Kamarasavalli Karkotaka Easwarar Temple, Ariyalur

Address

Kamarasavalli Karkotaka Easwarar Temple

Kamarasavalli,

Ariyalur District – 621715

Moolavar

Karkotaka Easwarar

Amman

Balaambikai

Introduction

Located near Thirumanur in Ariyalur district, Kamarasavalli is a revered Shiva temple. It is strongly believed that couples who worship Lord Shiva here together will be blessed with marital unity and harmony. Devotees also believe that offering prayers at this temple will help in removing Naga Dosha.

Historically, this sacred place has been known by several names:

Thirunallur
Karkodieswaram
Chaturvedimangalam
Rathivarapuram
Kamarathivalli

Puranic Significance

In ancient times, King Parikshit, the grandson of Arjuna, went hunting. During the hunt, he mocked a sage who was deep in penance by placing a dead snake around the sage’s neck like a garland. The sage’s son, upon learning this, became enraged and cursed Parikshit. As a result, Parikshit was bitten by the serpent Takshaka (Karkotaka) and died.

To avenge his father’s death, Parikshit’s son Janamejaya conducted a massive Sarpa Yagna to annihilate the entire serpent race. To escape destruction, the serpent Karkotaka worshipped Lord Shiva at this sacred place and sought penance and protection. Since then, Lord Shiva here came to be known as Karkotaka Easwarar, and the goddess is known as Balaambikai.

It is also believed that Rathi, the consort of Manmatha, performed penance here and received a boon from Shiva that only her husband could see her. Hence, this place came to be known as Rathivara Puram.

Special Features

It is known through inscriptions that this temple was built by Sundara Chola. King Bochala later enhanced the construction of the temple. The temple features sculptures of Vinayaka, Nandi, Karkotakan, and a depiction of a devotee performing puja to Lord Shiva. Numerous sculptures can be seen on the pillars of the mandapam.

In the inner prakaram, one can find shrines for Vinayaka, Lord Subramanya with Valli and Deivanai, Durga, Chandikeswarar, and the Navagrahas. On the koshta there are images of Dakshinamurthy, Ardhanareeswarar, Lingodbhavar, and Brahma.

There is also a Nataraja Mandapam and sculptures of serpents can be seen throughout the temple.

Festivals

Pradosham, Chithirai Tamil New Year, Aadi Pooram, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Navaratri, Aippasi Annabhishekam, and Thiruvathirai are among the festivals celebrated at this temple.