Location
- Place:
Tirukalar village, Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu
- Distance:
~21 km from Mannargudi, on the road to Thiruthuraipoondi
- Region:
Part of the Cauvery delta, known for its rich temple heritage
Presiding Deity
- Main deity:
Lord Shiva, worshipped as Parijatha Vaneswarar
- Form:
Shivalinga
- Legend:
Sage Durvasa is believed to have worshipped here. Shiva appeared to
him as Nataraja, performing the cosmic Thandava dance
Subshrines and Associated
Deities
The temple complex houses
several important subshrines:
- Ganesha
- Somaskanda
- Murugan (Kartikeya)
- Durga
- Lakshmi
- Agastya
- 63 Nayanmars
Temple Significance
- Paadal Petra Sthalam:
One of the 275 sacred Shiva temples celebrated in the Thevaram
hymns.
- Spiritual importance:
The temple is linked to Durvasa’s devotion and Shiva’s manifestation as
Nataraja, symbolizing divine grace through dance.
- Cultural heritage:
The hymns of Sambandar and Thirunavukkarasar elevate its status as a major
Saivite pilgrimage site.
- Architectural note:
Like many Tiruvarur temples, it blends Chola-period design with shrines
for multiple deities, reflecting inclusivity in worship.
Historical Background
- Age:
Estimated to be between 1000–2000 years old .
- Historical Name:
The place was historically called Thirukalar.
- Sacred Recognition:
The temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, praised in the Thevaram
hymns by saints Sambandar and Thirunavukkarasar .
- Sacred Tree (Thala Virutcham):
The Parijatham tree is considered holy here, giving the temple its
name .
Legends
- Durvasa’s Worship:
Sage Durvasa performed penance here, worshipping the Shivalinga.
- Divine Manifestation:
Lord Shiva appeared before him as Nataraja, performing the cosmic Thandava
dance, symbolizing the union of devotion and divine grace .
- Sacred Waters (Theerthams):
The temple is associated with holy tanks named Durvasa Theertham, Gnana
Theertham, Brahmma Theertham, and Rudra Theertham, believed to purify
devotees .
Architectural Features
- Style:
The temple architecture reflects Chola-period design, with stone
structures, pillared halls, and shrines for multiple deities.
- Main Sanctum:
Houses Shiva as Parijatha Vaneswarar (Kalarmulai Natheswarar) in
lingam form.
- Consort Shrine:
Goddess Amirthavalli (Ilankombannal) has a separate sanctum.
Rituals
- Daily Pujas:
Regular worship of Lord Shiva as Parijatha Vaneswarar, with abhishekam,
alankaram, and deepa aradhana.
- Special Offerings:
Devotees often perform archana and abhishekam with flowers from the sacred
Parijatham tree.
- Sacred Bathing:
Ritual dips in the temple’s holy tanks (Durvasa, Gnana, Brahmma, Rudra
Theerthams) are believed to purify sins.
- Mantra Initiation:
The temple is notable for initiation into the Nama Shivaya Panchakshara
Mantra during the Sadayam star day in Margazhi.
Festivals Celebrated
The temple observes a
rich calendar of Saivite festivals:
- Chithirai Festival (April–May):
Celebrated on the Chitra star day, with special pujas and
processions.
- Vaikasi Visakam (May–June):
Dedicated to Lord Murugan, marking his divine birth star.
- Navarathri (September–October):
Nine nights of worship for Goddess Amirthavalli, with music, lamps, and
cultural programs.
- Skanda Sashti (October–November):
Six-day festival honoring Murugan’s victory over Surapadman.
- Margazhi Festivals
(December–January):
- Margazhi Sashti
– sacred observances for Murugan.
- Arudra Darshan
– grand celebration of Shiva as Nataraja, performing the cosmic dance.
- Nama Shivaya Panchakshara Mantra
Initiation – held on Sadayam star day,
a rare and spiritually significant ritual.
Temple Hours
- Morning:
7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Evening:
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Devotees are advised to plan darshan
within these timings, as the sanctum remains closed outside these hours.
Getting Here
- Nearest Towns:
Mannargudi (~21 km) and Thiruthuraipoondi.
- Access:
Well-connected by road; buses and autos are available from nearby towns.
- Railway:
Mannargudi railway station is the closest major stop.
- Air:
The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli (~120 km).
Tips
- Best Time to Visit:
Early morning hours for peaceful darshan and cooler weather.
- Festivals:
Plan ahead during Chithirai, Vaikasi Visakam, Navarathri, Skanda Sashti,
and Margazhi festivals, as crowds swell.
- Sacred Tanks:
Take time to visit the temple’s holy theerthams (Durvasa, Gnana, Brahmma,
Rudra).
- Dress Code:
Traditional attire is recommended for entry into the sanctum.
- Offerings:
Flowers from the Parijatham tree are considered auspicious.
Crowd Management
- Festival Days:
Expect large gatherings, especially during Arudra Darshan and Skanda
Sashti. Arrive early to avoid long queues.
- Weekends:
Slightly busier than weekdays; mornings are less crowded.
- Tips:
- Carry water and light snacks, as
facilities may be limited.
- Use temple-managed queues for
orderly darshan.
- Elderly devotees should plan visits
during non-peak hours for comfort.
Q&A
Q: Where is Parijatha
Vaneswarar Temple located?
A: It is situated at Tirukalar village in Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu,
about 21 km from Mannargudi.
Q: Who is the presiding
deity of the temple?
A: Lord Shiva, worshipped as Parijatha Vaneswarar (Kalarmulai Natheswarar)
in lingam form. His consort is Goddess Amirthavalli (Ilankombannal).
Q: What is the temple’s
significance?
A: It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, praised in the Thevaram
hymns by saints Sambandar and Thirunavukkarasar. Sage Durvasa worshipped here,
and Shiva appeared as Nataraja, performing the cosmic dance.
Q: What are the
subshrines inside the temple?
A: Shrines for Ganesha, Somaskanda, Murugan, Durga, Lakshmi, Agastya, and
the 63 Nayanmars are present.
Q: What are the sacred
features of the temple?
A:
- Sacred Tree:
Parijatham tree
- Sacred Tanks:
Durvasa Theertham, Gnana Theertham, Brahmma Theertham, Rudra Theertham
Q: What festivals are
celebrated here?
A:
- Chithirai Festival (April–May)
– Chitra star day
- Vaikasi Visakam (May–June)
– Murugan’s birth star
- Navarathri (Sep–Oct)
– Nine nights for Goddess Amirthavalli
- Skanda Sashti (Oct–Nov)
– Murugan’s victory festival
- Margazhi (Dec–Jan)
– Sashti, Arudra Darshan, and Panchakshara Mantra initiation on Sadayam
star day
Q: What are the temple
timings?
A:
- Morning:
7:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Evening:
6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Q: How can devotees reach
the temple?
A:
- By Road:
Accessible from Mannargudi and Thiruthuraipoondi
- By Rail:
Mannargudi railway station is the nearest major stop
- By Air: Tiruchirappalli airport (~120 km)