathur between +eralam and Karai**al. The presiding deity is Aira!ateswarar and the Ambal <andamar, +oon*uhalammai. The Theertham is Surya Theertham Appar composed the +athigam. The white elephant of 'ndra, Aira!atam is said to ha!e created <aan-iyaru ri!er, with its tus* and prayed to Si!a at this shetram. 8C. Ambar This Si!astalam is located near +oonthottam between +eralam and Tiru!arur The presiding deity is +unnaga!aneswarar, Bhramapureesar and the Ambal +oon*uhalammai> Suganda Kundalambi*a The sthala <ri*sham is +unnai and the Theertham Brahma Theertham. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Brahma, in the form of a bird, is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a to be retrie!ed to his original form, and hence the name Brahmapuri or +unna*a!anam. The tan* here is said to ha!e been created by Brahma. Si!a is said to ha!e appeared here in the fiery Bhaira!a form, Sattainathar, for the sa*e of 'ndra, hence the name 'ndrapuri. Maasi Magam is one of the important festi!als celebrated here 88. Ambar Maa*aalam This Si!astalam is located near +oonthottam between +eralam and Tiru!arur The presiding deity is Maa*aala (athar, Kaala*andeswarar and the Ambal Baya*shaya (aya*i The Theertham is Amrita!aa!i Sambandar composed the +athigam 9egend has it that Kaali !an3uished the demons Amban and Ambaran at this shetram. Kaali too* the form of an enchantress, accompanied by <ishnu in the guise of an old man and through chicanery caused Amban to *ill Ambaran, and then de!oured Amban herself. To rid herself of the sin of ha!ing *illed, she prayed to Shi!a here, hence the name Ambar Maa*alam. Si!a is said to ha!e appeared as a 2handala in a yagnam conducted by Somaasi Maaranaar. 8E. Tirumeeyachur This Si!a shetram is located at +eralam near Mayiladuturai The presiding deity is Tirumeninathar, Meganathar and the Andal Soundara (aya*i> 9alitambi*a The sthala <ri*sham is <il!am and the Theertham Surya +ush*arini Sambandar composed the +athigm. 9egend has it that Surya offered prayers placing Si!a and +ar!ati on an elephant. Festi!als celebrated include Aadipperu**u, Karti*ai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, and ,athasaptami in Thai. 87. Tirumeeyachur 'llam*o!il This is another Si!astalam in the town of Tirumeeyachur, near Mayiladuturai and is located right ne:t to the Tirumeeyachur Shi!astalam enshrining Tirumeninathar. The presiding deity is Sa*ala Bhu!aneswarar and the Ambal Minnum Megalaiyaal> Me*alambi*a. Appar composed the +athigam on this shetram 9egend has it that Kali is belie!ed to ha!e worshipped at this shrine 81. Thilataipati This Si!a sthalam is in +oonthottam near Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is Mutheesar, Mandara!aneswarar and the Ambal +or*odi (aya*i> Maragatha!alli The Theertham is 2handra Theertham Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that ,ama and 9a*shmana are said to ha!e performed the GThila TarpanamG funeral rites to their father King Dasaratha at this place. The Sun and the moon are also said to ha!e worshipped Si!a at this shetram. There is a statue of one of the Kings of Benares who is belie!ed to ha!e made endowments to this temple. 8H. Tiruppaampuram This Si!a shetram is located at +eralam near Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is +aampuranathar, Sarpeswarar and the Ambal <andaar +oon*uhali. Sambandar composed the +athigam on this shetram (agara-an the *ing of serpents, Kar*ota*an, Brahma and Agasthyar are said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. The name +aampuram comes from the association with (agara-an. Si!a here is also referred to as Seshapureeswarar. Maasi Magam and Arudra Darisanam are celebrated here E0. Siru*udi This Si!a sthalam is located near Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is Mangalesar, Kalyanasundaresar and the Ambal Mangala (aya*i The Theertham is Surya Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam 9egend has it that .aruda, ,aghu and the .andhar!as worshipped Si!a in this shrine popularly *nown as Soo*shmapuri. Si!a is portrayed here as Santoshaalinganamoorthy E/. Tiru!eehimihalai This Si!a shetram is located near Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is <eehiahageeswarar, (etrarpaneswarar and the Ambal Brihadsundara*uchambi*a The sthala <ri*sham is <eehi and the Theertham Damodara Theertham Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. This Si!astalam is considered to be among the holiest Sai!ite shrines as it has the third highest number of +athigams, the first two being Sir*ahi and Tiru!arur 9egend has it that +ar!ati is said to ha!e been reborn as Katyayani and married Si!a here, and the temple is belie!ed to be the <imanam brought by Maha!ishnu, The annual Brahmotsa!am is obser!ed in the Tamil month of 2hittirai E6. Tiru!anniyur The Si!a shetram is located at Annur near Mayiladuturai The presiding deity is Agneeswarar and the Ambal +ar!ati The Theertham is Agni Theertham Appar composed the +athigam 9egend has it that Agni worshipped Si!a here. Arudra Darisanam is celebrated in grandeur each year here ED. Karu!ili Kottitai. This Si!a sthalam is located at Konerira-apuram near Mayiladuturai. The +residing deity is Sarguna (atheswarar and the Ambal Sar!anga Sundari Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that 'ndra, the De!as, and a *ing by name Sargunan worshipped here. EC. +enu +erunthurai This Si!a shetram is located at Tiruppanturai near Tiru!aiyaru The presiding deity is Si!anandar, +rana!eswarar and the Ambal Malaiarasiammai, Mangalambi*a The Stala <ri*sham is <anni and the Theertham Mangala Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that +ar!ati, Brahma and Subramanyar worshipped Si!a here. Aippasi +ournami, Arudra Darisanam and (a!aratri are celebrated here. E8. (arayur Sidheeswaram This Si!a shetram is located at (araiyur near Kumbha*onam The presiding deity is Sidha (athar, Sidheeswarar and the Ambal Ahagambi*ai. The Theertham is Bhrama Theertham Sambandar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. The name narai refers to the sweet fragrance of flowers grown here The 9egend has it that Si!a at this shetram is said to ha!e been worshipped by the Sidhas, hence the name Sidheeswaram. <inaya*ar here is *nown as Aananda +illayar. 't is also belie!ed that Kubera, the De!as and the .andhar!as, Surya, (ara5(arayana and Brahma, also worshipped Si!a The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of +an*uni. 66. Ariir!arai"uttur This Si!asthalam is located near Kumba*onam. The presiding deity is +adi**asalitha (athar, Swarnapureeswarar and the Ambal Aha*ambi*ai. The Theertham is Arisilaru. Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. Si!a is said to ha!e blessed +ugahtunai (ayanar here. Since this shetram lies on the southern ban* of the ri!er Arisil, it got the name Arisir*ariputtur. E7. Si!apuram This Si!a sthalam is located close to Kumba*onam. The presiding deity is Si!apuranathar and the Ambal +eriyanaya*i, Singara!alli The sthala <ri*sham is Shanbagamaram and the Theertham Surya Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam 9egend has it that <ishnu in his <araaha A!ataram worshipped Si!a here and the car!ings of the Stalapuranam are seen in the temple. Brahma is also said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here before he undertoo* his tas* of creation The annual festi!al is celebrated in the month of Karti*ai E1. Kalayanallur@Saa**ottaiA This Si!a shetram is located close to Kumbha*onam. The presiding deity is Amudaghatesar, Amrita*alaseswarar and the Ambal Amrita!alli The Theertham is 2hatur!eda Theertham Sundarar composed the +athigam 9egend has it that in a deluge that submerged the earth, a *alasam, containing samples of the then e:isting species settled at this spot, signifying the magic of creation> hence the name Amrita Kalasam. The Saptastana festi!al is obser!ed in the Tamil month of 2hittirai. EH. Tiru**aru*udi This Si!a sthalam is located at Marudaantanalloor near Kumbha*onam The presiding deity is Karu**udinathar, Sargunalingeswarar and the Ambal Sar!alan*rita (aya*i The Theertham is #ama Theertham. Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that ,ama, Brahma and a *ing by name Sargunan are belie!ed to ha!e worshipped the +rithi!i lingam here. Si!aratri in the Tamil month of Maasi and Mondays in the month of Karti*ai are considered of importance here. 70. Tiru!anchiyam Tiru!anchiyam is located near (annilam and Tiru!arur The presiding deity is <anchilingeswarar, <anchinathar and the Ambal Mangalanaya*i The sthala <ri*sham is 2handana Maram and the Theertham .upta .anga Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Mahala*shmi is said to ha!e prayed to Si!a at this shetram to get united with Maha!ishnu. #ama, Brahma, +arasarar, Atri are also said to ha!e worshipped at this shrine, considered to be on par with Benares. The sandal stala!ri*sham imparts the name 2handanaranyam to the shrine. Mahala*shmiGs G<aanchaiG for <ishnu, and the fact that her prayers were answered here imparted the name Tiru!anchiyam. Mani**a!aca*ar sang of the miracle of a (aga *anni*a @Sna*e princessA who worshipped Si!a and became one with Him as Ammai Appan. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of Karti*ai. 7/. (annilam This Si!a sthalam is near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is Madhu!aneswarar and the Ambal Madhu <ana (aya*i The Theertham is Bhrama Theertham Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Surya is said to ha!e worshipped at this temple. This is referred to as +erum Ko!il by Sundaramoorthy (ayanar 5 hence Brihadeeswarar. 't is also belie!ed that De!as in the form of bees worshipped Si!a here. As a proof of that there are two beehi!es one in Somas*andarGs shrine and the other in the Subramanya shrine. Thai +oosam, <alli Tirumanam in Karti*ai, Aani Tiruman-anam, Aadi +ooram, Aa!ani Moolam and S*anda Sashti are celebrated here. 76. Tiru*ondeeswaram This Si!astalam is located near (annilam, and Mudi*ondaan. The presiding deity is +asupateeswarar and the Ambal Shantha (aya*i The sthala <ri*sham is <il!am and the Theertham Ksheera +ush*arini Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that +ar!ati assuming the guise of Kamadhenu is belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a and hence the presiding deity is called +asupateeswarar, and the theertham Ksheera +ush*arini. Thursdays in the Tamil month of Karti*ai are considered important days. 7D. Tiruppanaiyur This Si!a sthalam is 9ocated near (annilam and Mayiladuturai, The presiding deity is Ahagiya nathar, Soundarya (athar and the Ambal +eriya (aya*i. The Sthala <ri*sham is +anai and the Theertham Amrita +ush*arini. Sambandar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that +araasarar is said to ha!e worshipped the presiding deity here. 't is also belie!ed that Si!a is said to ha!e blessed Sundaramoorthy (ayanar with a !ision of the cosmic dance here There is an image of +araasara Muni, who is said to ha!e dropped a small portion of the celestial nectar 5 Amritam 5 into the Temple tan*, and hence gained the name Amrita +ush*arini. 7C. <ir*udi This Si!a sthalam is located near Tiru!arur and Mayiladuturai The presiding deity is <eeratteswarar and the Ambal &la!aar Kuhali The sthala <ri*sham is Tulasi, and the Theertham is 2ha*ra Theertham. Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a *illed the demon Balandharan, at this sthalam. 'nterestingly the stala!ri*sham Tulasi is belie!ed to be the reincarnation of Brinda, the wife of the slain demon. This shrine is also named as Dhanushapuram as <ishnuGs bow, which was belie!ed to ha!e been bro*en by the De!as in the guise of termites landed here. The festi!al image of Si!a, Balandhara Samhara Moorthy, here bears the discus and cha*ram Appar is said to ha!e spent his last years here, dedicating his life to the up*eep of this temple, and the Appar +eru!iha which lasts for a period of /0 days, celebrates these e!ents 78. Tiruppugalur This Si!a sthalam is located near (annilam The presiding deity is Konappiraan, Agneeswarar and the Ambal Karuntaah*uhali, 2hooti*ambal The sthala !ri*sham is <anni and the Theertham Agni Theertham Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Agni is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here, and was blessed with a !ision of 2handrase*harar. Si!a is said to ha!e blessed Bhumide!i and Satyashada rishi with a !ision of the 2osmic Dance. The demon Banasuran is said to ha!e attempted to carry away the Si!alingam from here but failed. The Appar festi!al is celebrated in the month of 2hittirai, witnesses the singing of the Tamil Te!aram hymns. 7E. Tiruppugalur <ardhamaneeswaram This Si!a sthalam is located near (annilam The presiding deity is <ardhamaneswarar and the Ambal Karunthah*uhali The Theertham is Agni Theertham. Sambandar composed the +athigam. This Si!astalam is a part of the Tiruppugalur temple *nown for its shrine to 2handrase*harar. 77. ,amanadeeswaram This Si!a sthalam is located in Tiru**annapuram near (annilam and Tiruppugalur. The presiding deity is ,amanathar and the Ambal Karu!ar*uhaliammai> 2hooti*ambal The Theertham is Surya +ush*arini Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that ,ama on his way bac* to Ayodhya worshipped Si!a at this place. 't is belie!ed that (andi stood in the way of ,amaGs worship and that +ar!ati controlled him by holding him with her arm, hence the name ,amanandeeswaram. 71. Tiruppayattran*udi This Si!a sthalam is located at <ir*udi near (annilam. The presiding deity is +ayatreeswarar, Mu*tapureeswarar and the Ambal Kayiyan*anniammai. The Sthala <ri*sham is Si!andimaram and the Theertham De!i Theertham Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Bhaira!a muni is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a at this shrine. A miracle is said to ha!e transformed a traderGs stoc* of pepper into pulses and bac* into pepper again here, hence the name +ayatran*udi. The annual Brahmotsa!am falls during the Tamil month of <ai*asi. 7H. Tiruchen*attan*udi 9ocated at .anapateeswaram near Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is )ttarapathiyar, .anapateeswarar and the Ambal Tirugu*uhal (aya*i. The sthala <ri*sham is Aathi and the Theertham Surya Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that .anapati is said to ha!e prayed to Si!a here to see* atonement for the sin of ha!ing *illed the demon .a-amu*hasuran, hence the name .anapateeswaram. The demonGs blood that flowed created the reddened land, called 2hen*aadu. Amudhu +adayal festi!al is celebrated in the Tamil month of 2hittirai 10. Tirumarugal This Si!a shetram is located near Mayiladutrai. The presiding deity is Mani**a!annar, ,atnagireeswarar and the Ambal <andu!aar*uhaliammai, Amotalanaya*i. The sthala <ri*sham is <aahai and the Theertham Si!a .anga Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that 9a*shmi got reunited with <ishnu upon worshipping Si!a, hence the name Tirumarugal. The name marugal also comes from the stala !ru*sham 5 <aahai. Sambandar upon singing the +athigam GSadaiyai &numaalG @<idam Theertha +ati*amA is said to ha!e brought bac* to life the husband of a de!otee of Si!a and this e!ent is commemorated in a celebration each year. 2hitra +ournami is celebrated here on a grand scale. 1/. Tiruchattamangai This Si!a sthalam is located near Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is Aya!anteeswarar and the Ambal Malar*annammai, )bayapushpa!ilochani The sthala <ri*sham is Konrai and the Theertham Bhramma Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Brahma worshipped Si!a here, hence the name Aya!anti. All of the !erses in SambandarGs pathigam here describe Si!aGs manifestation as Ardhanareeswarar. Aa!ani Moolam in the Tamil month of A!ani witnesses a lot of festi!ities here 16. (agai*aronam This Si!a sthalam is located in (agapattinam south of 2au!eri ,i!er. The presiding deity is Ka!arohaneswarar and the Ambal Karuntadan*anni, (eelayada*shi. The sthala <ri*sham is Maamaram and the Theertham +undari*a Theertham. Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam . The .ometa*a 9ingam representing Sundara <itan*ar was stolen in the recent past. 9egend has it that +undari*a Muni!ar ascended to di!inity with his mortal body, hence called Kaya Aarohanam. The name (agappattinam is belie!ed to ha!e been deri!ed from the legend that of Adiseshan worshipped Si!a here. AdiseshanGs daughter is belie!ed to ha!e married Saaleeswaran, a de!otee of Si!a. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of <ai*asi 1D. Si**al This Si!a shetram is located in Si**al near (agappattinam. The presiding deity is <enneipperumaan, (a!aneeteswarar and the Ambal <elon Kanniyaal, Sa*tiyuda*shi The sthala <ri*sham is Malli*ai and the Theertham Ksheera +ush*arini Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <asishta is said to ha!e prayed to Si!a to reco!er his Kamadhenu, whose mil* flowed and froe to form butter. Fashioning a 9ingam out of Butter @<enneippiranA, <asishtar !ainfully tried to mo!e it, but it got stuc* at this shetram @Si**alA. 9egend also has it that <ishnu sought the blessings of Si!a before !enturing out to the court of the demon *ing Mahabali, and there is a Kola <aamana +erumaal shrine ad-acent to the temple. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of 2hittirai. During S*anda Sashti )tsa!am Singara!elar recei!es his <el @SpearA from De!i, 1C. Kee!alur This Si!a sthalam is near (agappattinam and the temple is built at an ele!ation on the hilloc* *nown as 2hitra*ootagiri The presiding deity is Kediliyappar, A*shayalingeswarar and the Ambal <anamulaiamman, Sundara*uchambi*a The sthala <ri*sham is 'landai Maram @BadariA and the Theertham Sara!anappoi*ai Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Subramanyar is belie!ed to ha!e created this shrine for Si!a with the help of 'ndra and worshipped at this place. 't is also belie!ed that Si!a is said to ha!e danced with his right foot raised, for Agasthyar. Kuberan is said to ha!e come here to help out a poor de!otee by name 2handragupta. This shrine has been glorified by Muthuswamy Dee*shitarGs *riti A*shaya 9inga <ibho in the raga San*arabharanam. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of 2hittirai 18. Tirutte!ur This Si!a sthalam is located near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is De!a .urunathar, De!apureeswarar and the Ambal +ann (ila!iya Mohiyumai, Madhura Bhashini The sthala <ri*sham is <ahaimaram and the Theertham De!a Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Brihaspati the .uru of the De!as worshipped Si!a here> hence the deity is called De!agurunathar. .owtama Muni, 'ndra, Kubera and Surya are also belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. The annual festi!al is celebrated in the Tamil month of <ai*asi 1E. +alliyin Mu*oodal This Si!a shetram is located in <ir*udi near Mayiladuturai The presiding deity is Mu**onanatheswarar and the Ambal is Maime!um*anni Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that ,ama offered worship here at +alliyinmu**oodal. There is a ,amaswamy temple behind this Si!astalam. 17. Achaleswaram Also *nown as Tiru!arur Araneri, this temple to Si!a is located in the Southern +ra*aram of the grand Tyagara-a Temple at Tiru!arur, near Mayiladuturai. The presiding deity is Araneri Appar, Achaleswarar and the Ambal <andaar*uhali, Achaleswari Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that (aminandi Adigal, one of the ED (ayanmars, *ept the temple lamp burning with water, when oil was not a!ailable The niche images here include those of Ardhanareeswarar, Durga, Bhi*shanta*ar, Brahma, 9ingodbha!ar, Da*shinamurthy, Agastyar and (atara-ar. 11. Tiru!arur This Si!astalam is a huge temple of great historical and religious significance and is considered to be one of the holiest of the 678 Sai!ite shrines. 't has the most number of hymns in the Tirumurai collection The presiding deity is <eedhi <itan*ar, Tyagara-ar, Tirumoolattanar and the Ambal Alliyan*othai, Kamalambi*a The sthala theertham is Kamalalayam Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <ishnu worshipped Si!a in the form of Somas*anthar: associated with the A-apa Dance 'ndra is belie!ed to ha!e as*ed Muchu*unda 2holan to pic* the original image of Somas*andar worshipped by Maha!ishnu. The image of Tyagara-ar is the foremost of the Se!en which. Muchu*unda 2holan is belie!ed to ha!e pic*ed and 'ndra is belie!ed to ha!e rewarded him with all of the se!en images, which the latter installed at se!en different places within his territory, and these temples constitute the se!en <itan*astalams. The e!ening worship ser!ice @Saayara*shaiA here is of great significance Muthuswamy Dee*shithar, Tyagara-ar and Syama Sastri the trinity of 2arnatic Music were born in Tiru!arur. Dee*shithar in particular composed se!eral Kritis addressed to Tyagara-ar, Kamalambi*a and se!eral other deities in this temple. The annual Brahmotsa!am is in the Tamil month of +an*uni. The temple car is considered to be one of the biggest ta*en out in procession The Tamil saying ;Tiru!arur Terahagu; spea*s of the grandeur of the Aahitter, 1H. Aarurpara!aiumandali This Si!a sthalam is located in Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is Too!ai (ayanar and the Ambal +an-in Melladiammai. Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Dur!asa muni is belie!ed to ha!e worshipped here, and his image is seen near that of <inaya*ar. 't is also belie!ed that Si!a swallowed the mighty deluge sent by <aruna, the rain .od. Sundaramoorthy (ayanar is said to ha!e reco!ered his eyesight after he too* bath in this templeGs tan*. H0. <ilamar This Si!a sthalam is located close to Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is +atan-ali Manoharar and the Ambal #aahinum men mohiammai> Madhura Bhashini The Theertham is Agni Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. +atan-ali and <yagrapadar, for whom Si!a pro!ided a !ision of the cosmic dance at 2hidambaram, are said to ha!e worshipped here. H/. Kara!eeram This Si!a sthalam is located at Kara!eeram near Tiru!arur The presiding deity is Alari!ananathar, Bhramapureeswarar and the Ambal +ratya*sha (aya*i The sthala !ri*sham is Alarichedi and the Theertham Bhrama Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that .owtama Muni is belie!ed to ha!e worshipped here. Brahma is also belie!ed to ha!e worshipped here and hence the name Brahmapureeswarar. . H6. +eru!elur This Si!a sthalam is located at Kattur Aiyanpettai near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is +iriyaada (athar, A!imu*teswarar and the Ambal (irai*onda (aya*i, Abinnammbaal The sthala !ri*sham is <anni and the Theertham Sara!ana +oi*ai Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Subramanyar is said to ha!e worshipped here, and <ishnu is said to ha!e prayed to Si!a to shed his Mohini form. .owtama and Bhringi Munis are also belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a here HD. Talaiyalan*adu This Si!astalam is located close to Koda!asal near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is Andal <alla!ar, (artanapureeswarar and the Ambal Tirumadandaiammai, Balambi*a. The Thertham is Shangu. Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e danced upon the body of Muyala*an, sent by the sages of Dharu*a!anam @(artanapuriA. Kapila Muni worshipped Si!a here to recei!e the 2hintamani gem. He is said to ha!e wal*ed on his head to reach here 5hence Talaiyalan*adu. The annual brahmotsa!am festi!al is obser!ed in the Tamil month of Thai here. HC. Tiru**uda!aayil This Si!a sthalam is located at Koda!asal near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is Konanathan, Koneswarar and the Ambal +eriyanaya*i, Bhrihannaya*i The sthala !ri*sham is <aahaimaram and the Theertham Amrita Theertham Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e appeared out of a pot @KudamA and relie!ed Drinabandu Muni!ar of his leprosy. 't is belie!ed that when the great deluge submerged the earth, <ishnu remained afloat in an earthen !essel that stretched from Koda!asal to Kumbha*onam. 't is also belie!ed that a part of the celestial nectar Amritam dropped here> hence a bath in the temple tan* here is considered sacred, during the Mahamagam festi!al at Kumbha*onam. Arudra Darisanam and Maasi Magam are the festi!als of significance here. H8. Tirucherai This Si!a sthalam also called )daiyar Koyil is located near Kumba*onam and Koda!asal The presiding deity is Senneriappar, .nana +arameswarar and the Ambal .nana!alli The Theertham is Mar*andeya Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Mar*andeyar and ,i!er 2au!ery are said to ha!e worshipped Si!a in this shrine. Dowmya risih is also belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. HE. Tirunaalurmayaanam This Si!a shetram is located at Tirunaalur near Kumba*onam. The +residing deity is +alaasa <anesar, .nanaparameswarar and the Ambal +eriya (aya*i, .nanambi*a The Theertham is 2handra Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam 9egend has it that Aapatsamba muni worshipped Si!a here. H7. Kadu!aai*araiputtur This Si!a shetram is located at Aandaan Ko!il near Kumbha*onam. The presiding deity is Semponnnathar, Swarnapureesar and the Ambal Si!ase*hari, Shi!ambi*a The sthala <ri*sham is <anni and the Theertham Kudamurutti Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a and +ar!ati chose this shrine as a resort, in ac*nowledgement of its richness and fertility. The .anges appeared here. +ar!ati worshipped Si!a with flowers, gold and with the waters of the .anges. Hence the name Semponnnathar. Se!eral colorful legends are associated with the glory of this shrine. Kasyapa Muni is belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. The ri!er Kadu!aai is now *nown as Kudamurutti. The sunGs rays illuminate the sanctum of this small temple for a three5day period in the Tamil month of 2hittirai The annual festi!al is in the month of <ai*asi H1. Tiru!irumpoolai. This Si!a sthalam is located at Aalan*udi near Kumbha*onam. The presiding deity is Aabatsa*aayar and the Ambal &la!aar *uhaliammai>&laala*aambaal
The Theertham is Amritha push*arini. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Da*shinamurthy is said to ha!e preached to the De!as who ha!e swooned under the impact of the poison that came out of the churning of the mil*y ocean. +ar!ati is said to ha!e been reborn on the ban*s of Amrita +ush*arini and later on reunited with Si!a. <iswamitrar is belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Shi!a here. There are shrines to Surya, .urumo*sheswarar, Somanathar, Saptarishi nathar Someswarar, <ishnunathar and Bhrameesar, Kaasi <iswanathar and <isala*shi. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of 2hittirai. HH. Aradaiperumpaahi This Si!a sthalam is located at Aridwaramangalam near Kumbha*onam. The presiding deity is +aataleswarar and the Ambal Alan*ara (aya*i The sthala !ri*sham is <anni and the Theertham Brahma Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that a co!ered pit in front of the shrine is said to ha!e been dug by <ishnu in his <araaha A!ataram and enraged by this Si!a bro*e the horns of <araha Moorthy and wore it as an ornament. 9egends connected with <ishnuGs <araaha A!ataram are also associated with the Si!astalam A!ali!anallur nearby Karti*ai Deepam, 2hitra +ournami and +an*uni )thiram is the festi!al celebrated here /00. A!ali!anallur This Shi!astalam is located in the !icinity of -aridwaraman#alam, near *umba*onam. The presiding deity is Saa*shi (aya*eswarar and the Ambal Soundara(aya*i
The Theertham is 2handra +ush*arini Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. Both this temple and the one at Haridwaramangalam are associated with the <araha A!ataram of <ishnu. 9egend has it that <ishnu in his <araha!ataram after losing his horn worshipped Si!a here. Si!a is said to ha!e played the role of a witness in settling a marital dispute among his de!otees hence the name A!ali!alnallur. Thai Ama!asai @(ew moon day in the month of 2apricornA is celebrated here. 'n addition (a!aratri and S*anda Sashti are celebrated each year. /0/. +aridiniyamam This Si!a sthalam is located near Kumba*onam. The presiding deity is +aridiyappar, Bhas*areswarar and the Ambal Mangala(aya*i
The Theertham is Surya Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Mar*andeyar is said to ha!e been blessed here on the day of Margahi Tiru!adirai. There are legends associated with King Sibi disco!ering this shrine by accident. Karti*ai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, Tai +oosam, Masi Magam, +an*uni )thiram, 2hitra +ournami, Aadi +ooram, Aa!ani Moolam, (a!aratri and Deepa!ali are celebrated here. . /06. Tiru!enniyur @Koyil <enniA This Si!astalam is located in the !icinity of Aalan*udi @.urustalamA and Tiruppoo!anur @+ushpa!anamA near (eedamangalam. The presiding deity is <enni**arumbar and the Ambl Ahagiya (aya*i. The sthala !ri*sham is Karumbu Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. Si!a is belie!ed to ha!e blessed 'ndra. This well laid out temple enshrines a Si!alingam with mar*s resembling those of the sugarcane /0D. Tiruppoo!anur This Shi!astalam is located in the !icinity of Aalan*udi and Koyil !enni near (eedamangalam The presiding deity is +ushpa!aneswarar and the Ambal +ushpa!ana (aya*i The sthala !ri*sham is +alaamaram and the Theertham Karun*uhi Theertham Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that +ar!ati who was born as the ,a-a ,a-es!ari daughter of a *ing in Tirunel!eli, and 2hamundeswari one of the Sapta Maatas is said to ha!e raised ,a-a ,a-eswari. Si!a who had come in the guise of a Sidhhar and defeated +ar!ati in a game of 2haturangam and married her, hence the name 2haturanga <allabheswarar. A Tenday festi!al is celebrated in the month of 2hittirai. /0C. +aadaaleeswaram This Si!astalam is located in the Tiruppaambani area of the town of Mannargudi The presiding deity is (aganathar, Sarpapureeswarar and the Ambal Amrita (aya*i The sthala !ri*sham is Mango and the Theertham (aaga Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. Aadi Seshan is said to ha!e worshipped here, hence the names +aambani for the shrine, and Sarpapureeswarar for Si!a. Dhanan-aya muni!ar whose form resembled that of +atan-ali is also belie!ed to ha!e worshipped here. The ri!er in the !icinity is also *nown as +aambani. The annual Brahmotsa!am is held in the Tamil month of <ai*asi /08. Tiru**alar This Si!a sthalam is located near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is Kalarmulainathar and the Ambal Ahageswari. The sthala !ri*sham is +a!alamalli and the Theertham Dur!asa Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that (atara-ar is said to ha!e blessed Dur!asar with a !ision of the cosmic dance. The latterGs image is seen facing (atara-ar here. +arasarar is also belie!ed to ha!e worshipped here. A lofty ,a-agopuram @/80 feetA adorns the entrance to this temple and the <alampuri <inaya*ar and the Subramanyar shrines are also of significance here /0E. Tiruchitremam This Si!astalam is located close to Alattampadi near Tiru!arur The presiding deity is +on <aitha (athar, Madhupureeswarar and the Ambal Ahagiya Sornam, A*ilanda (aya*i The sthala !ri*sham is Aathi and the Theertham Swarna +ush*arini Sambandar composed the +athigam 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e blessed a destitute woman with a piece of gold each day, hence +on <aitta (athar. A group of Sidhas are said to ha!e assumed the form of bees and worshipped Si!a> there is a beehi!e to the south of the deity. $orship is offered to the beehi!e. /07. Tiru )saattaanam The Si!a sthalam is at Ko!iloor near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is )saattaanamudaiya (aayanaar, Mantrapureeswarar and the Ambal +eriyanaya*i The sthala !ri*sham is Maamaram Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that ,ama along with 9a*shmana, Bamba!an, Sugree!an and Hanuman worshipped here on his way to Sri 9an*a. A white colored Shi!alingam occupies the sanctum. