Parankippettai Sri Muthukumaraswamy Temple- Cuddalore

Address

Parankippettai Sri Muthukumaraswamy Temple- Cuddalore

The Administrative Officer,

Parankippettai,

Cuddalore District,

Tamil Nadu 608 507

Moolavar

Sri Muthukumaraswamy

Amman

Valli Deivanai

Introduction

• Location: The Parankippettai Muthukumaraswamy Temple is located in Parankippettai, within the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu.
• Presiding Deity: The temple is dedicated to Muthukumaraswamy, an incarnation of Lord Muruga, who is worshipped alongside his consorts Valli and Deivanai.

Puranic Significance

• Legend of Namuchi: The temple is associated with a significant mythological tale involving the demon Namuchi, who had received a boon that made him invulnerable to all forms of weapons. With this power, he became arrogant and began tormenting the Devas. Indra, the king of the gods, fought him but was defeated. Seeking help, Indra prayed to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva instructed Indra to collect sea foam, which could not be considered a weapon, and throw it at Namuchi. When Indra followed this advice, Namuchi was destroyed. Grateful for his victory, Indra set up a Shivalinga at this spot and began worshipping it. This Linga came to be known as Viswanathar, or Indra Lingam.
• Historical Context: Over time, a shrine dedicated to Muthukumaraswamy was built opposite the sanctum of Viswanathar, and it became known by his name. The temple is believed to be over 1300 years old and holds significant historical and spiritual value. It is located to the north-east of the famous Chidambaram Nataraja Temple.
• Worship Rituals: The main sanctum houses Lord Muruga (Muthukumaraswamy), and next to it is the sanctum for Viswanathar. Devotees visit the temple to worship Lord Shiva, particularly to seek blessings for recovering lost wealth, restoring lost jobs, or for protection from obstacles in life. Offerings include clothes for Lord Shiva, and tamarind rice or pongal. Devotees also offer vadai and sweet rice to Visalakshi Ambigai while chanting the Lalitha Sahasranamam.

Beliefs

• Naaga Dosham & Kalathra Dosham: Devotees facing challenges in marriage due to Naaga Dosham (affliction caused by serpents) or Kalathra Dosham (marital issues) worship the Naagar (serpent deity) at the temple to seek relief and blessings for a harmonious marriage. Offerings of red cloth and maangalyam (thaali) are made to the Naagar.
• Blessings for Prosperity: Worshippers seeking to recover lost wealth or to resolve career challenges visit the temple. Offerings to Lord Shiva (clothes, tamarind rice, pongal) and prayers to Visalakshi Ambigai are part of the worship rituals.

Special Features

• Muruga’s Procession: During festival times, Lord Muruga participates in grand processions, where he rides on the Rishaba Vahanam (bull vehicle) and Iraavatham (the white elephant of the divine world). This procession signifies the acknowledgement of the blessings received by Lord Indra from this sacred place. Itumban, who was graced by Lord Muruga, also joins the procession as a carrier.

Festivals

• Thaippoosam and Maasi Maham: These are major festivals at the temple. During Thaippoosam, Lord Muruga proceeds to the Swetha River for a holy bath (Theerthavaari). On Maasi Maham, he visits the Bay of Bengal for another significant holy bath. These festivals draw large crowds of devotees seeking blessings for spiritual upliftment and prosperity.

Century/Period

1300 years old.

Nearest Bus Station

Parankippettai

Nearest Railway Station

Cuddalore

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

Location on Map

lightuptemple