Pasupatheeswarar Temple, Tiruthuraiyur

Location: Tiruthuraiyur

Deity known as: Pasupatheeswarar, Shishtaguru Nathar

Female Deity: Poongothai Nayaki, Shivaloka Nayaki

Pathikam: Sundarar - 1

Gallery - Pasupatheeswarar Temple

Entrance

View from Entrance

Subramaniar with His Consorts

How to Reach

This Shiva temple, located in the Cuddalore District, lies about 9 km north of Panruti via Pudupettai and Chinnapettai. Regular bus services are available from Panruti to reach the temple.

Nearby Temples

1	Tiruvathigai - 12 kms

Temple Address

Arulmighu Sishtagurunathar Temple
Tiruthuraiyur Post
Panruti Taluk
Cuddalore District
PIN 607205
Contact: Sri Muralidhara Sivaachaariar, Temple priest
Phone: 04142 248498 or 9444807393

Temple Layout

Temple Structure and Main Sanctum

The entrance to this Shiva temple is through a single gateway without a Rajagopuram. From the entrance, a pathway leads to the Dwajasthambam, Balipeetam, and Nandhi. Beyond this lies an inner gateway that opens into a mandapam housing the sannidhi of the presiding deity, Sri Shishtagurunathar, who manifests here as a 'Swayambhoo Linga' facing west. Notably, the Goddess Sri Shivalokanayaki resides in a separate sannidhi facing north — a rare and significant orientation in temple architecture.

Inner Prakaram and Deities

The inner prakaram houses the sannidhis of several deities including Narthana Ganapathy, Balasubramanya, Nataraja, the Four Nayanmars, Dakshinamurthy, Lingodhbava, Durga, Chandeswara, and Varadaraja Perumal. A particularly striking feature here is the exquisite stone sculpture depicting Uma Maheshwara imparting spiritual wisdom to Saint Sundarar, with Vinayaka witnessing the divine scene — a rare and captivating representation within the temple.

Sacred Trees and Theertham

The Sthala Vruksham, Kondrai, stands gracefully opposite the sannidhi of Sri Shivalokanayaki. Adjacent to the sacred tree lies the Lingam worshipped by Sage Agasthya, enhancing the temple’s spiritual significance. The Sthala Theertham, known as Suryapushkarini, is situated outside the temple premises. It is believed that Surya, Brahma, Vishnu, Rama, Sita, Bhima, and the revered sages Agasthya and Narada have all worshipped Sri Shishtagurunathar and Sri Shivalokanayaki at this sacred shrine.

Special Features

The Ashtabhuja Padhrakaali (Kali with eight hands) holds special significance in this temple. Grand festivals are conducted in her honour on every full-moon day. Near the parking area for the temple chariot (ratham), there is a three-foot idol of Vinayaka. Opposite the temple lies the Samadhi of Sri Arunanthi Sivachariar, which is affiliated with the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam. His Guru Puja is observed annually on Purattasi Pooram with great devotion. The priests serving in this temple are the direct descendants of Sri Arunanthi Sivachariar, continuing his sacred lineage of worship.

Temple Significance

Sundarar's Divine Encounter - The Temple Legend

When Sundarar arrived here from Tiruvennainallur, he was unable to cross the overflowing Thenpennai River to reach this temple. Stranded on the riverbank, he prayed earnestly to Lord Shiva and sang a Pathikam. In response to his devotion, Shiva and Parvathi appeared before him in the guise of an elderly couple and graciously offered to ferry him across the river in their boat. Upon reaching the opposite shore, the divine couple suddenly disappeared, leaving Sundarar astonished. At that very moment, a celestial voice urged him to look up — and there, in a radiant vision, he beheld Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi as Rishabaroodar, majestically seated on the sacred bull Rishabam. Overcome with devotion, Sundarar offered heartfelt prayers, and it was here that Lord Shiva bestowed upon him the divine knowledge of penance. From this sacred event, the presiding deity came to be known as Sri Shivagurunatheswarar.

Arunagirinathar's Praise

The 14th-century saint-poet Arunagirinathar has composed a hymn in praise of Muruga of this temple. The deity is enshrined facing east, flanked gracefully by His divine consorts Valli and Deivanai, radiating beauty and benevolence.

Keelapakkam Temple Connection

A nearby temple at Keelapakkam is closely associated with this legend. According to its Sthalapurana, it was at this very spot that Sundarar encountered the divine elderly couple who later revealed themselves as Shiva and Parvathi. The divine couple manifested as Rishabaroodar in the vimana of this temple, bestowing their blessings upon Sundarar and sanctifying the place with their divine presence.

Sundarar's Pathikam

The Pathikam dedicated to this temple was composed by Sundarar and is featured in the 7th Tirumurai. In his verses, Sundarar extols the sanctity of the Thenpennai River and glorifies the divine grace of the deity of Thiruthuraiyur. He further declares that those who immerse themselves in the recitation and contemplation of this Pathikam will be blessed abundantly by the presiding deity of this sacred temple.