CN009 Chayavaneswarar Temple at Thichaykkadu (Chaayavanam)

Location: 17 kms south east of Sirkazhi; 20 kms east of Mayiladuthurai. Also known as
Chaayaavanam, this Shiva sthalam is in the ancient Chola seashore capital of Poompuhaar,
on the main road itself.
Significances:

one of the 276 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams;

one of the 6 places that are considered to be on par with Kasi; the others being
1)Thiruvaiyaru 2)Mayiladuthurai 3)Thiruvenkadu 4)Thiruvidaimarudhur
5)Thiruvanchiyam.

Main deities: Rathna Chaayavaneswarar and the Ambal Kuyilinum Nanmozhi ammai,
Kokilavani, Goshambaal.
Legend:
Athithi, mother of Indira was harbouring a desire to come to earth and worship
Chayavaneswarar. Therefore, she landed on the earth. Indira was searching for the missing
mother and found that she had come to earth. To fulfill the desire of the mother, Indira
wanted to take the temple to his place by pulling it through his white elephant Iravadha. He
could not succeed since the lingam was extended to the bhadhalalogam below and the scar of
that attempt can be seen on the lingam. While he made the attempt, Mother Parvathi made a
sound that was sweeter than that of a nightingale, hence the name to the Goddess Kuyilinum
Nanmozhi ammai. Lord Shiva also appeared before Indira and told him to drop the idea of
taking the temple to his place and advised him to do the worship on earth here itself and be
blessed. The deity is at present found in a Vimanam shaped chariot within the temple.
Temple:

The utsavar of Shri Subramanya is very special here. He holds the bow and the arrow
instead of his usual weapon Velayudham, readying for the war against Soorapadma. It
is also said that the idol of Lord Muruga was found in the sea and taken from there to
the temple. Muruga also wears the Veeragandamani (anklet) in his right leg, presented
by Father Lord Shiva. Those who have fear of enemies, worship this Muruga for
freedom from enemy fear. While Mother Shakthi offered the Vel to Muruga, the Lord
gave him the Veeragandamani. Those who come and worship here sum up all courage
to advance in life.
Eyarpagai nayanar, one of 63 nayanmars, belongs to this village. He worshipped the
Lord here and attained salvatation here. His idol is present in the temple.
One of Kochengat cholans maadakoils, i.e., temple built in steps from entrance to the
sanctum.
Indira Vizha is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chittirai, and the Iyarpakai Nayanar
festival is celebrated in the month of Markazhi.

Sthala vriksham: Korai

Theertham: Sangumukha Theertham, Iravaa theertham.
Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 12.00 PM and from 4:00 to 7:30 PM.
Links: Location Weblink

NCN010 Pattinaththar Temple at Pallavaneeswaram (Kavirippoompattinam,

Poompuhar)
Location: half a km from Chayavanam; just after the Kannagi arch as you enter the
Poompuhar town.
Poompuhar is the place of confluence of the river Cauveri with the Bay of Bengal.
Significance: One of the 276 Thevara Padal Petra Sthalams.
Main detities: Pallavaneswarar and Ambal Soundarya nayagi
Legend:
Gubera is believed to have worshipped Shiva at this sthalam.
There is also a separate shrine for Pattinathaar, who is believed to be the reincarnation of
Gubera and the temple itself is known as Pattinathar temple.
Temple:
There is a separate shrine to Sabaapathi Amman, which is believed to have been worshipped
by Madhavi and Manimekalai of the Sangam epics.
There is also an image of Subramaniar, said to have been recovered from the ocean. It is
believed locally that this image is that of Subramaniar at Tiruchendur, which is said to have
been carried away by Dutch sailors in 1648.
Sthala vriksham: Mullai
Theertham: Jaanavi Theertham in front of the temple, created by Agasthiar.
Links: Location Weblink
Navagraha Kethu Temple at Keezhperumpallam
Location: 19 kms south east of Sirkazhi; 22 kms east of Mayiladuthurai; 2 kms south east of
Pattinathar temple.
Significance: Navagraha Kethu parihara sthalam.
Main Deities: Naganatha Swamy and his consort Soundaryanaki
Legend:
This is the place where an asura was caught disguising as a deva for amrutham. He was
idenfied by Surya & Chandra and handed over to Vishnu. Lord Narayana hit the asura on the
head with the serving spoon. The head was cut off and fell on the ground. As the asura had
consumed amirtham, his head and body continued to live. The head portion of the asura
attached itself to a snake body and became Rahu Bhagavan. The body portion that was
thrown away fell in Pothigai mountain region which was found and preserved by a Brahmin.
The head of a snake got attached to the asura body to become Kethu.
It is said that Kethu prayed to Lord Shiva to get rid of his sins. It is rare to find Ketu Bhagvan
enshrined with head of a snake and body of an asura, which you can see here. In this Kethu
temple, Lord Kethu faces west in the north praharam. Lord Ketu appears with the body in
divine form, his head as a five-headed snake and the folded hands worshipping Lord Shiva.
Worship to Kethu:
Kethu Bhagavan is adorned in multicolor and it is believed that offering pooja to the Lord

