A Wandering Heritager: Saptharishishwarar Temple /Sri Saptharisheeswarar Temple / சப்தரிஷீஸ்வரர் கோவில், லால்குடி / Lalgudi, Tiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu.

திருத்தவதுறையைச் சேர்ந்தவர் தம்மைச் சேர்ந்திடா தீவினைநோய்கள்
திருத்தவத்துறையைச் சேர்ந்தவர் தமக்குச் சேர்ந்திடும் செல்வமும் திருவும்
திருத்தவதுறையைச் சேர்ந்தவர் தமக்கு சித்தி புத்திகள் வளரும்

...... தல புராணம்

The Visit to this temple was a part of “Trichy Heritage Walk” organised by “Yaaooyakay – யாஊயாகே- Group”, to the Historical Chozha period temples, in and around Trichy aka Tiruchirappalli, scheduled on 20^th & 21^st March 2021. Even after the damages done by the Muslim invaders, this temple still stands majestically with 1000 and odd years old history, Heritage and culture values. Even-though they were contributed by the Pallava, Chozha, Pandya, Vijayanagara Kings and the present Nattukottai Nagarathars, they are less popular. During ancient times this place was called as Bhairavi Vanam and Thennalakai. Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal mentions this place in his Thevara hymns as “Pandezuvar thavaththurai- பண்டெழுவர் தவத்துறை”. Since Chozha Kings had done their coronation after taking Abhishekam, this place was also called as “Abishekapuram”. After the Muslims / Hyderabad Nizam invasion the place is being called as Lalgudi.

This is one of the Devara vaippu sthalam sung by Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal and Thirugnanasambandar. In PeriyaPuranam Sekkizhar, records that, Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal, established a madam at Thirupoonthuruthi before meeting Thirugnanasambandar third time and had sung various Thiruthandakam, and this place was mentioned in the “Adaivu Thiruthandakam”. In Thirugnanasambandar Puranam Sekkizhar records that Thirugnanasambandar ( 347 of Thirugnanasambandar Puranam ) came to this temple and sung hymns on Lord Shiva of this temple. But we couldn’t get that Devara hymns.

பல்வகைத் தாண்டகத்தோடும் பரவும் தனித்தாண்டகமும்

அல்லல் அறுப்பவர் தானத்து அடைவு திருத்தாண்டகமும்

செல்கதி காட்டிடப் போற்றும் திருஅங்க மாலையும் உள்ளிட்டு

எல்லை இல் பன்மைத் தொகையும் இயம்பினார் ஏத்தி இருந்தார்

....... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள் புராணம்

கை தொழுது ஏத்திப் புறத்து அணைந்து

காமர்பதி அதன் கண் சிலநாள்

வைகி வணங்கி மகிழ்ந்து அணைவார்

மன்னும் தவத்துறை வானவர்தாள்

எய்தி இறைஞ்சி எழுந்து நின்றே

இன்தமிழ் மாலை கொண்டு ஏத்திப்போந்து

வைதிக மாமணி அம்மருங்கு

மற்று உள்ள தானம் வழுத்திச் செல்வார்

......... திருஞானசம்பந்தர் புராணம்.

In that 6-71-11^th song he mentions 12 Shiva temples which are ends with “Thurai – துறை” and this place as Thavathurai. Thyagaraja Swamigal also sung hymns in Telugu in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.

