Injikudi Sri Parvatheeswarar Temple- Thiruvarur

Address

Injikudi Sri Parvatheeswarar Temple, Injikudi village, Nannilam Circle, Thiruvarur District- 609405.

Diety

Sri Parvatheeswarar Amman: Shanthanayaki.

Introduction

Parvatheeswar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Injikudi Village, Nannilam circle, in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Parvatheeswarar and Mother is called as Shanthanayaki. Theerthams associated with this temple are Agni and Ganga Theertham. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. The temple was built by Vikrama Chola grandson of Rajaraja Chola.

Puranic Significance

A demon woman Madhalolai by name was subjected to the curse of Sage Durvasa as she caused hindrance to his penance. She gave birth to two demon sons, Ambaran and Amban and died after the delivery. The demon sons grew cruel and arrogant and began harassing the noble souls. They sought asylum in the feet of Lord Shiva. Lord just saw Mother with a smile. Knowing his motive, Mother took the form an enticing virgin and appeared before the demons. Both wanted to have her hands. Meantime, Lord Vishnu in the guise of an old man told them that both cannot marry one woman and only the mightier can have the choice. Brothers began to fight against each other. Ambaran won. He came in search of Ambica who stood before him as a furious Kali with her trident. Shocked and afraid, he began to run. But Devi chased him, pierced him with her trident. Perumal – Lord Vishnu requested Lord Shiva to return his left to Mother. Devi, shedding her fury entered into a sandalwood forest, made a Linga of sand and began her penance. At the ripe time, Lord appeared and took Mother Parvathi with him. Mother blessed Kulothunga Chola with Child: The temple was built by Vikrama Chola. Chola King Kulothunga had no child. He prayed to Mother Ambica of the temple seeking child boon. By the grace of the Goddess he was blessed with a child. He offered anklets to the Goddess. Even now, Ambica appears with anklets in her lotus feet. Parihara Sthalam: As Sun and Moon grace the devotees standing side by side, worshipping them together changes the results of planetary movements to advantage though they are in adverse positions. Parvatheeswarar: The temple came into existence with the grace of Mother Parvathi to whom Lord offered half of his body in this holy place. Hence, Lord is praised as Parvathi Easwarar – Parvatheeswarar.

Beliefs

As Sun and Moon are side by side, praying to them jointly relieves the devotee of all planetary adversities. Devotees are rewarded with wedding boon with their prayers submitted to Lord Chandikeswara and Chandikeswari in their wedding posture. Devotees perform abishek and archanas to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.

Special Features

Presiding Deity is called as Parvatheeswarar and Mother is called as Shanthanayaki. Theerthams associated with this temple are Agni and Ganga Theertham. Mother is praised as Thava Kola Nayaki – Mother Goddess in penance – and also as Shanthanayaki. She was furious earlier but became Shanta – soft and merciful then. She is also praised as Mother Lalithambika. It is noteworthy that Lord Vishnu graces the devotees from his own shrine west of this place praised as Lord Adhikesava Perumal. Devotees are rewarded with wedding boon with their prayers submitted to Lord Chandikeswara and Chandikeswari in their wedding posture. Every day Nagalinga flower is used for anointing the Lord is the significance of this temple. Sun and Moon are side by side in the temple.