Thirunelvayil (Sivapuri) Sri Uchinatheswarar Temple, Cuddalore

Address

Thirunelvayil (Sivapuri) Sri Uchinatheswarar Temple, Sivapuri Post, Annamalai Nagar Via, Chidambaram Taluk, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu – 608002. Tele: +91 98426 24580.

Diety

Uchinatheswarar Uchinathar, MadhyaneswararAmman: Kanakambigai

Introduction

Sivapuri Uchinathar Temple (also called Thirunelvayil) is a Hindu temple located at Sivapuri in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. The place is also known as Thirunelvayil. The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Uchinathar. His consort is known as Uchinayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple complex covers an area of one acre and all its shrines are enclosed with concentric rectangular walls. The temple has a number of shrines, with those of Uchinathar and his consort Uchinayagi being the most prominent. Thala Virutcham : Ghooseberry Theertham : Krupa Samudram

Puranic Significance

As per Hindu legend, Shiva and Parvathi appeared to sage Agasthya at this place (the same legend is attributed to several Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu). The place is called Thirunelvayil as it is believed that it was surrounded by fresh rice fields during the time (nel in Tamil indicates paddy grain). As per another legend, saint poet Sambandar, who was born in Sirkali, was fed by Parvathi with divine milk. The child grew up and visited various temples and sung praised of god. At the age of twelve, his marriage was arranged to be held at Achalpuram. The marriage party visited the place on the way to Achalpuram. The party was hungry and on account of divine intervention, food was offered. Sambandar started praising Shiva as Uchinathar (Madhyaneeswarar in Sanskrit).

Beliefs

Parents perform the Anna Prasana ritual (first rice feeding of the child) in the temple hoping that the child would never face food problem in life. Devotees perform abishek to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.

Special Features

Behind the main deity in the sanctum sanctorum, there is a sculpture that depicts Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi in their wedding form. Saint Arunagirinadhar has sang songs in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh. The pillars in this temple have beautifully carved reliefs. This is one of the sacred places where Lord Shiva granted darshan to Sage Agasthya. Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi appear in their wedding posture behind the Shivalinga. During his stay in Chidambaram, Sambandar used to come to this temple everyday to worship the Lord. The places around Chidambaram were once green with paddy fields, hence the name of the place Tirunelvoyil, presently called Sivapuri. The temple is in this place. After Mother Parvathi fed Gnanasambandar with Wisdom Milk (Gnanappal in Tamil), Lord Shiva too offered food to the saint.

Festivals

Vaikasi Visakam in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (Mar-Apr), Navarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct), Soma Varams (Mondays) in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec).