Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu

Temple Significance & History

Temple Structure

This east-facing temple is entered through a small Rajagopuram, which leads directly into the outer prakara. From the outer prakara, there is a direct entrance to the sannidhi of Goddess Gyanambikai, while another entrance leads to the inner prakara surrounding the main sanctum. The east-facing sanctum of the presiding deity, Sennerriyappar, also known as Saraparameswarar, is situated within this inner prakara. Shiva is worshipped here as a Swayambhu Linga. In the prakara surrounding the main sanctum, the sannidhi of Vinayaka is located on the western side, followed by a sannidhi for Markandeya and the sacred Sri Rina Vimochana Lingam. This Lingam was consecrated by Markandeya and worshipped by Sage Dhaumya. The sannidhi of Sri Balasubramaniyar is also situated nearby.

Durga and Bhairava

One of the unique features of this temple is the presence of three forms of Durga—Shiva Durga, Vishnu Durga and Vaishnavi Durga—enshrined together in a single sannidhi. Worshipping these three forms of Durga during Rahu Kalam on Fridays is considered especially auspicious. The temple also has a separate sannidhi for Nataraja, with the sannidhi of Sri Bhairava located nearby. The Bhairava at this temple holds a special distinction, as Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) has sung a separate Tevaram hymn in his praise. In the sixth verse of one of the two hymns he composed in praise of this place, Tirunavukkarasar describes Shiva Himself appearing in the form of Bhairava. It is believed that offering Abhishekam and worship to Sri Bhairava on Ashtami, along with Sahasranama Archana, brings favourable outcomes in one's endeavours, success in legal matters, and relief from the adverse effects of planetary influences.

Significance of the Surya Puja

Tirucherai is one of the sacred places where the Sun God is believed to have worshipped Shiva. Every year, on the 13th, 14th and 15th days of the Tamil month of Maasi, the rays of the morning sun fall directly on the presiding deity and the feet of Goddess Ambikai. During these three days, the temple conducts the Surya Puja with special significance.

Significance of Rina Vimochana Lingeswarar

The Rina Vimochana Lingeswarar is believed to have blessed Markandeya by relieving him of the debts from his past births. It is believed that worshipping this deity with Abhishekam and other rituals on eleven consecutive Mondays brings relief from various difficulties and divine blessings. Devotees also seek His grace for relief from financial debts in their present life and from ancestral obligations that remained unfulfilled by their forefathers.

Sthala Vriksham

The Sthala Vriksham of this temple is the Maavilangai tree. It has a distinctive seasonal cycle: for four months of the year, the tree bears only leaves; for the next four months, it is adorned with beautiful white flowers; and during the remaining four months, it remains without either leaves or flowers.