Thirukkalayanallur

Thirukkalayanallur, Saakottai

Padal Petra Sthalam, Thanjavur District

God

Amirthakalasanadar (also Amirthakaleswarar), facing east

Goddess

Amirthavalli, facing south

Other Deities

Ganesha, Dhandapani (Muruga), Narthana Vinayaka, Sapthamadar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingotbavar, Arthanareeswarar, Thabasviamman

Thirukkalayanallur, Saakottai is a medium sized ancient east facing temple which is believed to have been inside a large fort. It is also mentioned by Thirugnanasambandar that the area was populated by Budhdhists (Saakkiyar). Hence the name Saakkiyar Kottai (Fort), could later have been shortened to Saakkottai.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Not known

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vanni (Prosopis cineraria)

History

Sundarar (8th Century CE) has rendered Thevaram hymns here at Thirukkalayanallur. The temple has been existing before the period of Rajaraja Chola. Towards the end of the 12th Century CE and between 16th and 17th Century, Thirukkalayanallur has been renovated by Kulothunga Chola and Nayak Kings respectively. There are information and some evidence of the existence of a fort around the temple and hence could have been an important Chola period town.

Legend

The lord is believed to have wedded his consort here at Thirukkalayanallur. Brahma is said to have worshiped here at Thirukkalayanallur. It is also believed that a boat containing life forms was here during a natural devastation and hence the place is called Thiru Kalaya (boat) Nallur.

Directions

Thirukkalayanallur, Saakottai is 5 kilometers southeast of Kumbakonam.

Stay and Food

None locally, closest is Kumbakonam.

Padal Petra Sthalams

Tamilnadu Temples