கயிலாய மலையெடுத்தான் கரங்க ளோடு

சிரங்களுரம் நெரியக்கால் விரலாற் செற்றோன்

பயில்வாய பராய்துறைதென் பாலைத் துறை

பண்டெழுவர் தவத்துறை வெண் டுறைபைம் பொழிற்

குயிலாலந் துறைசோற்றுத் துறைபூந் துறை

பெருந்துறையுங் குரங்காடு துறையி னோடு

மயிலாடு துறைகடம்பந் துறை ஆவடு

துறைமற்றுந் துறையனைத்தும் வணங்கு வோமே

..... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்

தேவ ஸ்ரீதபஸ்தீர்த புர நிவாஸ

தேஹி ப்க்நிமதுநா தேவ

பாவந ப்ரவ்ருத்த ஸ்ரீமதி ஹ்ருத்

பவந் ஸகல ஜகத்வந ஸ்ரீமஹா தேவ

பாசஹஸ்த கணேச ஹரன ப

லாசநாரி நுதேச வரத ரு

சேசயாரி தராசரேப ம்ரு

கேச ஸப்தரு ஷீச தேவ தேவ

நீலகள ஸுரஜாலநுத நத

பால கிரீச விசால பலக்ரு

பால வால ஸுசீல கௌரீ

லோல சிவ மாம் பாலயாத்புத தேவ

நாக பூஜித நாகத நுஜ ஹ

ராக மர்தந லாசுநிப விது

தாகணிதருண ராகமத தூ

ராக ஹர ஸ்ரீத்யாகராஜ தேவ

.......ஸ்ரீ தியாகராஜ சுவாமிகள்

Moolavar : Sri Saptharishishwarar

Consort : Sri Perunthirupiratiyar

Some of the salient features of this temple are....
The temple is facing west with an entrance arch. The stucco images of Lord Shiva and Parvati as Rishabarooder, Saptarishis worshiping Lord Shiva, Vinayagar and Murugan are on the top of the entrance arch. A long passage called mattaiadi mandapa ( Paddy grains are stored ) from road. A 5 tier Rajagopuram is before the Thiruvathirai mandapam. Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam and Rishabam are in this Thiruvathirai mandapam. Stucco images of Lord Shiva with Parvati, Saptha Rishis, Bhairavi and Dwarapalakas are at the entrance to inner praharam. Moolavar is of swayambhu on a round avudayar, called vedipathrapeedam. Dwarapalakas are in the artha mandapam. In Koshtam Veena Dakshinamurthy, Arthanareeswarar and Pichadanar.

In the inner prakaram Saraswathi, Durga, Natarajar, Gajalakshmi, Valli Devasena Subramaniar, Navagrahas, Mangalya Maharishi, Kapaleeswarar, Chandikeswarar, Saptamatrikas, Thirukadaiyur Amirthakadeswarar, Jwarahareswarar, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswarar, Pichadanar, Bhairavar, Saptha Vinayagars, 63var, Nalvar, Santhana Kuravars, Pidari, Vinayagar, Saptha Nagars, Maharishis Athiri, Brugu, Pulathiyar, Vashistar, Angirasar and Marisi.

In the outer prakaram Ambal Perunthirupirati is in a separate temple facing east. Ambal is in sitting posture with Jadamakudam. Hands are in Abhaya varada hastham. Ambal is also called as Srimathi, Aramvalartha Nayagi, Nithya Kalyani, Uma Maheswari and Perunthirupiratiyar. In koshtam Gaumari, Brahmi, Vaishnavi, Gauri and Nardana Ganapathy. Mahavidvan Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, in Perunthirupirattiyar Pillaiththamizh praises as...

பொன்பூத்த திருமுகங் கருணை பொழி தரவம்மை பொன்னூசல் ஆடியருளே
பொன்னகர நிகரான தென்னளகை நகர் மாது பொன்னூசர் ஆடியருளே

The 15^th Century Arunagirinathar has also sung hymns in praise of Lord Muruga of this temple.

