Sivalogathyagesar Temple

Overview

The temple is located in Achalpuram, a Village in Kollidam Taluk, Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu State, India. The distance from District headquarters, Nagapattinam is 72 KM towards North, from Kollidam it is 4 KM and from State capital Chennai it is 233 KM. The pin code of Achalpuram is 609101 and postal head office is also named Achalpuram. The surrounding nearby villages are Madhanam at a distance of 4 KM, Puthur at a distance of 5 KM, Sothiyakudi at a distance of 5 KM, Agaravattaram at a distance of 6 KM, and Maharajapuram at a distance of 6 KM. The nearby taluks surrounding Achalpuram are Komaratchi Taluk in west direction, Sirkazhi Taluk in South direction, Keerapalayam Taluk in North direction and Melbhuvanagiri Taluk also in west direction.

About the Temple

The temple, facing east, with a five tiered Rajagopuram, stands majestically.  Next to the tower is Nanda Mandapam and 100 pillar mandap in which Saint Sambandar graces with Stotra Poornambikai in a wedding posture.  Facing east, situated next to this, are the shrines of Lord Shivaloka Thyagarajar and Mother Tiruvennetru Umai Ammai.  Lord Shiva was worshipped in this temple by Lord Vishnu, Sages Kaka, Vasishta, Parasara, Brugu and Jamadagni. In his Thevaram hymns, the temple is praised by Saint Tirugnana Sambandar and also the 5th Lord Shiva temple on the northern bank of Cauvery.

About the Deity

The main deity is Shiva. He is called as Shivalokathyagar and his consort is called as Tiruvennetru Umai Ammai.

Legend and stories

The very history of Saivism philosophy is the history of Saint Tirugnana Sambandar, stressing that reaching the Lotus feet of Lord Shiva, should be purpose of a meaningful human life, the ultimate truth. The Saint Son was asked by Father Shivapada Hrudayar to marry, which though he refused at first, gave in reluctantly, thinking it to be the will of the Lord. Poompavai, daughter of Sivanesan Chettiar was chosen as his bride by Shivapada Hrudayar, but she died of a snake bite. With the grace of Lord, Tirugnanasambandar restored her life and simply accepted her only as his daughter. Then, Shivapada Hrudayar chose Mangai Nallal, the daughter of Nambiandar Nambi of Nallur and the wedding took place at Achalpuram, the rituals of which were conducted by  Tiruneelanakka Nayanar. Gnanasambadar prayed to Lord Shiva to protect him from the problems of a marital life, while circum-ambulating the wedding fire pit with his bride, and praised Him with hymn “Kallur Perumanam”.

Lord Shiva appeared in the form of “Jyothi”, blessed the saint and advised him to join Him, along with all gathered there. Sambandar sang his last Pathigam (10 verses) highlighting the glory of Panchakshara Mantra – Na Ma Shi Va Ya, losing himself completely to the Lord. All merged with the Lord collectively at the same time and the event is celebrated on the Moola Star day in the month of Vaikasi – May-June each year in the temple.

Festivals

In February-March, in the temple, Mahashivrathri is very devotionally celebrated.

Significance

According to belief, devotees worshipping in this temple will never suffer from poverty and are sure to attain salvation. Devotees contribute for the renovation of the temple and offer vastras to Lord and Mother.

Accessibility

Road

Achalpuram is 13 km northeast of Sirkali and 12 km southeast of Chidambaram. Sirkali-Mahendrapuram buses pass through this place.

Railways

The nearest Rail head is at Sirkali

Airport

The nearest air ports are at Chennai, Trichy

Temple Address

Sri Shivaloka Thyagaraja Swami Temple,
Achalpuram,
Sirkali – 609 101,
Nagapattinam district.