Tiruvattatthurai Theerthapurisvarar Temple – History, Legends, Festivals & Timings

 

Location

• Village: Tiruvattatthurai (also known as Tirunelvayil Arattjurai, Tiruvaratthurai, Tiruvatturai).
• District: Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu.
• Access: Located along the Thozhudur–Vridhachalam bus route, about 20 km from Thozhudur.

Presiding Deities

• Main Deity (Moolavar): Lord Shiva as Theerthapurisvarar (also called Aratturainathar and Anandeeswarar).
• Consort (Ambal): Goddess Anandanayagi (also known as Tirupurasundari or Arattthurai Nayaki).

Subshrines & Features

• Shrines dedicated to Vinayaka, Murugan, Durga, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswara.
• Temple tanks and sacred spaces enhance ritual importance.
• Architecture reflects Dravidian style, with intricate carvings and traditional courtyards.

Temple Significance

• Paadal Petra Sthalam: Revered in the Tevaram hymns of Nayanmars (7th century).
• Saints who worshipped here include Sambandar, Appar, Sundarar, Nambiyandar Nambi, Sekkizhar, Valmiki, and Aravan.
• The temple is a cultural hub, preserving stories, rituals, and traditions across centuries.
• Known for its spiritual sanctity and heritage value, attracting devotees and pilgrims seeking blessings of Shiva and his consort.

History

• The temple dates back to the 7th century CE, gaining prominence through the hymns of the Nayanmars (Saivite saints).
• Saints Sambandar, Appar, Sundarar, Nambiyandar Nambi, Sekkizhar, Valmiki, and Aravan are all associated with worship here.
• It has served as both a centre of worship and cultural heritage, preserving Saivite traditions across centuries.

Legends

• Swayambhu Lingam: The presiding deity, Lord Shiva as Theerthapurisvarar (also called Aratturainathar or Anandeeswarar), is believed to be a self-manifested lingam.
• Divine Worship: The temple is said to have been sanctified by saints and sages, making it a spiritually powerful site.
• Consort: Goddess Anandanayagi (also known as Tirupurasundari or Arattthurai Nayaki) is worshipped here, symbolizing divine grace and balance.

Architecture

• Built in Dravidian style, showcasing traditional South Indian temple design.
• Key Features:
• Intricate stone carvings and sacred idols.
• Serene courtyards inviting prayer and reflection.
• Subshrines for Vinayaka, Murugan, Durga, Dakshinamurthy, and Chandikeswara.
• The temple’s design reflects the craftsmanship of skilled artisans, blending spirituality with artistry.

Rituals

• Daily Pujas: Traditional Saivite Agamic rituals are performed four times a day, including Abhishekam, Alankaram, Naivedyam, and Deepa Aradhanai.
• Special Abhishekams: Conducted for Lord Shiva and Goddess Anandanayagi on auspicious days.
• Theertham Worship: Devotees take ritual baths in temple tanks before entering the sanctum, symbolizing purification.
• Pradosham: Observed twice a month, with special prayers to Lord Shiva.

Festivals

• Maha Shivaratri: The most important festival, marked by night-long worship and chanting of Shiva’s names.
• Brahmotsavam: Annual grand festival with processions of the deity around the temple streets.
• Navaratri: Celebrated for Goddess Anandanayagi with special decorations and rituals.
• Arudra Darshan: Dedicated to Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, celebrated in the Tamil month of Margazhi.
• Other Observances: Monthly Sankatahara Chaturthi for Vinayaka, Karthigai Deepam, and Aadi Pooram.

Beliefs

• Swayambhu Lingam: The lingam is believed to be self-manifested, making the temple exceptionally sacred.
• Saintly Blessings: Worship here is said to carry the blessings of Sambandar, Appar, and Sundarar, who sang hymns in praise of the deity.
• Liberation from Sins: Bathing in the temple’s sacred waters and worshipping Theerthapurisvarar is believed to absolve devotees of sins and grant spiritual upliftment.
• Divine Grace: Devotees believe that prayers here bring peace, prosperity, and relief from karmic afflictions.

Temple Hours

• Morning: 7:00 am – 11:30 am
• Evening: 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm
  (Hours may vary slightly on festival days with extended rituals.)

Getting Here

• By Road: The temple is located near Vridhachalam in Cuddalore district. Regular buses connect from Thozhudur, Vridhachalam, and Cuddalore.
• By Train: Nearest railway station is Vridhachalam Junction, about 20 km away.
• By Air: Closest airport is Trichy International Airport (~120 km).

Tips for Visitors

• Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or evenings for peaceful darshan.
• Festivals: Expect large crowds during Maha Shivaratri, Brahmotsavam, and Arudra Darshan. Plan to arrive early.
• Dress Code: Traditional attire is preferred; modest clothing is expected inside the temple.
• Offerings: Devotees often bring flowers, coconuts, and ghee lamps.

Crowd Management

• Peak Days: Shivaratri and Brahmotsavam draw thousands of devotees.
• Queue System: Managed with barricades and designated entry/exit points.
• Tips:
• Arrive early to avoid long queues.
• Use temple-managed counters for offerings to avoid crowding.
• Elderly and differently-abled devotees are often given priority access.

Q&A

Q: Where is Tiruvattatthurai Theerthapurisvarar Temple located?
A: It is situated in Tiruvattatthurai village, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, along the Thozhudur–Vridhachalam route.

Q: Who is the presiding deity of the temple?
A: Lord Shiva is worshipped as Theerthapurisvarar (also called Aratturainathar/Anandeeswarar). His consort is Goddess Anandanayagi (Tirupurasundari).

Q: Why is this temple significant?
A: It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, praised in the Tevaram hymns by saints Sambandar, Appar, and Sundarar. It is believed to absolve sins and grant spiritual upliftment.

Q: What are the main legends associated with the temple?
A: The lingam here is considered Swayambhu (self-manifested). Saints and sages worshipped here, and the temple is sanctified by their hymns and devotion.

Q: What is unique about the temple’s architecture?
A: Built in Dravidian style, it features shrines for Vinayaka, Murugan, Durga, Dakshinamurthy, and Chandikeswara, along with serene courtyards and sacred tanks.

Q: What rituals are performed here?
A: Daily pujas include Abhishekam, Alankaram, Naivedyam, and Deepa Aradhanai. Special observances include Pradosham and monthly festivals.

Q: Which festivals are celebrated grandly?
A: Maha Shivaratri, Brahmotsavam, Arudra Darshan, and Navaratri are major festivals. Other celebrations include Karthigai Deepam and Aadi Pooram.

Q: What are the temple timings?
A: Morning: 7:00 am – 11:30 am
Evening: 4:00 pm – 8:30 pm 

Q: How can devotees reach the temple?
A: By road from Vridhachalam or Thozhudur, by train via Vridhachalam Junction (~20 km), or by air from Trichy (~120 km). 

Q: What beliefs are associated with worship here?
A: Devotees believe worshipping Theerthapurisvarar absolves sins, grants peace, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment, with blessings of the Nayanmars.