This is the 46th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 14th Shiva Sthalam of Nadu Naadu at Thiruvennainallur on the banks of Then Pennai River. This place is also called as Thiru arut Thurai.
Sekkizhar narrates the life history in his Periya Puranam. At the end of the Thaduthatkonda Puranam, he writes ‘ Lord shiva himself gave the first word to start the songs as ‘Pithaa..”, since Sundarar or Van Thondan uttered / called Lord Shiva as “pithaa...”
அன்பனை அருளின் நோக்கி அங்கணர் அருளிச் செய்வார்
Sundarar has sung his first hymn in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Sundarar’s first Thevaram song “ Pitha Pirai Sudi Arulala“ paadal petra sthalam. And also Lord Shiva thaduthankonda sthalam for Sundarar. Sundarar is seen with Palm leaf in this temple. All the songs ends with the note that he was surrendered & slave to him already and now is it correct to say I am not your slave...?
பித்தா பிறைசூடீ பெருமானே அருளாளா எத்தான் மறவாதே நினைக்கின்றேன் மனத்துன்னை வைத்தாய் பெண்னைத் தென்பால்வெண்ணெய் நல்லூர் அருட்டுறையுள் அத்தா உனக்கு ஆளாய் இனிஅல்லேன் எனலாமே
காரூர் புனல் எய்திக்கரை கல்லித் திரைக்கையால் பாரூர் புகழ் எய்தித் திகழ் பன்மாமணி யுந்திச் சீரூர் பெண்னைத் தென்பால் வெண்ணெய்நல்லூர் அருட்டுறையுள் ஆரூரன் எம் பெருமாற்காளல்லேன் எனலாமே
Arulnandhi Sivam also sung in praise of lord Shiva of this temple.
மெய்கண்ட தேவர் துதி பண்டைமறை வண்டரற்றப் பசுந்தேன் ஞானம் பரிந்தொழுகச் சிவகந்தம் பரந்து நாறக் கண்ட இருதய கமல முகைகளெல்லாம் கண் திறப்பக் காசினிமேல் வந்த அருட்கதிரோன் விண்டமலர்ப் பொழிபுடைசூழ் வெண்ணெய் மேவும் மெய்கண்ட தேவன்மிகு சைவநாதன் புண்டரிக மலர்தாழச் சிரத்தே வாழும் பொற்பாதம் எப்போதும் போற்றல் செய்வாம்......அருணந்தி சிவாசாரியார் “இடையாது சொல் ஊரன் தன்னைத் தொழும்பு கொளுஞ் சீர்வெண்ணெய் நல்லூர் அருட்டுறையின் நறபயனே.. திரு அருட்பா.Moolavar : Sri Krupapureeswarar, Sri Aruturainathar, Sri Thaduthatkonda Nathar Consort : Sri Mangalambigai, Sri Verkanniammai
Some of the important features of this temple are....The temple is facing east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. On the top a shrine for the Rishabaroodar, who gave darshan to Sundarar. A small Sundarar sannathi is opposite to Rajagopuram. Sundarar Vazhakku Theerthamandapam is on the right side before the Rajagopuram. Kodimara Vinayagar, Kodimaram/ flag post/ Dwajasthambam, balipeedam and Rishabam are immediately after the Rajagopuram. Moolavar is of swayambhu. In Koshtam Pichadanar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Maha Vishnu and Durgai. In the inner prakaram Polla Pillayar, Murugan, Sundarar and Chandikeswarar.
In the outer prakaram Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Nalvar, 63var, Somaskandar, Saptamatrikas, Thirugnanasambandar, Maha Vishnu, Arulnandhisivam, Meikanda Devar, Gajalakshmi is with Sanga Nidhi and Padmanidhi and Sri Chakra, Navagrahas, Chandikeswarar and some loose sculptures like Murugan, Ayyanar, etc,.Ambal is in a separate temple like sannadhi and in standing posture. Palliyarai and on the pillars, sculptures of Bhairavar, Dakshinamurthy, etc,.
Lord Murugan as Shanmugar with his vahana Peacock gave his dance darshan to Arunagirinathar and he has sung in praise of Murugan.
