Devadanam Nachadai Thavirthu Aruliya Nathar Temple- Virudhunagar

Address

Devadanam Nachadai Thavirthu Aruliya Nathar Temple Devadanam, Rajapalayam Taluk, Virudhunagar District – 626 145 Mobile: +91 98435 46648

Diety

Nachadai Thavirthu Aruliya Nathar Amman: Thavam Petra Nayagi

Introduction

The Nachadai Thavirthu Aruliya Nathar Temple in Devadanam Village, Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu, is a sacred place dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Puranic Significance

Historical Significance: The Nachadai Thavirthu Aruliya Nathar Temple is believed to be approximately 1000 years old. It is considered equivalent to the Chidambaram Natarajar Temple, which is renowned for its connection to Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance.

Pancha Bhoota Sthalam: This temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams located around Sankarankoil. Pancha Bhoota Sthalams are temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, each representing one of the five prime elements of nature: land, water, air, sky, and fire. This temple represents the “Sky Element” and is known as an Agaya Sthalam. The other four temples in this group are:

1. Sankara Narayanan Temple, Sankarankovil, Thirunelveli: Representing the “Land Element.”
2. Mathiyasthanathar Temple, Dharugapuram, Thirunelveli: Representing the “Water Element.”
3. Thiripuranathar Temple, Thenmalai, Thirunelveli: Representing the “Air Element.”
4. Palvanna Nathar Temple, Karivalamvandanallur, Thirunelveli: Representing the “Fire Element.”

Legend and Historical Events:

• Nachadai Thavirthu Aruliya Nathar: During a war between the Cholas and the Pandyas, when a Chola king planned to treacherously kill the Pandya king with a poisonous silk dress, Lord Shiva appeared in the Pandya king’s dream and instructed him to place the poisonous dress on the temple’s Shiva Lingam. As a result, this temple was built in memory of the incident, and Lord Shiva came to be known as “Nachadai Thavirthu Aruliya Nathar.”
• Chola King Regaining Eyesight: During the war, Pandya King prayed for victory, and in response, the Chola king lost both of his eyes. The Chola king regained his eyesight, one eye at Sethur Thirukkaneeswarar Temple and the other after praying to Lord Shiva at this temple.
• Miraculous Healing of a Farmer’s Child: A farmer, who had lost five of his children at a young age, prayed at this temple. He made a vow to name his future children after Lord Shiva. When one of his sons fell gravely ill and doctors had given up hope, the farmer brought the child to the temple. Placing the child beneath a tree and praying sincerely, the child miraculously recovered from the illness.

Beliefs

People pray to Lord for Child Boon, to get rid of Eyesight Problems and for curing of incurable wounds.

Special Features

Temple Deities and Features:

• The presiding deity is known as Nachadai Thavirthu Aruliya Nathar or Ammai Appan, represented by a small Shiva Lingam.
• The temple features a unique sculpture of a tortoise at the bottom of the Dwajasthambam (flagstaff), a distinctive feature seen only in the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams.
• Mother Thavam Petra Nayagi has her separate shrine within the temple complex.
• There are three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva: Kan Keduthavar, Kan Koduthavar, and Kozhuntheeswarar, located on a small hill within the temple premises.
• You’ll also find shrines for Brahma, Dakshinamoorthy, Saptha Kannis, Nandi, Natarajar, Navagrahas, Vishnu, Saneeswarar, Surya, and Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai.
• The temple’s sacred water source is Siva Gangai Theertham, located near the temple.
• The temple’s sacred tree is the Nagalinga Tree.

The Nachadai Thavirthu Aruliya Nathar Temple holds great historical and spiritual significance, and it is associated with several legends that showcase the divine grace of Lord Shiva.

Festivals

10 Days Vaikasi Brahmotsavam,Vaikasi Visakam, Maasi Magam, Navarathri, Maha Shivarathri and Skanda Sashti are the festivals celebrated here. People will visit all the Pancha Bootha Sthalams during Maha Shivarathri. 7 Kaala Poojas are conducted in this Temple from ancient times.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Devadanam

Nearest Railway Station

Rajapalayam

Nearest Airport

Madurai

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