- Shiva
Sri Nooreteashwarar koil
- Chinnakavanam,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
The Ashtotheeswarar Temple, also called as the Nooreteashwarar, is a Hindu shine that is situated at the village Chinnakavanam, near Ponneri in Tamil Nadu, India. This popular temple is primarily dedicated to God Shiva. According to Mythology, Sage Agasthiyar is believed to have collected sand from the nearby Arani River on the orders of God Shiva. This Arani River was then called the Brahmaaranya River.
About The Temple
The temple is built on a very vast area of land and stands amidst picturesque locations. This ancient temple is still standing strong, even after centuries. This east facing shrine has a 3 tiered Rajagopuram at the temple entrance. There is a beautiful pond outside the temple, called the Agasthya Theertham.
A huge Dwajasthambham (flag post) is seen at the outer praahaaram of the temple on entering. An ancient Nandhi statue is seen in a small mandapam, which faces the garbhagraha (sanctum sanctorum). This mandapam is found just in front of the Dhwajasthambham facing the west. The Mandapam consists of numerous pillars with beautiful carvings.
Lord Sri Agastheeswarar is present in the sanctum of this temple in the form of a Shiva Linga. The temple’s atmosphere is filled with divinity and serenity. One can feel positive vibrations upon entering the temple premises. The sanctum of this temple is built in Gajabrishta shape (also called Thoongaanai Maadam). This shape refers to the shape of the back of a sleeping elephant. This type of architecture is most popular among the temples built by the Chozhas. Goddess Anandavalli is present in a separate sanctum adjacent to the main sanctum. The benevolent Devi appears to have kind and pleasing features and is seen gracing her devotees. The statues of Dwarapaalikaas are found guarding the Devi’s shrine on either side of the entrance. Lord Dhakshinamurthy (Guru) appears in a niche found on the outer wall of the sanctum, facing the direction south.
The Chola kings have been generous in donating acres of lands and a huge quantity of gold towards this temple. Sculptures of the great chola king, Raja Raja Chola 1 is seen sculpted in the pillars. There are also images of kings Rajendra Chola and Mummudi Chola, who have visited the temple during various periods. They have also been patrons of this temple who offered grants for the temple’s renovation and maintenance. An image of a later Vijayanagara King is also sculpted on the pillars of the mandapam. Vijayanagara Kings are also believed to have donated generously to this temple.
One of the pillars have an image of the great sage Agasthiar, which marks his stay at this temple. The sage is also believed to have untaken penance here worshipping Lord Sri Agastheeswarar. The outer praahaaram is huge and peaceful with pleasing breeze. A number of Tamil hymns sung on praise of various gods are found painted on the walls of the outer prahaaram. The temple is clean and is maintained well. Visitors to this temple are few in numbers, the exception being auspicious occasions like the Pradhosham, Sivarathri and Aarudhra. There is a magnificent 16 pillared stone mandapam outside the temple, adjacent to the temple pond with lot of beautiful sculptures on it, providing shelter to cattle and few homeless people.
Legend and Stories
Legend reveal that Sage Agathiar worshipped the deity here at this temple here. The ancient name of this place is Kumbamuni Mangalam. Sage Agasthiar is also known by the name Kumbamuni, as he once collected the whole of river Cauvery into his holy pot (Kamandalam) to bring down the force of the river.
Sage Agasthiar is believed to have stayed in this place for a few years, while he was travelling south. Sage Agasthiyar once was caught with severe stomach ache while he was passing this place, when he is said to have found this temple. He stayed here and worshipped the Lord to get relief from his persistent stomach pain. The kind Lord was pleased with his prayers and appeared before him, relieving him from of his pain.
Since sage Agasthiyar is believed to have worshipped the Lord here, the deity later came to be called as Sri Agatheeswarar. There are a number of Shiva temples in this region where the deity is known by the name Agastheeswarar. Legends says that Sage Agasthya installed and worshipped about 108 Shiva Lingas in various places around this region, the 108th Shiva Linga being Sri Ashtotheeswarar (or Nootretteeswarar which means 108th Shiva) at Chinnakkaavanam, which is next to the town Ponneri.
Festivals
The following are the major festivals celebrated in this temple. Chithirai Brahmmotsavam in April-May, Mahashivrathri in February-March, and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January,etc.
How To Reach Sri Nooreteashwarar koil
Road
The nearest bus stop is Ponneri.
Railways
The nearest railhead is the Ponneri railway station.
Airport
The Chennai airport is the closest airport to Ponneri.
Temple Address
Sri Nooreteashwarar koil,
Chinnakavanam, Ponneri,
Tamil Nadu - 601204.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To be blessed with happiness
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
The temple is open from 5am to 12 pm and again from 4 pm to 8 pm.