Shiva-loka-thyagesar temple, Tirunallur Perumanam
Location: Tirunallur Perumanam (Now known as Aachchaalpuram)
Deity known as: Shiva-loka-thyagesar
Female Deity: Tiru-Venneetru-Umyammai
Pathikam: Sambandar - 1
Gallery – Shivalokathyagesar Temple, Tirunallur Perumanam
How to Reach
Take the road from Chidambaram to Sirkazhi and reach Kollidam. After crossing the Kollidam bridge, turn onto the branch road leading towards Aachchaalpuram and Tirumayendrapalli. The temple is situated about 5 km from Kollidam. Aachchaalpuram lies approximately 25 km from Chidambaram. Regular bus facilities are available from both Chidambaram and Sirkazhi.
Temple Address
Aachchaalpuram
Aachchaalpuram Post
Sirkazhi Taluk
Mayiladuthurai District
PIN – 609101
Temple Hours
Morning: 6:00 – 12:00
Evening: 4:30 – 8:00
Near by Temples
| 1 | Tirumayendrapalli - 7 kms |
Location Map
Temple Layout
The temple of Shivalokathyagesar Temple faces east and is adorned with an impressive five-tiered Rajagopuram. Situated directly opposite the temple is the sacred Panchakshara Theertham, one among the eleven water bodies associated with this temple. The entrance through the Rajagopuram leads to a Dwajasthambam, clad in metal covering, followed by the Nandi Mandapam. Beyond this lies the Nootru-kaal-mandapam (hundred-pillared hall), which houses a sannidhi for Tirugyanasambandar along with his consort Sthothra Poornambika, both exquisitely depicted in their wedding attire.
Beyond this mandapam lies the east-facing sanctum of the presiding deity, Shivaloka Thyagesar. The outer walls of the sanctum are adorned with the goshta murthis of Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbhavar, Brahma, and Durga. Within the prakaram surrounding the sanctum, sannidhis for Runavimochanar and Mahalakshmi are located on the western side.
The sannidhi of Tiruneetru Umayammai, located in the western outer prakaram, resembles a separate temple with its own entrance and circumambulatory passage. This Goddess has been venerated by Tiruneelakanda Yazhpaanar, Muruga Nayanar, and Tiruneelakka Nayanar. Tirugyanasambandar’s wedding was graced by Goddess Uma Herself, who distributed tiruneeru (sacred ash) to the assembled devotees, thereby earning the name Tiruneetru Umayammai. At this sannidhi, devotees are offered sacred ash instead of kumkum, and it is believed that applying this tiruneeru enhances the longevity of their spouses. The divine wedding of Sambandar is commemorated annually during the Tamil month of Vaikasi, on the auspicious day of Moolam.
Namashivaya Tirupathikam – Sthala Significance
Tirugnanasambandar, having obtained the consent and blessings of his parents, entered into marriage and later visited the temple accompanied by his bride, relatives, and devotees. As the wedding party arrived, a brilliant beam of divine light appeared, revealing the presence of the Shiva Jyothi. Sambandar urged all those assembled to merge with this light. However, some devotees hesitated, overwhelmed by fear at the sight of the radiant flame. To reassure them, Sambandar extolled the glory of Namashivaya and rendered the revered Namashivaya Tirupathigam. Filled with divine grace, he, along with his consort, led the gathering into the sacred jyothi, guiding them towards spiritual union with Shiva and the ultimate attainment of salvation.
Tirunallur Perumanam is revered as the sacred site where Tirugyanasambandar, along with Tiruneelakanta Yazhpanar, Muruga Nayanar, and Tiruneelakka Nayanar, attained Mukthi together—on the same day and at the very same place—merging in divine light.
The bride of Tirugyanasambandar was brought to the wedding from the nearby Nallur village. The Sundara Kodanda Rama Temple in Nallur is an important place for visitors, though it is presently in need of restoration. It is believed that lighting a ghee lamp and offering prayers at this temple can help alleviate astrological doshas, especially those related to marriage.
The sacred spot where Tirugyanasambandar’s wedding took place is situated within the temple premises. Each year, on the auspicious occasion of Vaikasi Moola, this divine wedding is ceremonially reenacted with the support of devotees and patrons. The observances begin with the Upanayana ritual in the morning, followed by the wedding ceremony and a grand procession, and conclude with the symbolic union with the Shiva Jyothi.
Gallery – Shivalokathyagesar Temple, Tirunallur Perumanam
