Sargunalingeswarar temple, TiruKarukkudi
Location
Tiru-Karu-Kudi (now known as Marudhanallur)
Deity
Sargunalingeswarar, Karu-Kudi Nathar
Female Deity
Sarva-Alankara Nayaki, Advaitha Nayaki
Pathikam
Sambandar - 1
Gallery – Sargunalingeswarar Temple, TiruKarukkudi
How to Reach
This shiva temple is located about 6 km from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam–Needamangalam road, approximately 1.5 km south-east of Saakkottai. Bus services are available from Kumbakonam to this temple. Another 'Paadal Petra' temple, Tiru-Kalaya-Nallur (Saakkottai), is situated about 2 km away in the north-western direction from this temple.
Temple Address
Marudhanallur
Tiru-Karu-Kudi
Thipi-Raja-Puram S.O.
Kumbakonam Taluk
Thanjavur District
PIN – 612402
Temple Hours
Morning : 8:00 - 10:00
Evening : 5:30 - 7.00
Nearby Temples
| 1 | Tiru-Naraiyur – 7.9 kms | |
| 2 | Arisir-Karai-Puthur – 6.2 kms | |
| 3 | Shivapuram – 5.4 kms | |
| 4 | Tiru-Kalayanallur – 2 kms |
Temple Architecture
Entrance
This is a small and ancient temple featuring an east-facing entrance gateway. A distinctive feature of this temple is that both the sanctums of the presiding deity (Swami) and the Goddess (Ambal) face east. The vimanas above the sanctums are notably tall. The sannidhis for Ganesha and Muruga are located near the entrance, while the Hanumath Lingam is situated nearby.
Presiding Deity and Sanctum
The Shiva Lingam in the sanctum is very small in size. The presiding deity of this temple is worshipped as a Swayambhu Lingam made of sand. The impressions formed by hand while shaping the sand are still visible. The Aavudaiyar is small, measuring approximately half a foot in height, while the pedestal is made of stone. Brahma and a king named Sargunan are believed to have worshipped the deity of this temple. Hence, the presiding deity is known as Sargunalingeswarar.
Goshta Deities and Prakaram
The Goshta niches enshrine the idols of Narthana Vinayaka, flanked on either side by Bhoota Ganas, Dakshinamurthy with Veenadhara Dakshinamurthy depicted above, and Lingodbhava. The temple prakaram houses sannidhis for Valampuri Vinayaka, the Navagrahas, Surya, Chandra, Lingodbhava, and Muruga. The Vinayaka of this temple is especially revered under the divine name Valampuri Vinayaka.
Significance
This sacred temple is one among places where the Goddess is seated in a divine wedding posture, facing east and positioned on the right side of the presiding deity. It is believed that devotees who offer milk payasam to the Goddess and perform worship for eight consecutive Fridays receive Her blessings for the removal of obstacles related to marriage and the fulfillment of early marriage for both men and women. Owing to this special significance, the temple is widely revered as a place for wedding prarthana.
Sthala Purana – Ramayana Connection
The sacred legend associated with Rameswaram is also linked to this temple. It is believed that during the period of the Ramayana, before proceeding to Lanka, Rama visited this site to offer worship. As in the legend of Rameswaram, Hanuman was sent to bring a Shiva Lingam for worship at an auspicious time. However, as Hanuman was delayed in returning, Rama fashioned a Lingam himself using the sand nearby with both his hands and worshipped it here. This Lingam is believed to be the present Prithvi Lingam enshrined at the temple.
Even today, marks resembling the impressions of hands are said to be visible on the Lingam. Since the deity is believed to be made of sand, a protective covering is first placed before performing abhishekam. The Lingam brought by Hanuman is enshrined separately in the temple's north-eastern corner and is worshipped as Hanumantha Lingam.
Sthala Purana – The Merchant Dhananjayan
Another sacred legend is associated with this temple. A merchant named Dhananjayan unknowingly entered into an improper relationship with his stepmother and, as a result, was afflicted with leprosy due to the curse arising from his actions. Deeply distressed and filled with remorse, he came to this sacred place, immersed himself in the temple tank, and fervently prayed to the presiding God and Goddess. Through their divine grace, he is believed to have been relieved from both the curse and the suffering caused by his disease.
A sculpture of the merchant Dhananjayan in a worshipful posture can be seen facing the sannidhi of the Goddess. Devotees believe that those suffering from skin ailments and related afflictions receive blessings by worshipping the Lord of this sacred temple. The hymn composed in praise of the Lord of this sacred temple by Thirugnana Sambandar is included in the 3rd Thirumurai of the Thevaram.
Gallery – More Photos
