Wednesday Feb 19, 2025

Tirupanangadu Sri Thalapureeswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Address

Sri Thalapureeswarar, Krubanatheswarar Temple, Tirupanangadu-604 410, Tiruvan Parthan, Panangattur, Tiruvannamalai district. Phone: +91- 44 2431 2807, 98435 68742

Deity

Panankatteeswarar, Thaalapureeswarar Amman: Amirthavalli

Introduction

Thalapuriswarar Temple is one of the places where Thondai Nadu was sung by Sundar. he palm tree is the epitome of italics. It is the 241st shrine out of the 276 shrines to receive the devotional song of Lord Shiva. Thala Virutcham : Palm tree Theertham : Jada Ganga, Sundarar Theertham

Puranic Significance

  • Origin of Name:
    • The area was once covered with palm (Panai) trees, hence the name Panangkattur.
    • Over time, the name evolved to Thirupanangadu.
  • Temple Renovation:
    • Devakottai Sri A. Ekappa Chettiar’s family renovated the temple.
    • Mahakumbabishekam was conducted in 1928.
    • Ekappa Chettiar, involved in a property case, prayed to Lord Shiva and won.
    • As a token of gratitude, he used the settlement money to rebuild the temple.
    • His statue is present in the temple’s main hall.
  • Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar’s Legend:
    • Lord Shiva appeared before Sundarar in the form of an old man and offered food (Kattamudu).
    • Sundarar questioned the old man about the lack of water.
    • The old man scratched the ground, and water started flowing.
    • Realizing the old man was Lord Shiva, Sundarar followed a bull’s footprints and discovered the temple.
    • Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi granted him divine darshan.
    • The well created by Lord Shiva is called Sundarar Theertham (maintained with fencing).
    • The water level of this Theertham remains at 3 feet, while nearby wells are 30 feet deep.
  • Two Shiva Shrines in the Temple:
    • Sri Thalapureeswarar (Panangkatteswarar) with Goddess Amirthavalli – Installed by Sage Agasthiyar.
    • Sri Krupanatheswarar with Goddess Krupanayaki – Installed by Sage Pulasthiyar.
  • Sage Agasthiyar’s Connection:
    • Found a Shivalingam beneath a neem tree, installed and worshipped it.
    • Lord Shiva made palm fruits fall on the lingam, hence the name Thalapureeswarar (Thalam = Palm tree).
    • Before leaving, Agasthiyar entrusted Sage Muneeswarar to take care of the temple.
  • Sage Pulasthiyar’s Connection:
    • Installed another Shivalingam on the banks of river Palar.
    • A Chola king later found it, brought it to the temple, and installed it next to Agasthiyar’s lingam.
  • Sri Kottai Muneeswarar Shrine:
    • A small shrine near the temple dedicated to Sri Kottai Muneeswarar (Yogananda Muniswarar).
  • Miracle of Jada Gangai Theertham:
    • A devotee Panangkattu Thambiran prayed for drinking water for locals.
    • Lord Shiva granted the wish, and water flowed from His head.
    • This water, known as Jada Gangai Theertham, is still used by villagers today.
  • Other Divine Worshippers:
    • Lords Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, and Sage Kannuva are believed to have worshipped here.

Beliefs

In the outer corridor, there are two sacred palm trees – one male and the other female. It is believed that those seeking child boon can pray to the lord here by making offerings of palm fruits and then consuming it. Devotees also pray for prosperity and relief from vision / eye sight related problems. They can also circumambulate these trees and worship Lord Shiva for removal of obstacles from their wedding proposals.

Special Features

  • Twin Sanctums & Structures:
    • Since the temple has two Shiva Lingams, it also has:
      • Two Nandis
      • Two Pali Peedams (altars for offerings)
      • Two Flag Posts (Dwajasthambams)
    • Both outer sanctums contain separate idols of:
      • Lord Dakshinamurthy
      • Lord Mahavishnu
      • Lord Brahma
  • Unique Dakshinamurthy Posture:
    • One of the Dakshinamurthy idols has a distinct posture:
      • His right hand placed on his chest (known as “Chin Mudra” in Tamil).
  • Beautiful Engravings & Sculptures:
    • At the sanctum sanctorum entrance, intricate carvings of:
      • Saint Agasthiar & Saint Pulasthiar
      • Palm trees
    • Inside the corridors:
      • A stone-carved palm tree with Lord Sundareswarar & Goddess Meenakshi.
  • Intricate Pillar Sculptures:
    • The pillars in the main hall feature exquisite reliefs, including:
      • Vali & Sugreeva fighting
      • Lord Rama watching the fight
    • Unique perspective in sculptures:
      • From Lord Rama’s relief, Vali & Sugreeva can be seen.
      • However, Lord Rama is not visible from the pillar where Vali & Sugreeva are carved.
    • Other notable reliefs:
      • Nagalingam
      • Garudazhvar
      • Lord Mahavishnu
      • Lord Anjaneya
  • Historical & Religious Significance:
    • Though there are two Shiva shrines, Saint Sundarar only referenced Lord Thalapureeswarar (Sri Panangkatteswarar) in his hymns.
    • A stone inscription in the temple states that cutting down a palm tree is a sin.
  • Deities in the Temple:
    • Inner corridor shrines & idols include:
      • Lord Vinayakar
      • Lord Murugan with Consorts
      • Lord Natarajar
      • Lord Mahavishnu
      • Lord Brahma
      • Goddess Gaja Lakshmi
      • Lord Dakshinamurthy
      • Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar
      • Lord Mahalingam
      • Surya (Sun God) & Chandra (Moon God)
      • Lord Bhairavar
      • Nalvars with Sekkizhar
      • 63 Nayanmars
      • Navagrahas (Nine Planets)
      • Lord Chandikeswarar

Festivals

Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Masi (February-March), Somavarams in the Tamil month of Karthikai (November-December), Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aipasi (October-November) and Arudra Dharisanam in the Tamil month of Marghazhi (December-January) are the major festivals celebrated in this temple. During Brahmotsavam, on the Masi Magam day, “Thiruvural” festival is celebrated on the banks of the river Palaru. The procession idol of Lord Ekambareswar of Kanchipuram is brought to this place. During the Brahmotsavam festival, special poojas called “Kattamudhu” are also performed, to celebrate the incident of Lord Shiva of giving food to Saint Sundarar.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thiruvanamalai

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvanamalai

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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