Thirukkurukukka Sri Kunthalanathar Temple, Nagapattinam

Address

Thirukkurukukka Sri Kunthalanathar Temple, Thirukkurukukka, Elanthoppu Post,Mayiladuthurai Taluk Nagapattinam District,PIN 609201 PH:04364-258785

Diety

Kundhalanathar, Amman: Kundhalambigai

Introduction

This temple is located near Tirukaruppariyalur, another Paadal Petra Sthalam. Proceed from Vaitheeswarankoil towards Manalmedu and reach a place called Elanthoppu. From Elanthoppu, take the branch road to Tirukkurukukka and travel about 3 Kms. to reach the temple. It is advisable to engage an auto from Vaitheeswaran Kovil to visit this temple and also another paadal petra thalam Tirukkaruppariyalur which is nearby. The Shivasthalam and the temple here is closely associated with another temple at Tirukaruppariyalur. Hanuman once tried to uproot the Sivalingam installed by Sri Ramar so that the Sivalingam brought by him could be installed and worshipped. For doing this offense of trying to uproot a Sivalingam, Hanuman prayed and worshipped God Shiva at Tirukaruppariyalur. Shiva, pleased with his worship, blessed him at Tirukaruppariyalur Sthalam. Hanuman thereafter built a temple for Shiva at Tirukkurukukka at this Sthalam. Holy water (Theertham) : Ganapathy River. Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Vilwa. Thevaram : Thirunavukarasar

Puranic Significance

Rama, intending to perform Shiva Puja at Sethukkarai (Rameswaram), sent Anjaneyas to bring the lingam. The Anjaneyas also went to fetch the lingam. Meanwhile, while Sita Devi was cooking the lingam on the sea sand, Rama worshiped the lingam. Anjaneyar, who came with the lingam after that, was angry to know that Rama had done Sivapuja. Also, he tried to break the sand lingam with his tail. Could not. He performed Shiva Puja at Italam to apologize for Shiva’s misconduct. Then he worshiped Lord Shiva with a flower and the kundalini he was wearing on his ear and got peace of mind. Itala Shiva was also known as ‘Kundalakeswarar’ as he was worshiped with the Anjaneyar Kundalam.

Beliefs

It is believed that if the cattle owners pray to the cell they will be disease free. Those who are not blessed with a Buddha pray to Kuntalanayaki Ambal wearing a bangle. Swami, anoint Ambalu and the Vastram team can fulfill the Vithunnerthikadan.

Special Features

Prakaram includes Valli, Deivanai Sametha Murugan, Koshtamil Vanadurga and village goddess Celliyamman. At a distance of 8 km from here, there is the famous Navagraha site (Mars site) Vaitheeswaran Temple. Here Lord Shiva bestows blessings on the self as a sand lingam. During the month of Chittirai, two monkeys come to Italam and worship the Shiva lingam by sprinkling a bow and arrow. It is the 28th shrine out of 276 shrines to receive the devotional song of Lord Shiva.