Sri Patcheeshwarar Temple
– Cheyyar’s Sacred Landmark
The Sri Patcheeshwarar
Temple, also known as Paksheeshwarar Temple, is located in the heart
of Cheyyar town, near the Cheyyar River in Tamil Nadu. This
ancient shrine, dating back nearly 1000 years, is one of the most
historically important temples in the region.
Legends &
Significance
- Garuda’s Worship:
According to the sthala puranam, Garuda, the divine vahana of Lord
Vishnu, consecrated and worshipped the Shiva Lingam here. Since pakshi
means bird in Sanskrit, the deity is revered as Paksheeshwarar.
- Vaipu Sthalam:
Though not directly sung in the Tevaram hymns, the temple is
mentioned by Thirugnanasambandar, making it a Vaipu sthalam.
- Sacred Tree:
The temple’s sthala vriksham is the Vanni Maram, located
near the Gajalakshmi sanctum.
Temple Architecture &
Shrines
- Tall Eastern Gopuram:
Studded with sculptures, leading to a spacious outer prakaram.
- Outer Prakaram Shrines:
Gajalakshmi, Shanmukha with Valli & Devasena, Nataraja & Sivakami,
Nalvar, Bhairava, Surya, Chandra, Navagraha, Sanishwara, and Anjaneya.
- Main Sanctum:
East‑facing sanctum enshrines a small Shiva Lingam (Patcheeshwarar) with a
Rudraksha canopy.
- Inner Prakaram:
Houses stone images of the 63 Nayanmars and a shrine for Subramanya
with consorts.
- Devakoshtas:
Ganesa, Dakshinamurti, Maha Vishnu, Brahma, and Durga.
- Ambal Shrine:
Goddess Parvati (Amrithavalli) faces south, with devakoshtas for
Maheshwari, Varahi, Vaishnavi, Brahmi, and Sarasvati.
- Chandikeshwari Shrine:
Located next to Ambal sanctum.
Festivals
- Vaikasi Brahmotsavam:
Celebrated for ten days in May–June, concluding on Visaka Nakshatram.
- Aadi Festival:
Celebrations for Goddess Parvati Ambal in July–August are especially
significant.