Thiruvidaimarudur Chokkanathar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Thiruvidaimaruthur, Thanjavur District

Tamil Nadu 612104

Moolavar

Chokkanathar

Amman

Meenakshi

Introduction

The Chokkanathar Temple in Thiruvidaimarudur, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds significant religious and historical importance. Thiruvidaimarudur is a town in the Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk, Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. The Chokkanathar Temple is situated in the north street of the Mahalingeswarar Temple in Thiruvidaimarudur.

Puranic Significance

Brahmmahathi Dosham: The temple is associated with a legend involving Pandyan King Varaguna, who accidentally killed an aged Brahmin while returning from a hunt. Despite performing penances and sacrifices to atone for the sin, the king was plagued by the spirit of the dead Brahmin (Brahmmahathi). In search of relief, he sought the guidance of Lord Sundareswarar of Madurai, who instructed him to confront a Chola king, chase him to Thiruvidaimarudur, and pray to Lord Mahalingeswarar. By following these instructions and entering the temple through the eastern entrance and exiting through the western entrance, the king was relieved of his curse.
Construction of Chokkanathar Temple: In gratitude for his relief, Varaguna Pandya built a temple dedicated to Chokkanathar on the northern entrance of the Mahalingeswarar Temple. This temple is considered a place where people can seek relief from their doshas (spiritual afflictions).
Abhishekam Tradition: One unique tradition in the temple is the belief that performing an abhishekam (ritual bath) to Chokkanathar while singing the “megaraagakurinji raagam” leads to a bountiful monsoon.
Vishwadeva Worship: The temple is associated with the worship of Vishwadeva, the Adi Devatha of the Uthirada Nakshatra. People born under Uthirada Nakshatra and Magara Rasi (Capricorn) are encouraged to worship Lord Shiva at this temple for the benefit and relief from doshas.
Temple Details: The temple is more than 1500 years old and faces east. It features an entrance arch with a stucco image of Mother Meenakshi in a marriage posture at the top. The presiding deity, Chokkanathar (Sundareswarar), is represented as a Lingam. Lord Vinayaga (Ganesha) and Lord Murugan are present at the entrance of the sanctum. Mother Meenakshi has a separate south-facing shrine within the temple complex. Additionally, there is a shrine dedicated to Ashta Dasa Bhuja Maha Lakshmi Durga in the northwestern corner of the temple premises.
Rahu Kaala Pooja: The temple is known for the observance of Rahu Kaala Pooja, a propitious ritual.

The Chokkanathar Temple is a place of religious significance and historical importance, drawing devotees who seek relief from spiritual afflictions and blessings from Lord Shiva and the deities associated with this temple.