Sithamalli Kulasekara Swamy Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Sithamalli Kulasekara Swamy Temple, Sithamalli, Thiruvarur District Phone: +91 – 4367 – 2815 2533 Mobile: +91 – 9840053289

Deity

Kulasekara Swamy Amman: Abhirami Amman.

Introduction

• Location: Sithamalli Village, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu
• Deities:
  • Presiding Deity: Kulasekara Swamy (Lord Shiva)
  • Goddess: Abhirami Amman
• Significance: The temple is revered as sacred as the Palani temple and is historically known as Munnoothi Mangala Agraharam. It is situated on the western part of Sithamalli, near the Deva Kulam (the Tank of Deva).

Puranic Significance

• Historical Context:
  • Sithamalli is mentioned in the Mahabharata and referred to as Suthamalli Sathurvethi Mangalam in some inscriptions.
  • The temple is over 2,000 years old and was constructed by Kulasekara Pandyan in the 11th century, later supported by Rajaraja Chola III and the Nayak kings.
• Parihara Temple for Mental Illness:
  • According to legend, the Pandavas experienced mental distress during their exile, and by worshipping Kulasekara Peruman, they found relief. This connection led to the village being called Sithamalli.
• Scar Mark on Lingam:
  • It is said that Arjuna, upset for not having a darshan of Lord Shiva, shot an arrow at the Shiva Lingam, leaving a visible scar mark that can still be seen today.
• Siddhar Worship:
  • The temple has been a site of worship for various Siddhars, emphasizing its spiritual significance.

Special Features

• Architecture:
  • The temple features a three-tiered Rajagopuram and faces west, surrounded by a vast complex adorned with intricate artwork.
• Divine Presence:
  • The presiding deity, Kulasekara Swamy, is believed to calm minds troubled by confusion and worry, leading to the village being named Sidhdhamalli.
• Special Pujas:
  • Unique rituals are conducted from February 15 to March 15, marking the occasion when the sun’s rays fall directly on the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Kulasekhara in the evening.
• Additional Deities:
  • The temple complex houses niches for Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, Dhakshinamoorthi, Bhairavar, and a separate mandapam for Dhandayuthapani, whose statue is carved from a single stone and produces a sound similar to bell metal when struck.
  • There is also a rare Narthana Vinayaga statue depicted in a dancing pose with a snake around its waist, which many devotees pray to for the removal of their doshas (flaws).
• Historical Figures:
  • The temple is notable as the birthplace of Poojya Sri Subramaya Yatindra Swamigal, a prominent Vedic teacher and disciple of Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal. He attained Samadhi in 1933, and his burial site has since become a place of worship.

Festivals

• Major Celebration:
  • The temple celebrates Vaikasi Visakam with great fanfare, drawing many devotees for prayers and rituals.

Century/Period/Age

2000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Sithamalli

Nearest Railway Station

Muthupatti

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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