Navaneetheswarar Temple, Sikkal
Location
Sikkal
Deity
Navaneetheswarar, Vennai-Lingeswarar
Female Deity
SathyaDakshi
Pathikam
Sambandar - 1
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How to Reach
This shiva temple is located 19 Kms from Tiruvarur and 6.5 Kms from Nagapattinam.
Temple Address
Sikkal
Sikkal Post
Vazhinaagapattinam
Nagapattinam Taluk
Nagapattinam District
PIN – 611008
Temple Hours
Morning : 5:00 - 12:00
Evening : 4:00 - 9:00
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
Nearby Divya Desams
Temple Layout & Shrines
Maada Kovil
This temple is one of the elevated temples - Maada Kovil built by Kochengat Chola. The temple is approached through its majestic Rajagopuram, which rises to a height of about 80 feet and has seven tiers. In front of the Rajagopuram stands a large Kalyana Mandapa supported by iron pillars. Entering through the gopuram leads to the Karthikai Mandapam, beyond which lies the next entrance flanked by the sannidhis of Vinayaka and Dandapani on either side. Further inside, the second prakaram houses the sannidhis of Saneeswarar, Dakshinamurthy, MahaLakshmi, Durga, Chandikeswarar, and the Navagrahas.
Presiding Deity
At the centre of the temple, the sanctum of the presiding deity Navaneetha Nathar is situated atop an elevated structure known as the Kattu Malai, which is reached by a flight of 12 steps. The presiding deity is worshipped here in the form of a Shiva Lingam, while the renowned sannidhi of Muruga, worshipped as Sikkal Singaravelar, is also located on the elevated structure. Before ascending the steps, it is customary to worship Sundara Ganapathy, whose sannidhi is situated near the foot of the Kattu Malai. On reaching the upper mandapam, the sannidhi of Thyagaraja is located directly ahead. Although this Thyagaraja is associated with the temple's traditional significance, it is not one of the 'Saptha Vidanga' temples. The Maragatha Lingam here is particularly noteworthy.
Special Feature of Singaravelar
Sikkal Singaravelar is depicted in a standing posture with his consorts, Valli and Deivanai. He is especially renowned for the unique phenomenon of perspiring during the Aippasi festival, a remarkable feature that attracts devotees to the temple.
Goddess Sannidhi
The sannidhi of Goddess Vel Nedunganni is situated at the lower level of the Kattu Malai. Above this sanctum, a beautiful sculpture depicts the Goddess presenting the sacred Vel (spear) to Singara Velar.
Shrines in the Prakaram
As one goes around the prakaram, a separate sannidhi dedicated to Kola-Vamana Perumal is situated on the northern side. Kola-Vamana Perumal is depicted in a standing posture with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. At the northwestern corner of the prakaram is a sannidhi dedicated to Anjaneya.
Sthala Puranam
Legendary History
In ancient times, this place was known as Mallikavanam, where Sage Vasishta had established his hermitage and worshipped God Shiva. During this period, Kamadhenu, the divine cow of the celestial world, came to this place after being cursed for a minor transgression. Seeking relief from the curse, she bathed in the water body situated to the west of the present temple, known as Paalkulam or Ksheerapushkarani. As she entered the waters, her milk overflowed and filled the entire tank, transforming it into a pool of milk. Sage Vasishta, witnessing this miraculous sight, collected some of the butter from the milk and fashioned it into a Shiva Lingam, which he worshipped with devotion. After completing his worship, he attempted to move the butter Lingam to another place, but was unable to lift it as it remained firmly stuck to his hand. According to the temple legend, this unusual incident gave the place its name, Sikkal, a Tamil word associated with being entangled or getting stuck. Since the presiding deity manifested in the form of a butter Lingam, Shiva is worshipped here as Vennai Piran and Navaneetha Nathar.
Pathigam Significance
The Pathigam sung by Thirugnana Sambandar in praise of the deity of this temple is included in the Second Thirumurai. There is only one Pathigam by Thirugnana Sambandar dedicated to this temple.
Temple Special Features
- Sikkal is the sacred place where Kamadhenu, the divine cow, was relieved of the curse she incurred after being forced by the circumstances of a famine to eat the flesh of a dog.
- Sikkal is also the place where Sage Viswamitra regained the spiritual power he had lost after becoming enamoured of Tilottama.
- King Muchukunda was relieved at Sikkal of the Brahmahatya Dosha and the curse he incurred after killing a Brahmin.
- Sikkal is renowned for the extraordinary phenomenon associated with the annual Vel Vaangum Vizha held during the Tamil month of Aippasi. According to tradition, Lord Muruga receives the sacred 'Vel' from his mother, Goddess Vel Nedunganni, to destroy the demon Surapadman. After receiving the spear and returning to his shrine, Sikkal Singaravelar is said to perspire profusely, unable to withstand the divine power of the Vel. Even as the sweat is repeatedly wiped away with silk cloth, fresh droplets continue to appear like pearls. This remarkable phenomenon is said to continue to this day. There is a traditional saying, “Vel Vaangi Sikkalil, Samharam Senthooril” — “Muruga receives the Vel at Sikkal and vanquishes Surapadman at Tiruchendur.” It is believed that Lord Muruga received the Vel from Goddess Vel Nedunganni at this temple before proceeding to Tiruchendur to vanquish Surapadman. The Kanda Sashti festival is celebrated here with great splendour and devotion.
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