Thirukkazhippalai Sri Palvanna Nathar Temple, Cuddalore

Address

Thirukkazhippalai Sri Palvanna Nathar Temple, Thirukkazhippalai, Sivapuri Post, Annamalai Nagar Via, Chidambaram Taluk, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu – 608 002.

Diety

Paulvannanathar Amman: Veda Nayagi

Introduction

Tirukkazhippalai Palvannanathar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Chidambaram in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity is Shiva in the form of Palvannanathar and his consort is known as Vedanayaki. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. Thala Virutcham : Vilwa Theertham : Kollidam (Coleroon)

Puranic Significance

The Swayambu lingam is small in size and white in colour. The lingam has a peculiar in shape – the top portion is split in two with a narrow gap in between. It is believed that this lingam was installed and worshiped by Poet-Sage Kabilar during his pilgrimage. This lingam is believed to have been hit by the hoof of a horse which had caused it to split. Only milk is poured during abishekam and the rest of the offerings are placed at the base of the lingam. Since the lord here is white in colour, he is praised as “Sri Palvanna Nathar” – “Palvannam” means milk white and “Nathar” is a respectful suffix in Tamil. It is believed that this place was once on the banks of a backwater (Uppankazhi). This is could be the reason why this place gets the name “Thirukkazhippalai” – Thiru is a respectful prefix, Kazhi is derived from Uppankazhi and Pal means land in Tamil. It is believed that Saint Thirugnanasambanthar stayed in Thiruvetkalam, a neighbouring Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam, and visited this temple from there. It is believed that sage Agasthiyar worshiped the lord here and he was blessed with the lord’s darshan. Sage Valmiki also believed to have worshiped the lord of this temple.

Beliefs

It is believed that consuming the milk used for the abishek of Lord Shiva – Linga – will bless the devotee with a child. It also cures diseases caused due to heat in the body. Devotees perform abishek to Lord Vijaya Vinayaka on Sankatahara Chaturti day seeking success in their endeavours.

Special Features

Lord Bhairava in the temple has not His dog vehicle as in Kasi. He appears with 27 skulls, wearing the sacred thread and a serpent as belt around his waist and with turf and lion’s teeth. It is said that the same sculptor who designed Bhairava idol in Kasi did it here too. According to scriptures, worshipping Bhairava in this temple equals the prayer at Kasi. The temple is known more as Bhairava temple. The 8th day after full moon day is (ashtami in the new moon fortnight) observed with special pujas. This is one of the places where Lord Shiva granted darshan to Sage Agasthya. Sage Valmiki has worshipped the Lord here, according to scriptures. Lord Nataraja appears with His turf roughly tied over. Mother Sivakami graces with Her friends (Thozhi) Vijaya and Saraswathi.

Festivals

Thai Poosam in January-February, Purattasi Navarathri in September-October, Mondays of Karthikai Tamil month covering November-December, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Margazhi Tiruvadirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple.