Pottaveli Kamakshi Amman Sametha Kailasanathar Temple, Cuddalore

Address

Pottaveli village,

Cuddalore District,

Tamil Nadu – 607302.

Moolavar

Kailasanathar

Amman

Kamakshi Amman

Introduction

Pottaveli Kamakshi Amman Sametha Kailasanathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Located in the Pottaveli village, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. Here the Presiding deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Kamakshi amman. A village called Pottaveli in Cuddalore district is considered to be the place where Padmasura did penance. Kailasanathar temple was built here about 2000 years ago in Chola period architecture. It is said that the four religious gurus and Vadalur Ramalinga Swami used to visit this temple and have darshan. The temple, which was very dilapidated, was renovated a few years ago. Pottaveli village is located 10 kilometers on the road from Bhuvanagiri to Kurinchipadi in Cuddalore district.

Puranic Significance

In mythological times there was a demon named Padmasura. Once he did severe penance towards Shiva. So pleased, Lord Shiva appeared before him and asked what boon he wanted. Immediately Padmasura asked for a boon that I should not be destroyed by anyone other than someone equal to you. Puranas say that the Lord gave the same boon and Lord Muruga destroyed Padmasura. This place is considered to be the place where Lord Padmasura did penance.

Beliefs

It is said that people who are barred from marriage, couples who have been childless for a long time, people who are suffering from debt problems, people who are suffering from diseases, if they pray to Lord Kailasanathar for protection, their requests will be fulfilled soon.

Special pujas are performed to Lord Nandi on Pradosha days. People who are unemployed can get good job soon if they keep their educational certificates in the puja on Pradosha.

Special Features

The temple is east facing side. After entering the temple the Nandi followed by the Mahamandapam in front of which the sculptures of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Murugan and Sudhai are displayed. In the Arthamandap, twelve thirumas are arranged and a rudraksha garland is placed on it.

In the sanctum next to it, Kailasanathar lingam grace in the sanctum. Below him is the idol of Pradosha Nayak Utsawar. There are shrines of Dakshinamurthy, Vinayagar, Annamalaiyar, Murugan, Valli, Deivanai, Brahma, Durgai and Sandikeswarar in the Koshta. In front of the prakaram there are shrines of Bhairava, Shivlingam, Ganesha, Sun and Moon shrines. On the left side in front of the moolavar is the shrine of Goddess Kamakshi. It is special that goddesses give darshan towards the south-east. When this temple was reconstructed, a statue of a goddess was found from the earth. They are worshiping the goddess facing east.

Festivals

Vinayagar Chaturthi, Murugan Sashti Tithi and special abhishekams are held on Fridays. On Maha Shivratri, the temple is decorated and illuminated with lights. There will be four pujas. The surrounding villagers visit the temple throughout the night on Shivaratri.