Nestled on the serene banks of Perumal Lake (Jambuva Thadagam) in Theerthanagiri village, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, the Sivakkozhuntheswarar Temple (also known as Sivakozhundeeswarar Temple, Shivakkozhuntheeswarar Temple, Sivakozhundhu Easwarar Temple, or சிவக்கொழுந்தீசர் கோயில்) is an ancient Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam. This sacred site, historically called Thiruthinai Nagar or Tirttanakiri, is the 37th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Temple overall and the 5th in Nadu Naadu region. Praised in Thevaram hymns by Saint Sundarar (with references to Thirugnanasambandar in Periyapuranam), it features a self-manifested (Swayambhu) Lingam, miraculous legends of devotion and healing, Chozha-era inscriptions, and a unique Natarajar form—making it a powerful spot for blessings in agriculture, arts (music & dance), skin ailments, family harmony, and prosperity.
Devotees visit for peaceful darshan, the curative theertham, and special festivals in this offbeat yet spiritually vibrant Shiva shrine.
What is Sivakkozhuntheswarar Temple Famous For?
This Paadal Petra Sthalam is renowned for its Swayambhu Lingam under the Kondrai tree (Sthala Vriksham), the healing powers of Perumal Lake (curing skin diseases in legends), and rare depictions like Natarajar dancing with Vishnu (conch music) and Brahma (maddala). Sun rays fall directly on the Lord during Panguni 20-22 (March-April), symbolizing Surya’s worship. Prayers here are believed to grant farm yields, excellence in dance/music, job success, and sin removal.
Legends & History of Sivakkozhuntheswarar Temple
The temple derives its name from profound miracles:
- Thinai Miracle Legend: A devoted farmer couple (Periyan and wife) fed Shiva bhaktas daily. When none came one day, an old man appeared; they asked him to plough their field. Returning with food, they found the field ploughed, sown with thinai millet, harvested, and the old man (Lord Shiva on Nandi) eating under the Kondrai tree. Shiva blessed them and stayed as Swayambhu Lingam—hence “Thiruthinai Nagar.”
- King Veerasenan & Dog Healing: The king and his dog suffered leukoderma/skin diseases. The dog bathed in the temple tank and healed, inspiring the king to cure completely—highlighting the theertham’s curative grace.
Chozha and Vijayanagara inscriptions record grants, endowments, and royal patronage, confirming its ancient heritage (over 1000-2000 years old).
Deity Details & Architecture Highlights
- Moolavar (Presiding Deity): Sri Sivakkozhuntheswarar / Shivakozhundhu Easwarar (Swayambhu Lingam).
- Ambal (Consort): Sri Oppila Nayagi / Neelathakshi / Karuthadanayagi (separate shrine near entrance).
- Key Features: 3-tier east-facing Rajagopuram; Koshtam deities (Narthana Vinayagar, Yoga Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar with Brahma & Vishnu, Durgai); Praharam shrines include rare Natarajar Sabha (Vishnu & Brahma accompanying dance—for arts excellence), Valampuri Vinayagar, Dhandapani Murugan with Valli-Devasena, Thirugnanasambandar, Naalvar, Agasthiyar Lingam, Suryan, Navagrahas, King Veerasenan, and Chandikeswarar.
- Theerthams: Perumal Lake (Jambuva Thadagam) + others like Gowri, Garuda, Deva, Chakra Theertham for sin-cleansing baths.
Festivals & Pooja Timings at Sivakkozhuntheswarar Temple
Daily four kaala poojas maintain serenity. Major festivals:
- Vaikasi Brahmotsavam (13 days, May-June)
- Maha Shivaratri (Masi, February-March)
- Annabhishekam (Aipasi, October-November)
- Arudra Darshan (Margazhi, December-January)
- All Pradosam days
Daily Timings:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM (For off-hours darshan, contact priest; special poojas/abhishekam can be sponsored.)
How to Reach Sivakkozhuntheswarar Temple Theerthanagiri
- By Road: 25 km from Cuddalore, 17 km from Kurinjipadi, 5 km from Mettupalayam bus stop, ~26-27 km from Chidambaram.
- Bus Routes: Town bus No. 34 from Cuddalore; No. 39 from Mettupalayam (Chidambaram route).
- Nearest Railway Station: Panruti (~38 km) or Chidambaram.
- From Major Cities: ~200 km from Chennai via Puducherry; well-connected highways.
- Contact for Guidance: Archakar: +91-94434 34024 / +91-90471 40464 / +91-91501 51195 / +91-97864 67593 / +91-4142 278324.
Dress traditionally, take a holy dip if possible, and offer abhishekam/vastram as thanks. This peaceful Paadal Petra Shiva temple awaits with divine grace!
FAQ
Where is Sivakkozhuntheswarar Temple located? Theerthanagiri village, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, on Perumal Lake banks (via Alappakkam, PIN 608801).
Why is Sivakkozhuntheswarar Temple a Paadal Petra Sthalam? It’s the 37th Shiva temple in Thevaram hymns (mainly Sundarar) and 5th in Nadu Naadu region.
What are the main legends of Sivakkozhuntheswarar Temple? Lord Shiva miraculously harvested thinai for devotees under Kondrai tree; the tank cured King Veerasenan’s skin disease and his dog’s ailments.
What are the temple timings and festivals? Open 6 AM–12 PM & 5–8 PM daily; key festivals: Vaikasi Brahmotsavam, Maha Shivaratri, Annabhishekam, Arudra Darshan, Pradosam.
How to reach Sivakkozhuntheswarar Temple easily? Bus No. 34 from Cuddalore (25 km); nearest rail Panruti/Chidambaram; contact priest for darshan help.
Planning a pilgrimage to this sacred Shiva Sthalam? Check intirupati.in for more Tamil Nadu temple guides, routes, and spiritual tips. Har Har Mahadev! 🕉️
