Tirupachethi Sri Tirunokkia Azhagianathar Temple, Sivaganga

Address

Tirupachethi, Sivaganga District,

Tamil Nadu

Phone: +91 4574266 303, 266 495

Moolavar

Sri Tirunokkia Azhagianathar

Amman

Marunokkum Poonguzhali

Introduction

The Tirunokkia Azhagianathar Temple, located in Tirupachethi, Sivaganga District of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds historical and mythological significance.

Deities:

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Tirunokkia Azhagianathar (Lord Shiva).
The goddess in the temple is known as Marunokkum Poonguzhali.

Puranic Significance

The temple’s antiquity dates back to 1300 years.

The temple is associated with the mythological story of Lord Shiva’s devastating fury. When Manmatha (Cupid) tried to play a trick on Lord Shiva for a noble cause, Lord Shiva’s anger was ignited. To protect the universe from his wrath, Lord Brahma collected Shiva’s anger in the form of fire and concealed it under the ocean.
This fire manifested as a child named Jalandiran (born from Agni) and began to trouble Devas and Rishis. Lord Vishnu intervened to neutralize him by deceiving his loyal wife, Brinda (Tulsi), causing her to end her life. Jalandiran subsequently lost his strength and was defeated by Lord Shiva.
Lord Shiva gave Jalandiran a task of lifting a circle drawn on the earth, which turned into a discus, ultimately destroying him. Lord Vishnu mixed himself in the ashes of Brinda.
Mahalakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, performed penance to Lord Shiva with Shiva Theertha (holy water) to reunite with her husband.

Beliefs

Lord Vishnu worshiped Lord Shiva with Tulsi leaves, and since then, pujas (rituals) to Lord Shiva in this temple are performed with Tulsi leaves, deviating from the tradition of using Vilwa leaves.
The temple has a musical stone representing Lord Nataraja, the King of music and dance.
Special pujas dedicated to Lord Shiva are conducted on Mondays with Tulsi leaves.

Benefits of Worship:

Devotees believe that worship at this temple brings prosperity.
Couples who have separated due to differences seek blessings here for reunification.
Those facing adverse planetary aspects, including the influence of Saturn, Brahmmahathi dosha (sin of committing a murder), and other difficulties, pray here for relief.
Childless couples pray for the blessing of a child.
Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth, performed penance here.
Youngsters seeking happy marital unions pray here.