Idaiyattrunathar Temple, Tiruvidaiyaru

Information Board
Location of the temple	Tiruvidaiyaru (now known as T. Edayar)
Deity known as	Idaiyattrunathar, Marundeeesar, Sivanandeswarar
Female deity known as	Sittridai Nayagi
Pathigam	Sundarar - 1
How to reach	This temple is located 5 Kms to the north-west of another Paadal Petra Sthalam Tiruvennainallur Tiruvidaiyaru is located on the Tirukkovilur - Tiruvennainallur - Arasur road. You can also reach this thalam from Villupuram. town bus facilities are available from Villupuram.
Temple address	Arulmighu Idaiyattrunathar Temple T. Edayaru Post Tirukkovilur Taluk Villupuram District PIN 607209

Route Map from Vilupuram to Edayaru
Map courtesy by: Google Maps

Temple Layout - The temple is characterized by a three-tier Tower or Gopuram, with an entrance through the tower gate leading to two altars and a direct view of Nandi. Surprisingly, there is no flagpost present within the temple premises. The presiding deity Idaiyatrunathar, is positioned in the shrine, facing west. Additionally, there is a separate shrine dedicated to Shanmuga Subramanya, accompanied by his consorts Valli and Deivanai, located within the temple's mandap. The inscription within the temple refers to Lord Muruga (Shanmuga) as Kaliyugarama Pillaiyar. In the inner circle, stands a grand marutha tree (Terminalia arjuna). Within its vicinity, one can find shrines dedicated to Navagraha Sannidhi, Agatheeswara Linga, Chandeswarar, Sapthamathas, Palamrutha Vinayaka, and more. The revered goshta murthas are Lord Dakshinamurthy and Mother Durga. Facing east, Ambal Sitridai Nayaki manifests in a majestic standing posture.

The temples where the Eeshwar and Ambal face each other (Here, Idayatrunathar faces west, Sitridainayaki faces east) is referred to as the "Sthalam or place for resolving marriage obstacles." It is believed that, visiting this temple and praying to Idiyatrunathar and Sitridai Nayaki can bring about positive outcomes to those indiviuals facing persistent obstacles in marriage.

Several renowned sages and saints, including Sage SukhaBrahma, Agasthya, Sundarar, and Maraignana Sambandar, have venerated God Shiva at this temple. The presence of parrots flying around in this sacred place, is associated to Maharshi Sukhabrahma. Lord Agasthya, installed a Linga in this temple, which is now known as Agatheeswarar. Furthermore, a separate statue of Agasthya can also be found here. Notably, during the 15th and 16th of the Tamil month Masi from 5.00 p.m. to 5.15 p.m., the sun's rays directly illuminate the deity, and a special surya puja is performed.

Temple Legend - nce Shivaperuman was imparting teachings from "The Shiva Rahasya" to Umadevi. The parrot-faced Shukhabrahma Maharishi overheard their conversation. As a consequence, Shivaperuman placed a curse on the Maharishi, decreeing that he would be reborn on Earth. Recognizing his error, Shukhabrahma Maharashi sought forgiveness and Shivaperuman assured him that he would be born as the son of Sage VedhaVyasar and by worshiping the deity at Tiruidayaru, the Maharishi would ultimately be freed from the curse. Sage Sukhabrahma, then performed penance beneath the Marutha tree associated to this temple and broke free from the curse.

Sundarar's pathikam about this temple is in the 7th tirumurai. In his composition, he highlights various sacred Shiva temples known as 'Vaippu Sthalam' and also mentions other 'Thevara Paadal petra shivasthalam'. He expresses that Idayar is the equivalent of these revered places.