Tirunellikka Nellivananathar Temple – History, Legends, Rituals & Festivals

 

Location

• Situated in Tirunellikka village, Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu, India.
• The temple faces west and has a five-tier Rajagopuram (main tower).

Main Deities

• Presiding deity: Lord Shiva as Nellivananathar (also known as Thirunellikkavudaiyar / Amalakeswarar).
• Consort: Goddess Mangalanayaki (also called Amalakeswari).

Subshrines & Features

• Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree): Nelli (Gooseberry), which gives the temple its name.
• Theerthams (holy tanks): Brahma Theertham, Surya Theertham, Sankara Theertham, Chakra Theertham, and Roganivarana Theertham.
• Lord Shiva here is a Swayambumurthy (self-manifested).
• Unique solar alignment: Sun rays fall on the deity for a week from Masi 18 (Feb–Mar) during evenings, celebrated as Surya Puja.

Temple Significance

• One of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, the sacred Shiva temples praised in the Tevaram hymns by saint Tirugnanasambandar.
• Inscriptions trace the temple back to the Raja Raja Chola period, highlighting its historical importance.

History

• The temple dates back to the Raja Raja Chola period (10th–11th century CE), as confirmed by inscriptions found here.
• It has been continuously revered for over 1000 years, making it one of the ancient Chola-era shrines in the Tiruvarur region.
• It is classified among the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, praised in the Tevaram hymns by saint Tirugnanasambandar.

Architecture

• The temple faces west and has a five-tier Rajagopuram (gateway tower).
• The sanctum houses Lord Shiva as Nellivananathar, with Goddess Mangalanayaki in a separate shrine.
• The temple complex includes multiple theerthams (holy tanks): Brahma, Surya, Sankara, Chakra, and Roganivarana.
• The layout reflects typical Chola architectural style: massive stone structures, intricate carvings, and alignment with celestial events.

Rituals

• Daily Pujas: Standard Shaiva Agamic rituals are performed, including abhishekam, alankaram, naivedyam, and deepa aradhana.
• Special Surya Puja: During the Tamil month of Masi (Feb–Mar), for one week, sun rays fall directly on the sanctum in the evenings. This alignment is celebrated with Surya Puja.
• Pradosham: Bi-monthly Pradosham rituals are observed with great devotion.
• Abhishekam with Gooseberry: Since the sthala vriksham is the Nelli tree (gooseberry), offerings and rituals often incorporate gooseberry fruits.

Festivals

• Maha Shivaratri: Celebrated with grandeur, including night-long abhishekam and chanting of Shiva hymns.
• Surya Puja (Masi month): A unique festival highlighting the solar alignment with the deity.
• Monthly Observances: Amavasya, Pournami, and Pradosham days are marked with special pujas.
• Annual Brahmotsavam: Traditional temple car festival and processions of Lord Nellivananathar and Goddess Mangalanayaki.

Beliefs

• Healing Powers: The temple’s Roganivarana Theertham is believed to cure ailments, especially skin diseases.
• Solar Blessings: Devotees believe that worship during the Surya Puja period grants relief from planetary afflictions and health issues.
• Swayambumurthy: Since Lord Shiva here is self-manifested, worship is considered highly potent and auspicious.
• Gooseberry Symbolism: The Nelli tree is linked to humility and divine grace, as per legend where celestial wish-fulfilling trees were cursed to become gooseberry trees.

Temple Hours

• The temple is generally open from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Morning hours are best for peaceful darshan, while evenings are lively with rituals and Surya Puja during the Masi month.

Getting Here

• Nearest town: Tiruvarur (about 15 km away).
• By Road: Well connected by buses and taxis from Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and nearby towns.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Tiruvarur Junction, with good connectivity to Chennai, Trichy, and Nagapattinam.
• By Air: The closest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (~120 km).

Tips

• Best Time to Visit: February–March (Masi month) for the Surya Puja festival, when sun rays fall on the sanctum.
• Footwear: Leave footwear outside; the temple premises are strictly traditional.
• Offerings: Gooseberry (Nelli fruit) is considered auspicious here, aligning with the temple’s sthala vriksham.
• Photography: Restricted inside sanctum; check with temple authorities before taking pictures in outer prakaram.
• Nearby Temples: Combine your visit with other Paadal Petra Sthalams in Tiruvarur district for a spiritual circuit.