Chayavaneswarar temple, Tiruchaaikkadu
Location: Tiru-Chaai-Kaadu (now known as Chaayavanam)
Deity known as: Chaayaavaneswarar
Female Deity: Kuyilinum Nan-Mozhi-Ammai
Pathikam: Sambandar - 2, Thirunavukarasar - 2
Gallery – Chayavaneswarar Temple, Tiruchaaikkadu
How to Reach
Tiruchaikkadu Temple is situated on the Sirkazhi–Poompuhar road, just before reaching Poompuhar. It is located about 19 kilometers from Sirkazhi, with regular bus services available along this route. The temple can also be accessed via an alternative route from Mayiladuthurai.
Temple Address
Chaayavanam
Kaviripoompattinam Post
Sirkazhi Taluk
Mayiladuthurai District
PIN – 609105
Temple Hours
Morning: 7:00 – 12:00
Evening: 4:00 – 7:30
Nearby Temples
| 1 | Tiru-Pallavaneechuram – 650 Meters | |
| 2 | Tiru-Ven-kaadu – 4 kms | |
| 3 | Tiru-Kadai-Mudi – 10.2 kms | |
| 4 | Tiru-Valampuram – 3 kms |
Location Map
Temple Layout
Entrance & Prakaram
This Shiva temple is one of the six places considered to be as holy as Varanasi.
This temple is also one of the celebrated “Maadakovil” structures from the early Chola period, built by the renowned Kochengat Chozhan, and stands as a fine example of the architectural excellence and deep devotional spirit of that era.
There are two distinct entrances to the temple—one facing east and the other to the south. The eastern entrance features a three-tiered gopuram, and just to its left lies the temple’s sacred tank, known as the “Iravadha Theertham,” whose calm waters enhance the temple’s serene atmosphere. Upon entering through this gateway, devotees are first greeted by the “Kodimarathu Vinayaka.” The outer prakaram, meant for circumambulation, is lined with several important sannidhis, including those dedicated to Surya, Indra, Iyarpagai Nayanar, and his consort. Continuing clockwise along the path, one comes across sannidhis for Vinayaka, Subramanya, Gajalakshmi, Bhairava, and the Navagrahas. After completing the circumambulation, a flight of steps leads up to the elevated “Maadakovil,” where, to the right, are located the ‘palli-arai’ and the sannidhi of the Goddess.
Moolavar Sannidhi
At the heart of this magnificent temple complex resides the Swayambhoo Linga of the presiding deity, Chaayavaneswarar, enshrined in the sanctum and facing east. The divine consort is known as Kuyilinum Nanmozhiammai, a name rooted in legend—signifying that Goddess Parvathi once spoke with a sweetness surpassing even the melodious song of a nightingale.
Sthala Purana
Indra & the Iravadha Theertham
Athithi, the mother of Indra, once harbored a deep desire to descend to the earthly realm and worship at the sacred sannidhi of Chayavaneswarar. When Indra, the mighty king of the Devas, realized that his beloved mother was missing, he set out in search of her. To his great relief, he soon discovered that Athithi had journeyed to Earth to fulfill her spiritual longing at Chaayavanam. Deeply moved by her devotion, Indra resolved to carry the entire temple back to the celestial world. For this extraordinary task, he enlisted his majestic white elephant, Iravadha, to uproot and transport the sacred structure to his heavenly abode.
However, as Indra was in the midst of carrying out this extraordinary feat, Goddess Parvathi intervened, her voice resonating with a sweetness surpassing even the song of a nightingale—thus earning her the name ‘Kuyilinum Nanmozhi Ammai.’ At that very moment, Shiva manifested before Indra and gently advised him to abandon his plan of relocating the temple, allowing his mother to continue her worship on Earth. Meanwhile, as the divine elephant Iravadha attempted to uproot the temple, its tusk pierced deep into the earth, from which a spring of water gushed forth. This miraculous emergence gave rise to the sacred tank known as “Iravadha Theertham,” which continues to grace the temple to this day.
Iyarpagai Nayanar
Iyarpagai Nayanar is venerated as one of the 63 illustrious Nayanmars, celebrated for his unwavering devotion to Shiva and his extraordinary spirit of selflessness. The name “Iyarpagai” signifies a nature that transcends conventional norms and societal expectations. True to this ideal, he was ever willing to part with anything he possessed—no matter how precious—and offer it wholeheartedly to fellow devotees of Shiva.
One day, God Shiva appeared in the guise of a ‘Shivan Adiyar’ and asked Iyarpagai Nayanar to send his wife along with him. Without the slightest hesitation, Nayanar consented, exemplifying the depth of his unwavering devotion. Anticipating possible dangers along the journey, the disguised devotee then requested Nayanar to escort them safely beyond the boundaries of the land. Taking up his sword, Iyarpagai Nayanar faithfully fulfilled this duty. Upon reaching the border, the ‘Shivan Adiyar’ asked him to leave his wife and return. At that very moment, Shiva revealed his true form, along with Goddess Parvathi, and bestowed his divine blessings upon Iyarpagai Nayanar. It was at this sacred place, Chayavanam, that Iyarpagai Nayanar ultimately attained ‘mukthi’ (liberation).
The Unique Muruga Idol
The ‘urchava’ idol of Muruga at Chayavanam stands out as a unique and captivating depiction of the revered deity. Unlike the traditional portrayal with a spear (Vel), Muruga here is seen holding a bow and arrow, symbolizing his readiness to wage battle against the demon Soorapadman. An ornate anklet adorning his right leg further accentuates his poised stance for the impending conflict. According to tradition, this idol originally belonged to the Tiruchendur temple. It is said to have been smuggled aboard a ship, which was later caught in a fierce cyclone. In a miraculous turn of events, the idol was found washed ashore at the ancient port town of Poompuhar, from where it was reverentially brought and installed at its present abode in Chayavanam.
At Sikkal, Muruga is believed to have received his iconic spear (Vel) from his mother, Goddess Parvathi, while the anklet known as ‘Veera Kanda Mani’ was bestowed upon him by his father, God Shiva. Armed with these sacred gifts, Muruga went on to wage his triumphant battle against the demon Soorapadman. It is believed that devotees who worship this unique form of Muruga are blessed with courage, helping them overcome fear—especially the fear of adversaries—and face life’s challenges with strength and determination.
Pathikam
The pathikams on Tiruchaaikkadu, composed by both Tirugnanasambandar (two pathikams) and Tirunavukarasar (two pathikams), are in the sacred Tirumurai. In these hymns, the saint-poets glorify the greatness of worshipping Chaayavaneswarar and highlight the abundant divine grace of the deity.
Gallery – Chayavaneswarar Temple, Tiruchaaikkadu