Kethu at Keezhperumpallam with red Lilly, kollu (horse gram), and cloth will get relieved
from illness, poverty and other doshams.
Temple Timings:
The temple opens daily from 6 AM to 12.00 PM and 4 PM to 7 PM. Besides the worship
services that are offered six times daily, Abhishekam is performed by 08.30 AM.
Pradhoshams are held great reverence here. The specialty of Kethu Temple at
Keezhperumpallam is that the temple remains open even during Rahu kalam and Emakanda
Kalam.

Ekadasa Divya desams

DD27 Raja Gopalan Temple at Thirunangur (Thiru Kaavalambadi)
DD29 Thiru Arimeya Vinnagaram
DD30 Thiruvan Purushothaman
DD31 Thiru Semponsei Kovil
DD32 Thiru Manimaada Kovil
DD33 Thiru VaiKunda Vinnagaram Sri Vaigundha Nathan Perumal Temple
DD35 Deiva Nayaka Perumal Temple at Thiru Devanar Thogai (Keezhachalai)
DD36 Pallikonda perumal koil at Thirutheriammbalam
DD37 Thiru Manikkudam
DD38 Annan Perumal Temple at Thiruvellakkulam (Annankoil)
DD39 Thamaraiyaal Kelvan Temple at ThiruParthanPalli
Out of these 11, Perumal is in standing posture in 6 sthalams; sitting posture in 4 and
sleeping posture in just one.
Weblink on Thirunangur Divya desams
The Ekadasa Garuda seva Festival
The Ekadasa Garuda sevai is the most celebrated festival in Thirunangur and devotees from
all over the world throng this kshetram during that occasion. After the new moon night of the
Tamil month of Thai, the utsava moorthis of all the 11 Thriunaangur Thirupathis mounted on
Garuda vahana are being brought from their respective locations to the Thirunangur
Manimaaada Kovil. Also, Thirumangai Azhwar with his wife Kumudhavalli is brought from
Thirunagari along with the deity he worshipped. All the pasurams of Thirumangai azhwar
dedicated to each of these 11 kshetrams are recited and finally the Thiru Andikaapu is
performed. Then Thirumangai Azhwar seated on Hamsa vahanam would accept the garlands
and honour from each Perumal. Finally all would set in for a grand procession.
Ekadasa Rudhras
Ajaykapathan, Aahirputheyar, Binanai, Roodhar, Pithuroopar, Thriyambakar, Maheswarar,
Virushakabi, Shambuvahanar, Easwarar all these 10 are known as Ekadasa Rudhrars.
Ajaykapathan was once the carrier of Lord Shiva who was having 4 mouths, 1000 shoulders,

Karala Vadhanam, ears with shell earrings and 100 legs.

Aahirputheyan is the son of Maharishi Boothan and Surabi.
Binaki is actually a bow which was formed by Lord Indra. Once Kanva Maharishi who
brought up Shakuntala was in a deep prayer and was covered by sand dunes. Bamboo trees
started to grow on the top and seeing the finest quality of these bamboos, Lord Indra made 3
bows out of them. He named the first one as Kandibam and kept it for himself. The other one
was named Shargam and was given to Lord Narayana and the third one was named Binaki
and was given to Lord Shiva.
Maheswarar has the body and ornaments as Lord Shiva but is of white colour.
Ekadasa Rudhra kshetras
Peetam Swamy Place
Vamadeva Yogeeswarar Yogeeswaram (Mangaimadam)
Sathyajotha Swarnapuranathar Kaathiruppu
Eesanya soma peetam Jurahareswarar Thirunangur
Sarva peetam Naganathar Allivilaham
Mahadeva Bakthavatchaleswarar Thirunangur
Beema Kailasanathar Thirunangur
Bava Sundareswarar Thirunangur
Ugra pirana peetam Iravatheswarar Perunthottam
Thejomaya Kalikameswarar Annappan pettai (NCN 008)
Pasupatha Nayanarpaneswarar Thirunayanipuram (Mel Thirunangur)
Esanya Pirama peetam Swetha Aranyeswarar Thiruvenkadu (NCN 011)
Agora Aranyaswarar Aranyeeswaram
Thathpurusha Mathangeeswarar mathangashramam (Thirunangur Mathangeeswarar
Temple)
Pancha Narasimha Kshetrams
There are four Narasimha kshetrams with five Narasimhars in various forms (one temple has
two Narasimhars) around Thiruvaali and Thirunagari