சீரணி யுந்திரை தத்து முத்தெறி

காவிரி யின்கரை மொத்து மெத்திய

சீர்புனை கின்றதி ருத்த வத்துறை வரும்வாழ்வே

சீறியெ திர்ந்தவ ரக்க ரைக்கெட

மோதிய டர்ந்தருள் பட்ச முற்றிய

தேவர்கள் தஞ்சிறை வெட்டிவிட்டருள் பெருமாளே

....அருணகிரி நாதர்-திருப்புகழ்

ARCHITECTURE
The Sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, artha mandapam. In addition to that, there are many mandapas in this temple. They are 4 Pillar Mandapam in front of the temple on the road side, called Mattai adi Mandapam, Vasantha mandapam ( 16 pillars ) on the left after the entrance, Thiruvathirai mandapam after the Rajagopuram, a bas- relief of 12 Rasis, ashtadikPalakas with various animals like Horse, Snake, Elephant, Dog etc, is on the ceiling of Thiruvathirai mandapam ( Thiruvathirai festival is conducted in this mandapa ), Most of the pillars has the bas reliefs of Narasimhar, Rama worshiping Lord Shiva, Epic Ramayana story, Vinayagar, Murugan, Anjaneyar, Krishna, Dancers, etc,.

The temple bell was installed in the year 1914 with inscriptions “Sapthrishiswarar Koil” and weighs 120 Kg and measuring 2 feet diameter.

Natarajar Mandapam is supported more than 50 Pillars. On Thiruvathirai arudra Darshan days, Natarajar will be kept here and abhishekam with aradhana will be conducted. This was built during Maratha period and the King’s bas relief is on one of the Pillar. The Ceiling has the bas relief of Vinayagar, Murugan, Gajalakshmi. Annam bird, Horse, A warrior fights with an Elephant.

Kannadi Mandapam is on the opposite to Natarajar Mandapam. During Thiruvathirai festival Mirrors will be kept to reflect the Natarajar’s image. Vahana mandapa has the Vahanas used during Utsavam. Some of the Vahanas are Peacock, Rishaba, Snake, Elephant, Horse, Annam, Kailash, lotus, etc,.

Stucco images of Lord Shiva, Parvathi and saptarishis are at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of Artha mandapam and Sanctum sanctorum.

The adhistanam is of Pratibandha adhisthana. Oorthuva Padmam is on the jagathi, Virutha Kumuda and Yazhivari is shown on the adhisthana. This adisthana is called “Sronibandam” or “Padmapuskalam” or “Padmabandam”. The sanctum sanctorum was built with stone from Adhisthanam to prastaram. The prastaram is of Kapotha style. Bhutaganas are in the valabi. An eka thala vesara Vimana is over the sanctum sanctorum. Thala rishabas are on the 4 corners. Maha Nasis are on the cardinal ( 4 ) directions and alpa nasis are in between the maha nasis. Sigaram is with Thookkodu, Padmam, Kandamalai, Oorthuvapadmam and Padmam kattumala, Kannadi sattam, maha padmam and Stubi. Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu, Brahma and Lord Shiva are in the griva koshtam. The Sthalapuranam stucco images are also in the grivam. Kumbh Panchara is on the antarala out side walls.

The 5 tier rajagopuram was built during Vijayanagara period. The image of Parisarakar “Thejovidangan”, who had done service in this temple and attained Mukti is near the Rajagopuram.

The adhisthana kanda portions has the miniature Sculptures of Lord Shiva in seating posture with Bhuta Ganas surrounding him, Kirathajunar purana- Arjuna and Lord Shiva as a hunter gave Pasupata astra, Lord Shiva with Uma as Rishabanthigar and Maha Vishnu worshiping Lord Shiva, Kala Samhara murti, Lord Shiva Kicked Yama for Markandeya, Lingothbavar ie Annamalaiyar, Gaja samhara moorthy the sthala purana of Vazhuvur Veerattanam, Lord Shiva in chathura Nadanam for Bhuta Ganas music, Kali’s Dance, Maha Vishnu worshiping Lord Shiva, Parvati being worshiped by her Devotees, Mahishasura Mardini, Lord Shiva with Nandhiyamperuman, Vali Sugriva fight, Maha Vishnu with Sridevi and Bhudevi, Bala Murugan as Child, Lord Shiva as Hariharan, Parantaka Chozha with his Queen, Maha Vishnu’s Sayana Posture, Dakshinamurthy, Hiranya with Narasimhar, Kannappa Nayanar Purana, Gajendra moksham, ladies helping a pregnant lady for delivery, Lord Shiva burning Muppuram, Vinayagar, Dancing ladies, Agora Veerabhadra, Sandesa Anugraha Murthy, etc are worth to see.

