Cherugudi Sri Sukshmapureeswarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Cherugudi Sri Sukshumapureeswarar Temple, Thiru Sirukudi, Sarabojirajapuram Post, Poonthottam Via, Kudavasal Taluk, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu – 609 503. Tele: +91 4366 291 646.

Diety

Sri Sukshumapureeswarar, Sri Mangalanathar, Sri Chirukudiesar, Amman: Sri Mangalanayaki

Introduction

Cherugudi Sukshmapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Cherugudi in Thiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Sukshma Pureeswarar. His consort is known as Mangala Nayaki. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams – Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Thevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Tirugnanasambandar. This is the 177th Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 60th Sthalam on the south side of river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. Historical name of this place is Thiruchirukudi. The famed Shiva Sthalam Thiruveezhimizhalai is located nearby. Theertham (Holy water): Surya Theertham / Mangala Theertham Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree): Vilvam tree

Puranic Significance

The historical name of this place is Sukshamapuri. It is believed that this is the birth place of Pannan, a landlord and a friend of Chola King Killi Valavan. Pannan is famous for his philanthropic activities. He has been praised in the Sangam age literary works – “Akananuru” and “Purananuru”. According to the Sthala puranam, the legend of this temple is as follows. Once Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy were playing a game of dice (Sokkattan) in the Mount Kailash. It is believed that Goddess Parvathy won the game and the lord instantly disappeared. Worried about his whereabouts, Goddess Parvathy visited this place, created the Mangala Theertham, created a lingam with a handful of earth, installed it here and worshipped it. Lord Shiva gave dharisanam to her and took her back to Kailash. Since goddess created a lingam with a handful of earth, this place is known as Siru pidi (meaning handful in Tamil). This has now been changed to Sirukudi. The hand impressions of Goddess Parvathy can be seen on the lingam during Aarthi. The lord here is also known as “Sri Sukshmapureeswarar” meaning the one who disappeared magically. It is believed that Garudan, Gantharvas, Sage Vishvamitra and Ankarakan (Planet Mars) have worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple.

Beliefs

This is a parikara sthalam for doshas related to Planet Mars (“Sevvai dosham” – Ankaraka dosham). Devotees believe that worshiping the lord here would remove obstacles from their marriage proposals. It is also believed that worshiping the Lord Shiva here will result in the reunion of estranged couples.

Special Features

Shrines and idols of lords Mangalavinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, Arthanareeswarar, Navagraham, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Suryan, Bairavar and Chandikeswarar can be seen in the corridors. There is a separate shrine in this temple for Ankarakan.

Festivals

Some of the important festivals celebrated in this temple are – Vinayakar Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (Aug-Sept), Tirukarthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (November-December),Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Markazhi (Dec-Jan), Maasi Maham and Maha Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb-Mar). Pradosham is also observed regularly.