Pattamangalam Dakshinamurthy Temple, Sivaganga

Address

Pattamangalam, Sivaganga District,

Tamil Nadu – 630204

Phone: + 91- 4577 – 262 023

Moolavar

Dakshinamurthy

Amman

Navayadi kali

Introduction

The Pattamangalam Dakshinamurthy Temple is one of the most renowned temples in Southern India, dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurthy, a form of Lord Shiva revered as the Guru or teacher. The temple is located in Pattamangalam, a village 8 km from Sivaganga and 9 km south of Thiruppathur in Tamil Nadu. It is known as one of the primary Guru temples of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Sundareswarar, while Goddess Uma Devi is worshipped as Navayadi Kali. Additionally, a separate temple dedicated to Parvathi Devi is situated a few hundred meters from the main temple. This location is also significant as it marks the 33rd Thiruvilayadal (holy play) of Lord Shiva.

Puranic Significance

The temple is steeped in rich Puranic significance. It is believed that the Kadamba Rishi once resided in the area at Kadambavanam, which is connected to the divine tales of Lord Shiva. The place gets its name from the Kadamba trees that once flourished in the region. The temple also has strong connections with the nearby Thirukoshtiyur Divya Desam.

The temple is tied to several mythological stories, including one involving Hiranyakasipu, the demon who disturbed the Kadamba Rishi. As per the legend, Kadamba Rishi cursed the demon, and it is said that when the demon entered his region, it marked the demon’s end. The demon is said to have been granted refuge by Adaikalam Katha Ayyanar, a deity housed in a separate shrine at the temple, under the Erazhinjil tree.

Another popular legend involves Lord Shiva cursing the Kruthika maidens. When the maidens failed to pay attention to Lord Shiva’s teachings, he turned them into rocks at Pattamangalam for 1000 years. After Lord Shiva’s intervention, the maidens were relieved of their curse, and the place became known as Pattamangalam.

The temple also holds significance in relation to Lord Uma Devi, who was once cursed by Lord Shiva. After penance, she was relieved of her curse and is now worshipped as Navayadi Kali, smiling and benevolent.

Beliefs

Devotees believe that circumambulating the Dakshinamurthy shrine and the banyan tree 108 times brings good health, prosperity, children, and fulfillment of wishes. The temple’s unique traditions include specific practices of circumambulating the shrine multiple times for different purposes:

3 times for realizing a wish.
5 times for success in efforts.
7 times for nobility and peace of mind.
9 times for the blessing of children.
11 times for longevity.
15 times for prosperity.
1008 times to win in love affairs.

Special Features

The Pattamangalam Dakshinamurthy Temple is believed to be around 1500 years old and is primarily known as a Guru temple.
One of the most unique features of the temple is that Lord Dakshinamurthy faces East, a rare feature as he typically faces South. This makes it the only temple in India where Lord Dakshinamurthy is positioned in this way.
Behind the shrine of Dakshinamurthy stands a large, sacred banyan tree with many hanging roots. Devotees traditionally circumambulate the tree 108 times to seek blessings.
There is a separate sanctum for Guru Bhagwan, and a pushkarani (sacred tank) is present, similar to the famous Pottramarai of the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai.
The temple features Lord Dakshinamurthy in a sitting Veerasana posture, holding various symbolic objects such as Agni (fire), a serpent, and showing the Gnana Mudra (gesture of knowledge).
In the inner sanctum, Lord Shanmugha Natha appears with five heads, accompanied by Valli and Deivanai.
The temple also showcases Lord Vishnu in his Varaha Avatar and Lord Brahma as a swan.

Festivals

The temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year, with major events being:

Vinayaka Chaturthi (August-September)
Navaratri (September-October)
Karthikai Deepam (November-December)
Masi Magam and Shivrathri (February-March)
Pradosha Puja and Aaru Kala Puja (six daily rituals as per Shivagama rules)