Narthampoondi Kailasanathar Temple – Thiruvannamalai

Address

Narthampoondi Kailasanathar Temple – Thiruvannamalai

Narthampoondi, Thiruvannamalai district,

Tamil Nadu-606802

Moolavar

Kailasanathar

Amman

Periyanayaki.                       

Introduction

Location:

• Kailasanathar Temple is located in Narthampoondi Village, within Thiruvannamalai District of Tamil Nadu.
• The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, known here as Kailasanathar, and his consort Periyanayaki.
• Believed to be around 1500 years old, this ancient temple holds significant religious and historical importance.

Puranic Significance:

Sapthakarai Kantangal & Sapthakailasas:

• Mother Uma’s Journey: According to legend, Mother Uma (Parvati) was on her way from Kancheepuram to Thiruvannamalai in search of the left part of Lord Shiva. During her journey, she stopped at Vazhai Pandal to create a Shivalinga for worship, but she could not find the materials to make one.
• Lord Muruga’s Blessing: In response to her need, Lord Muruga used his Vel (spear) to direct water from the hills, but the water came out red due to the blood of seven sages (Munis) who had been performing penance there. Though injured, the sages were cured by the touch of Muruga’s Vel.
• Creation of the Linga: Mother Uma, using the red-colored water, created the Linga and worshipped it. However, Muruga had to bear the sin of killing the sages, as the water was red from their blood.
• Establishing Seven Temples: To atone for his actions, Lord Muruga established seven temples on both sides of the Cheyyar River:
  • Sapthakarai Kantangal (Northern bank): Kancheepuram, Kadaladi, Mambakkam, Madhimangalam, Elathur, Poondi, and Kuruvimalai.
  • Sapthakailasas (Southern bank): Thamaraipakkam, Vasudevampattu, Narthampoondi, Thenpandripattu, Pazhangovil, Karapoondi, and Mandakulathur.
    These temples are considered sacred sites related to this mythological event.

Sage Narada’s Worship:

• The Kailasanathar Temple in Narthampoondi is one of the seven Kailasa temples worshipped by Rishi Narada, an important sage in Hindu mythology.
• Narada’s Penance: Narada, who was cursed by King Daksha, performed 12 years of penance in Narthampoondi, worshipping Sri Kailasanatha (Lord Shiva). Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared on his bull vehicle (Vrishaba), along with his Panchamurtis (five sacred forms), and relieved Narada of his curse.
• After this divine intervention, Narada was elevated as the head of the rishis (sages). The place was originally called Naradhapoondi (meaning “the place of Narada”) but later became known as Narthampoondi.

Beliefs and Practices:

• Devotees visit this temple to seek the removal of obstacles in marriage alliances, the blessing of children, and success in education.
• Special Offerings: Devotees often perform Abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity) and offer vastras (clothing) to the Lord.
• Worship is conducted regularly with rituals intended to remove life’s challenges and bestow blessings on individuals.

Special Features:

• The temple was constructed by the Sambuvaraya and Vallala kings, and later maintained by the Vijayanagara kings.
• Lord Muruga’s Worship: This temple is one of the many where Lord Muruga worshipped Lord Shiva for relief from his sins (or doshas), making it an important site for devotees of both Shiva and Muruga.
• Kailasanathar and Periyanayaki: The presiding deity, Kailasanathar, along with his consort Periyanayaki, is worshipped here, offering devotees a sacred experience of devotion to Lord Shiva.

Festivals:

• The temple celebrates important festivals, and devotees regularly pray for various life blessings such as marriage, offspring, and success in education.
• Abhishekam and Vastras: Devotees participate in special worship practices, offering Abhishekam and new clothing (vastras) to the deity.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2018/10/kailasanathar-temple-narthampoondi-thiruvannamalai.html

Century/Period

1500 years old.

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Narthampoondi

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvannamalai

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

Location on Map

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