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the month of 2hittirai. Karti*ai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, Aani Tiruman-anam, Aadi +ooram, Aa!ani Moolam, (a!aratri, S*anda Sashti are also celebrated here. /01. Tiruidumba!anam This Si!a sthalam is located near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is Sargunanatheswarar and the Ambal Mangalanaya*i The Theertham is Bhrama Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. .atot*achan is said to ha!e been born @to Bhima and HidambiA here and the temple theertham is said to ha!e been created by Bheema with his mace. Kunraloor nearby is belie!ed to he HidumbanGs capital. 9egend has it that Si!a granted a !ision of the di!ine marriage to Agasthyar, and as in <edaranyam, a panel depicting Si!a and +ar!ati adorns the sanctum wall behind the Si!alingam. 't is belie!ed that Sambandar tre**ed his way to this temple for a distance of about four miles, on his hands, as he had a !ision of Si!alingams co!ering the entire path. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the month of <ai*asi /0H. Kaddi*ulam This shrine is located near Tillai!ilaa*am Karpaganaar Ko!il close to Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is Karpaga (aathar and the Ambal Soundara (aya*i The Theertham is <inaya*a Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Karpaga <inaya*ar prayed to Si!a and obtained the celestial Mango fruit of *nowledge here. The <inaya*ar shrine here is of great significance Thai +oosam and +anguni )thiram are celebrated annually. //0. Tandalaineeneri This Shi!astalam is in the !icinity of Tirutturaippundi near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is (eeneri (aathar, Sthira Budheeswarar and the Ambal .nanambi*a The sthala !ri*sham is Kurunda Maram and the Theertham ;ma*a Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has that Si!a is said to ha!e 3uelled Koorma @A!ataram of <ishnuA, and used its shell as an ornament here. Ari!aattaya (ayanar is associated with this shrine S*anda Sashti is celebrated in the month of Aippasi. ///. Kottur This Si!astalam is located in the !icinity of Tiru**alar, near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is Kohuntheesar and the Ambal Thenmohippa!ai, Madhura!achanambi*a The sthala <ri*sham is <anni and the Theertham Agasthya (adhi Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the De!as are belie!ed to ha!e worshipped here. An image of Ardhanareeswarar can be seen on the Si!alingam when it is bathed with mil*, during festi!al days such as Maasi Magam //6. <anduturai This Si!astalam is located near Mannargudi The presiding deity is <anduturai (athar, Bhramarapureeswarar and the Ambal <enedun*anniyammai The Theertham is Agasthya Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. Bhringi Muni!ar is said to ha!e assumed the form of a bee and worshipped here, hence the name <anduturai //D. Tiru**ollampudur This Si!a sthalam is located at Selloor @Tiru**alamburA near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is <il!a!aneswarar and the Ambal Soundarambi*a The Sthala !ri*sham is Konrai and the Theertham is Brahma Theertham Sambandar has composed the +athigam 9egend has it that The <il!a trees are said to represent splashes of the celestial nectar Amritam, and this stalam is considered on par with Banares. Sundarar is belie!ed to ha!e floated across the ri!er to this temple on a raft on the ri!er in spate, singing a +athigam. This e!ent is celebrated as a festi!al in the monsoon month of 9ibra. The A!imu*teswarar temple nearby is also associated with this legend as is the Si!astalam at Koda!asal. Si!a is said to ha!e blessed Dur!asa Muni with a !ision of the 2osmic Dance here. Karti*ai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, Si!aratri, S*anda Sashti are some of the festi!als celebrated here. //C. +ereyil This Si!astalam is located south of Kuhi**arai near Than-a!ur. The presiding deity is Sidhi (athar, Bagadeeswarar @<iswanatharA and the Ambal +eriya (aya*i, Bagannaya*i The sthala !ri*sham is (aarathai Maram and the Theertham Agni Theertham Appar composed the +athigam. Appar glorified this small shrine @;gaippereyilA in a pathigam of his in Tiru**urunto*ai. Si!a is said to ha!e blessed De!as at this shetram. The (atara-ar image here is said to be of great beauty. Four worship ser!ices are offered here each day. Karti*ai Deepam and Tamil (ew #ears day are celebrated here. //8. Tiru**olli**adu This Si!astalam is located near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is Thee!annanathar, Agneeswararand the Ambal +an-inu melladiammai. The Theertham is Agni Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Agni is belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a. The shrine for Saneeswarar is of significance here. //E. Ten*oor This Si!a shetram is at <ellimalai near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is <ellimalai (athar, ,a-atagireeswarar and the Ambal +eriya naya*i The Theertham is Si!agangai Appar composed the +athigam.
9egend has it that the (a!agrahams and 9a*shmi worshipped Shi!a here. Shi!aGs shrine is located in front of 9a*shmiGs. Asura .uru Su*racharyar is belie!ed to ha!e regained his eyesight after worshipping Si!a here. The Shi!a .anga tan* is located to the north of the temple.
//7. Tirunelli**a This Si!asthalam is located near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is (elli!ananthewsarar, Amala*a!aneswar and the Ambal Mangalanaya*i The sthala !ri*sham is (ellai and the Theertham Brahma Theertham. Sundarar composed the +athi*am. 9egend has it that Si!a blessed Dur!asa Muni and enabled the Muni to shed his short temperedness. 9egend also has it that <ishnu, 2handra, Saneeswaran, Surya and Bhrama worshipped here. Hence the names Arunaapuram and Bhramatheertham. 't is also belie!ed that a .andhar!a worshipped Si!a here and was relie!ed of his leprosy, and hence the name Kushtarogaharapuram. The Bhrammotsa!am is celebrated in the month of 2hittirai. //1. Tirunatyattan*udi This si!asthalam is located at +ala**urichi near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is Mani**a!annar, ,atnapureeswarar and the Ambal Maamalarmangai> ,atnapureeswari The sthala !ri*sham is Maa!ilangamaram and the Theertham Surya +ush*arini Sundarar composed the +athigam. 't is belie!ed that Si!a settled the assets of ,atnendra 2hola and his father here and hence the name ,atneswarar. The name Karinatheswarar stems from the worship offered by an elephant here. Kai Kattu <ina%aar is said to ha!e pointed out Si!a and +ar!ati in disguise, to Sundarar. Kotpuli (ayanar is associated with this shrine and his association is commemorated each year in the month of Aadi. The (ada!u )tsa!am in the month of Aadi is of importance here. //H. Tiru**aaraayil This Si!astalam @Tiru**aarai!aasalA is regarded as of the Sapta<itan*a temples> housing shrines to Tyagara-a and located near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is Kannayira (atheswarar, Tyagara-ar @Aadi <itan*arA and the Ambal Kailaya (aya*i The Theertham is 'ndra Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 'ndra is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a on a full moon night in the month of <irgo. 't is belie!ed that Kadu**aai +illaiyaar here, transformed a traderGs cargo of nutmeg into Kadu**aai and then bac* to Kadu**aai, Tyagara-ar here is *nown as Aadi <itan*ar and is associated with the Ku**uta (atanam dance The annual Brahmotsa!am festi!al is celebrated in the Tamil month of <ai*asi. /60. Kanraappur This Si!asthalam is located near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is (aduthariappar, <atsanathar and the Ambal Maathumainaya*i. The sthala !ri*sham is Kalpanaimaram and the Theertham .nana Theertham Appar composed the +athigam. Si!a is said to ha!e accepted worship from a de!out woman to a fi:ture used to tie cal!es in the cattle shed, since her family members ob-ected to her religious faith and barred her from worshipping a linga. Hence the name Kanraappu. Hidimba is said to ha!e worshipped here. The annual Bhrammotsa!am is held in the month of <ai*asi /6/. Tiru <ali!alam This si!asthalam is located near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is Manattunai (athar, Hridaya Kamalanathar and the Ambal Maahaiyon*anni The sthala !ri*sham is +unnai and the Theertham 2ha*ra Theertham Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. A blac* sparrow @<aliyanA is said to ha!e circumambulated the shrine, hence the name <ali!alam. Surya is said to ha!e worshipped here and the wheels of his chariot are belie!ed to ha!e created the 2ha*ra Theertham moat. The annual Brahmotsa!am conducted in the month of 2hittirai concludes with the float festi!al in the 2ha*ra Theertham. /66. Kaichinam This Si!a sthalam is located at Tirunelli**a near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is Karachinneswarar, Hrudaya Kamala (athar and the Ambal <el!alaiyammai, Matsayada*shi The sthala !ri*sham is Kon*ila!u and the Theertham 'ndra Theertham Appar composed the +athigam. 'ndra, the *ing of the De!as is belie!ed to ha!e worshiped here and is said to ha!e been relie!ed of his afflictions. Finger imprints said to be that of 'ndra are seen on the Si!alingam made of earth and hence the name Kaichinnam. Drinabindu muni is belie!ed to ha!e worshipped here. Agastyar is also said to ha!e been blessed here Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the month of <ai*asi while Arudra Darisanam, +anguni )thiram, S*anda Sashti and (a!aratri are the other festi!als celebrated through the year. /6D. Tiru**olili This Si!asthalam is located at Tiru**u!alai near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is Sundareswarar, Thyagara-ar and the Ambal Meena*shi. The Theertham is Brahma Theertham. Sambandar, appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. Brahma is said to ha!e worshipped here prior to commencing the act of creation, hence Brahma Tapo!anam, Bhramapureeswarar. Since the sins of the nine celestial bodies @KolA were forgi!en here, the name Tiru**olili came into being. The (a!agrahas are enshrined in a straight row here as in Tiru!arur. An aged de!otee from Kundaiyur intent upon tra!elling to Madurai was blessed with a !ision of Meena*shi and Sundareswarar here. Sundarar was blessed with rice grains here and this !ast supply of grains was, by the grace of the presiding deity, miraculously transported toTiru!arur. This is commemorated in the Maasi Magam festi!al. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the month of <ai*asi, while the Sundarar )tsa!am is conducted on the day of Maasi Magam. /6C. Tiru!aimur This si!asthlam is located near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is <aimurnathar and the Ambal +aalinum (an mohiammai, Ksheeropa!achani The sthala !ri*sham is +alaamaram and the Theertham Surya Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. Surya is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a and the suns rays stri*e the sanctum on two days in the Tamil month of +an*uni. The /15day <asantotsa!am in the month of <ai*asi is of great significance here. /68. Tirumarai**aadu This si!asthalam is located at <edaranyam near (agappattinam. The presiding deity is Marai**aadanaar, <edaranyar and the Ambal +anmohi Ammai The sthala !ri*sham is +unnai and the Theertham Mani*arni*a Theertham Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that ,ama attempted to build a bridge to Sri 9an*a from <edaranyam first and was directed by Si!a to proceed to ,ameswaram to build a bridge from there on. ,ama is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a at this shetram on his !ictorious return to Ayodhya. Brahma is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a prior to commencing his wor* of creation. <iswamitrar worshipped Si!a to wor* his way towards the status of Brahmarishi. Agastyar was blessed with a !ision of the di!ine marriage here. The doors of the temple that had remained shut for ages, reopened when Appar composed his +athigam and shut themsel!es upon SambandarJs re3uest with a +athigam. The +anda!as are belie!ed to ha!e installed the +ancha 9ingams here. ,ama worshiped <eerahatti <inaya*ar here. Sundarar !isited this shrine with 2heraman +erumaal and Sambandar with Appar. There is an image of )ma Maheswarar behind the Shi!alingam in the sanctum. /6E. Tiru Agathiyaanpalli This si!asthalam is located at <edaranyam near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is Agastheeswarar and the Ambal Baagampiriyaal, Soundaranaya*i The sthala !ri*sham is Agathi and the Theertham Agni Theertham. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Agastyar witnessed the di!ine marriage of Si!a and +ar!ati here. 'nterestingly, the same legend is associated with the Tyagara-ar temple at <edaranyam where a panel depicting the di!ine marriage is seen behind the Si!alingam in the sanctum. 't is belie!ed that Agasthyar built his hermitage here, and tre**ed up to <edaranyam each day. Si!a here is also *nown as Agnipureeswarar. /67. Kodi**arai This si!asthalam is located near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is Amrita .hateswarar and the Ambal Maiyar Thadan*anni The Theertham is Amritha Theertham Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the celestial nectar from the Mil*y ;cean, carried by <ayu, fell at this spot and assumed the form of a Si!alingam, hence Amritaghateswarar. ,ama is said to ha!e sighted Sri 9an*a from here, and what is belie!ed to be his footprint is preser!ed nearby. /61. Tiru!idai!ai This si!asthalam is located near Tiru!arur. The presiding deity is +unya*oti (athar and the Ambal Abhirami The Theertham is +unya*oti Theertham Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <idaiya!an, of the Surya !amsam, originally built this temple, and that Shi!a was worshipped by Aadiseshan, Agasthyar and Atri. This Si!astalam is a shrine added later on to the collection of 67C Si!astalams during this century. @Most references point only to 67C Te!ara +aadal +etra StalamsA. The Te!aram hymns dedicated to this shrine were found in the temple inscriptions and are hence not a part of the original collection of the Tirumurais compiled by !am'i%andar !am'i. The pathigam here is referred to as Puthi%a Pathigam. Appar refers to this shrine as <idai!ai**udi in his #daivutiruttandaam. &eha (aadu 5 Sri 9an*a @6 TemplesA /. Tiru**onamalai Known as Da*shina*ailasam, this Si!a sthalam is situated in Tiru*onamalai near Talaimannar in Sri 9an*a. This is one of the +aadal +etra Stalams. This ancient temple faced destruction during the +ortuguese regimen. The presiding deity is Koneswarar and the Ambal is Maadulaiyaalammai The Theertham is Kona Theertham According to the Stala puranam Si!a is belie!ed to ha!e been worshipped by 'ndra at this shetram. Sambandar has sung the (ayanmaars +athigam from ,ameswaram across the ocean. $orship ser!ices are offered at a roc*, on the coast. Singai Bagaraa-ase*harar a monarch of Sri 9an*a has composed the Da*shina Kailasa +uraanam in praise of Tiru**onamalai. Si!arathri is celebrated on a grand scale. 6. Tiru**etheeswaram . This Si!a sthalam is situated in Tiru**etheswaram near Talaimannar in Sri 9an*a. The presiding deity is Ketheeswarar and the Ambal is .owri. The Theertham is .owri Theertham
