- Special Features
Foundation Year500 years oldSthala TreeTheerthamSiddhamirtha KulamRathamArchitectureOther SpecialityLord Vinayaka and Sri Nandhi in the temple are in human forms and 21 Shiva Ganas in Linga form.
- Sthala Puran
The Asuras secured boons from Gods through their severe penance. On achieving the boons, it was characteristic of them to harass the wise and enlightened and common men and women. It was time for Lord Shiva to take action against them. But they could be destroyed only if Lord lived as a human for one hour – Nazhigai. Using this facility, Lord Shiva created a situation to make Parvathi to curse Him to be a human for one hour. Lord Shiva began to wander here and there. Due to His absence, all activities of all the worlds came to a standstill. Devas in the celestial world fell at the feet of Lord for remedy.
Mother Parvathi as Mother Angala Parameswari came to the spot Where Lord Shiva was standing and threw Her trident there. With the light coming from the trident, Lord Shiva appeared there and stood with His feet firm on the ground – Tirunilai. The curse period also ended and Lord shed His human form. “As you went round the worlds as a Big Human, you will be praised as Peria Andavar – Big God” said Mother Parvathi. The Devas fell at Lord’s feet chanting Peria Andavar. Lord took the form of Shiva Linga and stayed in the place. This happened in this Tirunilai.
- Architecture
When Lord Shiva was going around the world in human form, 21 Shiva Ganas also accompanied Him invisibly. When Mother Angala Parameswari threw Her strident, the Shiva Ganas hidden in the sands fell down as sand balls. When Lord appeared in His true form, they too became Shiva Ganas. Reminding this event, these 21 Shiva Ganas are here in the form of Shiva Lingas. It is noteworthy that Nandhi too accompanied Lord in the journey. Hence, Nandhi in the temple appears in human form.
Lord Vinayaka also is in human form with two hands. Abishek is offered to Him only with sacred ash. Devotees use this sacred ash-vibhuti on the body and also consume it to gain academic skills, to get prosperity and as a medicine for diseases they suffer from. It is believed that many sages worship Lord each day here. Also the 21 Shiva Ganas in the Linga form are also worshipping Lord daily, it is said. It is noteworthy that place has added sacredness with the foot prints of Lord Shiva as He came to this place in the human form.
- Alankar of Deity
- Prayers and BenefitsSpecial Vratas and Prayers
Devotees bathe in the Siddhamirtha sacred tank and worship Lord and Mother for six weeks continuously to succeed in their efforts stagnant for a long time. What did not take place despite all efforts happen then. This is also the place to seek child boon. Lord Periandavar is the family deity of thousands of families in the place. They use to place 21 clay balls around the Shiva Linga.
Offerings to DeityDevotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.
Stotras and Mantras
- FestivalsBesides monthly pradoshams, the temple celebrates Maha Shivrathri in February-March.
- Sodasha Upcharas
- Prasadhas
- Social ActivitiesAnnadhanMarriageEar BoringHead ShaveDanaasEducation FacilitiesSocial DrivesOther Activities
- Arjita Seva
- Tags