About the temple:This Shiva temple is one among the six which are considered as sanctious as Varanaasi. The other 5 are Tiruvenkaadu, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvaiyaru, Tiruvidaimarudur and Tiruvanchiam. This temple, one of the renowned "Maadakovil" constructions from the early Chola period, was built by the illustrious King Kochengat Chozhan and stands as a magnificent testament to the architectural prowess and devotional spirit of that era. There are two distinct entry points to this temple - one to the east and another to the south. The eastern entrance leads to a three-tiered gopuram and to the left of this entryway lies the temple's sacred water body, the "Iravadha theertham," a tranquil pool that adds to the temple's serene ambiance. Stepping through the gateway, one can see "kodimarathu" Vinayaka. The circumambulating path of the outer prakaram, or courtyard, is lined up with significant sannidhis and deities, including those dedicated to Surya, Indra, Iyarpagai Nayanar and his spouse. Proceeding further along the path in a clockwise trek, we can see sannidhis for Vinayaka, Subramanyar, Gajalakshmi, Bhairavar, as well as the Navagrahas, the nine celestial planets. Upon completing this customary circumambulation, a fleet of steps lead to the elevated "Maadakovil," where to the right, are the 'palli-arai' and the sannidhi of the female deity. At the heart of this magnificent temple complex lies the "swayambhoo linga" of the deity Chaayavaneswarar, facing eastward in his sanctum.
Temple history: Athithi, the mother of Indira, harbored a deep desire to come down to the earthly realm and worship at the sacred sannidhi of Chayavaneswarar. When Indira, the powerful ruler of the heavens, discovered that his beloved mother had gone missing, he immediately set out on a search to locate her. To his great relief, Indira eventually traced Athithi's whereabouts and found that she had indeed arrived on Earth to fulfill her wishes at the Chayavaneswarar temple. Moved by his mother's piety and devotion, he decided that he would uproot the entire temple structure for his mother and transport it back to his own domain, using his magnificent white elephant, Iravadha. However, as Indira was in the midst of enacting this feat, Parvathi intervened, emitting a melodious sound that was sweeter than the serenade of a nightingale, giving the name 'kuyilinum-Nan-mozhi-ammai'. At that moment, Shiva himself appeared before Indira, gently advising him to abandon the idea of relocating the temple. Instead, Shiva urged Indira to allow his mother to carry out her worship right there on Earth, assuring him that she would be amply blessed for her sincere devotion. When the elephant Iravadha in his attempts to uproot the temple, pierced deep into the earth's surface with his tusk, a gushing spring of water emerged creating the pool 'iravadha theertham' at this temple.
Iyarpagai Nayanar: Iyarpagai Nayanar is revered as one of the 63 celebrated devotees of Lord Shiva, known for his unwavering devotion and unorthodox actions. The term "Iyarpagai" refers to doing something that goes against established customs and societal norms. Iyarpagai Nayanar had an extraordinary trait - he was willing to part with anything that belonged to him, no matter how precious, and share it selflessly with a fellow Shiva devotee. One day, Lord Shiva himself came in the guise of a 'Shivan Adiyar' and demanded that Iyarpagai Nayanar send his wife away with him. Without any hesitation or objection, Nayanar obliged, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his cause. Recognizing the potential danger along the way, the disquised guest asked Iyarpagai Nayanar to escort them until they crossed the borders of the land. Armed with a sword, Iyarpagai Nayanar dutifully complied, defeating any who dared to oppose their passage. Upon reaching the border safely, the 'Shivan Adiyar' instructed Iyarpagai Nayanar to leave his wife and return. Obeying, Iyarpagai Nayanar turned to go back. It was at that moment the 'Adiyar' vanished, and in his place Shiva manifested, accompanied by Parvathi, and blessed Iyarpagai Nayanar. Iyarpagai Nayanar returned home with his wife. It was here at Chayavanam, Iyarpagai Nayanar attained 'mukthi' after many years of living a blessed life.
The 'urchava' idol of Muruga at Chayavanam is truly a unique and captivating representation of the revered deity. Rather than the traditional spear, Muruga is depicted holding a bow and arrow, symbolizing his readiness for the battle against the demon Soorapadman. An ornate anklet adorns Muruga's right leg, further emphasizing his preparedness for the impending conflict. It is said that the idol, which originally resided in Tiruchendur temple, was once smuggled aboard a ship, only to be caught in the throes of a cyclone. Miraculously, the idol was discovered washed ashore at the ancient port town of Poompuhar, from whence it was reverently brought to its current abode at Chayavanam. At Sikkal, Muruga is believed to have received his iconic spear from his mother, Parvathy. The anklet 'Veera kanda mani' was presented by his father, Shiva. These two sacred implements were then wielded by Muruga in his triumphant clash against Soorapadman. For those who seek freedom from the fear of enemies, worshipping this unique Muruga idol is said to imbue them with immense courage and the resolve to overcome any adversity they may face in their lives.
South entrance
East entrance
View from south entrance
East facing gopuram
Iravadha theertham
Nandi, Balipeetam
Outer prakaram
Muruga with his consorts
Muruga with bow and arrow
Iyarpagai Nayanar