Kethu, and Brighu Muni are belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a at this shrine. This shrine later fell into destruction during the +ortuguese rule. Sambandar and Sundarar composed the +athigam on this shetram. Although this shrine has not been !isited by the (ayanmars, Sambandar and Sundarar sang its praises from ,ameswaram on the other side of the ocean. Si!aratri and S*anda shasti are celebrated on a grand scale. +andya (aadu @/C TemplesA
/. Aala!aai @MaduraiA The Madurai Meena*shi Sundareswarar temple is one of the greatest Si!a temples. The presiding deity is 2ho**anathar, Sundareswarar and the Ambal An*ayar*anni, Meena*shi The sthala !ri*sham is Kadambamaram and the Theertham +otramarai*ulam Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e been worshipped by 'ndra in the Kadamba!ana forest and hence SundareswararGs !imanam at this shetram is *nown as 'ndra <imanam. 9egend has it that Meena*shi @+ar!atiA re5born as the daughter of Malayadwa-a +andyan married Si!a @born as Soundara +andyanA here. Together Si!a @Soundara +andyanA and Meena*shi are said to ha!e ruled o!er Madurai. There are se!eral legends surrounding this temple. 9egend has it, that the di!ine nectar falling from 9ord Si!aGs loc*s, ga!e the city its name GMadhurapuriG, now *nown as =Madurai=. This temple is a treasure house of architectural beauty built by the (aya* ,ulers, and has se!eral towers and Mandapams. The four tall gopurams stand on the massi!e outer walls of the temple, one on each side. ;ut of them the Southern .opuram is the tallest. Besides these, there are four smaller gopurams. The temple tan* +otramarai*ulam is located inside the temple and is closely associated with the legendary Tamil literary institution *nown as the Sangam. There are two specimens of ingenious Pmusical pillarsJ in the Ayiran**al Mandapam. &ach musical pillar has a central column surrounded by groups of slender columns chiseled from the same stone. &ach of these thin pillars when struc* produces different musical notes. During the 2hittirai Tiru!iha @Apr /85May /8A the entire city ta*es on a festi!e loo* when Meena*shi and Sundareswarar are ta*en in colorful processions and the di!ine marriage and the coronation are enacted. The float festi!al here is also of great importance. 6. Aappudaiyaar Ko!il This temple is located close to Meena*shi Sundareswarar temple at Madurai. The presiding deity is Aappudaiyar, ,ishabeswarar and the Ambal Kura!an*amahum Kuhalammai, Sugandha Kudalambal. The Theertham is ,ishaba Theertham. Sambandar composed the +athigam on this shetram. 9egend has it that GAappuG 5 a wedge that was mista*enly worshipped as a Si!alingam by a +andya ruler is said to ha!e transformed miraculously into a Si!alingam and thus it gained the name GAappudaiyaarG. Si!a is also belie!ed to ha!e turned the grains of sand in the ri!er into rice during the time of a debilitating famine, and hence the deity is also called Anna 9ingeswarar. Brahmotsa!am is celebrated during the Tamil month of Maasi. 'mages of Meena*shi and Sundareswarar are brought to this temple during +anguni )ththiram. D. Tirupparan*unram This Si!a sthalam is located near Madurai.The most important of the si: +adai <eedu temples of Murugan, where he dwelled before !an3uishing the demon Soorapadman is Tirupparan*unram The presiding deity is +arangirinathar and the Ambal Aa!udai (aya*i. The Theertham is Sara!ana +oi*ai. Sundarar and Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Subramanyar is said to ha!e married De!asena @De!anaiA here, and is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a 5 +arangirinatheswarar. The main shrine is an early roc* cut temple while the other structures date to the (aya* period. An Aasthaana Mandapam with se!eral artistically car!ed pillars lead one to the towering /80 feet high ,a-agopuram at the entrance. The Kambathadi Mandapam, Ardha Mandapam and Mahamandapam are situated at different le!els. 2ells in the main wall house the sanctums of Subramanya, Durga, <inaya*ar, Shi!a and <ishnu. The annual Brahmotsa!am falls in the Tamil month of +anguni. S*anda Sashti, the ten5day Karti*ai festi!al, <ai*asi <isa*am, and the float festi!al in Thai are other celebrations here. C. Tiru!eda*am? This Si!astalam lies on the ban*s of the ri!er <aigai, close to Madurai. The presiding deity is &da*anatheswarar and the Ambal &la!aar*uhali, Sugandha Kundalambi*a The sthala !ri*sham is <il!am and the Theertham Bhrama Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that .aruda, Adiseshan and <ishnu are belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a at this shetram. SambandarGs pathigam on a palm leaf @&duA is said to ha!e gone against the current of <aigai and settled here and responding to the prayers of Sambandar, G<aadu!enra <inaaya*ar% at this shetram is said to ha!e stopped the mo!ement of the palm leaf in the guise of a fish. SambandarGs miracle is celebrated as G&du &thireriya )tsa!amG in the Tamil month of <ai*asi. ;ther festi!als include <inaya*a 2haturthi, Aadi +ooram, (a!aratri, Aippasi +ournami, S*anda Sashti, Karti*ai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, Tai +oosam, Maasi Magam, +anguni )ththiram and <ai*asi <isa*am. 8. Tiru**odun*unram This Si!astalam is located at +iranmalai near Tirupputtur. The presiding deity is Kodun*unranathar, )gragireeswarar and the Ambal Kuyilamritanaya*i. The sthala !ri*sham is )rangaappuli and the Theertham Madhu +ush*arini Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is belie!ed to ha!e re!ealed a !ision of his marriage with +ar!ati to Agasthya Muni. Brahma, Saraswathi, Subramanya and (andi are belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. +iraanmalai is said to be a bloc* of Mount Meru, which got blown off during a fierce tussle between the serpent *ing Aadiseshan and the wind .od <aayu. Since this hill is in the form of a Si!alingam, it is also called +rachandragiri and Katoragiri. There are three shrines in this temple representing the states of Bhumi, Antari*sham and Swargam. The )gra Bhaira!ar Shrine here witnesses a special festi!al in the Tamil month of Thai, and the Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the month of 2hittirai. E. Tirupputhur This Si!a sthalam is located near Karai**udi. The presiding deity is Tiruttalinathar, Sreetalinathar and the Ambal Si!a*ami, Soundarya (aya*i The sthala !ri*sham is Konrai and the Theertham .aruda Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e re!ealed a !ision of the 2osmic Dance to 9a*shmi @.owri Tanda!amA at this shetram. The concept of +rana!am 5 that Si!a and +rana!am were one and the same is said to ha!e been realied here and manifested itself as the Konrai Maram. Agasthyar, <almi*i, Bayanthan the son of De!endran are said to ha!e worshipped here. The Kunna**udi5Tiru!annamalai Aadheenam manages this temple. <inaya*a 2haturthi, (a!aratri, Karti*ai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam and <ai*asi <isaa*am are celebrated here in addition to the Bayantan Festi!al celebrated in the Tamil month of 2hittirai. 7. Tiruppuna!ayil This Shi!astalam is located on the seashore near +udu**otai. The presiding deity is +ahampati (athar and the Ambal Karunai (aya*i. The Theertham is Brahma Theertham Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Brahma, 9a*shmi and the four <edas worshipped Si!a here. All the /C shrines in the +andya Kingdom are said to manifest themsel!es at this shetram. The annual Brahmotsa!am is conducted in the Tamil month of <ai*asi. 1. ,ameswaram
This island5temple town is located off of the Sethu coast of Tamilnadu This Si!astalam is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in 'ndia. 't represents one of the twel!e Byotirlingams, and is an important pilgrimage center. The presiding deity is ,amanathaswamy and the Ambal Malai!alar*aadali, +ar!atha!arthini. The Theertham is Dhanus*oti. Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. This temple is associated closely with ,amayana and ,amaGs !ictorious return from Sri 9an*a. 9egend has it that ,ama while returning to Ayodhya, desiring to worship Si!a at this shetram, as*ed -anuman to bring an image of <iswanathar from Benares. Anticipating delay in HanumanGs return, ,ama at the pre5chosen auspicious moment is said to ha!e offered worship to a Si!alingam fashioned out of earth by Sita. This lingam is referred to as ,amalingam and the town gained its name as ,ameswaram. The Si!a lingam of Kasi <iswanathar, said to ha!e been brought later by Hanuman from Banares, is also installed in this temple and is referred to as Kasilingam and Hanumalingam. Traditionally prayers are offered first to Kasilingam before they are offered to ,amalingam. 9egend also has it that ,ama worshipped Tila*eswarar at .evipa&nam nearby, enroute to Sri 9an*a. There is also a shrine to Sethu Madha!a, also called Sweta Madha!a and 9a*shmi in ,ameswaram. The term Sweta refer to the white stone with which the image is made. The .andamadana par!atam is a hill on the island, which bears a small shrine containing imprints of ,amaGs feet and is held in worship. 't is belie!ed that after his !ictorious return ,ama from the hilltop destroyed the bridge, which he had built between the island and Srilan*a, This temple, spread o!er an area of /8 acres, has lofty gopurams, massi!e walls and a colossal (andi. The stuccoes image of (andi is about /1 feet tall and 66 feet in length. ,ameswaram also boasts of a C000 feet long pillared corridor with o!er C000 pillars, and this is supposed to be the longest in the world. The car!ed granite pillars are mounted on a raised platform. $hat is uni3ue about this corridor is that the roc* is not indigenous to the island and it was brought in from the main land across the sea. The e:isting temple was built by +ara*rama Bahu of Sri 9an*a, and was completed by the Setupathy rulers of ,amanathapuram. There are DE Theerthams in ,ameswaram of which 66 are in the temple and these waters are said to possess medicinal properties, as well religious sanctity. The Agni theertham refers to the ocean while the Koti theertham is located within the temple itself. Two annual Brahmotsa!ams are celebrated in the Tamil months of Aadi and Maasi. H. Tiru!aadaanai This Shi!astalam is a !ast temple at Tiru!aadanai near De!a**ottai. The presiding deity is Aadaanainathar, Aadi ,atneswarar and the Ambal Anbayiammai, Sneha!alli The sthala !ri*sham is <il!am and the Theertham Surya Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <aaruni, the son of <aruna who was cursed by a Sage to ha!e an elephantGs body and a goatGs head, regained his normal form after worshipping Si!a at this shetram. Surya is said to ha!e worshipped a blue diamond image of Si!a here. The annual Brahmotsa!am is held in the Tamil month of <ai*asi while the annual festi!al for Ambal is held in the month of Aadi /0. Tiru**aanapper This Si!a sthalam is located at Kaalayar Ko!il near Si!aganga. The presiding deity is Kaalaiyeesar, Sundareswarar and the Ambal Meena*shi Sambandar and Sundarar composed the +athig*am. 9egend has it that +ar!ati was cursed to attain the form of the dar* Kaali when she *illed the demon 2handasuran. By offering prayers to Si!a at this shetram, +ar!ati got relie!ed from the curse. Shi!a is then said to ha!e married her here, and ta*en on the name Kaaleesar. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of <ai*asi.
//. Tiruppoo!anam This shrine is located closer to Madurai. The presiding deity is +oo!ana (athar, Bhas*arapureeswarar and the Ambal+oo!ana (aya*i, Sundara (aya*i. The sthala <ri*sham is +alaamaram and the Theertham <aigai Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Surya and .oddess 9a*shmi worshipped Somas*andar here. Sambandar upon !iewing each grain of sand as a Si!alingam refused to set foot in the temple for the fear of trampling on them. , To gi!e Darsan to Sambandar standing outside the shrine, Si!a is said to ha!e directed (andi to mo!e aside. The annual Brahmotsa!am falls during the Tamil month of +anguni. ;ther festi!als here include Aadi +ooram, (a!aratri, Arudra Darisanam, and Karti*ai Deepam. /6. Tiruchuhial This is one of the re!ered Si!astalams near Manamadurai. The presiding deity is Tirumeni (athar, Bhoominathar and the Ambal Tunaimaalainaya*i. The sthala !ri*sham is +unni and the Theertham Kau!ai**adal. Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that +ar!ati is said to ha!e meditated upon Si!a, see*ing his hand in marriage and this e!ent is commemorated in the Amman Tapas )tsa!am in the Tamil month of Aadi. The annual Brahmotsa!am is in the Tamil month of +anguni.
/D. Kutralam This Si!a sthalam is located near Tirunel!eli. Kutralam is a popular tourist resort *nown for its waterfalls, amidst pictures3ue surroundings. The presiding deity is Kurumpala!eesar, Kutrala (athar and the Amman Kuhal!aaimohiammai. The sthala !ri*sham is Kurum +alaa and the Theertham 2hitranadhi Saambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that at the re3uest of Si!a, Agastyar proceeded southwards to stabilie the balance of earth, and relie!e it from the instability resulting from the presence of a multitude of entities at Si!a and +ar!atiJs wedding in the Himalayas. To ha!e a glimpse of the di!ine couple, Agastyar is said to ha!e created a Si!alingam at this shetram by shrin*ing an image of <ishnu, hence the name Kutralam. The 2hitra Sabhai or the hall of pictures, which resembles that of the other (atara-a Sabhas, is located away from the main temple, and its interior is dec*ed with hundreds of murals, depicting images from the 'ndian epics. Arudra Darisanam is celebrated in the 2hitrasabha, and the Taanda!a Deepa Aradhanai carried out at that time is of significance here. 'n the annual festi!al Si!a appears as Brahma, <ishnu, ,udra, &swara, Sadasi!a and Subramanya. /C. Tirunel!eli This Si!astalam located in Tirunel!eli Town, is a !ast temple with sprawling mandapams dec*ed with life5sied images. 't is one of the most beautiful temples in 'ndia and is hailed as one of the fi!e +ancha Sabhas of (atara-a housing Tamra The presiding deity is (ellaiyappar, <enu!aneswarar and the Ambal Kantimati The sthala !ri*sham is Moongil and the Theertham Tambraparni. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a protected the food grains collected for worship at the temple from floods of the ri!er Tamaraparani, by a fence and hence the name "(el <eli%. Agasthyar and <ishnu are said to ha!e worshipped here. This temple combines two comple: structures of the temples for (ellaiappar and Kantimati lin*ed by the Sangili Mandapam, which has se!eral lifesied sculptures adorning the pillars. The ;on-al Mandapam and the /0005pillared hall are of great beauty. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aani. Malai Naadu - Kerala (1 Temple) /. Thiru!anchi**alam Tiru An-ai**alam is located in the !icinity of Kodungallur, near Thrissur. Kodungallur is well *nown for its famed temple to Bhagawati. This is the only Si!astalam in Kerala, which has been sung by the (ayanmars. The presiding deity is <anchi*uleswarar, An-ai**alathappar and the Ambal )ma De!i, )maiammai. Sundarar composed the (ayanmars +athigam 9egend has it that Si!a has gi!en the !ision with +ar!ati and blessed Sundarar at this shetram. 2heraman +erumal, one of the ED (ayanmars and a great friend of Sundaramoorthy (ayanar is said to ha!e ruled with Kodungallur as his capital. Sundarar and 2heraman +erumal (ayanar are said to ha!e left for Kailasam from here. The festi!al during the Tamil month of Adi @Adi SwathiA commemorates SundararGs association with the temple.
