Ootathur Suddha Rathneswarar Temple, Trichy

Address

Ootathur Suddha Rathneswarar Temple, Ootathur, Lalgudi Taluk, Trichy District – 621109 Phone: +91 4328 267 126 Mobile: +91 97880 62416 / 8883852198 / 8015402683

Diety

Sri Sutha Rathneswarar Amman: Sri Akilandeswari

Introduction

Suddha Rathneswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Ootathur Village in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. The presiding deities are Sri Sutha Rathneswarar and Sri Akilandeswari. The temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Appar. This is an early Chola temple of 7 th century rebuilt by Rajaraja Chola and occupies an area of 5 acres. The temple is filled with vintage pillars with beautiful sculptures. Few pillars even have carvings which are suggestive.

Puranic Significance

The original temple is believed to be built during 7 th Century A.D. The Temple was lost to times and completely covered by sand and vegetations over it. Emperor Rajaraja Chola I built Chozheeswarar Temple to the north side of Ootathur during 10th Century. He used to visit this Temple quite often. Once, soldiers belonging to Chola Army were clearing the path for the emperor Rajaraja Chola I visit to Chozheeswarar Temple. While clearing the bushes, one of the soldiers noticed that his shovel hit some unknown object. Curious to know about the object, he cleared the bush and found blood started oozing out from the place. Surprised soldiers further cleared and found a Shiva Lingam made of purest form of Ruby. Hence, Lord came to be called as Suddha Rathneswarar. Emperor rushed to the place and ordered further excavations. Excavations revealed an earlier temple at this place. Emperor Rajaraja Chola converted the earlier ruined temple into a grand edifice that exists today. The Temple was further renovated by his son Rajendra Chola I and his grandson, Rajadhiraja Chola. There are more than fifty inscriptions in this temple belonging to Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I and Rajadhiraja Chola. Once, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma contested for superiority. To clear their doubts, both of them went to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva took the form of a Linga – pillar of fire, which stretched from depths to heights no one could see. The one between Brahma and Vishnu who could reach either top or bottom would be declared greater. Brahma took the form of a swan and flew to find the top while Vishnu took form of a boar to find the bottom. Many years passed and neither found an end; Vishnu realized the greatness of Shiva and accepted defeat, but Brahma tried his luck to trick Shiva. He asked the help of a Ketaki flower to falsely testify that he had indeed seen the top end of the Linga. Ketaki flower agreed to support Brahma. Lord Shiva was furious at this devious attempt and cursed Brahma that he will never be worshipped. He also cursed the Ketaki flower that it would not be used in his worship. Lord Brahma begged forgiveness to Lord Shiva. Merciful Lord Shiva advised told Brahma to worship him with water from all the holy rivers in the world. Lord Brahma created a Theertham with waters from all the holy rivers in the world in Ootathur. Since, Lord Brahma created this Theertham, it came to be called as Brahma Theertham. This Theertham is situated right in front of the sanctum. The place was named as Oottathur after this Theertham (Ootru means spring in Tamil and Oor means village/town in Tamil). Lord Brahma used the water from this Theertham for doing Abishekam to Lord Shiva and was relieved from his curse. It is believed that the Theertham water is said to have medicinal properties. Even, Emperor Rajaraja Chola used the water from this Theertham for his medical ailments. This Theertham is perennial and water can be found throughout the year. There is an underground tunnel from this Theertham connecting this Temple with the Perumal Temple opposite to it. This tunnel is not in use presently. Indra worshipped Lord Nataraja of this Temple: It is believed that Indra worshipped Lord Nataraja of this Temple to regain his lost position and power.

Beliefs

The Natarajar at Oothathur is made out of Panchanadhana Stone and he is believed to cure all kidney related problems. People garland this Natarajar with a garland made of 45 small bundles of Vettiver and perform Abhishekam with the water of Brahma Theertham. On consuming this water for 45 days after dipping the vetti ver one on each day, people are relieved completely of their ailments.

Special Features

Festivals

Prathosam Pooja, Masi Magam, Thiruvathirai, Navratri Vazhipadu, Karthigai Vazhipadu, Margazhi, Chitra Pournami, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Diwali, Tamil New Year, Pournami Pooja and Amavasya are the festivals celebrated in this Temple with much fanfare.