Sri Kathra Sundareswarar Temple – Karthikai (Krithika)Nakshatra

Address

Sri Kathra Sundareswarar Temple, Kanjanagaram Post–609 304. Tharangambadi Taluk, Via Keezhayur, Nagapattinam district.

Deity

Kathra Sundareswarar Amman: Tungabalasthanambikai

Introduction

The Kathra Sundareswarar temple is located in a place called Kanjanagaram in Nagapattinam district. The main god of this temple is Lord Shiva and he graces as Suyambumurthy and faces the West. The Lord is known by the name Kathra Sundareswarar and the Goddess is known by the name Thunga Bala Sthanambigai. Manakkanjarar was one of the 63 Nayanmars and he was born in this place. It is also believed that the 6 Krithika Maidens who took care of Lord Muruga during his childhood were also born here. This is one among 27 Nakshatra temples. Karthikai starers have certain unique characters. They normally have a strong sense of responsibility and they would like to be independent. They have extraordinary talents and intelligence but they do not have a steady mind to focus on one thing. So, it is strongly advised to visit the temple that is auspicious to their Nakshathira at least once in a year.

Puranic Significance

As per the Sthala Purana, the devas and the sages were unable to bear the massacres caused by the demons Padmasura and Singamukhasura. So they prayed to the Goddess Parvathi for protection. Goddess Parvathi sought the help of Lord Shiva. At that time, Lord Shiva was in the Kathra or GatraJyoti (Light in the form of Fire) yoga. When Goddess Parvathi interrupted his meditation, Lord Shiva as Katra Sundareswarar (Karthika Sundareswarar) opened his Third eye (Netrikkan) and six sparks emanated from them.Those sparks united and they formed Kartikeya or Muruga. Hence this place is associated with the origin of Karthika Nakshathira and Lord Muruga. Later, Lord Muruga thrashed those Demons. Since a Golden Color Light (Kanchana Prakasha) came from the Lord, this place is named as Kanchana Nagar (A Golden Town). During the course of time, this name changed to Kanjanagaram. The Lord Karthika Sundareswarar means Lord Shiva with six sparks. Hence this temple is closely associated with Karthika Nakshathira. As in the hands of Sri Meenakshi of Madurai, the Goddess Thunga Bala Sthanambigai holds a parrot called Vedamirth Keeram in her hand. It is also believed that Lord Shiva himself is in the form of a parrot on the left shoulder of the Goddess. It is said that the parrot chants Vedas. The Goddess also has Neelothpal (Blue/violet Lotus) flower, discus, and conch in other hands.

Beliefs

One of the important Pooja that is performed in this temple is the Sumangali Pooja. This is done for having good progress in the marriage related matters. Women who are born in the Krithika Nakshathira are advised to do this pooja on Fridays and to have darshan of the Goddess and Her parrot. It is strongly believed that Krithika starers will have problem-free life and get relieved from the Planetary Doshas by visiting this temple at least once in a year or on their star days.

Special Features

It is believed that Kruthika starrers will have a problem-free life if they visit and worship in this temple on the star days and light lamps on the Pradosham day (13th day either from new moon or full moon days). Women of this star awaiting marriage are advised to perform abishek to Mother with water fetched from holy rivers and perform Sumangali Pujas, so that the event will take place soon.