Nadutariappar Temple Kanrappur – History, Legends, Rituals, Festivals & Travel Guide

Location

Situated in Kanrappur (also called Kovil Kannapur / Thirukandrapur), near Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu.
The temple stands in the fertile Chozha Nadu region, south of the River Cauvery.

Presiding Deities

Main Deity (Moolavar): Lord Shiva, worshipped as Nadutariappar (also called Natuthariappar / Vasthathampapureeswarar). He is represented in the form of a lingam.
Consort (Ambal): Goddess Srivalli Nayagi / Valli Nayaki / Maathumai Nayaki.

Subshrines & Sacred Elements

Temple Significance

Classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam – one of the 275 Shiva temples glorified in the Tevaram hymns sung by saint Appar.
This temple is the 237th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 120th Sthalam on the southern bank of the River Cauvery.
Locally revered as a temple that cures eye-related ailments. Devotees believe worship here helps overcome vision problems.
Architecturally built in Dravidian style, with a modest elevation of about 37.7 meters.

History

The temple dates back to the Chola period, reflecting the dynasty’s devotion to Lord Shiva and their patronage of temple architecture.
It is one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, glorified in the hymns of Appar (Tirunavukkarasar) in the 7th century. This makes it part of the sacred Shaivite pilgrimage circuit.
The temple has been continuously worshipped for centuries, with local traditions emphasizing its healing powers, especially for eye-related ailments.

Legends

According to local lore, the temple is associated with Lord Shiva’s grace in curing eye diseases. Devotees believe that sincere worship here grants clarity of vision, both physical and spiritual.
The name Nadutariappar is linked to the belief that Shiva manifested here to bless devotees who sought him in the middle (nadu) of their journey.
The temple is also tied to the Tevaram hymns, where Appar praised the deity, further elevating its sanctity.

Architecture

Built in Dravidian style, the temple features a modest elevation of about 37.7 meters (124 ft).
Main Sanctum (Garbhagriha): Houses Lord Shiva as a lingam (Nadutariappar).
Ambal Shrine: Dedicated to Goddess Srivalli Nayagi / Maathumai Nayaki.
Sthala Vriksham: The sacred tree is Kalpanai, a rare palm variety.
Theerthams (Sacred Tanks):

The temple layout follows the traditional Shaivite plan with a Rajagopuram, mandapams, and prakaram (circumambulatory paths).

Rituals

Daily Pujas: Regular worship of Lord Shiva (Nadutariappar) and Goddess Srivalli Nayagi following Agama Shastra.
Abhishekam: Ritual bathing of the lingam with sacred substances like milk, water, honey, and ghee.
Special Tirumanjanam: Conducted on auspicious days, believed to cure ailments, especially eye-related issues.
Homams & Vedic Chanting: Performed during major festivals and special occasions to invoke divine blessings.

Festivals

Maha Shivaratri: The most important festival, celebrated with night-long prayers, abhishekams, and devotional music.
Pradosham: Bi-monthly observance dedicated to Lord Shiva, with special pujas and abhishekams.
Navaratri: Celebrated in honor of Goddess Srivalli Nayagi, with vibrant decorations and cultural programs.
Monthly Observances: Amavasya (new moon) and Pournami (full moon) days are marked with special rituals.
Annual Brahmotsavam: A grand festival with processions, vahanams, and community participation.

Beliefs

Healing Powers: The temple is renowned for curing eye-related ailments. Devotees believe that worship here restores vision and clarity.
Spiritual Wisdom: Bathing in the temple’s sacred tanks (Gangaamirtham, Sivagangai, Jnanaamirtham) is believed to grant jnana (spiritual knowledge).
Paadal Petra Sthalam: Since Appar sang hymns here, devotees consider it highly auspicious to visit and recite Tevaram verses.
Fulfillment of Wishes: Couples and families pray here for prosperity, harmony, and relief from karmic obstacles.

Temple Hours

Getting Here

The temple is located in Kovil Kannapur village, about 10 km from Tiruvarur town.
Well connected by local buses and taxis from Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and nearby towns.

Nearest railway station: Tiruvarur Junction, which has good connectivity to Chennai, Trichy, and Nagapattinam.

Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (Trichy), about 120 km away.

Tips

Best Time to Visit: Maha Shivaratri and Pradosham days are spiritually vibrant, but expect larger crowds.
Dress Code: Traditional attire is recommended (men in dhoti, women in saree/salwar).
Offerings: Devotees often bring milk, ghee, or flowers, especially since the temple is famed for curing eye ailments.
Local Belief: Bathing in the temple’s sacred tanks (Sivagangai, Gangaamirtham, Jnanaamirtham) is believed to grant healing and wisdom.
Accessibility: The temple is modest in size, so elderly devotees may find it easier to navigate compared to larger complexes.
Nearby Temples: Combine your visit with other Paadal Petra Sthalams in the Tiruvarur circuit for a complete pilgrimage experience.