Ugra Narasimhar at Thirukkuravalur

Veera Narasimhar at Mangai madam
Yoga Narasimha and Hiranya Narasimha (two Narasimhars) at Thirunagari
Lakshmi Narasimhar at Thiruvaali

Note for the Travelers:

The following temples and places can be visited in the Thirunangur region depending upon
your interest and time:

11 Ekadasa rudhra divya desams of Thirunangur (Out of these, 6 Divya desams

DD29, DD30, DD31, DD32, DD33 and DD36 are present in 3 parallel streets, each of
600 meters length).
Pancha narasimha kshetras Thiruvali & Thiriuvasi (both form single Divya desam),
Mangaimadam and Thirukkuravalur.
Vaishnav agama Vedha patashala at Thirunangur

Sri Mathangi ambal sametha Sri Mathangeeswarar Temple at Thirunangur This is

the main (Hrudhaya) kshetra of the Ekadasa Rudra kshetrams.
Naalayiram Pillaiyar temple at Thirunangur

Phone nos:
DD27 97878 53732
DD29 / DD32 / DD36 96290 75390
DD30 / DD31 / DD33 / DD 35 Bhattar near the temple no need of phone
DD37 96554 65756
DD38 04364-266534 / 94436 79303 / 94439 85899 / 94898 56554 (Sri Madhav bhattar
of Annankoil)
DD39 90956 24150
Thirunagari 94433 72567
Thiruvaali 96297 58828
Sri Madhav bhattar of Annankoil can arrange some boys as guides (at about 200 Rs) who
will know the names of the bhattars of various temples by heart. They will call up the bhattars
and schedule the dharshans as per the availability of the bhattars. Some bhattars take care of
multiple temples and go to different temples one after the other. If you wish to visit all the
temples in half a day, it is possible but it is better to take the guide and start as early as 7 AM
(no temple opens before that). Pls note that these guides will rush you up but dont heed to
them. You take your own time to have the fullest dharshan to your satisfaction.
If you can spend one full day, no need of any guide.
There is a Ramanujam choultry with a few rooms and a big hall available at Annankoil
where you can take rest between 1 and 4 PM (free). Please contact Annankoil Sri Madhav
Bhattacharyar.
DD38 Annan Perumal Temple at Thiruvellakkulam (Annankoil)
Distance: 7 kms from Seerkazhi; 2 kms North-West of Thirunangur.
Significances:

One of the 108 Divya desams

One of the Ekadasa (11) Thirunangur Divya desams associated with Thirumangai
Azhwar
The place is known as Then Thirupathi
Avatharastlam (birth place) of Sri Kumudha Vallai Nachiyar

Main Deity: Sreenivasa Perumal in standing posture facing east with Alarmelmangai thayar.
Legend:
Swetharaja, the son of Thunthumaran of Surya vamsa had the life span of only 9 years
initially but was later blessed by Lord Sreenivasa for a long life, like Markendya. He visited
the temple, bathed in the Swetha pushkaram, started doing Mruthyanjaya japam under vilva
tree and got blessed.
This is the avatharastlam (birth place) of Sri Kumudha Valli Nachiyar, the one who was
instrumental in converting the King Thirumangai to Thirumangai Azhwar and later got her
married to himself at this place.

