Lalgudi Sri Sabdarishiswarar Temple, Trichy

Address

Lalgudi Sri Sabdarishiswarar Temple, Thirumanjana street, Lalgudi Trichy district – 621 601, Phone number: 0431 2541329

Deity

Sabdarishiswarar Amman: Perunturuppirattiyar

Introduction

• Temple Name: Sabdarishiswarar Temple
• Location: Lalgudi, 18 km from Trichy on the Ariyalur Road
• Historical Origin of the Name “Lalgudi”: Named after Malik Gafoor saw the red-painted temple tower and called it “Lal Gudi” (Lal-red, Gudi-tower)
• Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva as Sabdarishiswarar
• Mother Goddess: Sivakamasundari
• Unique Worship: Lord Shiva was worshipped by seven great Rishis (Athri, Bruhu, Pulasthya, Vasishta, Gautama, Angiras, and Marichi)
• Planetary Relief: Worship of Sabdarishiswarar brings relief from problems caused by planetary influences, as the seven rishis are connected to the nine planets

Puranic Significance:

• Creation of Lord Muruga: Lord Shiva created Muruga from six sparks to protect the Devas from Tharakasura
• Seven Rishis’ Role: The seven rishis took care of Lord Muruga as a child but were cursed due to their wives’ neglect. They sought relief through intense penance at Lalgudi
• Shiva’s Blessing: Lord Shiva absorbed the rishis into Himself, cracking His head in a flame, leaving visible marks on the Shiva Linga
• Seven Rishis Statues: Sculptures of the seven rishis are found at the temple entrance

Beliefs:

• Devotees Pray For: Solutions to marriage delays, blessings for children, and success in education
• Offerings: Abhishek and vastras (clothes) are offered to Lord Sabdarishiswarar and Mother Sivakamasundari

Special Features:

• Self-Manifested Shiva Linga: The Linga has a natural vertical crack, and sun rays illuminate the base of the Linga for 15 minutes daily for six months
• Temple Direction: The main sanctum (Sannidhi) faces west, while Goddess Periya Nayagi’s shrine faces east
• Unique Dhakshinamoorthy: Dhakshinamoorthy holds a Veena (Indian musical instrument), an uncommon feature
• Historical Name: Lalgudi was once called Thiruthavathurai, and Malik Kapoor’s invasion influenced the current name

Festivals:

• Margazhi Tiruvadhirai: Celebrated in December-January
• Mahashivaratri: Celebrated in February-March

Century/Period/Age

1000 – 2000 years old

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

Lalgudi

Nearest Railway Station

Lalgudi

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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