The sanctum is in the form of a chariot. 'n *eeping with the Kerala architectural style, this temple has a conical copper plated <imanam, a namas*ara mandapam, and gopura dwarams on the east and the western direction. 2heraman +erumalGs image is car!ed on the temple walls and there is a memorial to him nearby. The Da*shinamurthy idol in this temple faces the &ast. Kongu (aadu @E TemplesA /. A!inashi This shetram is located at A!inashi near 2oimbatore. The word A!inashi means that which is indestructible. This is one of the 7 Shi!astalams in Kongu (adu. This temple is also *nown as Karunaiyaathaal temple. A!inashi is referred to as Da*shina <aranasi, Tiruppu**ohiyur etc. TirumularGs Tirumantiram, The presiding deity is A!inashi &swarar, Kediliyappar and the Ambal Karunambi*a The sthala <risham is +aatiri and the Theertham is 'ra!ata Theertham: Kasi .angai Theertham The (ayanmars +athigam is composed by Sundarar Sundaramoorthy (ayanar on his way to Tiru!anchi*ulam is said to ha!e miraculously rescued a boy from the clutches of a crocodile, at Tamarai**ulam close by. This e!ent is commemorated during the GMudalai <aai +illaiG )tsa!am during +anguni )ththiram. There is a shrine to Sundarar on the shore of the Tamarai**ulam. The Kasi .angai Theertham 5 in the form of a well in the temple is considered to be of significance. There is a shrine for Kaalabhaira!ar and is being worshipped here with the offerings of <adai Maalai. This temple has two pra*arams and the (a!aranga Mandapam in the inner pra*aram has intricate sculptural wor*. The large (andi here, and the car!ed image of a scorpion in the Ambal sanctum are of significance. This temple is a protected monument under the Archeological sur!ey of 'ndia. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of 2hittirai. The 2ar festi!al attracts large crowd. 6. Tirumuruganpoondi This Si!a sthalam is located close to Tiruppur and is one of the se!en Si!astalams in Kongu (adu. The presiding deity is Muruga (atheswarar, S*anda (atheswarar and the Ambal Muyangu +oon Mulaiyammai, 9ingabhooshana Stananbi*a The stala !ri*sham is Mullai and the Theertham is Subramanya Koopam. The +athigam is composed by Sundarar 9ord Subramanyar is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here after his heroic Surasamharam. Dur!asar is said to ha!e brought the Mullai tree 4 the stala !ri*sham from Karpa*a 9o*am. 't is belie!ed that worshipping the deity at this shetram relie!es those with mental ailments. Sundarar and 2heraman +erumal upon arri!ing here lost their wealth to a group of bandits. )pon singing his pathigam Sundarar reco!ered the lost wealth. There are two images of Sundarar here depicting his state of mind prior to and after the incident. The Maadeswarar 5 Mangalambi*a temple nearby is considered to be the original Tirumuruganpoondy temple. A large (andi 5 !isible from a distance substitutes the traditional gopuram in a mandapam situated in front of the shrine. (atara-arGs tanda!am here is attributed as Brahma Tanda!am. The annual Brahmotsa!am falls in the Tamil month of Maasi Brahma Tanda!am is the feature of the /0th day of the festi!al. ;ther festi!als obser!ed here are Arudra Darisanam, Karti*ai Deepam, <inaya*a 2haturthi and S*anda Sashti. D. Tiru (ana This Si!astalam at Bha!ani near &rode, in Kongu (aadu, is a shrine at the confluence of Bha!ani, 2au!eri and Amruta!ahini ri!ers 5 Mu**oodal. The presiding deity is Sangameswarar and the Ambal +annaar Mohiyaal, <edanaya*i The stala !risham is 'landai and the Theertham is Bha!ani5Ka!eri Sangamam The (ayanmars pathigam is composed by Sambandar Kuberan, ,ama, Ar-una, <iswamitrar and +arasarar are said to ha!e worshipped here. 9egend goes that the remnants of the celestial nectar which came out of the mil*y ocean was buried here by +arasarar> and the same turned into a Si!alingam. A shrine to Subramanyar is situated between the shrines of Si!a and Ambal. There is a beautiful i!ory palan3uin gifted by a &uropean collector in the /Hth century, which is being used during the temple festi!als. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of Aadi. 't is belie!ed that no e!il will befall those who !isit this shetram 5 =Teemai nannaa oor%5 hence Tirunanaa. The fi!e hill shrines of this area such as San*agiri, Tiruchengode, +admagiri, Mangalagiri and <edagiri surround this shrine. C. Kodimaadachen*unroor This Si!a shetram is in Tiruchengode in the !icinity of &rode and Salem in Kongunaadu. This is an ancient temple mentioned in the Tamil wor* Silappadi*aram as "(edu!el*unru%. There is a motorable road to the hill temple and the red colour of the hill caused the name 2hengode. Ardhanareeswarar 5 one of the EC manifestations of Shi!a, representing the unity of Si!a and +ar!ati, is enshrined in this re!ered hill temple of great significance. The presiding deity is Ardhanareeswarar and the Ambal Baagampiriyaalammai. The Theertham is Sangu Theertham. Sambandar composed the (ayanmars +athigam The legend is that Adi Kesa!a +erumal, enshrined here, instructed .owri on the Kedara .owri <ratam which she performed to unite with Shi!a as Ardhanareeswarar, "the man5woman form% with +ar!ati constituting the left half of Shi!a. 't is also belie!ed that a battle of strength between Adi Seshan and <ayu, saw the former clinging tightly to Mount Meru and <ayu using his might to blow it away. The latter succeeded in blowing it away to Tiruchengode and the blood spilled by Adiseshan colored it red. There is a E0 ft long sna*e car!ed on the hill, and hence the hill is also named as (agagiri. Although the sanctum faces the $est, entrance to it is from the South. A ma-estic image of Ardanareeswarar adorns the sanctum. There is a water spring at the foot of the image, which is said to ha!e been di!inely manifested ")li +adaa )ru!am%. The Tiruchengottu!ela!ar shrine dedicated to 9ord Subramanyar attracts a large number of pilgrims. Sambandar composed the Tiruneela*andapathigam here, to help rid fellow tra!ellers of an affliction. Muthuswamy Dee*shitar has sung of this shrine in Ardhanareeswaram in Kumuda*riya. "Artha Baama +oo-a% the late night worship ser!ice is considered to be of importance in this shetram. (ew moon days are also considered to be special e!ents. The annual festi!al is celebrated in the Tamil month of <ai*asi. 8. <enchamaa*oodal 9ocated at <en-amangudalur near Karur, this temple is classified as one of the Kongu (aattu Stalams. The presiding deity is <i*riteswarar and the Ambal <i*ritambi*a The Theerthama is <i*rita Theertham. Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Shi!a is said to ha!e appeared in the guise of an old priest and blessed Sundarar with gold. 't is also belie!ed that a Tribal *ing by name <enchan is said to ha!e worshipped Shi!a at this shetram and hence the name <enchamaa*oodal. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of Maasi. E. +aandi**odumudi This Si!astalam is located near Kodumudi in Kongunadu and is belie!ed to be one of the "si*arams% 4 pea*s 4 of Kailash. Se!eral literary wor*s praise the glory of this temple. The presiding deity is Kodumudi Nathar, Makuteswarar and the Ambal Panmozhi Nayaki, Soundarambika The stala <ri*sham is <anni and the Theertham Ka!eri Sambandar, Appar, Sundarar ha!e composed the +athigams. Sundarar composed his (amachi!aayappathigam at this shetram. 9egend has it that Brahma and <ishnu who are enshrined here, are said to ha!e worshipped Si!a, hence the shetram is also called "Trimurthy Ko!il%. Agasthyar is said to ha!e worshipped here. 't is also belie!ed that during a test of strength between Adisesha and <ayu, fi!e gems are said to ha!e got scattered from the head of Adisesha. A diamond landed at this shetram and a red stone landed at Tiruvannamalai, an emerald at /en#oimalai, a blue diamond at +oti*ai, a mani**am at ,aa&poki. 7. Karu!oor Aanilai This Si!a shetram is located in Karur. The presiding deity is +asupateeswarar and the Ambal Sundara!alli. The Sthala Theertham is Brahma Theertham. Sundarar and Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Kamadhenu the mythological cow is said to ha!e meditated upon Si!a to recei!e his blessings> hence the name Aanilai, and +asupateeswarar. There are two images of Ambal here, Sundara!alli and Alan*ara!alli. The sunGs rays illuminate the sanctum for three days in the Tamil month of +an*uni. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in +anguni> other festi!als include the &ripaththa (ayanar utsa!am, (a!aratri and Arudra Darisanam. !adu !aadu =// Temples> /. Tirunel!aayil Arratturai This Si!asthalam is located at Tiru!attatturai between Tiruchirappalli and <illuppuram. 't is one of the se!en GTuraisG associated with Shi!a. The presiding deity is Aratturai (aathar, Theerthapureeswarar and the Ambal Tripurasundari The sthala <ri*sham is Aalamaram and the Theertham (eelamalar +oi*ai Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar ha!e composed the +athigam. The legend has it that Adi Sesha is said to ha!e worshipped Shi!a at this shetram, and hence the name Ara!atturai, which became Aratturai. There are 7 Shi!a lingams in this temple, which are belie!ed to ha!e been worshipped by the Saptarishis. Sambandar is said to ha!e been blessed with a palan3uin lined with pearls, to relie!e him of his physical strain as he tre**ed to Aratturai 6. +ennaagadam The temple is situated near <riddhachalam and is referred to as Tunngaanai Maadam. The presiding deity is Sudar*ohuntheesar, +ralaya*aleswarar and the Ambal .adantai (aya*i, Aamodanambi*ai The sthala <ri*sham is Shanbaga Maram and the Theertham Kapila Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam 9egend has it that Shi!a is said to ha!e been worshipped by Kamadenu, the celestial nymphs and the Aira!atam. 't is also belie!ed that the presiding deity here is said to ha!e consumed the deadly poison that emanated out of the mil*y ocean, hence is worshipped as +ralaya*aleswarar5Sundareswarar. Appar is said to ha!e been blessed with the mar*ing of the ,ishabham and Trisoolam on him, at this shetram. The (andi in this temple faces away from the shrine and is belie!ed to ha!e swallowed the waters of the great deluge. Mei**andar the pioneer of Sai!a philosophy was born here. . A fi!e5tiered gopuram adorns this temple co!ering an area of around C acres. The sanctum is built in the form of an elephant, with windows on three sides. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of 2hittirai. ;ther festi!als celebrated include Karti*ai Deepam, S*anda Sashti, Arudra Darisanam, Thai +oosam, San*aranti, +an*uni )thiram and Aadi +ooram D. .oodalaiyatrur This Si!astalam is in the !icinity of Sree Mushnam and 2hidambaram. The presiding deity is (eri**attunaya*ar, (arthana <allabheswarar andtheAmbal +uri*uhalambi*a, +ara sa*thi. The Theertham is Brahma Theertham. Sundarar has composed the +athigam. As per the legend Si!a is said to ha!e intercepted SundararGs path and as*ed him to !isit this shetram. The annual brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of Masi. C. &ru**attampuliyur This Si!astalam is located at ,a-endrapattinam near <riddachalam and Sreemushnam. 't is one of the fi!e +uliyur shrines worshipped by <yagrapadar, the other four being +erumpuliyur, ;mampuliyur, +aatirippuliyur and +erumpatrappuliyur @2hidambaramA The presiding deity is Tiru**umaresar, Swetarga!aneswarar and the Ambal (eelamalar**anniammai, Abinna*ucha (aya*i The sthala <ri*sham is <elleru**u and the Theertham S*anda +ush*arini Sambandar composed the +athigam. 't is belie!ed that the (aimisaranya Munis li!ed here in the form of trees and when the locals began cutting the trees for firewood, Si!a is said to ha!e con!erted them all to <elleru**u trees, unsuitable for firewood. This shrine is belie!ed to ha!e been built by a childless +andya King, who was later blessed with a child 5 ,a-endran, hence the name ,a-endrapattinam. Karti*ai Deepam, Thai +oosam, Aa!ani Moolam, Aani Tiruman-anam, (a!aratri and Aippasi +ournami are the ma-or festi!als celebrated in this temple. 8. Tiruttinai (agar This Si!astalam is located in the !icinity of 2uddalore. The presiding deity is Si!a**ohuntheeswarar and the Ambal ;ppilaa (aya*i> (eelambi*a The sthala <ri*sham is Konrai and the Theertham Bamba!a Thada*am Sundarar composed the +athigam.