Pichadanar... is with Jada maguda wearing patra and Makra kundalas. Holding Damaru, Kapala, feeding deer, Brahma’s back bone of soolam. Also wearing a raised padaraksha. The Koshta makara torana has the bas-reliefs of Epic Ramayana Story.

Arthanareeswarar... is in standing posture with Jadamaguda and wearing Patra and makara kundala. His lower right hand resting is on Rishabam, upper hands holds Man and mazhu and left hand holds a flower. Haras are on the neck, yagnopaveetha, wearing respective ( male & female ) dress. The Makara torana has the floral designs.

Veenadhara Dakshinamurthy.... is standing in tribhanga posture with Jadabaram wearing makara and patra kundala. With a beautiful smile on the face holding Veena in two hands and other two hands holds akkamala and Damaru. 2 haras are on the neck, Uthara bandham on the stomach, yagnopaveetha on the chest and dress on the hip is shown. Believed to be of early Chozha’s period.

Vishnu Durgai.... is with Jada Magudam wearing Kundalas and in standing posture. While two hands holds Chakra & Conch, front right hand is abhaya hastha and left hand is in kadi hastham. Mahisan’s head is not shown.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS
This place might have obtained the name as Lalgudi during, when Tiruchirappalli was under the control of, Arcot Nawab or Hyderabad Nizams. In urdu Lalgudi means a red Gopura. During Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji’s Chieftain Malik-kafur’s 2^nd invasion to this side there was a war near Peruvalanallur to save this temple. In the war many people which includes scholars were died. In appreciation of the Chieftain called Lalkhan, this place was named as Lalkhankudi, which has got corrupted to the present name of Lalgudi.

The Original brick temple belongs to 8^th Century Pallava period, sanctum was built by a person called Arthanareeswarar and the same was reconstructed as a stone temple during Chozha period and further extended by Mutharayars /Pandyas /Marathas / Vijayanagaras.

The inscriptions recorded from this temple belongs to Nandhi Varman, Nirupathunga Varman, Varaguna Maharajar, Adhitha Chozha-I, Parantaka Chozha, Rajarajan-I, Rajathirajan-I, Rajendra Chozha-II and Vijayanagaras. As per the inscription this place was under Kaveri Vadakari mazhavarNadu, the Rajasriya Valanadu. In the name of Kulothunga Chozha’s wife Thina Chinthamani, Pandyakulapathi valanadu during Pandya period, Lord Shiva was called as Thiruvathurai EswaraBadarakar, Thiruvathurai Perumanadigal, Thiruvathurai Udayar, Thiruvathurai Mahadevar, Thejovidangar, etc,.

The Pallava King who conquered in Thellaru war ( 811 CE ), Nandhi Potharayar’s period inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which gold coins are given to the Nannimangalam Sabhai.

The Pandya King Maran Sadayan, Pandya Kulapathy Varaguna Marayan’s 13^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lap on Dhanur month, Tuesday sathaya nakshatra day, for which 120 gold coins were given to Anda nattu Velan

Rajakesari Varman, Aditha Chozha’s 13^th reign year inscription records that his sister “Nangai Varaguna Perumanar” has given gift of 30 Kalanju Gold for burning a perpetual lamp, to Manakkal Sabhai, from that a land was purchased and given to this temple.

Madurai Konda koparakesarvarman Parantaka Chozha-I’s 37^th reign year inscription records the endowment of reciting Thevara Pathigams daily through Brahmins in front of Thiruvathurai Batarakar by Sivakesari Pidaran. For the same a Land was gifted to this temple. During Parantaka Chozha’s son Rajakesari Varman’s 3^rd reign year, the endowment was not sufficient, the same person Sivakesari Pidaran, purchased lands and gifted to this temple again.

