Devakottai Meenakshi Sundareswarar (Sekkizhar) Temple, Sivaganga

Address

Devakottai town,

Sivaganga district,

Tamil Nadu- 630302

Moolavar

Sri Sundareswarar

Amman

Sri Meenakshi

Introduction

The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, also known as the Sekkizhar Temple, in Devakottai, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi. This temple has a rich history, a unique connection to Sekkizhar, and features distinctive Chettiar architecture.

Presiding Deities:

Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of the temple and is known as Sri Sundareswarar.
The goddess is Sri Meenakshi, who is the divine consort of Lord Shiva.

Puranic Significance

Legend:

There is a belief that Lord Shiva appeared in this place riding a golden horse to bless the devotees. The temple is also referred to as the Nagarathar Shiva Temple.
The temple is associated with Sekkizhar, the author of “Periyapuranam,” a renowned Tamil epic that narrates the lives of Shiva devotees. Though initially, a temple was planned in honor of Sekkizhar, it led to the construction of a Shiva temple instead. Sekkizhar is honored as the procession deity of the temple, and a shrine is dedicated to him.
The temple has a history dating back 1500 years, showcasing its rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Temple Complex:

The temple complex features separate shrines for various deities, including Nardana Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Lingodhbava, Somaskandar, Maragatha Vinayaka, Viswanatha Visalakshi, Vishnu, Baladhandayuthapani, Subramanyar, Mahalakshmi, Brahmma, Durga, Chandeswara, Chandeswari, Nataraja, and the Navagrahas (nine planets).
A unique feature of the temple is that both Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswara are depicted separately in the two main towers (Rajagopurams) of the temple.

Architecture:

The temple boasts a five-tiered Rajagopuram located in front, along with Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam (flag post), and a Nandhi.
The sanctum follows the Mada Koil style of architecture, and there are steps leading to the main deity.
The goddess’s shrine is separate and includes a Rajagopuram, Balipeedam, Nandhi, and Dwajasthambam.
Inside the temple complex, there are additional sanctums, a mandapam for important functions, and depictions of Icha, Gana, and Kiriya Sakthi moorthams. The temple is designed with both shrines facing east.

Beliefs

People pray for removal of obstacles in marriage talks and for child boon. Devotees perform abishek, archanas and offer vastras to Lord and Mother.

Special Features

The Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, or Sekkizhar Temple, stands as a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of Devakottai. It’s not only a place of worship but also a site of significant celebrations and festivals that bring together devotees and the Nagarathar community to pay their respects to Lord Shiva and seek the blessings of Goddess Meenakshi.

Festivals

Sekkizhar Guru Pooja, with abhishek (ritual bath) and aaradhanas (offerings), is celebrated on Vaikasi Poora star day (May-June) when the Guru is taken in procession on a silver elephant.
A 10-day Chithirai festival in April-May is celebrated, with significant events like Mother Parvathi feeding sage Tirugnanasambandar.
The Navarathri Festival during the month of October is an essential celebration for the Nagarathar community.
After Diwali, a 7-day Skandhar Sashti Vizha festival is observed, focusing on Lord Murugan.
A weekly prayer called Vaara Vazhipadu is performed religiously at the temple.