Thirukaruppariyalur

Thirukaruppariyalur, Thalaignairu

Padal Petra Sthalam, Nagapattinam District

God

Kutram Porutha Nadhar, facing east. Other name is Abaraathakshumeshwarar

Goddess

Kolvalai Nayagi. Other name is Visithirabalambigai

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga, Umamaheswarar, Nataraja, Sattainadar

Thirukaruppariyalur temple is in the form similar to the Sirkazhi temple with three tiers for the Sanctum Sanctorum. the ground level has the main deity. the upper level is Thoniappar (Umamaheswarar) with the goddess and above that is Sattainadhar. A small 3 tier Rajagopuram facing east welcomes you and once inside the view of the 3 level glorious sanctum sanctorum overpowers you.

Holy Water (Theertham) – 8 Theerthams – Vinayaka Theertham, Surya Theertham, Vasishta Theertham, Hanuman Theertham, Nitpa Theertham, Sanga Theertham, Porthamarai Theertham, Senkazhuneer Thadagam.

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Mullai – Jasmine (Jasminum officinale)

History

Thirugnanasambandar (7th century CE) and Sundarar (8th Century CE) have rendered Thevaram Hymns for the lord here at Thirukaruppariyalur. A king called Vichitraangan is believed to have built Thirukaruppariyalur when his prayer for a progeny was favorably answered (unconfirmed).

Legend

Vasishta, Hanuman and Indra are believed to have worshiped here at Thirukaruppariyalur. Surya’s worship here gave the name ‘Thalaignairu’. Indrajit, son of Ravana while flying over this place felt his vaahana stall and noticed the temple here at Thirukaruppariyalur. After worshiping it he tried to take it to Srilanka and fell unconscious. Raavana prayed to Lord Shiva to restore his son and forgive his mistake. Thus the name of the Lingam is ‘Kutram Porutha Nadhar’ (one who forgave the folly). Another legend is that when Hanuman was disappointed by Rama when he started worshiping another lingam while he had gone on the same quest tried to destroy it with his tail. Enraged Lord Rama cursed him and said he could get relief by performing penance to Lord Shiva in Kanmapuram (Thalaignairu). Happy at the immense benevolence of Shiva by ridding him of the curse Hanuman installed another Lingam at the nearby Thirukurakkukka Temple (Also a Paadal Petra Sivasthalam).

Directions

Thirukaruppariyalur, Thalaignairu is about 8 Kilometers from Vaitheeswaran Kovil on the Manalmedu road. Take the right just before or after Thalaignairu Village to reach the temple.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Vaitheeswaran Kovil.

Padal Petra Sthalams

Tamilnadu Temples