Ootiyani Naganath Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Ootiyani Naganath Temple, Thiruvarur

Ootiyani, Needamangalam circle,

Thiruvarur District,

Tamil Nadu 610206

Moolavar

Naganath

Introduction

• Location:
  The Ootiyani Naganath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Ootiyani village, Needamangalam circle, Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu.
• Etymology:
  • The village name, Ootiyani, derives from the legend that Lord Shiva first grew paddy here to sustain life on Earth.
  • “Ootu” means to feed, and “Anai” refers to Airavatham (the celestial elephant), which worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Temple Highlights

• Two Shiva Temples:
  Ootiyani is home to two prominent Shiva temples:
  1. Iravadeswarar Temple
  2. Naganath Temple
• Primary Deity:
  • The Naganath Temple features Lord Shiva as Naganath, enshrined in a small, east-facing sanctum.
  • The temple is believed to be around 800 years old.
• Other Deities and Shrines:
  • Nagaparashakti Amman
  • Kotta Karuppannasamy
  • Gathambamalai
  • Vinayagar, Murugan, and Lakshmi are also housed within the temple.
  • Unique idols of Lord Shiva in a seated posture and a small Shiva Lingam are positioned centrally in the temple.

Cultural and Ritual Practices

• Pujas and Offerings:
  • The temple priests perform daily rituals and pujas with devotion.
  • Various forms of divination and cultivation-related blessings are sought by devotees.

Historical and Spiritual Significance

• Ancient Heritage:
  • With an 800-year-old history, the temple stands as a testimony to Tamil Nadu’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
• Mythological Connection:
  • The legend of Shiva feeding the world by growing paddy for the first time adds a unique dimension to the temple’s significance.

Century/Period

800 years old.

Nearest Bus Station

Ootiyani

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvarur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple