Peranamallur Thirukkarai Easwarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Address

Peranamallur Thirukkarai Easwarar Temple, Peranamallur, Vandavasi Taluk, Thiruvannamalai District – 604 503 Mobile: +91 94867 26471

Deity

Thirukkarai Easwarar Amman: Thirupurasundari.

Introduction

• Location: The Thirukkarai Easwarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Peranamallur Town, Vandavasi Taluk, in the Thiruvannamalai District of Tamil Nadu.
• Deities: The presiding deity is Thirukkarai Easwarar, while the mother goddess is known as Thirupurasundari.
• Accessibility: The temple is approximately:
  • 22 km from Arani
  • 32 km from Arani Road Railway Station
  • 67 km from Tiruvannamalai
  • 119 km from Chennai Airport
• Route: It is situated along the Arani to Vandavasi Route via Cholavaram.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Importance: The temple is significant in the history of the Pallava and early Chola dynasties within Thondaimandalam. Chola kings often rested here during their travels to Pazhayarai, making it a pivotal location for surrounding villages.
• Kochengata Chola:
  • The temple is believed to have been constructed by Kochengata Chola, who was a previous incarnation as a spider.
  • By the blessings of Lord Shiva, he was reborn in the Chola lineage and became a devoted king, known for building many temples.
  • Evidence of his connection to the temple is found in the spider and elephant symbols on a pillar.
• Naming Origin:
  • Thirukkarai Easwarar: Named as such because the temple is built on the banks of the Panaiyaar River, known for the abundance of Panai trees.
  • The term “Karai” signifies the riverbank, representing a destination for devotees seeking salvation.
  • Pernamallur: The name is derived from a historical battle between two kings, evolving from “Perani Mallur” to its current form, and may also relate to a dam built across the Panaiyaar River.

Beliefs

• Devotees pray for liberation from the cycle of birth and death, aiming to attain total salvation.
• Rituals include performing Abhishekam (ritual bathing) to Lord Shiva and Mother after their wishes are fulfilled, and offering vastras (clothing).

Special Features

• Age and Structure: The temple is believed to be over 1500 years old.
• Architecture:
  • East-facing temple with a three-tiered Rajagopuram (tower), although it faces south.
  • Deepa Sthambam (lamp post) located outside the temple, adorned with sculptures of Lord Shiva’s trident, Sun, Moon, Nandi, Vinayaka, and Lord Muruga.
• Deity Representation:
  • Lord Shiva appears in the form of a Lingam as Thirukkarai Easwarar, housed in the sanctum, facing east, and is considered a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
  • The Vimana (structure above the sanctum) is shaped like an elephant in a sitting posture (Gajabrusta).
• Mother Goddess Shrine: Thirupurasundari is housed in a separate south-facing shrine.
• Other Shrines: The temple premises include shrines for Muruga, Navagrahas, and Bhairava.
• Notable Sculptures:
  • Naga figures on the upper wall of the Vidhana (structure).
  • An ancient Kamadhenu idol pouring milk on Lord Shiva.
  • A sitting Vinayaka sculpture from the Pallava period.
  • A carved sculpture of Jyeshta Devi, sister of Mahalakshmi, depicted with a crow flag and donkey vahana, along with two boys nearby.
  • Spider and elephant symbols on a pillar, reinforcing the connection to Kochengata Chola.
• Theertham: The temple’s sacred water is referred to as Kochengata Chozhan Theertham.

Festivals

• Devotees engage in rituals and prayers to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death, focusing on Abhishekam and offering vastras upon fulfilling their wishes.

Century/Period/Age

1500 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Peranamallur

Nearest Railway Station

Arani

Nearest Airport

Chennai

lightuptemple