Lalgudi Sri Sabdarishiswarar Temple, Trichy

Address

Lalgudi Sri Sabdarishiswarar Temple, Thirumanjana street, Lalgudi Trichy district – 621 601, Phone number: 0431 2541329

Diety

Sabdarishiswarar Amman: Perunturuppirattiyar

Introduction

The ancient Sabdarishiswarar temple is in Lalgudi, 18 km from Trichy on the Ariyalur Road. During his invasion on Tamilnadu, Malik Gafoor, while passing through this region saw the workers painting the tower in red. He asked his commander in Urudu, “what is this Lal gudi (Lal-red and Gudi-Tower). His question became the name of the place then as Lalgudi. This is a very ancient temple. Mother is worshipped as Sivakamasundari. Lord Shiva was worshipped by seven great Rishis – Athri, Bruhu, Pulasthya,Vasishta, Gautama, Angiras and Marichi. Sabda meaning seven, the place was worshipped by seven Rishis, the Lord is adored as Sabdarishiswarar. The seven rishis are relatives of the nine planets. As all the rishis reached Lord Shiva here, those facing any problem through any planet are advised to worship Lord Sabdarishiswara. There are some crack lines on the Head of the Shivalinga. Sun is the grandson of Marichi rishi,Chandra the son of Athri, Mercury is the son of Chandra-moon, Jupiter is the son of Angirasa, Mars comes in the lineage of Vasishta. Hence worship of Lord Sabdarishiswara brings relief from planetary problems. The temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Appar.

Puranic Significance

The Devas (those belonging to the celestial world) appealed to Lord Shiva to protect them from the harassment of demon Tharakasura. Lord shiva created Lord Muruga from the six sparks from His face. Lord Shiva desiring to play with the seven rishis – Athri, Brugu, Pulasthya Vasishta, Gautama, Angirasa and Marichi – left the child in their hermitage. The wives of the rishis were happy to see the child. When the child began to cry they played with him. When the child began to cry loudly due to hunger, the rishi patnis failed to feed the child, the Kruthika maidens came in and took care of the child. When the rishis returned to the ashram after their daily yagnas, they came to know that their wives failed to feed the child and felt sad that they had lost the opportunity of a blissful life due to the attitude of their wives. The angry rishis drove away their wives. Lord Muruga understood the cause of His birth. He killed Tharakasura. While returning back, He cursed the rishis. They trembled. As they could not get a relief in Tiruvaiyaru where they undertook intense penance they came to Lalgudi and continued the penance. Lord Shiva appeared before them, blessed them, cracked His head a flame (jwala) from His head and absorbed them in Himself and thus relieved them of the curse. As all the rishis had been taken into Shiva, the Lord came to be known as Sabdarishiswarar. This caused cracks on the Head of the Lord and the marks are visible even today. The sculptures of the Seven Rishis are at the entrance of the temple.

Beliefs

Those facing problems in marriage efforts, child boon and progress in education are advised to pray to Lord Sabdarishiswarar. Devotees pay their gratitude by performing abishek and offering vastras-clothes- to Lord and Mother.

Special Features

Shiva Linga here is in a self-made form. The main Sannidhi is facing the west direction. The lord Shiva here is also called as Saptharisheeswarar / Thiruthavathurai Nathar / Thejovidangar. The Linga has a vertical red split on its head. Sun rays illuminate the base of the Shiva Linga for about 15 minutes daily in the morning for six months. Earlier Lalgudi used to be called as Thiruthavathurai. When Malik Kapoor of “Aladdin Kilji’s” army ruled this place during 13th century he checked his people about this temple. This temple’s tower was in red color. In his mother tongue Urdu he enquired about the Red Tower temple (Red – Lal, Tower – Gudi). Hence this place became Lalgudi. Goddess at this temple is named as Periya Nayagi / Shivakamasundari Perunthiru Piratiyar / Maha Sampath Gowri. Periya Nayagi Sannidhi is facing the east direction. There are separate Sannidhis for Maha Lakshmi, Bitchadanar and Artha Nareeshwarar. At this temple Dhakshinamoorthy is in unique form as he is carrying a Veena (Veena – Indian musical instrument) in his hand.