Devikapuram Sri Periyanayaki Samedha Kangagirishwarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Address

Devikapuram Sri Periyanayaki Samedha Kangagirishwarar Temple, Devikapuram, Thiruvannamalai -606 902 Phone: +91- 4173-247 482, 247 796

Deity

Kanaka Giriswarar Amman: Periyanayaki

Introduction

• Location: Periyanayagi Amman Temple is situated in the center of Devikapuram village, south of Arni, in Arni Taluk, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is approximately 5 km from Kurinjipadi, 14 km east of Neyveli Township, and 35 km southwest of Cuddalore.
• Historical Context: Built in the 14th century by the Vijayanagara Emperor, the temple is the second largest temple after the Thiruvannamalai Arunachaleswarar Temple. It is dedicated to Sri Periyanayagi Amman, the consort of Sri Kanakagiriswarar.

Puranic Significance

• Temple Structure:
  • The hill temple is located at a height of 500 feet with 365 steps, symbolizing the days of the year, each day being auspicious for devotees.
  • Features a three-tier Rajagopuram and a majestic Nandhi (bull vehicle of Lord Shiva).
  • The temple houses shrines for Lords Vinayaka, Muruga, Dakshinamurthi, Chandikeswara, Agora Veerabadra, and Saptha Mathas.
• Legend:
  • The hill known as Kanakagiri has a swayambumurthi (self-manifested deity) of Lord Shiva, praised as Kanakagiriswarar-Pon Malai Nathar.
  • The temple’s history includes a story about a hunter discovering a Shivalinga, which led to the temple’s worship practices. The Shivalinga was initially tiny, and another Linga from Kasi was installed alongside it.
  • The temple also features a unique 7-tier Rajagopuram and three corridors (prakaras).
  • A legend speaks of Sage Brungi worshipping only Lord Shiva, leading to Mother Parvthi’s penance and the subsequent creation of Devikapuram.

Beliefs

• Devotee Practices:
  • Devotees perform rituals such as offering Pongal nivedhana (rice dish), wedding garlands, tonsuring, and lighting ghee lamps.
  • Abishek (ritual bathing) is performed with oil, curd, milk, and green coconut.
  • Offerings include vastras (clothing) for Mother and prasads (food offerings) distributed to other devotees.
  • Prayers are made for mental peace, marriage, child blessings, employment opportunities, promotions, and business progress.

Special Features

• Architecture:
  • The temple is constructed with just nine stones.
  • Notable for sculptures of nine women in the inner prakara, resembling an elephant, showcasing Tamil sculptural skills.
  • The shrine of Lord Kameswara and Mother Kokilambal is at the foothills.
  • The temple complex features two Shivalingas side by side.
• Legends:
  • The place is also associated with Devaki, the sister of Kamsan, who is said to have worshipped here and given birth to Krishna, leading to the name Devikapuram.

Festivals

• Celebrated Festivals:
  • Chithirai 1st Day: Tamil New Year.
  • Appar Guru Pooja.
  • Vaikasi Visakam.
  • Navarathri.
  • Karthigai Deepam.
  • Panguni Festival: A 10-day festival held during the month of Panguni.

Century/Period/Age

14th century CE

Nearest Bus Station

Devikapuram

Nearest Railway Station

Polur

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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