Irugur (Ondiputhur) Neelakandeswarar Temple, Coimbatore

Address

Irugur (Ondiputhur) Neelakandeswarar Temple, Coimbatore

Irugur, Ondiputhur,

Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu

Phone +91-422-2632452, 94881 55164

Moolavar

Neelakandeswarar

Amman

Swayamvara Parvathi Devi, Meenakshi Amman

Introduction

• Location: Irugur (Ondiputhur), Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu.
• Primary Deity: Neelakandeswarar (Lord Shiva), also referred to as Soundareswarar.
• Consort: Swayamvara Parvathi Devi (also known as Meenakshi Amman).
• Other Deities: Gnana Dandapani, Lord Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai, Lord Brahma, and Markandeswar Linga.

Puranic Significance:

• Historical Background: The temple is believed to have been renovated by Karikal Chozha, who renovated 360 big Shiva temples and 36 smaller ones in the Kongu region to relieve himself from Brahmmahati dosha.
• Lord Neelakandeswarar is believed to have been found as a Swayambulingam (self-manifested) over 3000 years ago.
• Lord Gnana Dandapani and Mother Swayamvara Parvathi are facing west, while Lord Soundareswarar and Lord Muruga are facing east.
• Lord Neelakandeswarar is depicted with a Kuzhi (pit-like symptom) on the head and a small scratch on the forehead. A tuft is present at the back of the head.
• Markandeswar Linga is unique to this temple in the Kongu region.
• Four Nandhis in the temple are in different forms.
• The nectar pot (Amirtha Kalasa) is found on the peeta.

Beliefs:

• Devotees seek relief from the serpent planets Rahu and Ketu by praying to Mother Durga.
• Women seeking remedies for Mangalya longevity or dealing with health problems affecting their husbands offer prayers here.
• Delays in wedding proposals are alleviated by praying to Mother Swayamvara Parvathi.
• Those aged 60 and above perform Ayush Homa for longevity.

Special Features:

• Lord Muruga faces west, and sun rays fall on Lord Neelakandeswara during the evenings in the months of Chithirai (April-May), Purattasi (September-October), and Aipasi (October-November).
• Copper plates from the Uthama Cholan period and inscriptions from the Markandeya Pandithar Mutt highlight the temple’s historical significance and reputation.

Festivals:

• Aipasi Soora Samhara Festival is an important event.
• Other festivals celebrated include:
  • Thai Poosam (January-February)
  • Maha Shivrathri (February-March)
  • Panguni Uthiram (April-May)
  • Karthigai Jyoti (November-December)
  • Arudra Darshan (December-January)

Century/Period

3000 years pld

Nearest Bus Station

Irugur (Ondiputhur)

Nearest Railway Station

Coimbatore

Nearest Airport

Coimbatore

Location on Map

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