Nerikattunayakar Purikuzalammai Temple

Overview

The Nerikkattunayagar Temple is located in Tirukkoodalaiyattrur in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one among 275 Shiva Sthalams. This sivasthalam temple is located 31 Kms to the south-east from Virudhachalam via Rajendrapattinam and Srimushnam. The place is about 20 kms from Chidambaram and about 8 kms from Sri Mushnam, near the confluence of River Vellaru and River Manimuthuaru.This is one of the Devara Sthalam of Nadu Nadu Temples. A temple for Lord Vishnu is at Srimushnam, 7 Kms from Koodaliayatrur.

About the Temple

The main Raja Gopuram is of three storeys. The main sanctum Vimanam is of two stages. We have to climb few steps to reach a mandapam. Natarajar, Amudha Vinayakar, Viswanadhar, Arumugar, Lord Vishnu, Gyana Sakthy and Amudha Sakthy Sanctums are seen. Here in this temple we see only Saneeswarar sanctum. Here he is known as Pongu Sani. Navagrams is not seen here. There is a sanctum for Chitraguptar. The Kallala Vruksham is sthala Vruksham of this temple. Terrtham in this place is Brahma, Agasthya, Kathyayanar, River Vellaaru and River Manimuthaaru.

About The Deity

The main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Nerikattu Nadhar / Arulmigu Nardhana Vallabeswarar and his consort known as Gyana Sakthy and Parasakthy in two different sanctums. Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswathy penance here in this place and were blessed by Lord Siva who gave darshan and danced for them, hence the name Nardhana Vallabeswarar. The temple is near the confluence of two Rivers Vellaaru and Manimuthaaru hence the name Koodalayatroor for this place.

Legend and Stories

Sthala purana says the Chola Raja by name King Dinakaran suspected his wife and killed his queen. Due to his act he got Brahmahathi Dosham. He left the kingdom and wandered like a lunatic. One day he saw a dog with skin disease was following him. As they were passing by River bank the dog jumped into the River and when it came out the dog was cured of all its skin disease. The King saw this and he also did the same and got relieved t of Brahmahathi Dosha. He got back his Kingdom and constructed a temple for Lord Siva near the confluence of two rivers River Vellaaru and River Manimuthaaru here. Over a period the temple was sunk and the idols were lost. Goddess appeared in the dream of the priest and told him about the presence of the idols in the River. Priest did as he was told and found the idols. He constructed temple and installed the idols. Sage Agasthya had a son by name Karthyanan who was also a great Rishi like his father. Agasthyarworshiped Lord Siva here for daughter. Sage found a Girl baby playing on lotus leaf in River Manimuthaaru. He brought the child to his place and named her as Ambujavalli. During the Varaha Avatara of Lord Vishnu, saw His consort Lakshmi Devi as Ambujavalli and married Her. We find a shrine for Lord Vishnu here.

Festivals

The main festival is the annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the month of Maasi (mid-February – mid March). Navratri, Thaipusam and Arudra Darisanam are also celebrated in great manner.

Rare Facts

In the month of Chittirai 1 to 3, Sun rays falls on Siva lingam.

Accessibility

The nearest airports are at Chennai and Trichy. The nearest major railway station is at Cuddalore. This sivasthalam can also be reached from Chidambaram via Kavalakudi. Town bus services are available from Chidambaram to Koodalaiyatrur.

Temple Address

Arulmighu Narthana Vallabeswarar Temple,
Tirukkoodalaiyattrur,
Kaavalakudi Post,
Kaattumannarkoil Taluk,
Cuddalore District,
PIN - 608702.