Perichikoil Suganthavaneswarar Temple, Sivagangai

Address

Perichikoil Suganthavaneswarar Temple, Sivagangai

Kandramanickam Road, Perichikoil,

Sivagangai District,

Tamil Nadu 630307

Phone: +91- 94866 71544, 97863 67380

Moolavar

Suganthavaneswarar

Amman

Samibavalli

Introduction

The Suganthavaneswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the Kandramanickam road, Perichikoil, Sivagangai district of Tamil Nadu, India. It is located in the vicinity of Kandramanickam Road, making it accessible to devotees in the region.

Puranic Significance

Legends:

According to local legends, this region was once ruled by King Maravarman Sundara Pandyan. After winning a battle, the king wanted to build a temple for Lord Shiva as an offering. However, he was uncertain about the temple’s location.
In a divine revelation, Lord Shiva appeared in the king’s dream and guided him to the spot where a lingam was found. The king saw the lingam at the designated location and constructed a temple there. Lord Shiva, the presiding deity of the temple, was named “Suganthavaneswarar.” The name “Sugandavaneshwarar” is derived from a forest filled with fragrant flowers where the temple was built.

Kashi Bhairava and Saneeswarar:

The temple also has a shrine dedicated to Kashi Bhairava, whose idol is made of powerful Navabhashana (nine types of precious gems). The vadaimalai (garland) and theertha (holy water) worn by Bhairava are not offered as prasad to devotees because they are believed to possess potent healing properties, which humans may not be able to withstand.
A vada garland is placed above the Bhairava shrine, and it is considered a miracle of Kali Yuga that not even birds eat it. The abhishek theertha (sacred water used for ablutions) is arranged to fall outside the temple premises, ensuring that devotees do not touch it.
Saneeswarar, a deity associated with the planet Saturn (Lord Shani), is also worshipped in this temple. Saneeswarar is revered as a disciple of Bhairava, an aspect of Lord Shiva. Saneeswarar is believed to always be in the presence of Bhairava, who is shown with an additional face on his back. Devotees are not permitted to see the back face of Bhairava.

Special Features

Deities and Sanctums:

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Suganthavaneswarar.
The Utsava murti (festival deity) is known as Somaskandar, while the goddess is called Samibavalli.
A significant feature of the temple is the presence of the Vanni tree within its premises. The Vanni tree holds cultural and spiritual significance, often associated with rituals and offerings.
The temple is believed to be approximately 1,500 years old, and its historical and architectural aspects add to its cultural value

The Suganthavaneswarar Temple in Perichikoil is not only a place of worship but also a site of rich mythology and cultural heritage. It continues to draw devotees who come to seek blessings and healing from Lord Suganthavaneswarar, Kashi Bhairava, and Saneeswarar. The sacred presence of the Vanni tree and the ancient traditions associated with the temple add to its spiritual significance.