Sri Desikanathar Temple, Surakudi

Address

Sri Desikanathar temple Surakudi, Sivaganga District Ph. No: 04565 281575

Diety

Desikanathar Amman: Avudainayaki

Introduction

The eighth Nagarathar temple is Shri Avudayanayaki Sametha Shri Desikanathar Temple in Sooraikudi. This is also known as Nagara Surakudi, to indicate its connection with the Nagarathar Community. The demon Sooran worshipping the Lord here or Suryan worshipping in this kshetram. This is another Bhairava Kshetram and hence the theertham is called Bhairava Theertham. In most of the Bhairava shrines, we find Him with a Trident; here He appears with a Club and He is called Ananda Bhairavar. During the Karthigai Champaka Shasti festival, six days Homa are performed for Bhairava.

Puranic Significance

Daksha, father of Mother Parvathi conducted a yajna. He intentionally failed to invite Lord Shiva, his son-in-law and daughter. Sun attended the yajna. Lord Shiva sent His deputy Veerabadra to stop the yajna. Veerabadra not only stopped the yajna and also punished Sun-Surya and others for their participation. Sun came to this place and worshipped Lord Shiva seeking His pardon. Lord took pity on Sun and granted darshan. The temple has this story behind it. As a tradition in Shiva temples, the presiding deity, Mother Goddess, Lords Vinayaka and Muruga and Chandikeswara are revered as Panchamurthis-Five Murthis- taken in procession. In this temple, during the Aani Uthira festival in June-July, Lord Bhairava takes the place of Lord Chandikeswara. As the place is under the Bhairava sthala category, this change is said to have been followed. Lord Yoga Dakshinamurthi with a crown graces devotees from the Simha Mandap, a difference in this temple. The first puja in the temple is dedicated to Sun God. Pujas to other deities follow only then. The history behind the practice is that Sun worshipped Lord Shiva here and the place was dense with Sun plants. Hence the name Suriyakudi which later changed as Surakudi. Lord Nataraja in the temple is facing south. Nandhi, the bull vehicle of Lord Shiva is in the mandap carried by lions. There is one more Bhairava in prakara behind Lord shrine appears with a club in hand.

Beliefs

People pray for peace in families and prosperity.

Special Features

Lord Bhairava is the prominent deity of the temple. Devotees worship Lord Bhairava first before doing so in the presiding deity and Ambica shrines. The camphor arati offered to Lord and Mother is not offered to devotees for a touch. Only the arati offered to Bhairava is offered to them.

Festivals

Lord Bhairavar Janmashtami in the new moon fortnight of Margazhi-December-January; Aani Uthira Vizha in June-July; Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January and 63 Nayanmar, Guru Puja are the festivals celebrated in the temple.