Rajendra Chozha-II, period inscription records that 100 Kuzhi land was sold to this temple. This was measured a scale called “Rajakandan Maligai”.

Nirupathungan period inscription records the endowment of early morning pooja Naivedyam by Bhoothikandan. For the same he has given a gift of 50 Kalanju Gold. The end of the inscription ( ompadai kilavi ), it ends with that who ever continues this endowment will live long and will get the Dharma.

Rajathi Rajan Period Inscription records that his daughter’s personal servant /maid called “Singankuppai” has given a gift of 11 Kalanju Gold. Through that 1.4 veli land which was irrigated through “Kundu Vaikal sei” bought and gifted to this temple as irayili.

The Kokkilan Adigal daughter of this Chera king ( Queen of Parantaka Chola ) has provided gold for expenses for lighting lamps at the temple at Lalgudi in Cholanadu in the year 923 CE.

Like this many ladies also gifted to this temple. The important people are Cheraman’s daughter Kokizhanadigal, Adita Chozha’s Sister Nangai Varaguna Perumanar, Rajaditha's daughter Chozhakula Sundaram UranVembi, Kadamban maran’s daughter MaRRukkaLvi, Brahmani thiruneelakandi, Kalanganilai Chokki and Thaththa Narayani

Vijayanagara King Viruppanna Udayar period Lord shiva was called as Thiruthavathurai Udaya Nayanar and for burning lamp land was gifted Thiruvilakkupuram.

From the inscriptions on the pillars, Valluvapadi Nattu Anjathakopan and Selvanathan alias Rajakambeerakon DevankuRRi built the entrance mandapa. The same nattu Valavkkon, Kulothunga Chozhan, UlagamuNdakon, and Akalanga Gopalan constructed the Vasanthamandapam. The place Akalangam is on the west side of Poovalur and about 4 KM from Lalgudi.

06^th January 1998, 08^th April 2009 and 04^th June 2017, Maha kumbhabhishekam was conducted after maintenance carried out.

LEGENDS
As per the legend Sapta Rishis, Athiri, Brugu, Pulathiyar, Vashistar, Gauthamar, Angirasar and Marisi. The Saptarishis believed that the Sivaganga Theertham came directly from the head of Lord Shiva. The saptha rishis took bath and worshiped Lord Shiva. They merged with agni svarupa of Lord Shiva. Hence Lord Shiva is praised as Saptharisheeswarar.

Once the Rishi Vashistar happened to see an abandoned child crying near the Sapta Rishi’s ashram. So Vashistar asked his wife Arunthathi to feed the Child. Since she was in a hurry to pluck flowers for the Pooja, didn’t attend the Child. So the Karthigai penkal took care of the Child. Vashistar got angry and separated his wife and other Raishis also done the same. While the rishis argued in favour of Vashister, the Rishi patnis were in favour of Arunthathi. Immediately The Child turned to Lord Arumuga and laughed at them. The Sapta Rishis realised their mistake, begged Arumuga and begged pardon them. As advised the Sapta Rishis worshiped Lord Shiva and Lord Shiva absorbed them. Hence Lord Shiva is called as Saptharisheeswarar.

As per the Purana maha Lakshmi did a penance at this temple and married Maha Vishnu. Mangalya Maharishi also worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple, hence it is believed that the marriage obstacles will be removed if prayed Sapta rishis, especially Mangala Maharishi of this temple. It is believed that Maha Vishnu obtained the Chakrayutha from Lord Shiva from this temple. Since Lord Shiva danced with Kali, this place was also called as “Bhairavi Vanam”.

In another legend, Mazhava Nattu king was suffering from Venkushta decease – வெண்குஷ்டம் – Leucoderma. So, The King prayed Lord Shiva of this temple. Lord Shiva directed him to take bath in the Sivaganga Theertham and worship him. After taking bath the King was relieved from the decease. He also made to settle Brahmins in this place and do the Vedaparayana at this temple. Mazhava nadu was praised in the Ayyanar Puranam.

