Shankaranyeswarar temple, Tiruthalaichankadu
Location: Tiruthalaichankadu
Deity known as: Shankaranyeswarar
Female Deity: Soundara Nayaki, Bruhath Sundarambikai
Pathikam: Sambandar - 1
Gallery - Sangarunaadeswarar Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is situated about 16 km from Sirkazhi, along the Sirkazhi–Tarangambadi road. Another Paadal Petra Sthalam, Tiruakkur, is located nearby. In addition, one of the 108 Divya Desams of Maha Vishnu, known as Tiruthalaichanga Nanmathiyam, is also situated in close proximity to this Shiva temple.
Temple Address
Tiruthalaichangadu
Mayiladuthurai District
Tamil Nadu
Temple Hours
Morning: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Nearby Temples
| 1 | Mayiladuthurai - 20 kms | |
| 2 | TiruNanipalli - 7 kms | |
| 2 | TiruValampuram - 3.9 kms | |
| 3 | Tiru-Aakkur - 6 kms | |
| 4 | Tiru-Kadaiyur - 7.3 kms |
Temple Specialities
Linga with Hair-like Pores
This sacred site is renowned for the unique feature of the presiding deity, Sankaranyeeswarar. When abhishekam is performed by pouring gingelly oil over the lingam, and it is observed in the light of a lamp, hair-like pores can be seen on the surface of the lingam, which is considered a rare and significant attribute of this temple.
Panchajanya
This temple holds the distinction of being the place where Mahavishnu worshipped Sankaranyeeswarar and received the conch 'Panchajanya' as His divine weapon. In the western outer prakaram, Mahavishnu is enshrined in a separate sannidhi, accompanied by Sridevi and Bhudevi, blessing devotees.
A Maada Koil Built by Kochchengat Chozhan
This temple is one among the 'Maada Koil' temples constructed by Ko-chengat Chozhan, designed with entrances so narrow that elephants could not enter. As per this architectural style, the temple does not have a Rajagopuram and features only a single entrance.
Somaskanda Layout
The temple is structured in the Somaskanda configuration. Upon entering the temple, one can observe the Shiva sannidhi on the left, the Muruga sannidhi in the center, and the Ambal (Goddess) sannidhi on the right.
Temple Structure
Entrance
The eastern gateway opens into the outer prakaram, where one encounters the Nandi mandapam and the balipeetam. The sanctum of the presiding deity, Shankaranyeswarar, stands on a slightly elevated platform. From the southern outer prakaram, a flight of steps ascends to a mandapam, which serves as the approach leading to the sanctum.
Presiding Deity (Moolavar Sannidhi)
The presiding deity Shankaranyeswarar (also known as Sangarunaadeswarar) graces devotees with the unique feature of hair-like pores visible during gingelly oil abhishekam. Winthin the pathway around the sanctum, one can see sculptural representations of Sri Chandikeswarar, Mahavishnu, Sri Juraharar, Sri Rama with Sita, and the four Nayanmars.
Other Sannidhis
A sannidhi for Vinayaka in the southern outer prakaram, A sannidhi for Muruga in the western outer prakaram, and a separate sannidhi for Chandikeswarar in the northern outer prakaram. In the eastern outer prakaram, on the right side, is the sannidhi of Goddess Soundaranayaki, facing south. Just outside the entrance to the Goddess’s sanctum, to the left, is a separate sannidhi for Bhuvaneshwari.
Sacred Theertham
The temple’s sacred water body is known as Shangu Theertham, located opposite the temple. Bathing in this theertham on Pournami (full-moon day) is considered especially auspicious.
Sthala Vriksham
The Sthala Vriksham of this temple is the Purasa tree. Beneath this sacred tree, one can see a Shiva Lingam along with Vinayaka idols. The pathigam related to this temple by Tiru-gyanasambandhar is found in the second tirumurai.
Gallery - Sangarunaadeswarar Temple
