Thuraikattum Vallalar temple, TiruVilanagar
Location: TiruVilanagar
Deity known as: Thuraikattum Vallalar, Ujravaneswarar
Female Deity: Veyuru Tholiammai
Pathikam: Sambandar - 1
Gallery - Thuraikattum Vallalar Temple
How to Reach
Located 7.5 kms from Mayiladuthurai on the Mayiladuthurai - Tarangambadi road. Bus services are available from Mayiladuthurai.
Temple Address
Tiruvilanagar
Mayiladuthurai District
Tamil Nadu
Temple Hours
Morning: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Nearby Paadal Petra Sivasthalams
| 1 | Mayiladuthurai - 6 kms | |
| 2 | Tiru-Pariyalur (Parasalur) - 3.3 kms | |
| 3 | Tiru-Sempon-Palli - 4.2 kms | |
| 4 | Tiru-Nani-Palli (Panjai) - 7.5 kms |
The Story Behind the Name "Thurai Kaattum Vallal"
The presiding deity of this temple is known as "Thurai Kaattum Vallal", meaning "The Benevolent One Who Shows the Ford", a name that reflects His compassionate nature in guiding devotees across dangers. This title is rooted in the legends of two devoted souls whose faith and devotion were tested by the Cauvery river.
Arulviththan's Devotion
Once, a devotee named Arulviththan was deeply devoted to the deity and offered a garland to Him every day. Wishing to test his devotion, God Shiva caused the river to swell just as Arulviththan was crossing it with his flower basket. Though initially distressed, Arulviththan focused solely on protecting the offering, holding the basket above his head even as the waters rose.
Moved by his unwavering devotion, Shiva blessed him and revealed a safe path across the river, earning the name "Thurai Kaattum Vallal."
Thirugnanasambandar's Divine Crossing
When Thirugnanasambandar (Sambandar) visited the temple, he saw the Cauvery in full spate and was unsure how to cross safely. A hunter appeared to guide him, and as Sambandar followed, the waters miraculously parted, allowing them to cross.
When Sambandar reached the opposite bank, the hunter had vanished, revealing that God Shiva Himself had taken the form of the hunter to show the safe passage. This divine act reinforced the deity's title, "Thurai Kaattum Vallal."
Sambandar's Pathikam
With the blessings of Thurai Kaattum Vallal, devotees can cross the vast ocean of worldly existence with ease. In the final stanza of his pathikam, Thirugnanasambandar mentions that those who recite and meditate on the hymns of this sacred pathikam daily, which are filled with both greatness and sweetness, will have their sins removed, will be free from sorrow and suffering, and will attain the pure spiritual path.
Temple Architecture and Layout
The Thurai Kaattum Vallal Temple features a five-tiered Rajagopuram adorned with intricate sculptural work. The temple has two prakarams (enclosures). The second prakaram houses a small Nandi Mandapam and the Asthana Mandapam.
Second Gopuram
On either side of the second gopuram entrance, Vinayaka (Ganesha) can be seen. The presiding deity faces east in the sanctum.
Main Sanctum
The presiding deity Thuraikattum Vallalar (also known as Ujravaneswarar) faces east in the sanctum, blessing devotees who come seeking guidance across the difficulties of life.
Goddess Veyurutholiyammai
The goddess Veyurutholiyammai is depicted holding the conch (Shanku) and discus (Chakra) in her hands, signifying her divine protection and grace upon devotees.
Other Sannidhis in the Temple
Western Prakaram
In the western part of the temple, there are sannidhis for:
- Somasundarar
- Aarumukha (Murugan)
- Arunachaleswarar
North Prakaram
In the north prakaram, a sannidhi is dedicated to Nataraja.
East Prakaram
In the east, there are sanctums for:
- Navagrahas (Nine Planetary Deities)
- Surya (Sun God)
- Bhairava
Gallery - More Temple Views
