Periya Kozhappalur Thirukurareeswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Address

Periya Kolappalur, Near Sethupattu,

Thiruvannamalai District,

Tamil Nadu 632313

Moolavar

Thirukurareeswarar

Amman

Tripurasundari

Introduction

The Periya Kozhappalur Thirukurareeswarar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located in Periya Kozhappalur Village, in the Thiruvannamalai District of Tamil Nadu, the temple is renowned for its historical and religious significance. According to legend, it is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva worshipped Indra and the white horse that emerged from the ocean of milk. The temple is a one-time puja temple under the control of the Hindu Religious Endowment Department. The temple also features the Swetha Ashwa Theertha, a sacred water body that is currently undergoing repairs.

Puranic Significance

The temple is tied to an intriguing mythological story involving Sage Narada and a white horse. According to the legend, while Sage Narada was walking along the beach, he discovered a white horse shedding tears. Upon closer inspection, he realized that the horse was a rare creature that had emerged from the ocean of milk, which is a reference to the churning of the ocean in Hindu mythology.

The horse explained that it was caught in a dispute between the dragon maiden Katru and her sister Vinatha, concerning the color of its tail. Katru, in a bid to prove her claim, made her dragon cubs entwine around the horse’s white tail, causing it to lose its pure color. To make matters worse, one of the venomous snakes of Dakshakan also coiled around the horse’s tail, causing its thigh to be poisoned. Although the horse was born from the nectar of the ocean of milk and its life was not in danger, it was troubled by the loss of its purity.

The horse sought the advice of Sage Narada, who suggested that the horse should go to a particular place and worship Lord Shiva to receive liberation from its troubles. Heeding this advice, the horse worshipped Lord Shiva at this very location for 48 days. As a result, Lord Shiva, pleased with the horse’s devotion, appeared as Rishabh Rudra and restored its pure white color.

The horse, overjoyed with this divine blessing, requested that the place where it had worshipped be recognized as a sacred site, known as Kulasai. The place was named and the horse ascended to heaven. As a result of this incident, the temple became closely associated with the worship of the white horse, and the deity here is also known as Swethapuriswarar or Swetha Asweswarar, as well as Thirukuravadi Nadar and Thirukurura Iswaran, who is believed to grace the devotees beneath the kura tree.

Special Features

The Periya Kozhappalur Thirukurareeswarar Temple is believed to be more than 1500 years old. Some key features of the temple include:

Swetha Aswesvara: In the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, Swetha Aswesvara, the deity in the form of Swayambu Murti (self-manifested), is enshrined. The hoof mark of a horse can be seen on the idol, symbolizing the connection to the white horse.
Ambal Tripurasundari: The temple also houses the shrine of Ambal Tripurasundari, who is enshrined facing south.
Vayu Lingam: The temple has a dedicated shrine for Vayu Lingam, which is situated in the Vayu corner of the temple.
Paramesa Koopam: A sacred well, known as the Paramesa Koopam, is located on the eastern side of the temple.
Chola Era Inscriptions: The temple features several Chola-era inscriptions, which provide insight into the historical significance of the temple during that period.
Ashwini Nakshatra Parikara Thalam: The temple is considered a parikara thalam for those born under the Ashwini Nakshatra (the first star in the Hindu zodiac), especially due to the worship of the Ashwama horse.