மலைசிலை பற்றிய கடவு ளிடத்துறை கிழவி யறச்சுக குமரி தகப்பனை மழுகொடு வெட்டிய நிமிலிகை பெற்றருள் முருகோனே மகிழ்பெணை யிற்கரை பொழில்முகில் சுற்றிய திருவெணெய் நற்பதி புகழ்பெற அற்புத மயிலின் மிசைக்கொடு திருநட மிட்டுறை பெருமாளே
HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONSSadaiappa vallal who was the instrumental behind the writing of Epic Ramayana in Tamil by Kambar is from this place. This is the birth place of Meikanda Nayanar, one of the Santhana Kuravars. The jeeva samadhi of Meikanda Nayanar is very close to the temple. This is under the control of Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam. Meikandar Guru pooja will be celebrated in Aippasi Swati nakshatra day. Annadhanam will be served on that day, to thousands of people.
The original temple exists before 7th Century may be by Pallavas and reconstructed as stone temple during Chozhas and further extended during Vijayanagaras and Chalukyas. The available inscriptions belongs to Pallavas, Chozhas, Pandyas, Chalukyas Vijayanagars and Sambuavarayas. As per the inscriptions this place was called as Rajendra chozha valanattu Thirumunaipadi Thiruvennainallur Nattu Brahmadeyam Thiruvennainallur and Rajarajavalnattu Thirumunaipadi Thiruvennainallur nattu Brahmadeyam Thiruvennai Nallur. This place is also called as Thiru Arut thurai. Lord Shiva is called as Thiru arut thurai Alwar, Thiruvennainallur Udayar Atkonda Devar and Thaduthu Atkonda Devar.
Rajaraja Kesari.... 6th year reign inscription ( AR 309 of 1902 ) records the endowment of burning of a perpetual lamp for which a gift of 90 saava moova peradu and 5 lamps.
Veerarajendran’s 7th year reign inscription ( AR 310 of 1902 ) records the endowment of sacred bath for which a gift of cow 10 and calf 12, for which supply of 3 nali milk measured in Arumozhidevan nali.
Other Chozha period inscriptions records the gift of Lands and their measurements ( 16 jan kol ) to this temple.
Koperunchingan’s 4th year reign inscription ( AR 449 of 1921) records the gift of a Cow by Arasur Village Agambadiar Thirumazhapadi’s son Subramaniyan. Of the same King’s 6th year reign inscription ( AR 448 of 1921 ) records the gift of Bell, plate, Chain lamp, doopakal by a Deavaradiyar Aramudaiyar’s son Thirumalai Azhaki alias Veerakan veera Pallavarayan. The same Kings 10th year reign inscription ( AR 450 of 1921 ) records the gift of 32 vows by a member of sabha for which milk of two and six nail daily measured in Arumozhidevan Nali, Thiruvannamalai Bhattan of Mel Amur. Koperunchingan’s 12th year reign inscription ( AR 440 of 1921 ) records the endowment of lighting and maintenance of perpetual lamp for which 32 cows were gifted by Thiuvannamalai Udaiyan, son of Kavini Sambhu Bhattar during Rajaraja-III ( 1237 CE ) 21st year reign. ( The reason for recording of this inscription delayed by 18 years is not known ).
Koperunchinga’s 15th year reign inscription ( AR 447 of 1921 ) records the endowments burning perpetual lamp for which gifts of Lands 9.5 ma dry land 800 veli land in Emapperur on the death of Thirumalai Azhakiyan alias Viraga Virappalavarayan, belonging to him was handed over by Perunjingan to Rajaradevan AmmaiyanValavarayan. The officer in turn handed over to this temple.
Koperunchinga’s 16th year reign inscription ( AR 439 of 1921 ) records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Kavini Sambandapperumal aliasValenduma (vu)li Bhattar. A reference was made during Rajaraja-III.
Koperunchinga’s 16th year reign inscription ( AR 455 of 1921 ) records the endowment of sacred bath of god for which gift of 20 cows and to supply 5 nali milk measured in arumozhidevan nazhi by ElisainadanJinattarayan of Marudur. Another inscription records the gift 32 Cows and a bull by Solaikkon Allalan alias Tyagavinodan.
Koperunchinga’s 26th year reign inscription ( AR 466 of 1921 ) records the gift of two trumpets weighing 118.5 kalanju silver by Perumal Pazhavavanachchokkan Raghutharayavelaan.
Koperunchinga’s 27th year reign inscription ( AR 431 of 1921 ) records the gift of two trumpets weighing 55 kalanju Silver, and golden anklet weighing 2 Kalanju gold by Madhyastha Udayan Sri Kayilayamudayan of Senji.