மாடுவிரைப் பொலிசோலையின் வான்மதிவந்தேறச்

சூடு பரப்பியண்ணைவரம்பு சுரும்பேற

ஈடு பெருக்கியபோர்களின் மேகம் இளைத்தேற

நீடுவளத்ததுமேன்மழநாடு எனும்நீர்நாடு

.... ஆயனார் புராணம்

It is further believed that, all Sins and doshas, will be removed after sprinkle the holy theertham of Sivaganga, on their heads and worship Lord Shiva.

This legend is associated with Nannimangalam sthala purana also. As per the sthalapurana, the three leaves Vilvacharam could not find even in Devaloka. If the Vilvasaram is placed on a Swayambhu Linga and chant Namasivaya mantra, the Vilvasaram will turn in to gold and grow multifold with wealth. This Vilvasaram will be visible only to those with divine sakthi / power. Lord Shiva gave this Vilvasaram to Kubera. So Kubera asked his sons Manikireevan and Nalakooban to go to the Bhooloka and find out the sacredness of this Vilvasaram and in which temple it will grow in multifold. When they were holding, it was visible to them. They came to this Bhooloka and worshiped Shiva of many temples. The Vilvasaram doesn’t grow and in some places disappeared too. They came to Thiruvannamali and worshiped Lord Annamalaiyar keeping the Vilvasaram on the feet. They prayed Annamalaiyar to guide them to the Shiva Temple where this Vilvasaram will grow multifold. Lord Shiva guided them to go to south to this temple at Chennivaikal where Lord Shiva as Sundareswarar and Ambal as Meenakshi on the banks of River Kaveri.

தென்திசைக் காவேரி இயல்சீர் சேர்
சென்னி சிவக்கயல் சுந்தரம் பார்..

Happy with the guidance Sri Annamalaiyar, Kubera’s sons Manikireevan and Nalakooban came to Thiruthavathurai Sri Saptharishiswarar Temple at Lalgudi with the Vilvasaram. Both took bath in the Sivaganga Theertham and found that their Swarna Vilvacharam had disappeared. Worried brothers went inside the temple and found that their Vilvacharam multiplied many fold on Shiva Linga when they chant the OM Shivaya mantra and they were happy.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Apart from regular poojas special poojas are conducted on Tamil New year day Thai Pongal, Makar Sankranti in the month Thai, Maha Shivaratri in the month Masi, 10 days ( really 14 days with Idaiyatru Mangalam, Thirumanamedu, Thirumandurai, Thiru Adhikudi, Thiru Anbilathurai, Thiruchenni Valanadu – 14^th day Chandikeswarar utsavam ) Utsavam in the month Panguni, Pancha murthi Utsavam in the month Chithirai On Visakam day vasantha utsavam in the month Vaikasi, Thirumanjanam and Mattaiadi thiruvizha – Natarajar and Amabl oodal Utsavam in the month Aani, 10 days Aadi Pooram and Sundara murthy Guru pooja in the month Aadi, Vinayagar Chathurthi in the month Avani, Navaratri in the month Purattasi, Kandar Sashti, Soorasamharam in the month Aippasi, Thiruvathirai 10 days Utsavam in the month Margazhi and monthly pradosham. During Adhirai peruvizha Pancha Murthis will be taken to Kollidam river and Theerthavari will be conducted. Ezhur Thiruvizha will be conducted in the month Panguni.

TEMPLE TIMINGS
The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 21.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS
The Land line +91 431 2541329 and mobile number of the Gurukkal +91 94438 35638 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH
The temple at Lalgudi 19 KM from Main Guard gate, 27 KM from Tiruchirappalli, 90 KM from Karur, 90 KM from Namakkal, 50 KM from Thanjavur, 73 KM from Kumbakonam and 322 KM from Chennai.
Nearest Railway station is Lalgudi and Junction is Tiruchirappalli.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE