Sengalipuram Choleeswarar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Sengalipuram Choleeswarar Temple, Sengalipuram, Thiruvarur District, Tamilnadu– 612603.

Deity

Choleeswarar Amman: Nisuthalambigai

Introduction

• Dedication: The Choleeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Location:
  • Situated at Sengalipuram in the Thiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu.
  • The temple faces east and is located on the banks of a large temple pond.
• Deities:
  • Presiding Deity: Lord Choleeswarar, facing east.
  • Mother Deity: Goddess Nisuthalambigai, facing south.
  • Shrines: The temple prakaram includes shrines for Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Subramanya, Brahma, and Durga.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Background:
  • The temple is believed to be approximately 1,000 years old.
  • Inscriptions indicate restoration work by Vickrama Chola, leading to the name ‘Chola Eeswaran’ as it was rebuilt by the Chola dynasty.
  • Historical records show donations made by Chola and Chalukya kings to the temple.
• Mythological Events:
  • Lord Vishnu bathed in the Chakra Theertham here, receiving relief from a curse.
  • Goddess Mahalakshmi prayed at this temple for the removal of obstacles to her marriage with Lord Vishnu.
  • A legend describes Parameswaran bringing holy water from the Ganges for Ganesha’s worship.
  • Lord Brahma performed penance here, and Lord Shiva appeared before him in four forms: Brahmalingam, Vedalingam, Jothilingam, and Soleswaralingam.
• Navagraha Significance:
  • The temple uniquely features the nine Navagrahas arranged in a straight line in front of Lord Soleswara, believed to alleviate Navagraha doshas for devotees.

Beliefs

• Chakra Theertham:
  • The sacred water dedicated to Lord Vishnu, where ancient texts suggest bathing on holy days like new moon days, Mondays, and Pradosh for purification and blessings from Lord Soleswara.

Special Features

• Cultural Significance:
  • Sengalipuram, known for its Sakthi temples, was originally named ‘Shiva Kalipuram,’ reflecting the rich heritage of Shiva and Kali worship.
  • The temple is also referred to as Sthalam Ambika (or Sreenistulambika) and Oppilla Maniyamai, symbolizing the divine grace of the deities.

Festivals

The temple celebrates several major festivals, including:

• Chitra Poornima: April-May
• Vaikasi Visakam: May-June
• Aadi Pooram: July-August
• Vinayaka Chaturthi: August-September
• Navarathri: September-October
• Maha Shivrathri: February-March
• Sani Peyarchi: Saturn planet transition days

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kudavasal

Nearest Railway Station

Koradacherry

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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