Gneelivaneswarar Temple

Overview

The Arulmigu Gneelivaneswarar Temple is situated in Thiruppainjeeli or Thiruppanjili in Trichy district of Tamil Nadu. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity here in the form of Arulmigu Gneelivaneswarar with His consorts Neelnedungannayaki and Visalakshi. Lord Shiva here is also called as Kathali Vasanthar, Paramasambu, Aaraniya Vallaver and Eluthariya Peruman. The Sun rays fall on Lord Shiva in the months of Sep-Oct and March-April which is said to be the unique feature of this temple. This Arulmigu Gneelivaneswarar temple is 61st amongst the 275 Padal Petra Sthalams. Poet-saint Nayanmars Tirugnanasambandar, Tirunavukkarasar and Sundarar praised Lord Shiva in Thevaram hyms.

About the Temple

The temple has absolutely no Navagraha-nine planets-shrine in the temple as Yama is their Lord. Devotees pray the deepas-lamps before Nandhi as Navagrahas. Rajagopuram of the temple is called Ravana Gate. Below the gopuram are nine steps to reach Lord’s shrine. It is said that these steps represent Navagrahas that were at the command of Ravana obeying his orders. Saint Tirunavukkarasar was on his way to worship Lord Gneelivana Nathar. He stood exhausted at a place due to hunger. A priest appeared before him with rice-Annam or Choru in Tamil. The priest also assured the saint to lead to the temple but disappeared on the way. The saint was shocked and prayed to Lord Shiva. Lord granted darshan to Tirunavukkarasar and told him that He was the priest who helped him. At the request of Tirunavukkarasar, Lord stayed here in the form of Linga named Chottrudaya Easwarar – God with Rice. This shrine is at the entrance of the temple separately. This event is celebrated in the temple on the Avittam star day in Chithirai-April-May. Sage Vasishta used to worship Lord Chidambaram Nataraja during the Arthajama (night) puja every day. Once he had to stay in this place as he was late. He appealed to Lord to grant his dance darshan to him. Obliging His devotee Lord granted the darshan the sage wished. Remembering this event, Lord Nataraja is in the temple in a painting before the shrine with Sage Vasishta. Hence, the place is also revered as Mela Chidambaram.

About the Deity

The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Visalakshi. His consort is known as Neelnedungannayaki .

Legend and Stories

Seven virgins-Saptha Kannikas – Brahmi, Maheswari, Gaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Indrani and Chamundi came to this place before their wedding seeking the darshan of Mother Ambica. Mother appeared before them and said that they would be married with good matches and enjoys a happy life. Mother also granted the boon that they would be in the place in the form of plantain trees enjoying Her darshan. Accordingly, they stayed here. Lord Shiva too graced the place in His Linga form

Festivals

10 day Chithirai Brahmmotsavam in April-May; Appar-Tirunavukkarasar Guru Puja, Special pujas to Yama on Thai Poosam day in January-February are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Significance

Devotees pray for job opportunities, promotions, removal of obstacles in wedding talks and longevity. People perform Homas in the shrine of Lord Yama praying for longevity. As prayer commitment, devotees do feeding to poor

Nearby Place To Visit

Malaikottai Uchipillayar

Adhimooleswarar

Paraithurainathar

Mattrurai Varadeswarar

Nallandavar

Aamra Vaneswarar

Accessibility

Tirupaigneeli is 23 kms far from Trichy. Buses are available from Trichy Chathiram bus stand. The closest railways are in Trichy, and the closest airport is in Trichy.

Temple Address

Arulmigu Gneelivaneswarar Temple,
Thiruppaingneeli (Po),
Mannachanallur Taluk,
Tiruchirappalli District,
Tamil Nadu
Pincode -621005,