Thirupathiripuliyur Sri Padaleeswarar Temple, Cuddalore

Address

Thirupathiripuliyur Sri Padaleeswarar Temple, Thirupathiripuliyur, Cuddalore,PIN 607002

Diety

Sri Padaleeswarar, Amman: Periya Nayagi

Introduction

Pataleeswarar Temple, Cuddalore is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Shiva in the town of Thirupathiripuliyur, Cuddalore. It was constructed during the Pallava and Medieval Chola periods. The Saivite saint Appar is believed to have adopted Saivism at this temple. It is one of the shrines of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams. There is a belief/myth that by worshiping this God a single time is equal to 16 times worshiping the Shiva in Kasi, eight times in Thiruvannamalai, and three times in Chidambaram. Thirupathiripuliyur in Cuddalore is one of the ancient temples in Tamil Nadu. It is named after the Pathiri Tree and the Puliyur, a tiger-legged saint who obtained absolution in the area.

Puranic Significance

Appar’s sister Thilakavathiyar was living in Thiruvathigai during her later years and devoted her lifetime service to Shiva. Afflicted by a painful illness, Thirunavukkarasar, who was originally called Dharmasenar and was then a staunch follower of Jainism, prayed for relief at this temple where his sister Thilagavathiyar served. By the divine grace of Shiva, he was cured. He embraced Saivism from then and started canonizing various temples with his verses. The ruling Pallava king namely Kadava punished Thirunavukarasar in various ways and finally dropped him in a lime kiln. He was subsequently cast on the waters of sea, where he started floating and was pushed ashore in Thirupathipuliyur. It is believed that some of his best songs were sung at this time in praise of the presiding deities at Padaleeswarar temple and Veerateneeswarar temple. Influenced by the greatness of the poet, the king himself converted from Jainism[6] to Saivism.

Special Features

The temple is constructed in Dravidian style of architecture. It is classified as Gnazhar Kovil, where the image of the presiding deity is set up under Gnazhar trees. Trees like Kondai, Kongu and Theekku (teak) all fall in the category. The temples constructed in wood made from Gnazhar trees are also classified as Gnzhar Koil. Literary evidence is found in the works of Tirugnanasambandar, who refers the temple as Gnazhar Koil.This is one of the Nava Puliyur Temples worshipped by Patanjali and Vyaghrapada.

Festivals

Chithirai Vasanthotsavam, Tamil New Year, 13 days Vaikasi Brahmotsavam, Aani Thirumanjanam, Adi Pooram, 10 days Appar Utsavam, Adi Fridays, and Monthly Pradoshams are the festivals celebrated here with much fanfare.