LEGENDSWhen Lord Shiva happened to see his beautiful image image on the ice of Mount Kailash. He admired the beauty of the image and called him to come near. The image came near to him as Sundarar. Sundarar is the person who brought the “alakala visham” which came out in the process of churning the Thiruparkadal. Hence sundarar is called as “ Alala Sundarar”. Lord Shiva made him one of the anukka thondar / personal assistant.
The Poison which Lord Shiva swallowed, stopped at Kandam / throat. Due to this lot of heat was generated. To reduce the heat ma Parvati built a fort with butter on the banks of ThenPennai river and started penance on lord Shiva. Hence this place was called as Thiruvennainallur.
The initial part of Sundarar’s life is very much associated with this place and this Temple. At Kailash, while Sundarar and Kamalini and Aninthitai attendants of ma Parvati, plucking flowers for pooja, Sundarar fell in love with them. Knowing this Lord Shiva asked all the three to go to Bhoolok, take birth as human beings, experience the family life and return back to Kailash. Sundarar requested Lord Shiva to call back him at an appropriate time.
In bhoolok born as Nambi Arurar to Sadayar and Isaignanaiyar at Thirunavalur,( which is about 20 KM from this place ). He was brought up by the king Narasingamunayar. At the age of 16, his father arranged a marriage with Puttur Sangadavi Sivachariyar’s daughter. On the day of marriage Lord Shiva, as an old man came and stopped the marriage, telling that his grand father had given an undertaking that he and all his descendants will be slave for him. When the old man showed the palm leaf, Nambi Arurar, teared and had an argument with him. At one stage Nambi Arurar called Lord Shiva as ‘Pithaa’... a mad person / lunatic person. Since the argument was inconclusive, the old man asked him to come to Thiruvennainallur, where this case will be referred to the sabha of learned persons.
At Thiruvennainallur the case was heard and the original palm leaf was compared with Nambi Arurar’s grand father signature. Finally the judgement was given in favour of the old man. Since Nambi Arurar has no other way, followed Lord Shiva to the Thiruvennainallur temple. In the Sanctum Sanctorum Lord Shiva left his chappal and disappeared in the Shiva Linga. Nambi Arurar’s surprise Lord Shiva appeared and told his old life at Kailash and the present Life and asked him to sing hymns on him. When Nambi Arurar puzzled what and how to start, Lord Shiva himself gave the starting word as “Pithaa, since you called me as Pithaa,, From then onwards Nambi Arurar was called as Sundarar and Van Thondar ( for his argument and arrogant behaviour ). Since Lord Shiva stopped the marriage and gave blessing, called as Thaduthu Atkondanathar.
In, Lord Shiva’s Pichadanar form, finally the Rishis realized their folly behaviour and surrendered. Lord Shiva forgave them all, hence this place is called as Thiru Arut Thurai – place of blessings. As he showered his Krupa – forgiveness, Lord Shiva is praised as Krupapureeswarar
People worships Lord Shiva for marriage boon, Child boon, Job and Professional success, to get rid of dumb and excel in speech skill, etc,.
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONSApart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on 2 days, Aadi Swati day – July – August ), to celebrate Sundarar, 10 days Brahmotsavam on Panguni Uthiram ( March – April )Avani Puttu pudding festival ( August – September ), Skanda Sashti in ( October – November ), Pradosham and maha Shivaratri days.
TEMPLE TIMINGSThe temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.
CONTACT DETAILS : Mobile number + 91 9345660711 may be contacted for further details.
HOW TO REACH : Town bus route no 5D and 5E are available from Villupuram Town.The temple is 18 KM from Villupuram, 23 KM from Thirukovilur, 62 K from Thiruvannamalai and 180 KM from Chennai.Nearest Railway station is Thiruvennainallur and Railway Junction is Villupuram.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
Vazhakku theertha mandapa 
Believed that Lord Shiva stands at this Pillar 
63var
Saptamatrikas
Saptamatrikas
Durga
Dakshinamurthy
Loose sculptures
Loose sculptures 
Ayyanar
Inscriptions--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---
அன்பனை அருளின் நோக்கி அங்கணர் அருளிச் செய்வார்
பண்டைமறை வண்டரற்றப் பசுந்தேன் ஞானம்
“இடையாது
Sri Thaduthatkonda Nathar
Vazhakku theertha mandapa
Believed that Lord Shiva stands at this Pillar
63var
Saptamatrikas
Saptamatrikas
Durga
Dakshinamurthy
Loose sculptures
Loose sculptures
Ayyanar
Inscriptions
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