Sundareswarar temple, Tiru-kalikamur

Location: Tiru-Kalikamur (Now known as Annappan Pettai)

Deity known as: Sundareswarar

Female Deity: Sundarambal, Azhagammai, Azhagumulaiammai

Pathikam: Sambandar - 1

Gallery – Sundareswarar Temple, Tirukkalikamur

Temple's Entrance

View from the Entrance

Inside View

How to Reach

This Shiva temple is situated near Tiruvenkadu and Mangaimadam, and is located approximately 16 kilometers from Sirkazhi. The temple is easily accessible by bus, with services from Sirkazhi to Konaiyampattinam passing through Annappan Pettai.

Temple Address

Arulmighu Sundareswarar Temple
Annappan Pettai
Thennampattinam Post
Via Mangaimadam
Sirkazhi Taluk
Mayiladuthurai District
PIN – 609106

Temple Hours

Morning: 9:00 – 10:00
Evening: 6:00 – 7:00

Nearby Temples

1	Then-Tiru-Mullai-Vayil – 12 kms
2	Tiru-Pallavaneechuram – 11 kms

Location Map

Temple Layout

Entrance & Prakaram

This Shiva temple, located on the southern bank of the Uppanaru River, is marked by its modest entrance without a gopuram, with the serene Chandra Theertham situated nearby. Upon entering, devotees are first greeted by the Nandi Mandapam, and notably, there is no dwajasthambam in this temple. As one proceeds through the prakaram, the depiction of Parashara Maharishi worshipping a Shiva Linga draws attention. Moving towards the western side of the prakaram, one encounters sannidhis dedicated to Vinayaka, Subrahmanya with Valli and Deivanai, Vilva Nathar, Akilandeswari, and Mahalakshmi. Following these are a series of idols placed in sequence, including Bhairavar, Saneeswarar, Vinayaka, Kailasa Nathar, and Bhadra Kaali, all aligned one after the other.

Moolavar Sannidhi

After completing the circumambulation of the prakaram and proceeding further inside, one can behold the Swayambhu Linga of the presiding deity, Sundareswarar, enshrined on a square peetam with a relatively small baanam in an east-facing sannidhi. When one stands facing the sanctum, to the right lies the south-facing sannidhi of the divine consort, Sundarambal, whose idol is believed to have been discovered from the depths of the ocean. During Theertha Vaari, while it is customary in Shiva temples to take the deity’s idol to a river or sea, here a unique tradition is followed — the Goddess herself is taken to the ocean on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Maasi. Important festivals such as Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, and Arudhra Darshan are celebrated with great devotion and grandeur at this temple.

Sthala Purana

Sage Parashara

According to legend, Parashara Maharishi undertook a pilgrimage to various sites to cleanse himself of the negative karma incurred from slaying the demon Uthiran. In his quest for redemption, he eventually reached this place, where Shiva appeared before him and granted his blessings, thereby relieving him of the curse. Deeply moved by this divine grace, Parashara Maharishi prayed that Shiva should remain here so that devotees of future generations could also benefit from His presence. It is believed that those who practice Astrology—whether professionally or as a personal interest—will be especially blessed by worshipping the deity revered by Parashara Maharishi, who himself was a master of astrology.

The Merchant & the Goddess

A merchant afflicted with severe stomach pain once sought relief at Then-tiru-mullai-vayil, but was divinely guided to another sacred spot. While walking along the seashore, he discovered an idol of the Goddess caught in a fisherman’s net. Filled with devotion, he retrieved the idol, worshipped it, and was miraculously cured of his ailment. Acting on divine guidance, he brought the idol to this temple and consecrated it near the Swayambhu Shiva Linga. This sacred legend continues to inspire faith even today, as devotees believe that those suffering from acute stomach ailments can attain healing and relief by worshipping this divine presence.

Pathikam

The pathikam composed by Tirugnanasambandar on Tirukkalikamur is found in the 3rd Tirumurai. In his hymns, he extols the greatness of worshipping Sundareswarar, highlighting the transformative power of devotion. According to the pathikam, those who sincerely revere the deity will see their life’s hardships diminish, karmic burdens eased, and fortunes improved. He further emphasizes that through meditation and contemplation on Shiva, devotees can attain fame and prosperity, enjoy good health, and experience a deep sense of fulfillment.