Sri Patanjaleeswarar Temple, Thirukkaanattumullur, Kattumannarkoil - 275 Shiva Temples

32. Sri Patanjaleeswarar Temple, Thirukkaanattumullur, Kanaattampuliyur, Kattumannarkoil (Chola Nadu - North of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Pathanchali Nathar
Name of Goddess : Sri Kaanar Kuzhali, Sri Ambujakshi, Sri Kolavalaikkaiyal
Holy water (Theertham) : Soorya Teertham and River Kollidam.
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Atthy (fig) tree and white Errukku plant.
Thevaram : Sundarar
District : Cuddalore.
Location : Kattumannarkoil.
Timings : 06:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and from 05:00 p.m. to 07:00 p.m.

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This is the 32nd sthalam on the northern side of river Cauvery. Sundarar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Covering an area of about 1 acre, this temple has a 3 tier Gopuram (Tower). Pathanjali Munivar is believed to have worshipped Shiva at this Sthalam.

Lord Maha Vishnu graces from ghoshta (wall around the shrine) in standing form while Lord Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivanai is just the opposite as if paying His respect to Uncle Mahavishnu. Valli is wearing the hanging ear ornament called Pambadam or Thandatti, an ornament usually worn by elder women commonly seen in Tirunelveli district. Lord Dakshinamurthy is without the banyan tree traditionally related to Him. There are also shrines for Lord Kasi Viswanatha, Lord Nirudhi Vinayaka, Mother Gajalakshmi. In the front hall Lord Kirshna graces between two serpents (nagas) and a Linga among serpents.

Shivarathri in February-March, Tirukarthikai in November-December, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Tiruvadhirai in December-Janary are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

History / Legend:

The temple on the banks of River Kollidam is known as Madhukavanam. Lord Shiva graces in the form of a small Shivalinga in the sanctum sanctorum. On the Tamil New Year day Sun God spreads His rays on the Lord worshiping Him. When the sages of Dandakaranya came here to worship Lord Shiva, every particle of sand appeared to them as a Shivalinga, they worshipped the Lord from outside. Hence, the sand of the place is considered very sacred which is carried by devotees and kept in their houses believing that it would bring them all welfare and prosperity and cleansing them of their sins. Lord Nataraja appears with His left leg forward and the body slightly backward which is attributed to His pleasing Sage Patanjali who is opposite to the main shrine along with Nalvar – the celebrated saivite saints and authors of Thevaram and Tiruvasagam hymns. Those seeking relief from adverse effects of serpent planets pray to Sage Patanjali for relief. Omampuliyur temple, where Sage Vyakrapada worshipped Lord Shiva is nearby. It is noteworthy that three Shiva temples in Chidambaram, Kanattampuliyur and Omampuliyur are in a row.

Divine serpent Adisesha serving as a bed to Lord Mahavishnu in the nectar ocean took the form of Sage Patanjali to enjoy the dance of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva granted Adisesha His Dance Darshan in Chidambaram. Sage Patanjali came to this placed as advised by Lord Shiva and performed penance. Lord appeared before the sage and asked him if he was satisfied with His dance darshan, Patanjali replied that he would never be content with the darshan once or twice and that should be before him for ever. Lord assured Patanjali that He would be offering the darshan in many places. As a mark of recognition of the devotion of the sage, Lord took the name Patanjaleeswarar Himself.

Those seeking promotions in jobs and transfers, those pained to see their hard work not recognized, pray here for benefits.

Location: The temple is situated on the northern bank of river Kollidam at Kaanaatam Puliyur near Muttam village. It is about 5 Kms to the northeast from another paadal petra sthalam TiruOmampuliyur. Town bus services to Muttam village are available from Chidambaram and Kattumannarkudi. The temple is about 2 Kms from Muttam village bus stop.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Arumighu Pathanchali Nathar Temple
Kaanaattampuliyur, Muttam Post
Via Ayankudi
Kattumannarkudi Taluk
Cuddalore District
Pin-608306
Phone: 04144 - 208 508, 208091, 93457 78863, 9790333377(Mr Jayachandran).