This temple is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and holds the distinction of being the 12th Shiva Sthalam located on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai). Lord Shiva here is worshipped as a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested deity). The temple faces west and features a single corridor.
Timings
The temple will be kept open between 08.30 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 18.00 hsr to 19.30 hrs.
Entry Fee
Free of cost
Origin/History :-
The history of this temple dates back to before the 7th century, as it is one of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams praised by the Saivite saint Thirugnanasambandar in his hymns. This indicates that the original temple existed during or before the 7th century. It is believed that the temple was later reconstructed during the Chola period, reflecting their architectural style, and further extended during the Maratha period, adding additional features and structures. This blend of historical influences makes the temple an important spiritual and cultural site.
Puranic Significance :-
Viswaroopan, a demon who terrorised the Devas, was slain by Indra. In retaliation, Viswaroopan’s father performed a yagna and created another demon, Vritrasura, to avenge his son's death. Indra, with the vajrayudham crafted from Sage Dhadichi's spine, ultimately destroyed Vritrasura. However, the act of killing both demons caused Indra to accumulate sins, leading to the loss of his position as the lord of the Devas. Following Guru’s advice, Indra worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple and was absolved of his sins, regaining his title as the head of the Devas.
Lord Brahma is believed to have created and worshipped ten Shivalingams at this temple. These lingams, known as Muniyesar, Brahmesar, Agastheeswarar, Pulastheeswarar, Vyakrapatheswarar, Sakreswarar, and Kapaleeswarar, are enshrined in the temple corridors. It is said that worshipping Lord Brahmesar here grants the same merit as performing 100 Ashwamedha Yagnas.
A Gandharva, cursed by a sage to become a crab (Nandu in Tamil), came to this temple seeking relief. He worshipped Lord Vinayakar, who answered his prayers and restored him to his original form. As a result, this Vinayakar is venerated as "Sri Karkata Maha Ganapathy" and "Sri Nandu Vinayakar," with a crab as his mount instead of the usual mouse.
A domestic servant of the King of Uraiyur brought Sevvandhi flowers intended for Shiva Puja and gave them to the king. The king then passed the flowers to his two wives. The elder wife offered the flowers to Lord Shiva, while the younger wife wore them in her hair. As a result, Tirukattupalli, where the elder wife resided, flourished and gained prominence, while Urayur, where the younger wife lived, faced destruction.
The temple is called Agneeswaram, as Agnideva (the God of Fire) worshipped Lord Shiva here. The Thirukattupalli Temple was refurbished during the reign of King Uthama Cholan.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress Modestly: Wear respectful clothing.
Follow Guidelines: Adhere to temple rules, like removing shoes.
Respect the Space: Maintain silence and avoid touching sacred items.
Participate Respectfully: Follow instructions during rituals.
Pray Sincerely: Engage in prayers with devotion.
Avoid Distractions: Silence phones and avoid photography if not allowed.
No Food or Drinks: Don’t bring food or beverages inside.
Avoid Noise: Don’t create disturbances.
Don’t Touch Sacred Items: Respect sacred objects.
Dress Code
For Men:
Clothing: Wear traditional attire such as a dhoti, kurta, or a long shirt with pants. Western clothes like shirts and trousers are also acceptable if they are modest and cover the body adequately.
Avoid: Do not wear shorts, sleeveless shirts, or clothing with offensive graphics or messages.
For Women:
Clothing: Opt for traditional attire such as a saree, salwar kameez, or a long skirt with a blouse. Western clothing like long dresses or skirts with tops is also appropriate as long as it is modest.
Avoid: Refrain from wearing shorts, short skirts, sleeveless tops, or clothing that is too tight or revealing.
The best season to visit the Thirukattupalli Temple is during the cooler months of November to February. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant and comfortable for travel and temple visits. The temperatures are mild, and the humidity is lower compared to the hotter months, making it an ideal time to explore the temple and participate in its rituals and festivals.
How to reach :-
By Air: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), approximately 20 kilometres from the temple. From the Airport: You can hire a taxi or use local transportation to reach the temple.
By Train: Mayiladuthurai Junction (TRI), around 20 kilometres from the temple. From the Station: You can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the railway station to the temple.
By Bus:There are several state-run and private buses that connect Mayiladuthurai with Thirukattupalli. Look for buses heading towards Thirukattupalli or nearby towns. From the Bus Stop: You can use local transport like auto-rickshaws or taxis to reach the temple from the bus stop.
Nearby Cities and Rivers
Rivers:
Cauvery River: The temple is situated relatively close to the Cauvery River, which is an important river in Tamil Nadu and has cultural and religious significance.
Cities:
Tiruchirappalli (Trichy): Approximately 20 kilometres from the temple, Tiruchirappalli is a major city known for its historical and cultural heritage.
Thanjavur: About 50 kilometres away, Thanjavur is renowned for its temples, including the Brihadeeswarar Temple, and is a significant cultural centre.
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