Parvatheeswarar temple, Tiruthelicheri
Location: Tiru-Theli-Cheri (Better known as Koil-Paththu)
Deity known as: Parvatheeswarar
Female Deity: Sakthi Nayaki
Pathikam: Sambandar - 1
Gallery - Parvatheeswarar Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is situated in the town of Karaikkal, in a locality known as Koilpaththu, and is located about 3 km from the Karaikkal bus stand. Another Paadal Petra Sthalam, Tirudharmapuram, lies approximately 3 km from the Karaikkal bus stand, making it convenient for devotees to visit both temples during the same pilgrimage.
Temple Address
Tiruthelicheri (Koilpatthu)
Karaikal District
Tamil Nadu
Temple Hours
Morning: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Nearby Temples
| 1 | Tiru-Vetta-Kudi - 7.5 kms | |
| 2 | Tiru-Dharmapuram - 3.5 kms | |
| 4 | Tiru-Nallaru - 5 kms |
Temple Architecture
Rajagopuram
The temple has a prominent entrance leading to a majestic west-facing Rajagopuram with five tiers. The tower is richly embellished with intricate sculptures, reflecting the artistic excellence of the period.
Entrance Hall
Immediately after entering, devotees arrive at the front mandapam, which houses a copper-plated flagstaff. Close to it stands Kodimara Vinayagar, revered as the guardian deity of the flagstaff.
Goddess Sannidhi
In the mandapam adjoining the sanctum, Goddess Sri Swayamvara Tapasvini is enshrined in a standing posture, facing south. The entrance to the Goddess's sanctum is flanked on both sides by Dwarapalikas, the divine female guardians.
Main Sannidhi
The presiding deity Parvatheeswarar resides in the sanctum as a Shiva Linga, facing west. Dwarapalakas stand on either side of the sanctum doorway, while Nandi, is positioned facing the deity in perpetual devotion.
Circumambulatory Passage
The circumambulatory corridor around the sanctum contains the idols of the 63 Nayanmars, Narthana Ganapathi, Surya, and Saneeswaran. On the eastern side is the sannidhi of Muruga with Valli and Deivanai. The Goshta deities—Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhava, and Durga—are also present. Notably, Saneeswara has a dedicated sannidhi within this prakaram.
Sacred Water Bodies
Three Theerthams
The temple is blessed with three theerthams (water sources), namely Surya Pushkarani, Guha Theertham, and Tapa Theertham. Among these, Surya Pushkarani is considered the most significant, as it is believed to have been created by the Sun God himself.
Surya Pooja (Sun Worship)
It is considered highly auspicious to take a ritual bath in this theertham during the early morning hours on Sundays. A special Surya Pooja is also observed for seven consecutive days starting from the 13th day of the Tamil month of Panguni, highlighting the temple's close association with solar worship.
Historical Legend: Sambandar and the Buddhist Debate
The Town of BodhiMangai
Near this site lies the town of BodhiMangai which was once home to a large Buddhist population. After worshipping at Tiru-Theli-chery, the group of devotees accompanying Tiru-Gyana-Sambandhar passed through Bodhimangai, singing hymns in praise of the saint. Offended by this, the Buddhists attempted to stop them.
The Divine Intervention
At that moment, one of Sambandar's devoted followers, who was engaged in recording the sacred Tevaram hymns, sang a verse from Sambandar's Panchakshara hymn beginning with "Buddhar saman kazhuk kaiyar…". It is believed that upon hearing this, the Buddhist leader Buddhanandi was struck by lightning and died instantly.
The Great Debate
Subsequently, the Buddhists, led by Sariputta, challenged Sambandar's followers to a theological debate in the presence of Sambandar himself. Sambandar's devotee emerged victorious in the debate. Realizing their error, the Buddhists repented, bowed before Sambandar, and embraced Shaivism.
Sambandar's Hymn and Its Significance
Sacred Hymn
The hymn composed by Sambandar for this place is included in the Second Thirumurai of the Tevaram. In the concluding verse of this hymn, Sambandar declares that those who recite this temple hymn daily will live a blessed life, enjoying divine grace and spiritual fulfillment.
Gallery - Parvatheeswarar Temple
