Sri Thoovai Nathar temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Sri Thoovai Nathar Temple, Thiruvarur East Street, Tiruvarur, Thiruvarur District Phone: +91 – 4366 – 240 646 Mobile: +91 – 99425 40479

Diety

Thoovai Nathar, Amman: Thoovainayaki

Introduction

Thoovanayanar Thoovainathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thiruvarur East Street in Thiruvarur Town in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. The Temple is also called as Thoovai Nayanar Temple / Durvasar Temple. The place is called as Arur Paravayunmandali. Presiding Deity is called as Thoovainathar / Thoovai Nayanar / Paravayul Mandaleswarar. His consort, Parvati, is known as Panchin Mennadiyal / Panjin Melladiyammai / Alliangothai.Sthala Theertham is Akasha Theertham and Sthala Vriksham is Jack tree. It is one of the shrines of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams – Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Thevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Tirugnanasambandar. This is the 206th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 89th Sthalam on the south side of river Cauvery. This Temple is under the control of Thiruvarur main temple. Thala Virutcham : Jack tree Theertham : Akashatheertham Agamam / Pooja : Kamiya Agamam

Puranic Significance

Sundarar regains vision: Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar once violated his promise made to his second wife Sangili Nachiyar. He promised that he would never part her. As he wanted to see his first wife Paravai Nachiyar, he proceeded to Tiruvarur. As a punishment for the violation of the promise, he lost his vision. Sundarar began his journey with his blind eyes to the Shiva shrines praying for the restoration of vision. At Kanchipuram, Lord Ekambareswarar blessed him with the left eye, as recommended by his consort Sri Kamakshi. Continuing the journey, Sundarar reached Tiruvarur and prayed the Lord to regain the vision of the right eye. Lord Shiva advised him to bathe in the tank in the northeast corner and worship him. Sundarar got back his eyes by the grace of Lord Shiva. The event of Sundarar getting vision of his right eye is evidenced by the eye symbol visible on the Lord during abishek times. Durvasa Nayanar: This was once a sand temple under the sea, according to the history of the land. When tides of sea burst devastatingly tall threatening destruction of the world, Devas and Sages surrendered at the feet of Lord Shiva for protection. Lord told Sage Durvasa that if a tank could be dug at the Agni corner – south east corner of the land and prayers offered to him, the tides would subside and lives would be saved. Headed by Sage Durvasa, all carried out the instructions of Lord and performed pujas. Responding to the prayers of the devotees, Lord Shiva absorbed the fury of the sea and saved the world. As Lord was worshipped by Sage Durvasa, He is also known as Durvasa Nayanar. Vishwakarma made all temple idols: It is said that all idols of the temple were made by the divine sculptor Vishwakarma. People worshipped Shiva here: Indran, Durvasa, Sundarar and all Devas worshipped Shiva of this temple.

Beliefs

Those with impaired vision bathe in the tank of the temple, pray to Lord offering red flower – Sevvarali – garlands, perform archanas to gain clear eye sight. Devotees perform abishek to Lord with milk and feed the poor.

Special Features

The Temple is having 3 tiered Rajagopuram. Lord Shiva in the temple is a Swayambumurthy. Presiding Deity is called as Thoovainathar / Thoovai Nayanar / Paravayul Mandaleswarar. His consort, Parvati, is known as Panchin Mennadiyal / Panjin Melladiyammai / Alliangothai. Sthala Theertham is Akasha Theertham and Sthala Vriksham is Jack tree. It is said that all idols of the temple were made by the divine sculptor Vishwakarma. The location of the tank at the southeast corner is of special importance according to Vastu rules. Planet Sani Baghwan is facing south and graces the devotees. The event of Sundarar getting vision of his right eye is evidenced by the eye symbol visible on the Lord during abishek times. Vinayaka in the temple graces in the name of Lord Siddhi Vinayaka. It seems that Kumbabishekam has been performed long back and both Rajagopuram and the outer walls crying for attention.