Panruti Sri Sishta Guru Natheswarar Temple, Cuddalore

Address

Panruti Sri Shista Gurunathar Temple, Thiruthuraiyur Post, Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District Tamil Nadu – 607 205. Tele: +91 4142 248498.

Diety

Sishta Guru Natheswarar Amman: Siva loga Nayagi

Introduction

As per the stone inscriptions, this village was earlier called “Rajaraja Valanattuth Thirumunaippadi Thiruthuraiyur”. The lord here is named “Thava Neri Aludaiyar. The original complex is believed to have been built by kings Cholas. Thiruthuraiyur is situated at a distance of about 10 kms from Panruti on the Villupuram to Panruti route. From Villupuram it is about 20 kms and from Cuddalore it is about 32 kms. Theertham (Holy water): Surya Theertham and Chandra Theertham Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree): Kontrai tree

Puranic Significance

The temple is situated on the southern bank of the river Pennai / Malattaru. From Sundarar’s hymn of this temple it is known that during his period the river was flowing on northern side of the temple, but now it flows on the opposite side. The historical name of this place is Thiruthuraiyur but it is now known as Thiruthalur. As per the stone inscriptions, this village was earlier called “Rajaraja Valanattuth Thirumunaippadi Thiruthuraiyur”. The lord here is named “Thava Neri Aludaiyar”. As per the sthala purana of this temple, Saint Sundarar came to this temple after visiting Thiruvennainallur. Thiruvennainallur is where he is believed to have rendered his first hymn and been bestowed with sainthood. On his way to this temple, he was unable to cross the river Thenpennai. He prayed to the lord for his help in crossing the river. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi appeared before him in the form of an old couple and helped him cross the river on a reef boat (Odam). After crossing the river, the old couple disappeared and there was a divine voice that directed him to this temple. This story is believed to be the origin of the name “Kizhappakkam”. When Sundarar looked towards this temple, he is believed to have seen Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy on their bull mount (Rishaba Vakanam). A beautiful sculpture depicting this dharisanam can be seen on top of the entrance hall. There is also a relief in a pillar that depicts Sundarar crossing the river Pennai on a reef boat. It is believed that in this temple Saint Sundarar was blessed with spiritual powers by Lord Shiva. This was witnessed by Lord Vinayakar. Since Lord Shiva is believed to have taught the rules and principles of penance (“Thava Neri” and “Arumaraikal”), as a guru, the lord here is praised as “Shista Guru Natheswarar”. Prior to this, the lord was known as Sri Pasupatheeswarar and the Goddess was known as Sri Poongothai Nayaki. Beautiful stone reliefs of Sundarar getting the darshan of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi can be seen next to Lord Dakshinamurthy’s shrine. Idols of Lord Vinayakar, who witnessed Lord Shiva’s discourses can also be seen there. It is believed that Sage Narada, Sage Vashistar, Sage Agasthiar, Suryan, Lord Ram, Seeta and Bhima have worshiped the lord of this temple.

Beliefs

This is the temple where Lord Guru occupies an important position. Hence, special pujas are conducted on all Thursdays to Lord Shiva and Lord Dakshinamurthy. Devotees believe that worshiping the lord here on Thursdays will bless them with excellence in education. It is believed that those seeking “santhana prapthi” (child boon) can pray to Goddess Shivaloka Nayaki here for nine consecutive Fridays. Apart from the shrines of the main deities, there are shrines and idols of lords Narthana Vinayakar, Bala Murugan, Natarajar, Rama Lingam, Bheema Lingam, Adi Kesava Pakthavatsala Perumal, Subramanyar with his consorts, Dakshinamurthy, Annamalaiyar, Durgai, Chandikeswarar, Kalabairavar, Surya Lingam, Suryan, Nalvar and Navagraham in the corridors. There is another Shivalingam near the temple’s sthala viruksham that is believed to have been worshiped by Sage Agasthiar.

Special Features

It is said that Suryan is worshiping the Lord here during the first week of Tamil month Chithirai (April-May) by directing his rays on the lingam in the evenings.

Festivals

10-day Brahmotsavam in “Vaikasi Visakam” in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), Skanda Sashti and Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (October-November), and Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar) are the important festivals celebrated in this temple. Pradosham is also observed regularly.