Sivakozhundeeswarar Temple, Tiru-Shakthi-Muththam
Location: Tiru-Shakthi-Muththam
Deity known as: Sivakozhundeeswarar
Female Deity: Periyanayagi Ammai
Pathikam: Thirunavukkarasar - 1
Gallery - Tiru-Shakthi-Muththam Temple
How to reach
This shiva temple is located very near to Patteeswaram, another Paadal Petra Sthalam. Tiru-Shakthi-Muththam is about 8 Kms from Kumbakonam.
Temple Address
Tiru-Shakthi-Muththam
Kumbakonam Taluk
Thanjavur District
Tamil Nadu, India.
Temple hours
Morning: 6:00 - 11:00
Evening: 4:00 - 8:30
Near by Temples
| 1 | Avoor Pasupatheeswaram - 4.4 kms | |
| 2 | Patteeswaram - 1.2 kms | |
| 3 | Tiru-Valan-Chuzhi - 3.5 kms | |
| 4 | Tiru-Kudamukku (Kumbakonam) - 5.8 kms |
Sthala Purana
According to the Purana, just as Goddess Parvati embraced God Shiva in Kanchipuram, a similar sacred event took place at Thiru-Shakthi-Muttam. Shiva instructed Parvati to worship Him at this holy site. Upon reaching the banks of the Kaveri River, the goddess established a Shiva Lingam and immersed herself in deep devotion, performing elaborate Shiva Puja.
To test her unwavering commitment, Shiva caused the Kaveri River to flood. Fearing that the rising waters would wash away the Lingam, the Mother Goddess anxiously embraced it. Seeing her profound devotion and steadfast penance — standing on her toes in complete concentration — Shiva appeared as a radiant column of light. Overwhelmed with love and joy, Ambikai embraced the divine flame and bestowed a loving kiss upon it. Pleased with her devotion, Shiva granted her blessings. This event came to be known as "Shakti Mutham," meaning the "kiss of the Goddess," which later evolved into "Shakthi Mutram."
Unique Depiction
To the right of the entrance to the main sanctum, there is a special sannidhi where Ambal is depicted embracing the Shiva Linga. In this extraordinary posture, the goddess stands on one leg, with her foot resting on the pedestal ('Avudayar'), while using both hands to lovingly embrace the Linga. This rare and unique depiction of the divine couple in a loving embrace is unparalleled in any other temple. Devotees who worship here are believed to receive the blessings for marriage and harmonious relationships.
Temple Architecture
Towers
The temple is crowned by a majestic five-tiered Rajagopuram facing east. At the entrance, there is a sanctum dedicated to Vinayaka, revered as "Vallabha Ganapathy." Beyond the first gateway lies a spacious outer courtyard. At the entrance of the second tower, two additional sanctums are dedicated to Vinayaka and Muruga.
Presiding Deity – Shivakozhundeeswarar
The main deity, Shivakozhundeeswarar, is a self-manifested Linga facing east within the sanctum. Distinct flame marks are visible on the surface of the Linga during 'deepa aradhana' (lamp worship), illuminating the divine presence.
Bhairavar's Majestic Form
In the prakaram surrounding the sanctum, there is a striking sannidhi for Bhairavar. Unlike other temples where Bhairavar appears as a smaller figure, here he is depicted as tall and majestic, resembling a real person. His impressive presence captivates both the eyes and the heart.
Other Sanctums
The temple also houses sanctums of Nataraja and Sharabeshwarar, as well as Thalavinyakar, Somaskandar, Aarumugha, and Gajalakshmi within the prakaram.
Special Worship Practices
This temple is particularly known for its blessings related to marriage. Worshiping the deity embraced by Shakti is believed to be beneficial for unmarried individuals and couples separated by unforeseen circumstances. Devotees, especially on Mondays, pray here to seek blessings for removing obstacles and attaining a fulfilling marital life.
Historical Significance
Originally constructed using red bricks, the temple was later rebuilt with granite by Sembiyam Mathavi of the Chola dynasty. Renovations were further carried out during the reign of the first Raja Raja Chola. Inscriptions from the eras of the first Raja Raja Chola, the third Kulothunga Chola, and the Vijayanagar kings can be found within the temple precincts.
Appar's Divine Encounter
Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), while serving at the temple and offering worship, prostrated before the Deity, praying for divine grace. Shivakozhundeeswarar responded with compassion, instructing him, "Come to Thirunallur." Thus, this sacred site became associated with Appar's spiritual journey and the blessings he received.
Muruga's Grace
The deity Muruga of this temple is also celebrated in the Thiruppugazh hymns composed by Arunagirinathar. Muruga, with six faces and twelve arms, is beautifully depicted seated on a peacock alongside Valli and Deivanai, facing east in an elegant posture. A special hymn in Thiruppugazh is dedicated to praising the Muruga of this temple.
Gallery
