Chidambaram Ilamaiyakkinar Temple, Cuddalore

Address

Chidambaram Ilamaiyakkinar Temple , Cuddalore

Ilamaiyakkinar Koil Street, Chidambaram

Cuddalore District – 608 001

Phone: +91 4144 220 500 Mobile: +91 94426 12650

Moolavar

Tiruppuleeswarar / Youvaneswarar / Ilamaiyakkinar

Amman

Thirupurasundari / Balasundari / Youvanambal / Ilamai Nayagi

Introduction

The Ilamaiyakkinar Temple, located in Chidambaram Town in the Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu, is a sacred place of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is steeped in history, devotion, and legends, making it an important religious site.

Puranic Significance

Presiding Deities:

The primary deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is known by several names, including Tiruppuleeswarar, Youvaneswarar, and Ilamaiyakkinar.
The mother goddess is known as Thirupurasundari, Balasundari, Youvanambal, and Ilamai Nayagi.

Historical Significance:

The temple is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Kulothunga Chola II, which places its origins in the Chola period. It is noteworthy that it is part of the rich Chola heritage in the region.

Legend of Vyagrapada:

The temple is closely associated with the legend of Vyagrapada, a devout sage who had tiger’s legs. Vyagrapada desired to witness Lord Nataraja’s cosmic dance in Chidambaram and established a Shiva Lingam on the banks of a tank. Lord Shiva, pleased with his devotion, came to be known as Tiruppuleeswarar.

Legend of Kanampulla Nayanar:

Kanampulla Nayanar, a devoted saint and grass cutter, is associated with this temple. He spent all his earnings on lighting lamps in Shiva temples. His story is one of deep devotion, sacrifice, and ultimately, divine grace. In times of famine, he continued to serve Lord Shiva by lighting lamps, even offering his own hair as wicks. Lord Shiva, testing his devotion, appeared before him, and Kanampulla Nayanar attained salvation.

Unique Shrines:

The temple complex includes shrines for various deities and saints, including Kanampulla Nayanar and Thiruneelakanda Nayanar with his consort Rathinasalai.

Santana Kuravarkal:

A unique feature of this temple is the presence of shrines for all Santhana Kuravarkal (Meikandar, Arulnandisivam, Maraignanasambandar, and Umapathisivam) in a single temple.

Sthala Vriksham and Theertham:

The sacred Thillai Tree serves as the Sthala Vriksham (temple tree) of the Ilamaiyakkinar Temple.
The temple is situated near the Ilamai Theertham, also known as Ilamai Nayanar Theertham, Youvana Theertham, or Vyagrapada Theertham. This large tank is believed to be the site of the test of Thiruneelakanta Nayanar by Lord Shiva.

The Ilamaiyakkinar Temple is not only a place of worship but also a repository of legends and cultural heritage. Devotees visit to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva and to pay homage to the great devotees associated with this sacred place. The temple is a living testament to the deep-rooted devotion and history of the region.

Beliefs

The Ilamaiyakkinar Temple holds special significance for couples who have separated due to incompatibility or differences of opinion. Devotees believe that by offering prayers here, they can seek the divine blessings of Lord Shiva to reunite and harmonize their views and relationships. When their prayers are granted and their issues are resolved, it is a common practice for devotees to express their gratitude and devotion by lighting ghee lamps and conducting abhishekam (ritual bathing) to the deity.This sacred ritual represents the hope and belief that through divine intervention and guidance, couples can overcome their differences and conflicts, ultimately finding unity and happiness in their relationship. The Ilamaiyakkinar Temple thus serves as a place of solace and spiritual support for those seeking to mend their relationships and strengthen their bonds with their partners.

Festivals

Visaka Star in the Month of Thai: This festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva bestowing grace on Thiruneelakandar. During this celebration, Lord Shiva, in the guise of a sage, presents a begging bowl (Thiruvodu) to Thiruneelakandar and asks him to take a vow at the riverbank. The festival is marked by special rituals and festivities.
Vyagrapada’s Birthday: Vyagrapada, the sage associated with the temple’s history, is celebrated on the Thai Poosam day. Devotees gather to observe his birthday, and he is honored with Theerthavari, a holy immersion in Ilamai Theertham.
Thirumanjanams: Special Thirumanjanam (ritual bathing of the deity) ceremonies are performed on specific occasions. Thirumanjanams are conducted on Visakam star in honor of Thiruneelakandar and on Karthigai day for Kanampulla Nayanar.
Ashtami Pooja to Bhairavar: On the 8th day of the waning moon fortnight, a special pooja with Homam is performed to honor Bhairavar, a fierce form of Lord Shiva.
Navaratri: The nine-night festival of Navaratri, dedicated to the worship of the Divine Mother, is celebrated with devotion and various cultural events.
Aippasi Annabishekam: A special abhishekam (ritual bath) is performed in the Tamil month of Aippasi to the presiding deity of the temple.
Shivarathri: Maha Shivaratri, the great night of Lord Shiva, is observed with fasting, prayers, and special worship on this auspicious day.
Tirukarthikai: Tirukarthikai is a festival celebrated with the lighting of lamps and offering prayers to Lord Shiva.