Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu

Sthala Purana

Temple & Architecture

This temple, now commonly referred to as Thalai-Gyaayiru, is located to the west of Sirkazhi, earning it the name 'Melai-Kazhi.' The temple's architecture follows the distinctive 'kogudi' style, characterised by its intricate designs and traditional elements. The deity at this sacred place was once worshipped by Surya, the revered Sun god, and as a result, the temple has also come to be known as AthithyaPuri.

The temple, under the governance of Dharumai Aadeenam, exhibits a unique architectural design with three levels elevated one above the other, accessible via wooden staircases. As in Sirkazhi, there are three sannidhis: the topmost level houses the sannidhi of Sattai Nathar, the middle level features the sannidhi of Thoniappar (also referred to as GarbhaGyaneshwar) along with the female consort Garbha Gyaneshwari, and at the ground level is the sannidhi of the presiding deity Aparatha Kshamapaneshwarar. The temple's east-facing gopuram consists of three tiers. The mandap inside the temple showcases a distinctive architectural style reminiscent of a bat's forehead, aptly named 'Vavval Nethi' after this resemblance. Adjacent to LingothBhavar, one can find the Sthala Vruksham, a jasmine creeper that holds special significance within the temple premises.

Indra’s Mistake & Shiva’s Forgiveness

Indra, the king of the gods, once journeyed to Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva. There, Shiva appeared before Indra in the form of a goblin, concealing his true divine identity. Indra, failing to recognise that the goblin was in fact Shiva himself, unleashed his formidable weapon, the Vajrayuda, upon the goblin. Only after this act did Indra realise the true nature of the goblin as Shiva. Filled with remorse for his grave error, Indra sought forgiveness from Shiva. In his infinite compassion, Shiva pardoned Indra for his transgression. As a result of this incident, Shiva came to be known by the Sanskrit epithet "Aparatha Kshama Paneshwarar" — meaning "the one who forgave the mistake" — and in Tamil as "Kutram porutha nathar."

Hanuman’s Penance & Tiru-kurakkuka

This legend also intersects with the story of Hanuman, the ardent devotee of Lord Rama. When Hanuman learned that Rama had already completed his Shiva puja using a linga crafted out of sand by Sita before Hanuman could return with a Shiva linga, he was overcome with sadness. In a futile attempt to remove the sand linga, Hanuman coiled his tail around it. This act incurred the spiritual affliction known as the "Shiva Aparatha Dosha." To absolve Hanuman of this dosha, Rama advised him to undertake penance to Shiva. Hanuman dutifully engaged in the prescribed penance, and Shiva manifested before him, instructing Hanuman to visit the sacred place of Thalai Gyaayiru. Shiva assured Hanuman that by worshipping at this holy site, the dosha would be nullified. Hanuman faithfully followed Shiva's guidance and also established a linga in his own name near Thalai Gyaayiru, at a place that came to be known as Tiru-kurakkuka.