Bamba!an is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a at this shetram. 9ocal legend holds that Si!a tilled the land and grown GThinaiG and blessed a de!otee and his family. This temple celebrates the Brahmotsa!am during the Tamil month of <ai*asi. E. Tiruchopuram This Si!a shetram is located at Thiaga!alli near Aalapa**am and 2uddalore. This temple was buried under sand and was e:ca!ated about hundred years ago. The presiding deity is 2hopuranathar, Mangalapureeswarar and the Ambal 2hopuranaya*i, Satyayada*shi. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a was worshipped by Agasthyar and a princess by name Tyaga!alli, hence the shrine goes by the name Tyaga!alli. +an*uni )thiram, Karti*ai Deepam and Masi Ma*ham are some of the important festi!als celebrated here. 7. Tiru!ati*ai Tiru!ati*ai is located at +anruti near 2uddalore. This is one of the eight <eerata Stalams of Si!a and is associated with the legend of Tripurasamhaaram. The red earth surrounding the temple is said to illustrate the legend. The other <eeratta Stalams are Tiru**uru**ai, Tiru**ada!ur, Tiru!ahu!ur, Tiru**o!alur, Tiruppariyalur, Tiru**andiyur and Tiru!ir*udi. Tiru!ahu!ur is considered to be a Te!ara <aippustalam, as it has no +athigams dedicated to it. The presiding deity is <eerateswarar and the Ambal Tirupurasundari The sthala <ri*sham is Sara**onrai and the Theertham .aruda (adi Sambandar, Appar, Sundarar ha!e composed the +athigam. Appar got his name =Tiruna!u**arasar= here. 9egend has it that the marriage of Shi!a and )ma too* place at this shetram and a panel depicting the marriage is seen behind the Si!alingam in the sanctum. Aadipooram, <asantotsa!am, Appar <iha are some of the festi!als celebrated at this shetram. 1. Tirunaa!alur This Si!astalam is at Tirunaa!alur near <illuppuram and is the birthplace of Sundaramoorthy (ayanar. Also located nearby is Tirumundeeswaram or .ramam. Tiruna!alur is also *nown as Tirunamanallur. The presiding deity is (aa!aleesar, Bha*ta Baneswarar and the Ambal Manonmani, Sundaranaya*i The Theertham is Katila nadhi and the sthala !risham is (aa!al maram. Sundarar has composed the +athigam. The 9egend has it that +ar!ati, <ishnu, 2handi*eswarar, Su*ran and .arudan worshiped Si!a at this shetram. 'mages depicting the life of 2handi*eswarar are seen car!ed in the temple. The Si!alingam placed across from Su*ranGs shrine is referred to as Su*ralingam. There is a shrine to <aradara-a +erumal in this temple. Da*shinamurthy is portrayed in a standing posture here, bearing scriptures in one hand, with the right hand placed on a rishabham portrayed behind. A shrine for Sundaramoorthy (ayanar is inside this temple. The brone images of (atara-ar, Bhi*shatanar and Sundaramoorthy (ayanar are noteworthy.
H. Tirumudu*unram This Si!astalam is on a hill in the town of <riddachalam. The hill is belie!ed to be a manifestation of Si!a, and is considered to be a "Mo*sha Stalam% on par with 2hidambaram, Kalahas&i and Banares. The presiding deity is +ahamalainathar, <ridhagireeswarar and the Ambal+eriya (aya*i, <riddambi*a. The sthala !ri*sham is <anni Sundarar, Appar and Sambandar ha!e composed the +athigam. The legend is that Agasthyar, Surya, 2handra, Brahma and <ishnu ha!e worshipped Si!a here. Si!a is also said to ha!e blessed the De!as with a !ision of the 2osmic Dance and it is belie!ed that this stalam stayed untouched through the great deluge. 't is recorded that Sundarar is belie!ed to ha!e dropped his gold ring in the Manimuttar ,i!er here, and retrie!ed it in the Kamalalayam tan* at Tiruvarur. 't is a big temple with !ast courtyards surrounded by tall walls and towers on the four sides. The outermost pra*aram is referred to as Kailasa +ra*aram. A sage by name <ipachit is belie!ed to ha!e built the earliest structure of this temple, and his image is *ept under the !anni tree here. The (atara-ar and the Bhogeswari brone images found in this temple are said to ha!e been presented by Nueen Sembiyam Mahade!i of the /0th century A.D. who was *nown for her penchant for temple building. The (andi Mandapam was constructed in her memory. Three annual festi!als are celebrated here 5 one in the Tamil month of Aadi, the <ai*asi <asantotsa!am and the Maasi Brahmotsa!am. /0. Tirunel!ennei This Si!astalam is located in the !illage (ei!ennai, near Tiru**o!ilur, close to )lundurpet railway station. This is one of the eight <eeratta Stalams. The presiding deity is <enneiyappar, Swarnaghateswarar and the Ambal (eelamalar**anni. Sambandar composed the +athigam 9egend has it that Sana*ar and Sanat*umarar worshipped Si!a at this shrine *nown as (ei <ennei. ;ne of the later inscriptions refers to Si!a as +or*udam Koduttu Aruliya (ayanaar. //. Tiru**o!alur <eerattam Tiru**o!alur also *nown as Tiru**o!ilur is one of the eight <eeratta Stalams of Si!a and is also *nown as Kihur or Killiyur located south of Tiru!annamalai. The presiding deity is <eeratteswarar and the Ambal Si!ananda!alli. The Theertham is +ennai (adhi Sambandar and Appar ha!e composed the +athigam. The eight <eeratta Stalams are Tiru!ati*ai, Tiru**uru**ai, Tiru**ada!ur, Tiru!ahu!ur, Tiru**o!alur, Tiruppariyalur, Tiru**andiyur and Tiru!ir*udi. Tiru!ahu!ur is considered to be a Te!ara <aippustalam, as it has no +ati*ams dedicated to it. Tiru**o!alur is associated with the legend of Si!a !an3uishing the demon Danda*asuran. The image of .anapathi here is said to ha!e been worshipped by A!!aiar the Tamil Saint +oet. The annual festi!al is celebrated during the Tamil month of Maasi. /6. Aran*andanallur The Aran*andanallur Shi!astalam near Tiru**o!ilur is located on top of a hill ad-acent to the +ennar ri!er. Tiru!annamalai temple tower is !isible from this hill. SambandarGs Te!aram refers to this shrine as Araiyaninallur. The presiding deity is Araiani (aathar and the Ambal Soundarya Kana*ambi*a, Ahagiya +onnammai. The Theertham is Bhima Theertham. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 't is belie!ed that +anda!as !isited Aran*andanallur, and that the temple tan* close to the ca!e in which they stayed, was created with BhimaGs mace. Sambandar is said to ha!e miraculously mo!ed a huge roc* that had been placed to bloc* the shrine, and there is an imprint of TirugnanasambandarGs feet at this temple. The /E0 feet high .opuram in this shrine @dating bac* to the 7th centuryA with three pra*arams is !isible from a distance, across the +ennar ri!er. /D. Tiru!idaiyaru This is a Si!astalam in the small !illage of 'daiyaru, between Tiru**o!ilur and Tiru!ennainallur. The presiding deity is 'daiyatreesar and the Ambal Sitridainaya*i, .nanambi*a. The Theertham is +enna nadhi Sundarar composed the +athigam. Si!a is in the Tiru**alyana**olam facing west while the Ambal faces &ast The annual festi!al is celebrated in the Tamil month of Thai, while +an*uni )thiram and Arudra Darisanam are also other festi!als of importance. /C. Tiru!ennainallur This is a Si!astalam is located near <illupuram and is *nown primarily for its association with the attainment of sainthood by Sundaramoorthy (ayanar. The presiding deity is Taduttaat*onda (athar, Kripapureeswarar and the Ambal <er*anniyammai, Mangalambi*ai. The sthala !ri*sham is Moongil and the Theertham is +ennai (adhi. Sundarar composed the +athigam. The legend has it that +ar!ati is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a in a fortress of butter. Si!a is said to ha!e danced here to enunciate the details of the (atya Sastram. The <edas in the form of bamboo are said to ha!e worshipped Shi!a, hence the name <enu!anam. Sundarar is said to ha!e been reminded of the purpose of his life by Si!a at this shetram, where he sang his first hymn G+ittaa +irai SoodiG. /8. Tirutturaiyur This Si!a shetram is located near 2uddalore. The presiding deity is Tirutturai (aathar, +asupateeswarar and the Ambal Kayar*an (aya*i, Si!alo*a (aya*i. The <ris*sham is Konrai and the Theertham is +ennar. Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that (aradar, Surya, Bhrama, <ishnu, ,ama, Sita, Bheema and Agasthyar worshipped Si!a here. There is a shrine to <aradara-a +erumal here. (a!aratri and Aippasi +ournami are the important festi!als celebrated at this shetram. /E. <atu*ur This Si!astalam is near the 2hinnababu samudram railway station, at a distance of /7 *m from <illuppuram, enroute to +ondicherry. <atu*ur is also *nown as <andaar Koyil. The presiding deity is <atu*urnathar, +anchanatheeswarar, and the Ambal <adu!ar*ir*anniammai. The sthala !ri*sham is <anni and the theertham <atu*a Theertham. Sambandar composed the +athigam. This shrine is *nown for the Bhaira!a manifestation of Shi!a " SamharaBhaira!a% Special ser!ices are offered to Bhaira!ar in the Tamil month of Karti*ai @AshtamiA. Samhara Bhaira!ar is one of the eight Bhaira!a manifestations. /7. Tirumaani*uhi Tirumaani**uhi is a Shi!astalam in the !icinity of Tiruppaatirippuliyur near 2uddalore. The presiding deity is )da!i (aya*ar, <aamaneswarar and the Ambal +an*ayar*anni, Ambu-a*shi. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <amana is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a at this shetram to rid himself of the sin of ha!ing manipulated Mahabali, 5 hence Maani**uhi or <aamanapuri. Si!a is also *nown as Maani**a!aradar here. 't is belie!ed that Si!a installed Bhima ,udra at the entrance of the sanctum in order to a!oid anyone disturbing during <aamanaGs worship. Brahma, Dur!asar, Surya, Ashta <asus, Da*shan and others are said to ha!e worshipped Shi!a here. The first Deepaaradanai is offered to Bhimarudra whose image is portrayed in a sil* curtain hung in front of the sanctum. The Brahmotsa!am is celebrated during the Tamil month of Karti*ai. /1. Tiruppaadirippuliyur Tiruppatirippuliyur, located at 2uddalore. The presiding deity is Tonraattunai (athar, +aataleeswarar and the Ambal +eriya (aya*i> Brihannaya*i The sthala <ri*sham is +aatiri and the Theertham Ketila (adhi Appar composed the famous PSotrunai <ediyanJ 5 (amachi!ayappati*am here.
The legend has it that <yagrapadar @the saint with tigerGs claws and feetA is said to ha!e worshipped here. By the grace of the presiding deity, Appar is said to ha!e been rescued from death of drowning. The name +aatiri comes from the +aatiri!ri*sham while +uliyur comes from the association with <yagrapadar. Arunagirinathar has glorified this shrine with his Tiruppugah.
During the Tamil of month 2hittirai Appar ha!ing been sa!ed from drowning is commemorated as a festi!al. /H. Tirumundeeswaram This is a Si!astalam in the !icinity of Tiru!ennainallur also *nown as Mouli5.ramam between Tiru**o!ilur and Tiru!annamalai. The presiding deity is Mundeeswarar, Si!alo*a (athar and the Ambal Kaanaar*uhali, Soundara (aya*i. The sthala !ri*sham is <anni and the Theertham Munda*a Theertham Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Brahma and 'ndra are said to ha!e worshipped Si!a at this shetram. 't is also belie!ed that a ruler, wonderstruc* by a mysterious red lotus in the tan* reached out for it. )nable to grab the flower that dodged his ad!ances he is said to ha!e struc* at it with his sword and then realised the presence of a Si!alingam in the tan*, o!er which he constructed the temple. The neighboring town of Tiruna!alur also *nown as ,a-adityapuram is the birthplace of Sundarar. Appar <iha is celebrated in the Tamil month of 2hittirai and Arudra Darisanam during Margahi. 60. +ura!aar +anan*aattur This Shi!astalam is located at +aniyapuram close to <illuppuram. ;f the 678 Shi!astalams si: shrines are associated with +anai maram @+alm TreeA. They are +anaiyur, +anan*attur, +ura!aar +anan*attur, 2heyyar, Tirumahapadi and Tiruppanantaal. The presiding deity is +anan*atteesar and the Ambal Meyyambal, Satyambi*a The Sthala <ri*sham is +anai Maram and the Theertham +adma Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam of this shetram. 9egend has it that Surya and Sibi are said to ha!e worshipped Shi!a at this shetram. The sunGs rays illuminate Shi!aGs sanctum and then upon +ar!atiGs sanctum for a period of se!en days from the /st of the Tamil (ew year. 6/. Tiru Aamaathur This Si!astalam is located near <illuppuram on the ban*s of the +ampa ri!er. The presiding deity is Ahagiyanayanar, Abhirameswarar and the Ambal Muthambi*a The sthala !ri*sham is <anni and the Theertham Kadamba (adhi. Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Kamadhenu worshipped Si!a at this shetram. Brigu Muni!ar is said to ha!e manifested as a <anni tree at this place. 't is also belie!ed that 9ord ,ama and Sugree!a are said to ha!e ta*en a !ow of eternal friendship here. Si!a and +ar!ati face each other here in the )padesa formation ,amalinga Adigalar and Arunagirinathar ha!e also sung of this shrine. 'nscriptions at this temple re!eal that a 2hola King had pro!ided a grant for the benefit of se!eral blind people to learn the Te!aram hymns and sing them in traditional tunes. +an*uni )thiram and S*anda Sashti are the annual festi!als celebrated here. 66. Tiru Annamalai Tiru!annamalai is located close to <illupuram and is one of the greatest Sai!ite shrines in 'ndia, drawing thousands of pilgrims e!ery full moon day. The hill closeby is considered to be a manifestation of Si!a. The presiding deity is Arunachaleswarar, Annamalaiyar and the Ambal Apita*uchambal, )nnamulaiamman The sthala !ri*sham is <il!am and the Theertham Agni Theertham Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e manifested himself in the form of a massi!e column of fire, whose crown and feet Brahma and <ishnu failed to trace. Tiru!annamalai is one of the +anchabhoota Stalams signifying the element of fire at Tiru!annamalai, wind at Kalahasti, water at Tiru!anai**a, earth at Kanchipuram and space at 2hidambaram. Karti*ai Deepam festi!al here is of great significance, attracting thousands of pilgrims. The celebration of Karti*ai Deepam mar*s the conclusion of the ten5day Brahmotsa!am in the Tamil month of Karti*ai The +aatala 9inga shrine is connected with the spritual sa!ant ,amana Maharishi. Arunagiri (athar began composing his Tiruppu*ah at this temple. The Arudra Darisanam in the month of Margahi is a celebration of the cosmic dance of Si!a. The Tai +oosam festi!al that occurs in the month of Tai is also of great significance. The Tiru!oodal festi!al, enacting a moc* 3uarrel between Annamalaiyaar and )nnamalai Amman is enacted in the presence of Sundaramoorthy (ayanaar in the Tiru!oodal Street, a street that has been earmar*ed for this annual e!ent. During this 3uarrel, +ar!ati enters the temple alone by herself, lea!ing Si!a outside. Si!a @AnnamalaiyaarA circumambulates the Annamalai hill @himselfA, and during his trip grants liberation to the rishi Bhringi, and returns to the temple the following morning. The temple is rich in architectural beauty and massi!e .opurams. The //5tiered &ast ,a-agopuram tower is 6/7 feet high, and the /0005pillared hall has e:3uisite car!ings. &ach of the pra*arams has a huge (andi and se!eral towers such as the <allala Mahara-a .opuram and Kili .opuram. T$ndai !aadu =62 Temples> /. Kachi &*ambam This is one of the most re!ered temples to Si!a located in Kanchipuram, and also one of the +anchabhoota Stalams signifying the element of earth 4 +rith!i 9ingam. The presiding deity is &*ambara (athar, &*ambreswarar and the Ambal &la!ar Kuhali, Kama*shi The sthala !ri*sham is Maamaram and the Theertham Kambaa nadi Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. There are se!eral Si!a temples in Kanchipuram, and significantly there is no separate shrine for +ar!ati in any of them. The Kama*shiamman temple is the only Ambal shrine in Kanchipuram 9egend has it that +ar!ati worshipped Si!a in the form of a +rithi!i 9ingam, impro!ised out of sand, under a mango tree. The mango tree in the temple is belie!ed to be D800 years old, and is considered to be the embodiment of the four <edas. The tree is said to bear fruits of four different tastes in each season. 