Sri Semmalai Nathar Temple, Keelaiyur

Address

Semmalai Nathar Temple, Keelaiyur, Keelaiyur Post, Nagapattinam District – 609 304. Mobile: +91 99438 52180

Diety

Semmalai Nathar Amman: Vandamarum Poonkuzhalal

Introduction

Semmalai Nathar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Keelaiyur Village in Kilvelur Taluk in Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Semmalai Nathar / Arunachaleswarar and Mother is called as Vandamarum Poonkuzhalal. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple. The place was called as Keezhayil during ancient times. Also, the place was called as Arumozhi Theva Valanaattu Alanaattu Keezhaiyur as per the inscriptions. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Sundarar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 7th Thirumurai in 12th Patikam in 7th Song. This is a small Temple with an entrance arch. The Entrance arch has stucco images of Rishabaroodar, Vinayaga and Lord Murugan. There is a big Nandi inside the Nandi Mandapam facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Semmalai Nathar / Arunachaleswarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Mother is called as Vandamarum Poonkuzhalal. She is housed in a separate shrine in the prakaram. There are shrines for Vinayaga, Subrahmanya with his consorts Valli & Devyani, Bhairavar and Suryan in the Temple premises.

Puranic Significance

This is a small Temple with an entrance arch. The Entrance arch has stucco images of Rishabaroodar, Vinayaga and Lord Murugan. There is a big Nandi inside the Nandi Mandapam facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Semmalai Nathar / Arunachaleswarar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Mother is called as Vandamarum Poonkuzhalal. She is housed in a separate shrine in the prakaram. There are shrines for Vinayaga, Subrahmanya with his consorts Valli & Devyani, Bhairavar and Suryan in the Temple premises.

Beliefs

It is said that Pancha pandavas stayed here and worshipped Lord Shiva during their exile. Also, believed that five Lingas were installed by Pancha Pandavas and the main Lingam was said to be installed by Arjuna.