Sri Uchiravaneswarar Temple, Thiruvilanagar (Thuraikattum Vallalar), Mayiladuthurai - 275 Shiva Temples

40. Sri Uchiravaneswarar Temple, Thiruvilanagar (Thuraikattum Vallalar), Mayiladuthurai (Chola Nadu - South of Kaveri):

Names of God : Sri Thuraikattum Vallalar, Sri Uthiravaneswarar, Sri Vallalar Swamy
Name of Goddess : Sri Thozhinayaki, Sri Veyirutholiammai
Holy water (Theertham) : Cauvery Theertham
Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) : Vizhal
Thevaram : Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
District : Nagapattinam.
Location : Mayiladuthurai.
Timings : 06:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 04:30 p.m. to 08:00 p.m

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This is the 40th sthalam on the southern side of river Cauvery. Thiruganasambandar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. This Shivastalam is located 5 km to the east of Mayiladuturai enroute to Tarangambadi and is considered to be the 40th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri. Semponaar Koyil is located nearby. This shrine is also known as Aarupaati. When Sambandar was on his way to Mayiladuturai, Shiva is said to have caused the floods in the Kaveri to recede and pointed out the shrine to him; hence the name Turai Kaattu Vallal.

Important Features:

• This temple classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.
• Lord showed way to cross the river to Arulvithhan Anthanar and Thiruganasambandar.
• Sannadhi for Vinayagar, Arumugar, Naalvar, Arunachaleswar, Gajalakshmi, Saneeswarar, Navagrahas, Suryan and Bairavar are located in Temple Prakaram.
• In Koshtam Dhakshinamoorthy, Thirumal is in the place of Lingothbavar, Brahma and Durgai.
• Except Moolasthanam, all other structures are built with bricks.

This temple occupying an area of about 2.3 acres is adorned with a large Rajagopuram. Inscriptions from the Chola and Nayak periods are seen here although much of the present structure of this temple is only about 300 years old. Six worship services are offered each day. Kartikai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam, Aadi Perukku, Aadi Pooram and Navaratri are the festivals celebrated here.

As the region was densely covered by the Vizhal grass, the place was named Vizhar Nagar which later changed as Vilar Nagar. When Saint Tirugnana Sambandar was on a pilgrimage to Kadaimudi and Mayiladuthurai, he could not proceed further due to heavy floods in Cauvery. The Saint was seeking somebody to show the way (thurai kattudhal), Lord came in the guise of a hunter and helped the saint.

Gallery Of Uchiravaneswarar Temple:

Please click on above images to enlarge.

History / Legend:

The legend has Thiru Gnana Sambandhar arrived on this sacred land and realized that the river Cauvery was brimming with strong current of water. He was dejectedly remained on the river banks for quite some times searching for a ferryboat. Soon there appeared a hunter from nowhere instructed Sambandhar to follow him to go across from one end of the teeming water to the other end. As soon as the hunter got into the brimming water, the river parted into both the ways leaving a space in the middle for them to walk comfortably. Immediately after reaching on the other side Sambandhar looked for the hunter to reveal his gratitude, but he was not to be seen. Hence, the presiding deity has got the name Thuraikattum Vallalar.

Another legend has that a Brahmin who was a zealous devotee of Lord Shiva lived in this village. He offered attractive garlands made of fresh flowers to worship Lord. One day as usual he arrived on the river banks of Cauvery carrying a basket full of fresh flowers of alluring fragrances; he desperately noticed that the river was overflowing. He set into the strong current without any wavering and headed towards the other bank. He does not want to discontinue worship of Lord whatever may happen. Soon, he was trapped into the strong current; he firmly clutched the basket above his head. He was not concerned about his life, but worried nothing should happen to the flowers kept for the worship of Lord. Lord was pleased at the firm devotion and dedication of the Brahmin. Gradually, the water current drifted him and safely deposited on the river bank.

It is the staunch belief of the devotees they would have a lasting solution for any problem they face if they worship to Lord and Mother in the temple. Those seeking child boon use to make a knot in the grass (sacred tree-Vizhal) in the temple.

Location: This sivasthalam temple is located 7.5 Kms from Mayiladuthurai on the Mayiladuthurai - Taramgabadi road. This temple is on the bus route from Mayiladuthurai to Poraiyaru.

Temple Address & Contact Details:

Sri Uchira Vaneswarar - Thurai Kattum Vallalar Temple,
Tiruvila Nagar (Arupathi post),
Mayiladuthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam district,
Pin code: 609 309.
Phone: +91-4364 - 282 129.