Neelpadi Naganathaswamy Shiva Temple, Nagapattinam

Address

Neelpadi Naganathaswamy Shiva Temple, Nagapattinam

Neelpadi, Kilvelur circle,

Nagapattinam District,

Tamil Nadu 611105

Moolavar

Naganathaswamy

Amman

Soundaranayaki

Introduction

• Location: Neelpadi village, Kilvelur circle, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu.
  • Positioned on the Thiruvarur-Nagapattinam Road, about 9 km east of Thiruvarur on the left side of the road.
• This ancient temple is revered as the site where Nagas (serpent deities) worshipped Lord Shiva and received blessings.
• Sage Vasishta, Vishwamitra, and Narada are also believed to have worshipped here.
• The temple features a shrine dedicated to Ashtabhuja Durga (Jadurga).

Puranic Significance

• Age of the Temple: Estimated to be over 1,500 years old.
• Legend of Karkotaka:
  • Karkotaka, one of the Ashtanagas, sought refuge from Garuda and came to this location.
  • Lord Shiva assured him protection, granting him safety from harm.
  • Devotees worshiping Lord Shiva here are believed to receive relief from Sarpa Dosha (snake-related curses), earning Lord Shiva the name Naganathaswamy.
• The temple symbolizes the resolution of enmity, as both Garuda and the snake worshipped Lord Shiva here and were freed from curses.

Beliefs

• Devotees hold the belief that worshipping Sri Jaya Durga, who is depicted with eight arms, on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, adorned with lemon garlands and special clothes, can remove obstacles related to marriage.

Special Features

• Architectural Highlights:
  • The temple features a large pond to its south.
  • Though lacking a Raja Gopuram (large temple tower), it has an entrance gate adorned with intricate carvings, including a statue of a worshipping snake deity.
  • The Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbhagriha) houses a beautiful lingam of Lord Naganathaswamy.
• Deities and Shrines:
  • Inside the Arthamandapam, there are idols of Mariamman and Shanibhagwan.
  • Near the sanctum gate are the idols of Vinayaka and Lingam, worshipped as integral parts of the temple.
  • The Karurai (inner sanctum) features Tenmugan Lingam and Durga.
• Orientation: The temple and Lord Naganathaswamy face east, symbolizing prosperity and new beginnings.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Century/Period

1500 years old

Nearest Bus Station

Neelapadi

Nearest Railway Station

Nagapattinam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple