Narthana Vallabeswarar Temple, Tirukkoodalaiyatrur
Location: Tirukkoodalaiyatrur
Deity known as: Narthana Vallabeswarar, Nerikkaattunayakar
Female Deity: Parasakthi, Gyanashakthi, Purikuzhalaambikai
Pathikam: Sundarar - 1
Gallery - Narthana Vallabeswarar Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is situated 31 km southeast of Virudhachalam, accessible via Rajendrapattinam and Srimushnam. It lies at the confluence of the Vellaru and Manimutharu rivers, adding to its sacred charm. The temple can also be reached from Chidambaram via Kavalakudi, with bus services available from Chidambaram to Koodalaiyatrur.
Temple Address
Tirukkoodalaiyattrur
Kaavalakudi Post
Kaattumannarkoil Taluk
Cuddalore District
PIN 608702
Temple hours
Morning: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Near by Temples
| 1 | Thoongaanai Maadam - 18 kms |
Temple Layout
This Shiva temple is situated at the confluence of the two rivers, Vellaru and Manimutharu, and is aptly named Tirukoodalaiyatrur — with koodal in Tamil meaning “join” or “confluence.” It is also revered as Dakshina Prayagai. The temple’s main gopuram is a three-tiered structure. Upon entering through the gateway, devotees first see the Nandi. Unlike most Shiva temples, this temple does not have a Dwajasthambam (kodimaram/flagstaff) or a Balipeedam (sacrificial altar), which makes it unique.
Deities and Sannidhis
The external prakaram houses several sannidhis, including Amudha Vinayaka, Viswanatha Linga, Arumukha, and Gyanashakthi. The vimanam above the Moolavar is two-tiered, with a Mandapam on the second level accessible via steps. After paying respects to Dwara Ganapathy and entering the sanctum, devotees can behold the presiding deity Narthana Vallabeshwarar, a majestic swayambhoo Linga. During the first three days of the Tamil month Chithirai, the sun’s rays fall directly on the presiding deity. The sanctum also contains Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma, and Ashtabhuja Durga as Goshta Murthas, while Chandikeshwar is enshrined opposite Ashtabhuja Durga. Within the Nataraja Sabha, the idols of Nataraja and Shivakami can also be seen. Unlike many other temples, this sacred site does not have a Navagraha shrine for the nine celestial deities. Instead, it features a dedicated sannidhi for Saneeshwara (Lord Shani, the planet Saturn).
Chittiraguptha
A unique feature of this temple is its shrine dedicated to Chittiraguptha, the assistant of Yama Dharmaraja. Chittiraguptha is depicted holding a pen in one hand and a script in the other, symbolizing his role in recording human deeds.
Gyanashakthi and Parashakthi
The sannidhis of Gyanashakthi and Parashakthi lend an added layer of divinity to this temple. To the right of the presiding deity’s sanctum is the sannidhi of ParaShakthi, depicted standing like her counterpart Gyanashakthi. Devotees receive kumkum as prasadam at the sannidhi of Gyanashakthi, and vibuthi as prasadam at the sannidhi of Parashakthi, reflecting the distinct offerings associated with each deity. Offering prayers to both Shakthi deities is believed to enhance intellectual capabilities. By seeking blessings from Gyanashakthi and Parashakthi, worshippers aim to augment wisdom and personal growth, fostering mental and spiritual development.
Temple Significance
Temple of Wisdom and Spiritual Growth
The revered Sage Agasthya sought the blessings of the deity at this site in pursuit of unending knowledge and wisdom. Since then, generations of students have flocked to this temple to offer their prayers and seek divine guidance in their quest for learning and enlightenment. The presence of Brahma and Goddess Saraswathy further enhances the temple’s significance as a ‘prarthanai sthalam’ for education and spiritual growth. The divine energy and blessings that pervade this place make it a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who seek to expand their intellectual horizons and deepen their understanding of the world around them.
Narthana Vallabeswarar
Sages Vyagbharatha and Pathanjali witnessed the celestial spectacle of Shiva’s divine dance at Chidambaram. Fascinated by their accounts, Brahma expressed his desire to witness this captivating dance himself and fervently prayed to Shiva at this site. The principal deity here is revered as Narthana Vallabeswarar, symbolizing the One who gracefully danced before Brahma in response to his devotion.
Tiruppugazh
Muruga at this temple is depicted with twelve hands, facing east atop a peacock with his consorts Valli and Devayanai. The saint-poet Arunagirinathar has sung praises of Muruga at Tirukoodalaiyatrur in his celebrated Tiruppugazh.
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