AranyaSundareswarar temple, Keezhai Tirukattupalli

Location: Keezhai Tirukattupalli

Deity known as: AranyaSundareswarar

Female Deity: Akilanda Nayaki

Pathikam: Sambandar - 1

Gallery – AranyaSundareswarar Temple, Keezhai Tirukattupalli

Entrance gateway

Balipeetam, Nandi

View of the temple

How to Reach

Keezhai Tirukattupalli is located about 2 km west of Tiruvenkaadu, along the road leading to Elayamuthukulapuram.

Temple Address

Arulmighu AranyaSundareswarar Temple
KeezhaiTirukattupalli
Tiruvenkadu Post
Sirkazhi Taluk
Mayiladuthurai District
PIN – 609114

Nearby Temples

1	Tiru-Venkadu - 2 kms
2	Sirukazhi - 13 kms

Nearby Divya Desam

1	DD39 - Thamarayal Kalvan Perumal - 650 mtrs

Location Map

Temple Layout

Entrance

Rather than the typical towering gopuram (entrance gateway) adorning the front of the temple, this Shiva temple features a more understated entrance that opens directly into a spacious prakaram, or outer circumambulatory passage. As one proceeds through this gateway, the two “moksha” lingams on the left immediately draw attention—dedicated to the deities Bramesar and Muniesar.

Other Deities

Further inside the prakaram are the sannidhis of other important deities — Subramanya, Bhairavar, and Surya, the Sun God. Notably, the outer wall surrounding the main sanctum features a striking sculptural relief of a king worshipping a Shiva lingam, offering a glimpse into the temple’s history and patronage.

Aranyeshwarar

After completing the customary clockwise circumambulation of the prakaram, one enters the main sanctum area, which is oriented towards the west. Here, the primary deity, Aranyeshwarar, is enshrined in the form of a swayambhu (self-manifested) lingam placed upon a square Avudayar pedestal. The sannidhi of the female consort deity, Akilandeswari, is positioned to the left of the main deity, allowing devotees to view both deities from a single vantage point.

Adding to the temple’s architectural fascination are seven additional lingams situated along the pathway surrounding the sanctum, one of which uniquely features two Bannam (protrusions) on its surface.

Sthala Purana

Indira & the Brahma-hatti Dosha

Indira, the mighty king of the Devas, once found himself in a precarious situation after slaying the powerful demon Vruthirasuran. He had been gifted a formidable weapon forged from the sacred vertebra of the revered sage Datheechi, and used this divine instrument to vanquish the fearsome Vruthirasuran. However, this act of killing brought upon Indira the grave karmic burden known as the Brahma-hatti dosha.

The Sthala Purana recounts how Indira was led here by the creator god Brahma himself to undertake profound penance and meditate upon the deity enshrined within. Through unwavering focus and devotion, Indira was eventually able to rid himself of the dosha that had been afflicting him. The scriptural texts further proclaim that those who visit this revered temple and offer their reverence to the Sri Brahmesharar lingam will be blessed with spiritual merit equivalent to performing a hundred Aswamedha yaga.

Dakshinamurthy — Six Disciples

The sanctum walls of this temple feature a remarkable depiction of the revered Dakshinamurthy, the embodiment of divine wisdom and spiritual enlightenment. Rather than the conventional four disciples, this representation presents an intriguing variation — six disciples are gathered around the sage-like Dakshinamurthy, seeking his profound guidance and instruction.

Notable Sannidhis in the Inner Prakaram

The temple’s inner prakaram, or covered walkway, houses several significant sannidhis: one dedicated to the fierce and powerful deity Bhairavar, whose imposing presence is believed to offer protection and ward off negative forces; another consecrated to Surya, the Sun God; and a sannidhi for Sanaischaran, the planet Saturn.

Nandu Vinayaka — The Crab-mount Ganesha

The most distinctive feature of this temple is its unique Vinayaka deity. This particular Vinayaka is said to have been worshipped by a Gandharva (a celestial being) who had been cursed to take the form of a crab. Hence, this Vinayaka is known as “Nandu Vinayaka,” with the crab as his vahana, or mount, instead of the more commonly seen mouse.

Aranya Maharishi & the Sacred Conch

This temple is revered for its association with the esteemed sage Aranya, who is believed to have worshipped the presiding deity, Aranyeshwarar. A striking sculpture on the wall surrounding the sanctum vividly portrays Aranya Maharishi engaged in reverential worship of the Shiva Linga, while the mighty Maha Kaalar is shown prominently blowing a resounding conch to accompany the sage’s rituals. It is also believed that during the auspicious Uchi Kala Pooja, the soulful resonance of that very conch can still be heard.