Ilayankudi Rajendra Chozheeswarar Temple, Sivaganga

Address

Ilayankudi Rajendra Chozheeswarar Temple, Sivaganga

 Ilayankudi,

Sivaganga District – 630 702

Phone: +91 4564 268 544

Mobile: +91 98651 58374

Moolavar

Chozheeswarar

Amman

Gnanambigai

Introduction

The Rajendra Chozheeswarar Temple in Ilayankudi, Tamil Nadu, has a rich history and is associated with several legends and traditions.

Presiding Deities:

• Rajendra Chozheeswarar: The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is known as Rajendra Chozheeswarar. He is enshrined in the form of a Lingam and faces east.
• Gnanambigai: The Mother Goddess in the temple is known as Gnanambigai. She has a separate south-facing shrine.
• Somaskandar: The Utsava idol in the temple is Somaskandar, a form of Lord Shiva along with Goddess Parvati and Lord Skanda (Muruga).

Puranic Significance 

Ilayankudi Maranar:

• The temple is associated with Ilayankudi Maranar, one of the 63 Nayanars (saints devoted to Lord Shiva). He was born in Ilayangudi and was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. Maranar is known for his devotion and service to the devotees of Shiva. His home and the land he cultivated are located near the temple.

Legend:

• It is believed that this temple was originally a Buddhist Vihara, which later became a Jain Temple. Eventually, it was converted into a Hindu temple. The name “Thevoorani” for the adjacent pond is derived from “Therar Oorani” (Therar means Buddhist Monks), indicating the Buddhist history of the site.

Indira’s Worship:

• According to local tradition, Lord Indra installed Shiva Lingas in various places to seek blessings and relief from a sage’s curse. This temple is one of the places where Indira is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva. It is said that his daughter, Deivanai, is associated with Lord Muruga in this temple.

Beliefs

1. Food Security and Selflessness: Devotees come to this temple to seek blessings for food security and to cultivate selfless and helpful traits. The temple is associated with Ilayankudi Maranar, who is known for his service and charity, particularly through Annadhanam (food distribution). People pray here with the hope of developing qualities of selflessness and a sense of responsibility towards society, especially in providing food for those in need.
2. Education and Academic Excellence: The temple is a place where students and those aspiring for excellence in education and academic pursuits seek the blessings of the deities, especially in the shrine of Mother Gnanambigai. They pray for wisdom, knowledge, and success in their studies.
3. Emulating Ilayankudi Maranar: Devotees also visit the temple to emulate the life and service of Ilayankudi Maranar. They seek guidance in following his footsteps by engaging in charitable activities, including providing food to the needy, as a form of prayer and commitment to helping society.

Special Features

• The temple faces east and has an entrance arch.
• Apart from the main deities, there are shrines for Lord Muruga, Venkatachalapathi, Mahaganapathy, Navagrahas, Saneeswarar, Suryan, and Chandran in the temple complex.
• The temple’s sthala vriksham (sacred tree) is the Vilwam Tree, and the associated theertham (temple tank) is called Deiva Pushkarini.

Festivals

• The temple observes various festivals, including those dedicated to Ilayankudi Maranar and annual processions of deities.
• Devotees also practice Annadhana (charity in the form of food) in emulation of Ilayankudi Maranar’s service to society.

Century/Period

500- 1000 Years Old

Nearest Bus Station

llayankudi

Nearest Railway Station

Paramakudi junction

Nearest Airport

Madurai

Location on Map

lightuptemple