Pereyil Jagadeeswarar Temple – History, Legends, Rituals & Travel Guide

 

Location

• Situated at Tirukollampudur (Ogai Perayur) in Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu.
• Historically, the place was called Pereyil during the Thevaram period. Today, it is also referred to as Ogai Peraiyur or Vengara Peraiyur to distinguish it from other places with similar names.

Main Deities

• Moolavar (Presiding Deity): Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Jagadeeswarar / Vilvaranyeswarar.
• Consort: Goddess Parvati, known as Jagan Nayaki or Pen Amirtha Nayaki.

Subshrines & Features

• The temple houses shrines for:
• Vinayaka (Ganesha)
• Murugan (Subramanya)
• Navagrahas (Nine planetary deities)
• Other minor deities associated with Shaivite tradition.
• The holy tree of the temple is the Vilva tree, which is sacred to Lord Shiva.

Temple Significance

• This temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, the sacred Shiva temples praised in the Tevaram hymns by Tamil Saivite saints.
• Specifically, it is the 231st Paadal Petra Sthalam and the 114th shrine on the southern bank of the river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu.
• Saint Tirunavukkarasar (Appar) glorified this temple in his hymns.
• The temple is deeply connected to Shaivite devotional history and is considered spiritually powerful for devotees seeking blessings of Lord Shiva.

History

• The temple dates back to the Chola period, when Tiruvarur was a capital and cultural hub.
• The place was historically called Pereyil, later evolving into Peraiyur / Ogai Peraiyur to distinguish it from other towns with similar names.
• It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, praised in the Tevaram hymns by saint Tirunavukkarasar (Appar).
• The temple and town are also linked to early Tamil literary traditions—poetess Pereyil Muruvalar hailed from this region and contributed verses to Sangam literature.

Legends

• The temple’s Sthala Vriksha (sacred tree) is the Narathai tree, and the holy tank is called Agni Theertham.
• According to tradition, Lord Shiva manifested here as Jagadeeswarar (Vilvaranyeswarar) to bless devotees.
• Appar (Tirunavukkarasar) is believed to have worshipped here after visiting nearby shrines, and his hymns glorify the sanctity of this temple.

Architecture

• The temple follows typical Chola-style architecture, with a central sanctum (garbhagriha) housing Lord Shiva as Jagadeeswarar.
• The goddess shrine (for Jagan Nayaki) is placed within the complex, alongside smaller shrines for Vinayaka, Murugan, and Navagrahas.
• The temple layout emphasizes symmetry and devotion, with a prakaram (circumambulatory path) surrounding the sanctum.
• The presence of the Vilva tree and Agni Theertham adds to its ritual significance.

Rituals

• Daily Poojas: The temple follows traditional Shaivite Agamic rituals, with offerings of flowers, Vilva leaves, and abhishekam (holy bath) to Lord Jagadeeswarar.
• Special Worship: Devotees often perform archana with Vilva leaves, considered highly sacred to Shiva.
• Theertham Rituals: Bathing in the temple’s holy tank, Agni Theertham, is believed to purify sins.

• Pradosham: Observed twice a month, with special abhishekam and prayers to Lord Shiva.

Festivals

• Maha Shivaratri: The most important festival, celebrated with night-long prayers, abhishekam, and chanting of hymns.
• Monthly Observances: Amavasya (new moon), Pournami (full moon), and Pradosham days are marked with special worship.
• Navaratri: Celebrated in honor of Goddess Jagan Nayaki, with decorated processions and cultural events.
• Annual Brahmotsavam: A grand festival with processions of the deity around the temple streets, music, and Vedic recitations.

Beliefs

• Worshipping Lord Jagadeeswarar here is believed to:
• Remove sins and grant liberation, as the temple is praised in Tevaram hymns.
• Bless devotees with peace and prosperity, especially those who offer Vilva leaves.
• Cure ailments and grant child blessings, as Goddess Jagan Nayaki is revered as Pen Amirtha Nayaki (bestower of divine nectar to women).
• The Agni Theertham is considered powerful for cleansing karmic impurities.
• Devotees believe that sincere prayers here help overcome planetary afflictions, as the temple also houses Navagraha shrines.

Temple Hours

• Morning 8.30 AM to 11.00 AM
• Evening 4.30 PM to 8.00 PM
• Timings may vary slightly on festival days, especially during Maha Shivaratri and Brahmotsavam.

Getting Here

• Nearest Towns: The temple is located at Tirukollampudur (Ogai Peraiyur), about 5 km south of Kuzhikkarai, in Tiruvarur district.
• By Rail: Accessible via the Tiruvarur–Thanjavur railway line. Kuzhikkarai station is the closest stop.
• By Road: Well-connected by buses and private vehicles from Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, and Nagapattinam.
• By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, about 120 km away.

Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late evenings for peaceful darshan.
• Festivals: Expect large crowds during Maha Shivaratri, Kartikai Deepam, and Brahmotsavam. Plan travel and accommodation in advance.
• Dress Code: Traditional attire is preferred; modest clothing is expected.
• Offerings: Vilva leaves, flowers, and ghee lamps are common offerings.
• Photography: Seek permission before taking photos, as rules may vary.

Crowd Management

• Festival Days: Arrive early to avoid long queues.
• Safety: Follow temple volunteers’ instructions during processions and rituals.
• Family Visits: Keep children close during crowded events, especially night-long celebrations like Shivaratri.
• Accessibility: Elderly devotees may prefer visiting on non-festival days for easier darshan.