Thirunilai Periyandavar Temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Thirunilai Periyandavar Temple, Kanchipuram

Thirunilai Village, Oragadam post,

Chengalpet Taluk. Near Thirukalukundram,    

Kanchipuram District, Pincode – 603 109

Mobile: +91 – 98427 40957

Moolavar

Periyandavar

Amman

Angalaparameshwari

Introduction

• Location: Situated in Thirunilai Village, near Thirukalukundram in Chengalpet Taluk, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu. The temple is set amidst serene surroundings by a lake, paddy fields, and a small hill.
• Unique Feature:
  • Lord Periyandavar is represented as a Swayambu Lingam surrounded by 21 Sivaganams.
  • Nandi Devar is in a rare standing posture, symbolizing his devotion to Shiva.
• Family Deity: The temple is the Kula Deivam (family deity) for many devotees and is particularly busy on Sundays.

Puranic Significance

1. Origins of the Temple:
   • The temple is over 300 years old, originally housing just the Swayambu Lingam in an open ground.
   • A proper structure was later built, dedicating it to Periyandavar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva.
2. Mythological Story:
   • Curse of Parvathi: Due to a curse from Goddess Parvathi, Lord Shiva incarnated as a human and wandered restlessly across the earth. His unstable state disrupted the universe’s functioning.
   • Thirunilai – The Shelter: Shiva found solace and stayed permanently in Thirunilai, where His Soolayudham (trident) fell.
   • Birth of Sivaganams: At the spot where the trident landed, 21 sand formations arose and later became Sivaganams.
3. Worship of Sivaganams:
   • The Sivaganams are believed to have performed pooja for Lord Shiva here, and their sacred presence continues to bless devotees.

Beliefs and Practices

Child Blessings:

Devotees, especially childless couples, seek blessings from Lord Periyandavar and Devi Angalaparameshwari for offspring.

The ritual involves taking a holy dip in the Siddhamirdha Kulam (temple pond) and performing abhishekams and poojas for six consecutive weeks.

Healing Powers:

The temple is believed to cure chronic illnesses, especially through the blessings of Devi Angalaparameshwari.

The Siddhamirdha Theertham is considered sacred, believed to cleanse sins and ailments.

Special Features

1. Architectural and Natural Beauty:
   • Located in an open courtyard, the temple is flanked by two tanks and surrounded by natural beauty.
   • Lord Shiva and Devi Parvathi’s footprints can also be seen here, a rare sight.
2. Deities and Shrines:
   • Periyandavar: Swayambu Lingam with a stucco image of Lord Parameswaran beside it.
   • Angalaparameshwari: Seated posture in Thirunilai Nayagi form, facing east.
   • Dakshinamurthy: South-facing shrine.
   • Bhairavar: North-facing shrine.
3. Nandi in Human Form:
   • Nandi, who took human form to worship Lord Shiva during His incarnation, is depicted in this rare form here.
4. Sacred Pond:
   • The Siddhamirdha Kulam, located on the temple’s northern side, is a large and holy water body used for rituals and once for drinking water.

Festivals and Rituals

1. Regular Events:
   • Special poojas on Pournami (Full Moon) and Amavasai (New Moon), including milk abhishekams using 18 pots.
   • Pradosham is celebrated with grand rituals.
2. Devi Angalaparameshwari Rituals:
   • Special abhishekam and homams are performed for Devi during major festivals, particularly on Amavasai and Pournami.
3. Annadhanam:
   • During all festivals and rituals, free food is distributed to devotees.

How to Reach

• From Thirukazhukundram: 8 km northwest.
• From Chengalpet: 14 km east.
• From Thiruporur: 12 km west.

This has been extracted from,

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Century/Period

1500 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Oragadam

Nearest Railway Station

Chengalpet

Nearest Airport

Chennai

Location on Map

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