Semponarkoil

Padal Petra Sthalam, Nagapattinam District

God

Swarnapureeswarar facing east. Other names include Devapriyar, Swarnalakshmeeswarar, Semponpalliyar

Goddess

Maruvaarkuzhali, facing south. other names include Pushpalaki, Dakshayani, Sugandakunthalambigai, Sugandavananayagi

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga, Pitchadanar, Surya and Chandra Lingams, Nataraja, Vanadurga, Viswanathar, Sreenivasa Perumal, Gajalakshmi, Jeshtadevi, Veerabadra, Surya, Bhairava, Dakshinamurthy

Semponarkoil is an ancient east facing temple with gloriously colorful Vimaanas. There is no Rajagopuram and the temple tank is in the front. Semponarkoil is also called Indrapuri and Lakshmipuri. The base of the Linga, Aavudayar, is in circular shape unlike the usual oval shape and has 16 petals bearing the Suyambu Lingam (self occurring).

Holy Water (Theertham) – Suryatheertham (Temple Tank)

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vanni (Prosopis cineraria), Vilvam (Aegle marmelos)

History

Thirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar (7th Century CE) have rendered Thevaram Hymns for the lord here at Semponarkoil.

Legend

Dakshayani (Goddess Parvati) prayed and received blessings of the lord here at Semponarkoil after she visited her father’s Yaga without the Lords permission. Veerabadra is said to have originated here. Brahma, Indra, Kubera, Vasishta and Agastya are believed to have prayed here. Rathi won back Manmadha (Cupid) by praying here at Semponarkoil.

Directions

Semponarkoil is about 10 Kilometers in the Mayiladuthurai to Akkur Road.

Stay and Food

Mayiladuthurai is your best option.

Padal Petra Sthalams

Tamilnadu Temples