Idaiyattrunathar Temple, Tiruvidaiyaru
Location: Tiruvidaiyaru (now known as T. Edayar)
Deity known as: Idaiyattrunathar, Marundeeesar, Sivanandeswarar
Female Deity: Sittridai Nayaki
Pathikam: Sundarar - 1
Gallery - Idaiyattrunathar Temple
How to Reach
Tiruvidaiyaru is situated on the Tirukkovilur – Tiruvennainallur – Arasur Road (SH 68). It can also be reached via Arasur, which lies on the Villupuram – Ulundurpettai (NH 45) highway. From Arasur, proceed along SH 68 to reach the temple. Regular bus services are available from Villupuram to this location.
Nearby Temples
| 1 | Tiruvennainallur - 5 kms |
Temple Address
Arulmighu Idaiyattrunathar TempleT. Edayaru Post
Tirukkovilur Taluk
Villupuram District
PIN 607209
Temple Layout
The Gopuram and Main Sanctum
This Shiva temple features a three-tiered Gopuram, leading into a gateway where one can find two Balipeetams and Nandi, notably without a Dwajasthambam. The sanctum of the presiding deity, Idaiyatrunathar, faces west. Within the temple’s mandapam, there is a separate sannidhi for Shanmukha Subramanya, enshrined with His consorts Valli and Deivanai. An inscription within the temple uniquely refers to Muruga (Shanmukha) as “Kaliyuga Rama Pillaiyar.”
Inner Prakaram and Sannidhis
A majestic Marutha tree (Terminalia arjuna) stands gracefully in the inner prakaram, lending a serene ambience to the temple. Around this sacred tree are the sannidhis of the Navagrahas, Agatheeswara Linga, Chandeswarar, Sapthamathas, and Palamrutha Vinayaka, among others. The presence of Dakshinamurthy and Goddess Durga as Goshta Murthas further enhances the sanctity of the temple. The female deity, Goddess Sitridai Nayaki, is enshrined facing east, in an elegant standing posture, looking towards the presiding deity.
Divine Significance
Temples where the God and Goddess face each other are regarded as sacred sites (sthalams) believed to remove obstacles related to marriage. It is firmly believed that worshipping Idaiyatrunathar and Goddess Sitridai Nayaki in this temple helps devotees overcome challenges in marriage and attain harmonious relationships.
Temple Significance
Sacred Visitors and Rituals
Several revered sages and saints — including Sage Sukhabrahma, Sage Agasthya, Saint Sundarar, and Maraignana Sambandar — are believed to have visited this temple and offered their heartfelt prayers to the presiding deity. The abundance of parrots found within the temple premises is traditionally associated with Maharshi Sukhabrahma. It is also believed that Sage Agasthya installed and worshipped a sacred Linga known as Agatheeswarar here, and he is enshrined in a separate sannidhi within the temple complex.
Surya Puja
Notably, a special surya puja is conducted during the 15th and 16th of the Tamil month Masi from 5.00 p.m. to 5.15 p.m., when the sun's rays directly illuminate the deity.
Temple Legend
Once, Shiva was imparting the sacred knowledge of “Shiva Rahasya” to Goddess Umadevi. During this divine discourse, Maharishi Sukhabrahma, who bore a parrot’s face, happened to overhear their conversation. Offended by this act, Shiva cursed the Maharishi to be reborn on Earth. Realizing his mistake, Sukhabrahma sought forgiveness from the Lord. Moved by his repentance, Shiva declared that he would be born as the son of Sage Veda Vyasa, and that by worshipping the deity at Tiruvidaiyaru, he would ultimately be freed from the curse. In due course, Sage Sukhabrahma performed penance beneath the sacred Marutha tree in this temple and was finally liberated from the curse, attaining divine grace.
Sundarar's Pathikam
The Pathikam composed by Saint Sundarar for this temple is found in the 7th Tirumurai. In this composition, the saint glorifies numerous sacred Shiva temples known as 'Vaippu Sthalam', along with several other Thevara Paadal Petra Sivasthalam. Through his verses, Sundarar conveys that Idayaru holds the same sanctity and spiritual merit as all the revered Shiva temples mentioned in his hymn.
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