't is also belie!ed that the neighboring <ega!ati ri!er o!erflowed and threatened to engulf the Si!a 9ingam. Thereupon +ar!ati or Kama*shi embraced the 9ingam to protect it from being destroyed. By the touch of +ar!ati, Si!a materialied in person and married her. 't is in this conte:t Si!a is referred to as GTahu!a **uhainthaarG in Tamil. The Saint poet Sundaramoorthy (ayanar is said to ha!e reco!ered sight of his left eye, upon offering worship here. The great te:ts, Tiru!aca*am, Tiru**o!aiyaar, Kanchipuranam, Manime*alai spea* the glory of Kanchi city The temple co!ers an area of o!er C0 acres, and the ,a-a .opuram of the temple built by the <i-ayanagar Monarch Krishnade!araya rises to a hheight of /76 feet. The annual festi!al during the Tamil month of +anguni lasts for /D days and it is during this festi!al that the wedding of the presiding deity is celebrated, and the Tirumurai of (ayanmars is sung in great splendor. 6. Kachi Metrali This is a small shrine in +illayarpalayam in Kanchipuram. The presiding deity is Tirumetrali nathar and the Ambal Kama*shi The Theertham is <ishnutheertham Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <ishnu meditated upon Si!a here to attain Si!aroopam. There are two Si!alingams in this shrine 5 ;dha <rigeeswarar and Mutheeswarar. &ach year Sambandar festi!al is conducted at this shrine. D. ;na*anthan Tali This Shi!astalam is a small temple, in Kanchipuram. The presiding deity is ;na*antheswarar and the Ambal Kama*shi Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e been worshipped here by an ;nan and a Kanthan the commander of <anasuran. The festi!als are celebrated along with &*ambareswarar temple. C. Kachi Ane*atangapadam This is a small shrine located in the (orth $estern part of Kanchipuram. The presiding deity is Ane*atangapadeswarar and the Ambal Kama*shi Sundarar composed the +athigam. A legend has it that Kubera and .anapati worshipped Si!a here. The fields in the !icinity are *nown as GAanaiyurittaan <ayalG. The temple festi!als are associated with &*ambareswarar temple. 8. Kachi (eri**aarai**aadu This small shrine is located in Kanchipuram, and is also *nown as Satya!ratam and 'ndiresam. The presiding deity is Kaaraittirunatheswarar, Satyanatheswarar and the Ambal Kaaraar*uhali, Kama*shi. The Theertham is 'ndra Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that 'ndra, the King of the De!as and Budhan worshipped Si!a here. 't is belie!ed that the Si!alingam absorbs the sesame oil offered during ablutions. Arudra Darisanam is celebrated in this temple. E. Kuranganilmuttam This is a Shi!astalam located at Mamamdur near Kanchipuram. The presiding deity is Koyyaa Malareesar, <aaleeswarar and the Ambal'raiyaar<alaiyammai. The Theertham is +aalaar. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <aali worshipped Si!a at the entrance to the temple while a s3uirrel worshipped from the South and a crow from the (orth, hence the name Kuranganilmuttam. Hanuman is also belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. Arudra Darsanam is celebrated in this temple. 7. Tiru Maa*aral This Si!astalam is located close to Kanchipuram. The presiding deity is Maa*araleeswarar, Agasteeswarar and the Ambal Tribhu!aneswari The Theertham is Agni Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e manifested himself as a giant golden liard to ,a-endra 2holan here. 't is also belie!ed that an )dumbu @giant liardA is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a in an anthill. 'ndra is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. The festi!al coincides with that of the Kancheepuram temple. 1. Tiru!othur This Shi!astalam is in cheyyar close to Kanchipuram. The presiding deity is <edanatheswarar and the Ambal 'lamulaiyamman,Bala*uchambi*a The sthala !ri*sham is +anaimaram and the Theertham Kalyana*otitheertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e re!ealed the <edas to the .ods and ,ishis from under a banyan tree here. Sambandar is said to ha!e transformed a male palm tree to a female one, responding to the pleas of an an:ious de!otee. Si!a is said to ha!e appeared as a sna*e charmer to sa!e Sambandar from the clutches of a sna*e. H. +anan*attur This Si!astalam is located at +anan*adu in the !icinity of Kanchipuram. . The presiding deity is +anan*atteesar, Taalapureeswarar and the AmbalKomala+ataambaal The sthala !ri*sham is +anai and the Theertham Amudha Theertham. Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the deity at this shrine is said to ha!e been worshipped by Agasthyar and +ulastiar. The temple celebrates Brahmotsa!am during the Tamil month of Masi. /0. Tiru!allam This Si!astalam is located on the $estern Ban* of +ennar ri!er, near <ellore Town. The waters of the +ennar were once *nown for their healing powers. Tiru!allam is referred to as a Mu*tistalam. The presiding deity is <allanathar, <il!a!ananathar and the Ambal <allambi*a>Dhanumadhyambal The sthala !ri*sham is <il!a Maram Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <inaya*ar is said to ha!e obtained the celestial mango from Si!a at this shetram. ,eferring to <inaya*arGs circumambulation of Si!a, this sthalam is called Tiru!alam. 't is also belie!ed that (andi is said to be guarding the temple priest from a ra*shasan, Kan-an of Kan-amalai nearby. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of Maasi. Si!aratri, and Thai +oosam are the festi!als of significance here. //. Tirumalper This is a Si!astalam located near Kancheepuram and Ara**onam. The presiding deity is Maal <anangia &esar, Mani*andeswarar and the Ambal Karunai (aya*i, An-ana*shi The sthala !ri*sham is <il!am and the Theertham <ishnu Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <ishnu is said to ha!e been blessed with his 2ha*rayudam upon worshipping Si!a here 5 hence the name Tirumalper. 't is also belie!ed that during the worship <ishnu is said to ha!e offered to Si!a his eye in lieu of the /000th flower, hence the name +adma*shan. The Brahmotsa!am is in the Tamil month Maasi. (a!aratri and S*andasashti are also obser!ed here /6. Tiru!ooral This Si!astalam is located at Ta**olam near Kanchipuram and Ara**onam. The presiding deity is Tiru!ooral Mahade!ar, Balanatheswarar and the Ambal .irira-a Kanya*a Sambandar compsed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the Si!alingam is said to ha!e been made by +ar!ati. 't is also belie!ed that Si!a appeared here in response to the prayers of Brahma, <ishnu and Sam!arta Muni!ar, brother of Brihaspati. This shrine is belie!ed to be the #aga Kundam of Da*sha. The presiding deity, Balanatheswarar, is considered to be a swayambu lingam of sand. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of +an*uni. /D. 'lambian*ottur This Si!a sthalam is located near Kadambattur and Ara**onam. The presiding deity is Dei!a (aya*ar, 2handrase*harar and the Ambal Kodendu Mulaiyammai. The Theertham is 2handra Theertham. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Si!a appeared in the form of a child and then as an old man pointed out the location of this shrine to Sambandar and his followers. Si!a is said to ha!e been worshipped by the celestial nymph ,amba and hence the name Arambayam*ottur, which o!er a period of time became 'lambayan*ottur. $orshipping Da*shinamurthy here on full moon night is considered to be auspicious. Mahasi!aratri is celebrated here on a grand scale. /C. Tiru!ir*olam This Si!a sthalam is located at 2oo!am near Tiru!allur. The presiding deity is Tripuranta*a and the Ambal Tripuranta*i The Theertham is <ir*ola Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the a:le in Si!aGs chariot bro*e here, while he was proceeding towards the Tripura *ingdoms, and Si!a enshrined here in the form of a Swayambu lingam. The Si!a lingam is belie!ed to change colors with the seasons. Si!aJs appearance with his bow @<ir*olamA is attributed to this place 5 Tiru!ir*olam Si!aratri is celebrated on a grand scale. /8. Tiru!alan*adu This Si!a sthalam is located near Ara**onam and Kanchipuram. This is a !ast and beautiful temple heralded as ,atnasabhai 5 one of the fi!e +ancha Sabhais attributed to 9ord (atara-a. The presiding deity is Aalan*atteesar, (atara-a, ;ordh!atanda!amoorthy and the Ambal <andaar*uhaliammai. The sthala !ri*sham is Aalamaram and the Theertham Mu*ti Theertham Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that upon being re3uested by (aradar to sa!e the earthly beings from the rage of Kali, born out of her !an3uishing the demons Sumban and (isumban in the banyan forest in this region, Si!a agreed to a dance duel, and defeated Kali by raising his left foot, on the ;ordh!atanda!am posture Kali is depicted in a dance posture at thi shrine. Karai**al Ammayar is said to ha!e wal*ed on hear head to this shrine and her image is seen in the shrine The Margahi Tiru!adirai celebrations witness festi!ities related to the 2osmic Dance of Shi!a. /E. Tiruppaasur This Shi!astalam is located near Tiru!allur on the way to Tirupati. The presiding deity is +aasoor (athar, +asupati (athar and the Ambal <eyidam Konda (aya*i, +asupati (aya*i The sthala !ri*sham is Moongil and the Theertham +asupati Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the 2hola King Kari*aalan, who built a temple here, disco!ered the Shi!alingam in a bamboo forest. Kari*al <ala!an is associated with this temple, and while his enemies tried to *ill him with a sna*e, Si!a !an3uished them. Si!aratri is celebrated at this shetram.
/7. Tiru!enpa**am This Si!astalam is located close to Tiru!allur. The original site of the temple is now submerged under the +oondy reser!oir and the deities are housed in a temple on its shores. The presiding deity is ;onreeswarar and the Ambal Minnaloliammai. The sthala !ri*sham is 'landai Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that +ar!ati appeared in the form of a lightning e!ery now and then at this shetram, hence the name Minnaloliammai. Sundaramoorthy (ayanar who had lost his eyesight, was blessed by Si!a with a pole to assist him to wal*. Arudra Darisanam is celebrated on a grand scale. /1. Tiru**allil This Si!astalam is located close to +eriyapalayam near 2hennai. The presiding deity is Kalleeswarar, Si!anandeswarar and the Ambal Ananda!alli The Theertham is Si!ananda Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Bhrigu Muni is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a at this shetram. <inaya*a 2haturthi, (a!aratri and S*anda Sashti are celebrated here /H. Tiru!otriyur This is one of the famous Si!astalam located close to 2hennai. The presiding deity is Thyagara-ar and the Ambal <adi!udaiyammai. The sthala !ri*sham is Magihamaram and the Theertham Bhrama Theertham Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Brahma and <ishnu worshipped Si!a at this shrine. The Tripada Trimurthy image combines the essence of Shi!a, <ishnu and Brahma. The Moola!ar here @AadipureeswararA is a 9ingam of earth, co!ered with a *a!acham, remo!ed only on the occasion of Karti*ai Full Moon. Tiru!otriyur is a well renowned shrine for Tyagara-ar and His dance here is Sundara (atanam. There are Si!a lingams associated with each of the 67 stars @(atshatramsA +attinathar and ,amalinga Adigal ha!e sung praises of ;triyur. The grand festi!als celebrated here is centered around the dance of Tyagara-ar Sundarar is said to ha!e married Sangili (achiyar under the stala !ri*sham Magiha maram. 60. Tiru!alithaayam This is a Si!a Stalam in +adi, close to 2hennai. The presiding deity is <alithaya (athar and the Ambal Thaaiyamman. The Theertham is Bharadwa-a Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that Bharadwa-a Muni @<aliyaanA and Hanuman worshipped Si!a here, and hence the name <alithaayam. The annual Brahmotsa!am festi!al is celebrated in the Tamil month of 2hittirai. 6/. Tirumullai!ayil This is one of the Si!astalams in the !icinity of 2hennai, near A!adi. The presiding deity is Masilamaneeswarar and the Ambal Kodiyidai (aya*i. The sthala !ri*sham is Mullai**odi Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that (andi as per the directions of Si!a is said to ha!e accompanied a de!out King Tondaimaan on an elephant during a battle. $hen the feet of the elephant got entangled with a mullai creeper at this shetram, the obstacle was remo!ed and a Si!alingam was re!ealed o!er which the temple has been built. Sundarar is said to ha!e worshipped here first, after losing his eyesight. 't is considered special to worship Kodiyidai (aya*i here and <adi!udai (aya*i at Tiru!otriyur on full moon days. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of <ai*asi. 66. Tiru!er*aadu This Si!astalam is located close to 2hennai and +oondamalli. The presiding deity is <er*atteeswarar, <edapureeswarar and the Ambal <er*anniammai, Balambi*ai. The theertham is <elayudha Theertham. Sambandar composed the +athi*am. 9egend has it that Si!a is said to ha!e blessed Agasthyar with a !ision of his marriage with +ar!ati. 't is also belie!ed that Subramanyar is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here after ha!ing slained the demon Sooran. Tiru!er*adu is *nown more for the Karumariamman temple, which attracts a large number of pilgrims. 't is considered to be of significance to !isit the shrines of Balambi*a here, <adi!udaiamman in Tiru!otriyur and Bagadambi*ai in +adi> on the same day S*anda sashti is celebrated on a grand scale.
