Tirumannippadikkarai, a name derived from its location on the bank of the Manni River, is more commonly known by locals as Eluppaipattu, a name originating from the sthala vrukasham (sacred tree) of this temple, the 'eluppai' tree. When navigating or inquiring about this destination, use the more colloquially recognized name of eluppaipattu, as this is the most familiar name used by the local populace.
The sacred temple site of Tirumannippadikkarai holds immense significance, being honored by the Pancha Pandavas, the five legendary brothers from the epic Mahabharata. The Pandavas took refuge at this place during their arduous exile and each of the brothers worshipped one of the five Shiva Lingas enshrined within the temple complex - Yudhishtira, the eldest, paid homage to Neelakantar; Arjuna venerated PadikkaraiNathar; the mighty Bhima worshipped Magadeesar; Nakula offered reverence to Parameshwarar; and Sahadeva sought blessings from Muthugiriswarar.
Duryodhana, consumed by enmity towards his cousins, maliciously poisoned the temple's sacred pool, intending to end the Pandavas' lives. However, the resident Goddess, neutralized the venom with the divine nectar (Amritha) she held in her hands. Lord Shiva then imbibed the poison, turning his throat a vivid blue, thus earning him the appellation "Neelakantar" (the blue-throated one). The Goddess, in turn, came to be reverentially known as "Amritha-Kara-Valli," she who bears the nectar of immortality.
Temple Layout - The Neelakandeshwarar Temple, situated with its entrance facing the rising sun in the east, is adorned with a modest gopuram rising in three elegant tiers. Upon passing through the gateway, visitors are greeted by the sacred 'sthala vruksham' eluppai tree standing tall to the left. Within the expansive prakaram enclosure, devotees encounter the revered Lingas once worshipped by the legendary Pandava brothers Bhima and Nakula, followed by the idol of Vinayaka, revered by Draupathi herself. To the right lies the sannidhi dedicated to Amrita-kara-valli, while to the left, are the sannidhis of Subramanya, Goddess Mahalakshmi, and the Linga worshipped by Sahadeva. After completing the traditional circum-ambulation of the prakaram, a flight of steps leads to the sanctum housing the presiding deity, Lord Neelakandeshwarar. Here, the two principal Lingas - Neelakanteshwarar and PadikkaraiNathar, once worshipped by Yudishtra and Arjuna respectively - take precedence, their significance marked by the presence of the revered Nandi positioned directly opposite. Adjacent to these primary Lingas stand the respective sannidhis dedicated to their divine female consorts. The Linga worshipped by Bhima manifests as a unique 'Shodasha Linga', attracting devotees who seek blessings for the attainment of the sixteen forms of wealth. Finally, the south-facing Muktheeswarar Linga, once venerated by Sahadeva, draws those seeking mastery over astrology and the sacred Sastras, making this temple a unique hub of both history and spiritualality.
The ancient Tamil saint poet Arunagirinathar, has exalted and glorified the deity Muruga enshrined in this temple. The sannidi, dedicated to Lord Muruga is situated in the northern prakaram, or circumambulatory passageway surrounding the temple's central shrine. Muruga, is depicted in his iconic form with a single face and four divine arms, standing in a powerful yet graceful posture alongside his two consorts, Valli and Deivanai. The idol faces the eastern direction. Notably, the utsava murti, or festival idol, that is taken out in ceremonial processions, is portrayed bearing a bow and arrow, emblematic of Muruga's warrior prowess and his ability to defeat evil and ignorance with the weapons of knowledge and devotion. Arunagirinathar's Tirupugazh contains one song specifically extolling the glories and attributes of this Muruga.
3 Tiered Gopuram
Parameshwar venerated by Nakulan
Magadeeshwarar worshipped by Bhima
Valampuri Vinayaka
Amrita-Kara-Valli Sannidhi
Muktheeswarar woshipped by Sahadevan
Mangala Nayaki Sannidhi
Ashta-Bhuja Durga
Dakshinamurthy
Neelakanteshwarar