Shivakozhundeeswarar Temple, Tiru-Shakthi-Muththam
Location
Tiru-Shakthi-Muththam
Deity
Shivakozhundeeswarar
Female Deity
Periyanayaki
Pathikam
Tirunavukkarasar - 1
Gallery - Tiru-Shakthi-Muththam Temple
How to reach
This Shiva temple is situated close to Patteeswaram, another revered Paadal Petra Sthalam. Tiru-Shakthi-Muththam is located about 8 km from Kumbakonam, making it convenient for devotees to visit both temples during the same pilgrimage.
Temple Address
Tiru-Shakthi-Muththam
Kumbakonam Taluk
Thanjavur District
PIN – 612703
Temple Hours
Morning : 8:00 - 12:00
Evening : 4:00 - 8:00
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
Sthala Purana
Parvathy's Penance
According to the Sthala Purana, the divine act of Goddess Kamakshi, embracing the Shiva Linga at Kancheepuram was repeated at Tiru-Shakthi-Mutram, where Goddess Parvati likewise embraced the Lord in supreme devotion. Goddess Parvati wanted to attain a permanent, inseparable union with Shiva. Following his guidance, she descended to Earth and performed intense penance. To test her devotion, Shiva manifested as a massive, blazing pillar of fire. Undeterred by the scorching heat and fueled purely by absolute devotion, Goddess Parvati rushed forward and embraced the pillar of fire and kissed it. Overwhelmed by her love, Shiva softened in her arms like wax under her touch, earning the name Thazhuva Kuzhaintha Nathar (the Lord who softened upon being embraced).
Unique Depiction
To the right of the entrance to the main sanctum, there is a special sannidhi where Ambal is depicted embracing the Shiva Linga. In this extraordinary posture, the goddess stands on one leg, with her foot resting on the pedestal ('Avudayar'), while using both hands to lovingly embrace the Linga. This rare and unique depiction of the divine couple in a loving embrace is unparalleled in any other temple. Devotees who worship here are believed to receive the blessings for marriage and harmonious relationships.
Temple Architecture
Towers
The temple is crowned by a majestic five-tiered Rajagopuram facing east. At the entrance, there is a sanctum dedicated to Vinayaka, revered as "Vallabha Ganapathy." Beyond the first gateway lies a spacious outer courtyard. At the entrance of the second tower, two additional sanctums are dedicated to Vinayaka and Muruga.
Presiding Deity – Shivakozhundeeswarar
The main deity, Shivakozhundeeswarar, is a self-manifested Linga facing east within the sanctum. Distinct flame marks are visible on the surface of the Linga during 'deepa aradhana' (lamp worship), illuminating the divine presence.
Bhairavar's Majestic Form
In the prakaram surrounding the sanctum, there is a striking sannidhi for Bhairavar. Unlike other temples where Bhairavar appears as a smaller figure, here he is depicted as tall and majestic, resembling a real person. His impressive presence captivates both the eyes and the heart.
Other Sanctums
The temple also houses sanctums of Nataraja and Sharabeshwarar, as well as Thalavinyakar, Somaskandar, Aarumugha, and Gajalakshmi within the prakaram.
Special Worship Practices
This temple is particularly known for its blessings related to marriage. Worshiping the deity embraced by Shakti is believed to be beneficial for unmarried individuals and couples separated by unforeseen circumstances. Devotees, especially on Mondays, pray here to seek blessings for removing obstacles and attaining a fulfilling marital life.
Historical Significance
Originally constructed using red bricks, the temple was later rebuilt with granite by Sembiyam Mathavi of the Chola dynasty. Renovations were further carried out during the reign of the first Raja Raja Chola. Inscriptions from the eras of the first Raja Raja Chola, the third Kulothunga Chola, and the Vijayanagar kings can be found within the temple precincts.
Appar's Divine Encounter
While staying at this temple and rendering devoted service, Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) fervently prayed to God Shiva, beseeching Him to place His divine lotus feet upon his head. Moved by the saint's unwavering devotion, Shivakozhundeeswarar compassionately responded, saying, "Come to Tirunallur." Thus, this temple became an important milestone in Appar's spiritual journey, marking the divine assurance that ultimately led to the fulfillment of Appar's heartfelt wish at Thirunallur.
Muruga and Tiru-Pugazh
The temple's Muruga is glorified in the Thiruppugazh hymns of Arunagirinathar. Here, Muruga is enshrined in a majestic form with six faces and twelve arms, seated gracefully on His peacock mount, accompanied by Valli and Deivanai, and facing east. The exquisite beauty of this divine manifestation inspired Arunagirinathar to compose a dedicated Thiruppugazh hymn in praise of the Muruga of Tiru-Shakthi-Muththam.
Gallery
