At the entrance, Senjadaiappar temple features a tall, imposing tower rising up, facing westward and marking the threshold between the outer world and the sacred space within. After passing through this entrance, one enters a spacious 16-foot hall, a transitional space preparing the devotee for the inner sanctums. Nearby lies the 'Nagakannika Theertham'. In the outer courtyard of the temple, on the lower side, stand two significant features - the 'sthala vruksham' palm tree, and a Shivalingam, said to have been worshipped at this spot by the demon Thataka. The main shrine, housing the image of the presiding deity Senjadaiappar, also faces west. To the north of this primary shrine is a secondary one for Brahmanayaki, which is also oriented westward.
The legend of Thatakai (not the one from ramayana) and her devotion to Senjadayappar of Thiruppananthal is fascinating and according to the legend, Thatakai was the daughter of a demon clan, yet she was a devout worshipper of Senjadayappar, the presiding deity of the Thiruppananthal temple. Every day, thatakai would visit the temple carrying a garland as an offering to the Deity. Her dedication was unwavering, and she never missed a day of worship. One fateful day, as thatakai approached the sanctum sanctorum to present her garland to the deity, her upper garment began to slip. In that moment, thatakai faced a dilemma - she could either put down the garland to adjust her clothing and maintain her modesty in front of the gathered devotees, or she could continue with her offering and risk the embarrassment of her garment falling off completely. Sensing thatakai's predicament and moved by her unwavering devotion, Lord Senjadayappar himself intervened. In a remarkable display of divine grace, the Lord lowered his head, allowing thatakai to easily place the garland around his neck without having to put it down. This act of compassion and acknowledgment of thatakai's devotion became a testament to the Lord's benevolence and the power of true devotion. The place where this event occurred came to be known as thatakai Eecharam, a sacred site that stands as a reminder of the bond between the divine and the devotee, transcending the boundaries of birth and social status.
After Lord Shiva lowered his head in reverence to Thataka, his head remained bent, unable to rise back up despite the earnest efforts of the king and others present. It was then that Kungiliya Kalayar, one of the 63 illustrious Nayanmars (Shaivite saints), came to the rescue. In an act of pure devotion, he tied a rope around Lord Shiva's braided hair and pulled it around his own neck, symbolically binding himself to the Lord. Moved by this profound display of devotion, Lord Shiva raised his head, demonstrating the power of unwavering faith and love. The legend further recounts a miraculous event involving Kungiliya Kalayar's son. When the son tragically passed away, Kungiliya Kalayar was in the process of taking the body for cremation. However, on the way, a mysterious man blocked their path and instructed Kungiliya Kalayar to bathe in the sacred Naga Kannikai Theertham before returning home. Obediently following the stranger's advice, Kungiliya Kalayar returned home to find his son miraculously brought back to life, a testament to the divine grace and power associated with Thiruppanandal Shiva Temple.
The Thiruppukazh, a revered Tamil hymnal work composed by the saint Arunagirinathar, contains a song dedicated to Lord Muruga at this particular temple. Muruga, is portrayed in a standing posture facing east, with a single face and four arms. He is accompanied by his divine vahana, a peacock, and is flanked by his consorts, Valli and Devasena Devi, on either side. The temple houses two 'urchava' idols, ceremonial deities used during processions. One of these idols bears a striking resemblance to the main deity of Muruga, while the other, known as Muthukumaraswamy, is depicted without the presence of a peacock.
This sacred site has been a place of worship for several notable figures, including Thatakai, Nagakannikai, Aadiseshan, Brahma, Kungiliya Nayanar, and Arithuvasan, all of whom have sought and received blessings from the presiding deity.
In the hymns composed by Thirugnanasambandhar, this temple is referred to as Thiruttakai Eecharam in the context of Thiruppanandhal.
For those seeking to alleviate the afflictions of 'Kalasarpa' and 'Naga' dosha, the temple offers a specific ritual involving the lighting of 14 ghee lamps and the worship of the residing deities and Vinayaka. Similarly, for those seeking to mitigate the effects of Guru dosha and other malevolent influences, the temple prescribes the lighting of 15 ghee lamps and the veneration of Main deities, Dakshinamoorthy, Guru in the navagraha sannidhi, and Vinayaka.
5 Tiered Tower
View of the temple
Altar, flagstaff and nandi
Enclosure in front of the sanctum
3 tiered second tower
Palm Tree