The Temple:
Lord Annan Perumal is considered to be the elder brother of Lord Venkateswara of
Thiruvengadam and hence the name Annan Koil. Thirumangai Azhwar rendered pasurams
here, by calling the Lord as ANNA.
This temple also has the pride as Thirupathi of south (Then Thiruppathi).
Note: This is the most happening temple of the Thirunangur Divya desams and Sri Madhava
Bhattar @ 954364-266534 / 9443679303 / 9443985899 / 04364-266443 can arrange all the
facilities for the dharshan of the 11 Divya desams.
Theertham: Thiruvellakulam
Vimanam: Tatvatyodaka
Links: Location Weblink Photos
DD35 Deiva Nayaka Perumal Temple at Thiru Devanar Thogai (Keezhachalai)
Location: This Divya kshetram is located 3 kms north of Thirunangur
Significances:

One of the 108 Divya desams

One of the Ekadasa (11) Thirunangur Divya desams associated with Thirumangai
Azhwar

Main deities: The moolavar here is Deivanayakan, also called Madhava Perumaal facing east
in a standing posture flanked by Sri Devi and Bhoodevi.
Legend:
A congregation of Devas assembled at this shrine and worshipped Lord Vishnu who gave
dharshan in marriage posture to them. Hence it is called Devanaar thogai (congregation of
Devas). It is also believed that Vashistar Muni worshiped the Lord at this kshetram.
Temple:
The vimanam is built in two tiers in such a way that the shadow of the vimanam falls on the
vimanam itself.
This is considered as a good Marriage Parihara sthalm since the Perumal is giving dharshan
in the marriage posture.
Theertham: Sobhanapushkarini
Vimanam: Sobhana (Mangala) Vimanam.
Contact: Trustees Sri A.Srinivasan @ 97878 53732 / P.T.R.Thirumalai @ 98652 81801
Links: Location Weblink Photos
DD34 Thiruvaali and Thirunagari
Significances:

Thiruvaali and Thirunagari are two separate temples around 2 kms apart near
Thirunangur and they together are considered a single Divya desam.
They are part of the Pancha Narasimha kshetrams
Thirunagari is the birthplace of Thirumangai Azhwar and Tiiruvaali is where
Tirumangai Azhwars wife Kumudavalli was brought up. Thirumangai Azhwar refers
to Perumaal as Vayalaali Manavalan at Thiruvaali; however Vayalaali Manavaalan is
enshrined at Thirunagari. Hence traditionally, Thiruvaali and Thirunagari are
considered to be a single Divya Desam. Thirumangai Azhwar has referred to
Thiruvaali-Thirunagari in a total of 41 verses. Also, Kulasekhara Azhwar in his decad
of verses dedicated to Rama (Sowrirajan at Kannapuram) refers to Aali Nagarkku
Atipati in a lone verse.

DD34a Sri Kalyana Ranganathar Temple at Thirunagari

Location: Thirunagari 5 Kms from Thiruvaali enroute Poomphuhar
Significance:

One of the 108 Divya desams

Birthplace of Thirumangai Azhwar

Main deities: The moolavar is Vayalali Manavalan, Vedarajan in a seated posture facing west
and the Thayar is Amritavalli. The utsavar is Kalyana Ranganathar.
Legend:
Vishnu discovered Lakshmi in a flower in the temple pushkarini here and hence the name
Sreepuri or Thirunagari or Aalinganapuri. Legends related to these two temples are
referenced in the Garuda puranam.
Thirumangai Azhwar was a dacoit king and once he tried to rob the jewels of Perumal and
Thayar, who were in Kalyana kolam at a place called Vedarajapuram, about 1 km from here.
When he touched Perumal he was transformed and initiated into the religious way, and from
then on, he started composing and singing verses in praise of the Lord. His pasurams
constitute a sizeable portion of the Naalaaraiya Divya Prabhandam. Thirumangai Azhwars
transformation is enacted as the Vedupari Utsavam at the Vedarajapuram Vedupari
Mandapam, as also in the grand Srirangam temple during the Pankuni Bhramotsavam.
Temple:
The temple is a vast one built as a Maadakkoyil at an elevation. A seven tiered rajagopuram
adorns the temple with four prakarams.
Two of the Narasimhar images, Yoga Narasimha and Hiranya Narasimha, worshipped by
Thirumangai Azhwar are located in this temple, one behind the main shrine and the other in
one of the prakarams.
Thirumangai Azhwar is seen with the vel he won from Thirugnana Sambandhar in a separate
shrine with a separate dwajasthambam (apart from the main dwajasthambam opposite the
Perumal shrine).
Thirumangai Azhwar is depicted as a hunter, which he originally was; adjacent to him is a
small image of Vishnu (Sindanaikkiniyaan, which he had held in worship during his
lifetime).
Manavala Mamunigal has visited this shrine several times.