Keela Suriya Moolai Surya Koteeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Keela Suriya Moolai Surya Koteeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Thiruloki, Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk,

Thanjavur District– 609804

Moolavar

Surya Koteeswarar

Amman

Pavalakkodi Amman

Introduction

Surya Koteeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Keela Suriya Moolai Village near Thiruloki in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Surya Koteeswarar and Mother is called as Pavalakkodi Amman. The Temple is situated on the southern banks of Pazhavaru, a branch of River Cauvery. The Temple is considered as Parihara Sthalam for Pitru Doshas.

Puranic Significance

Surya Koteeswarar: As per legend, Lord Surya was sad that he could not participate in the Pradosha Pujas dedicated to Lord Shiva because Pradosha time happens in evening when Sun has to be on duty. He consulted with his disciple Sage Yajnavalkya, who learnt all Vedas and Sastras from Sun. Sage Yajnavalkya encased all his yogic powers gained by reciting mantras from Vedas in Bhaskara Chakra he made and submitted at the feet of Lord Shiva of this Temple which grew into an Illuppai Tree. He also created a forest of Illupai Trees in this place. He crushed the seeds of Illuppai tree to produce oil. He used to light 1 crore deepas daily from the oil crushed to worship Lord Surya Koteeswarar to bless his Guru, Surya. This worship took place during the twilight hours. This almost coincides with Pradosha time also. Thus, Surya; Sun God had the darshan of all these deepas and derived the benefits of Pradosha worship.

Lord Surya regained his brightness here: As per legend, Lord Surya lost his brightness due to Lord Shiva’s anger by attending Daksha Yagna. On his Guru advice, he came to this place amidst Illuppai forest and found Lord Shiva in the form of divine light occupying the entire place. He worshipped Lord Shiva and regained his brightness back.

Special Features

The temple is said to be more than 1300 years old. The Temple is facing towards east. There is no Rajagopuram as it might obstruct the rising sun. Nandi and Balipeedam, housed in a Mandapam can be seen immediately after the entrance facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Surya Koteeswarar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Sun God is worshipping Lord Surya Koteeswarar each day from morning to dusk. The shadow of Lord falls on the wall as a proof of this belief. Shrines of Bhairavar and Surya can be found in the northeast corner of Maha Mandapam. Mother is called as Pavalakkodi Amman. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. The right leg is slightly ahead of her left leg as if she is walking towards us. She has her toe ring only in one leg. There is a shrine for Lord Bhairava called as Swarna Bhairava in the temple. It is noteworthy that during Aarati, a small red ray appears on his neck. It is said that by the movement of the coral light on the neck, devotees believe that he relieves the adverse aspects of Sun and Moon Gods. There is a shrine for Sundara Maha Lakshmi in the temple premises. She is in Padmasana posture. She is having six toes in her right foot.

There is a shrine for Navagrahas with their vahanas (vehicles) in the northwest corner of the temple premises. All the planets are facing sun. There are shrines for Ananda Dakshinamurthy, Shakti Vinayaka, Muruga with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Durga, Nagalingam and Chandikeswarar in the temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Illuppai Tree.

Belief

Those facing adverse aspects of Sun perform abishek to Lord with green coconut for relief. Devotees pray here for relief from eye related diseases. Devotees light lamps to Lord Surya Koteeswarar during the Pradosha time, perform abishek and offer vastras. People also pray to Lord Bhairava for relief from debt burdens and wants. The Temple is considered as Parihara Sthalam for Pitru Doshas.

References: https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/04/surya-koteeswarar-temple-keela-suriya-moolai-thanjavur.html