6D. Tirumayilai@MylaporeA This Si!a sthalam located in the 2ity of 2hennai !ery well fits into the sprawling meteropolis, and is one of well5*nown landmar*s in the heart of Mylapore. The presiding deity is Kapaleeswarar and the Ambal Karpagambal The sthala !ri*sham is +unnai Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that +ar!ati @Karpa*ambalA in the form of a peacoc* 4 Mayil, is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a and hence gained the name Mylapore. There are se!eral literary wor*s associated with this hoary shrine, which remains today as a seat of Tamil culture. The +oompaa!ai +athigam composed by Sambandar is associated with this temple and he is said to ha!e brought bac* to life, +oompa!ai the daughter of a de!otee of Shi!a 5 Si!anesa 2hettiar. The annual Brahmotsa!am festi!al is celebrated in the Tamil month of +an*uni, and the procession of the ED (ayanmars popularly called "Aru!athimoo!ar% festi!al attracts a !ery large number of de!otees. The Teppam float festi!al in the large temple tan*, and the biwee*ly +radosham festi!al also draw huge crowds. 6C. Tiru!anmiyur This Si!a sthalam is located in the city of 2hennai, and is one of the ancient shrines. enshrining Tyagara-ar in a separate shrine within the large temple comple:. Tiru!anmiyur, Tirumayilai and Tiru!otriyur are the three Shi!astalams sung by the (ayanmars, in and around the metropolis. The presiding deity is Marundeeswarar, ;ushadapureeswarar and the Ambal 2ho**a (aya*i, Tripura Sundari The sthala !ri*sham is <anni and the Theertham Si!a .anga Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <almi*i Maharishi is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. Kamadhenu is said to ha!e poured her mil* o!er the Si!alingam and offered worship. Shi!a is also *nown as Marundeeswarar, or ;shadeeswarar. The <edas and the De!as are also said to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. The Ashwini twins are said to ha!e worshipped Si!a to recei!e the *nowledge of medicinal herbs, hence the name Marundeeswarar The Tyagara-a shrine is of great significance and the /1 (atanams of Tyagara-ar is enacted during certain festi!e occasions. The shrine for Kala Bhaira!ar attracts large number of de!otees. 68. Tiru**achoor This Si!astalam is located in the !icinity of 2hennai, near Singaperumaal Koyil. The presiding deity is <irunditta easar, Kachabeswarar and the ambal Kanniummaiyal, An-ana*shi The Theertham is Koorma Theertham. Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <ishnu in his Koorma A!atara is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a, see*ing the celestial nectar Amritam. The name Kachur comes from the Kachaba @tortoiseA form with which <ishnu worshipped Si!a. 't is also belie!ed that Si!a is said to ha!e collected alms and offered a feast to Sundarar here, and hence the name <irunditta &esar. Brahmotsa!am in the Tamil month of 2hittirai, and Arudra Darisanam in the month of Mar*ahi are the important festi!als celebrated here. The dance of Si!a, Si!a Tanda!am is enacted during these festi!als. 6E. Tiru!idaichuram This Si!astalam is located in the !icinity of 2hingleput, enroute to Tirupporur. The presiding deity is 'daichuranathar and the Ambal 'maiyamada**odiyamman The Theertham is Madhura Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that +ar!athi worshipped Si!a at this shrine. A shiny and transparent Maragatha Shi!a 9ingam occupies the Sanctum here. +anguni )thiram, Karti*ai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam and 2hitra +ournami are the festi!als celebrated annually here. 67. Tiru**alu*unram This Si!astalam located near Mahabalipuram on the way to 2hengleput. The presiding deity is Tirumalaiyaludaiyar, <edagireeswarar and the Ambal Tirumalai 2ho**anaya*i, Tripurasundari The sthala !ri*sham is <aahai and the Theertham +a*shi Theertham Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that the four hills surrounding the shrine represent the four <edas. 'ndra and <ishnu were blessed by Shi!a here, hence the names 'ndrapuri and (arayanapuram. Two de!otees in the form of birds, belie!ed to be on their way from Kasi to ,ameswaram, are still found to parta*e food offerings, atop the hill at a specific time each day. 't is also belie!ed that a part of the San-ee!ani hill, being ta*en by Hanuman, dropped at this place and the surrounding hills are presumed to be the same. 't is also said that 'ndra in the form of lightning worships the deity at the hill temple. Sundaramoorthy (ayanar was blessed with material wealth here. The annual Brahmotsa!am festi!al is celebrated in the Tamil month of 2hittirai. The +ush*aram festi!al is celebrated once in /6 years in the Sanga Theertham. 61. Tiru Acharapa**am This is a Si!astalam in the !icinity of Maduranta*am near 2hingleput. The presiding deity is Aatchi Konda (athar, +aa**a +ureswarar, Aa*sheeswarar, and the Ambal Balasu*hambal, Sundara (aya*i The sthala !ri*sham is Konrai and the Theertham De!a Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend here has it that the a:le on Si!aGs chariot bro*e here as he was heading to destroy the Tripurams, reminding him of .anesha whom he had not meditated upon prior to his setting out on this mission. Hence the name "Achu 'ru +aa**am%. The annual Brahmotsa!am is celebrated in the Tamil month of 2hittirai, where the Tiru**alyanam is performed on the fifth day. 6H. Tiru!a**arai This Si!astalam is in Tiru!a**arai near Mayilam and <illuppuram. The presiding deity is 2handrase*harar and the Ambal <adi!ambi*ai. Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that 2handra is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a 4 2handrase*hara. <ishnu is said to ha!e !an3uished the demon <a*rasura, and Kaali de!oured the drops of blood that spilled. There are shrines for <ishnu and Kaali in this temple. The three faces of Si!a here are said to ha!e blessed 2handra, Brahma and <ishnu. There is also a shrine for Kundala ,ishi. The image of (atara-a here shows him dancing with his right foot raised. Arudra Darsanam is celebrated at this temple. D0. Arasili This Si!astalam is located in the !icinity of 'rumbai Maa*alam, near +ondicherry. The presiding deity is Arasili (aathar and the Ambal +eriya (aya*i. The Theertham is Arasili Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. <amade!a is said to ha!e worshipped Si!a at this shrine. The Si!a lingam is relati!ely of a !ery small sie. D/. 'rumbai Maa*alam This Shi!astalam is located close to +ondicherry. The presiding deity is Maa*aaleswarar and the Ambal Kuyilmohi Ammai. Sambandar composed the +athigam. The legend has it that Si!a and +ar!athi were worshipped by Subramanya. The shrine to Subramanyar here is of significance, and +anguni )thiram is celebrated in splendor here. Mondays in the month of Karti*ai are also considered to be special. Tuluva !aadu 9 Karnataa =2 Temple> /. .o*arna @.o*arnamA .o*arna is near Kollur on the westcoast of Karnata*a, enshrining the Aatma 9ingam Mahabaleshwar. 't is regarded as one of the se!en Mu*ti Sthalas of Karnata*a. The other Mu*tisthalas are )dupi, Kollur, Subramanya, Kumbasi, Kodeshwara, San*aranarayana. All these shrines are also *nown as +arasurama Kshetras created on the land reclaimed from the sea by +arasurama. The presiding deity is Mahabaleswarar and the Ambal .o*arna naya*i The Theertham is Koti Theertham Sambandar and Appar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that <inaya*a is said to ha!e tric*ed the demon *ing ,a!ana @Maha BalaA into lea!ing behind a Si!alingam at this shetram. 'n spite of the might e:erted by ,a!ana, the Si!alingam stayed fi:ed, hence the name Mahabaleshwar. The pull e:erted by ,a!ana, is said to ha!e caused the Si!alingam to resemble the shape of a cowGs ear and hence the name .o*arnam. The si: foot tall Si!alingam of Mahabaleswar is enclosed inside a s3uare Saligrama +eetham. A golden re*ha on the peetham, and a small hole in its middle permits de!otees to ha!e a glimpse of the top of the Aatma 9ingam. The full form of the Si!a lingam can be seen only once in C0 years, when the Ashta bandana Kumbhahishe*am is performed. The image of <inaya*a at this shrine bears a dent, said to ha!e been caused when ,a!ana, enraged at the loss of the Atma 9ingam hit him. 't is customary here to ha!e a dip in the sea and then worship a Si!alingam made out of sand, before worshipping at the temple. Maha Si!aratri is of great significance in this shrine. <ada !aadu = 4 Temples> /. Tirupparuppadam 4 Srisailam Sri Sailam, referred to as Tirupparuppatham in the Te!aram hymns, is located near (andyal, in Andhra +radesh. 't is a !enerated Si!astalam, considered to be one of the /6 Byotirlinga Shrines spread all o!er 'ndia. The presiding deity is Malli*ar-uneswarar and the Ambal Bhramarambi*a The Theertham is +aalaahi Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. The Srisailam temple is also the seat of Maha*ali in the form of Bhramaramba. 't is said that <rishabha, the sacred bull of 9ord Shi!a performed penance here. 9ord Shi!a appeared before him, with his consort +ar!ati in the forms of Malli*ar-una and Bharamaramba. 't is belie!ed that the Si!a lingam in the temple is the manifestation of the 9ord Himself. 't is also belie!ed that at Sripar!ata on the Srisailam Mountain, the resplendent 9ord Si!a abides with his consort +ar!ati, immersed in di!ine delight. Brahma also stays there along with other .ods. 't is supposed that a bath in the sacred la*e, with purity and self5control of mind, has the same efficacy as the performance of an As!amedha sacrifice. (ot only the pilgrim is benefited, but his entire race is also liberated. During his stay here, Adisan*ara composed those e:3uisite !erses in praise of Malli*ar-unaswamy in his celebrated wor* Si!anandalahari, as well in praise of .oddess Bhramaramba, in his Bhramaramba Ashta*a. This is a !ast temple with se!eral gopurams, on a hill, which is said to be a manifestation of (andi Si!a is worshipped here in his form of 9ord Malli*ar-una, and Sha*ti, his consort, as Sri Bharamaramba De!i. 6. 'ndraneelapar!atam This Si!a sthalam is in the Himalayas near Katmandu in (epal.
The presiding deity is (eelachalanathar and the Ambal (eeelambi*a The Theertham is 'ndra Theertham Sambandar composed the +athigam. 9egend has it that 'ndra is belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. Ar-una obtained the +asupatha Astram after offering prayers to 9ord Si!a. This shrine has not been !isited by any of the (ayanmars, although Sambandar has sung its praises from Kalahasti. This towering pea* of E000 Meters tall can be reached by a long tre* from Kathmandu. The pea* is re!ered as the manifestation of Si!a and a green roc* atop is re!ered as that of Ambal. D. .owri*und 5 Ane*atanga!adam .owri*und is a popular Himalayan shrine at about C000 Meters abo!e sea le!el near ,ishi*esh. The presiding deity is Arul Manna (aya*ar and the Ambal Manonmani, .owri 't is belie!ed that .owri @+ar!atiA meditated upon Si!a. .owri*und has se!eral hot springs, and .owri is belie!ed to ha!e ta*en a bath in one of the springs at this shetram after gi!ing birth to Karti*eya @SubramanayaA. Surya and 2handra are also belie!ed to ha!e worshipped Si!a here. 9egend also has it that Si!a and +ar!ati were married at Triyuginarayan, south of this place. The fire *indled during their wedding is said to be burning e!en to this date at Agni*und. Si!a is belie!ed to ha!e cut off the head of +ar!atiJs son .anesh and then re!i!ed him to life with the head of an elephant, and at this place there is the temple to Mund*atta .anesh 4 .anesh without the head. Although none of the (ayanmars ha!e !isited .owri*und, Sambandar has sung of .owri*undam from Kalahasti. C. Kedarnath 9ocated on the Himalayas at about /6,000 feet, this Si!a sthalam is considered to be one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers of the country. 't is re!ered as one of the Twel!e Byotirlingams. The presiding deity is Kedara (athar and the Ambal .owri The Theertham is Manda*ini Sambandar and Sundarar composed the +athigam on this shetram from Kalahasti. 9egend has it that (ara and (arayana 5 two incarnations of <ishnu practiced se!ere penances at Badri*ashramam, in front of a Si!alingam fashioned out of earth. $hen Si!a appeared in front of them, they re3uested him to ta*e up a permanent abode as a Byotirlingam at Kedarnath. 9egend also has it that +ar!ati worshipped Kedareeshwar to be united with Si!a as Ardhanareeswarar. Kedara Muni!ar is said to ha!e established this shrine, which was !isited by the +ancha +anda!as. Tradition has it that pilgrims first !isit #amunotri and .angotri and bring with them the holy waters from the sources of the ri!ers #amuna and .anga to offer abhishe*ams to Kedareshwarar. The temple at Kedarnath enshrining the Byotirlingam of Si!a, opens only when the sun enters the odiac sign of Aries and it is closed when the sun enters Scorpio.
8. Kailasam 4 Tiru Kailayam The towering 66,061 ft high pea* Mt. Kailash in the Himalayas, 68 miles north of the Mansaro!ar 9a*e. 't is an arduous tre* to Kailash through the snow clad Himalayas. The Tibetians refer to Kailash as Kangrimpoche @Bewel of SnowA. The presiding deity is Kailasa (athar, Si!a and the Ambal +ar!ati. Sambandar, appar and Sundarar ha!e composed the +athigam. Hindus regard Mt. Kailash as an embodiment of Si!a and +ar!ati. Mount Kailash is considered as the abode of Si!a, and it appears li*e a giant Si!alingam placed in a /E petalled lotus. There are two la*es here> one the ,a*shasa Tal, where ,a!ana is belie!ed to ha!e performed penances to 9ord Si!a, and the other the Mansaro!ar, being considered as one of the 8/ Sa*thi +eetams. Tiruna!u**arasar on his pilgrimage to Kailasam, is said to ha!e been transported by a di!ine inter!ention to Tiru!aiyaru, considered as Da*shina Kailasam. Karai**al Ammaiyar is said to ha!e started tre**ing to Kailasam but returned to Tiru!alangadu. +ilgrims go to Kailash !ia 9ipu 9e*h pass. They first go to Tona*pur, then through +ithorgarh, As*ot and Dharchula and .arbiang the last town in the 'ndian Territory. The 9ipu 9e*h pass is /E780 feet abo!e sea le!el, and is at the Tibet frontier. Manasora!ar is DC miles away from here. /6 miles from Ta*la*ot in Bhutan, a Budhist center. #et another route is from Haridwar !ia the (iti pass.
E. Sri Kalahasti Sri Kalahasti is one of the most re!ered Sai!ite shrines near Tirupati in Andhra +radesh. The presiding deity is Kaalahasti (aathar and the Ambal <andaar Kuhalaal, .nana +rasoonambi*a The sthala !ri*sham is <il!am and the Theertham Swarnamu*hi Sambaandar, Appar and Sundarar composed the +athigam. The Si!alingam is shaped !ery slim and is co!ered with *a!acham. The oil lamp in the sanctum can be seen fluttering, indicating that this is the panchabhoota sthala of <ayu @windA. 9egend has it that 9ord Si!a is worshipped here in the form of <ayu 9inga. The legend says that Sri @spiderA, Kala @cobraA and Hasti @elephantA worshipped 9ord Si!a here and attained Mo*sha. Hence this place is *nown as Sri*alahasti. Kannappa (ayanar @a tribal hunterA attained sal!ation in this place by offering his eyes to 9ord Si!a. This is considered to be a (a!agrahastalam where ,ahu and Ketu worshipped Si!a, and it is belie!ed prayers offered at this shetram during ,ahu *alam will ward off (a!agraha dosham. Sambandar composed hymns in honour of Kailasam, and .owri*undam from this shetram. Si!aratri is conducted here on a !ery grand scale. Hara Hara San$ara %aya %aya San$ara &m Nama Sivaya %ai Sri Gurave Namaha