Thirunavalur: A Timeless Abode of Lord Shiva
Thirunavalur, situated in the historical region of Thirumunaippadi Nadu, lies between the rivers Gadilam and Pennai. This ancient temple town, considered one of the oldest, is believed to have existed even before the four yugas. The temple here was historically known as “Thiruthondeecharam”, while the surrounding region was referred to as Thirunavalur and Jambunathapuri. Today, it is popularly called Thirunamanallur.
The presiding deity, Tirunavaleeswarar, is also revered by other names such as Tiruttondeeswarar, Bhaktajaneswarar, and Rajaditta Eswaram Udaiyaar. The deity's Sanskrit name, Jambunatheswarar, was later rendered in pure Tamil as Thirunavaleesan by the saint Sundarar, who also bestowed the name Thirunamanallur upon this sacred place.
Temple Evolution and Contributions
In its earliest days, the temple consisted solely of a sanctum sanctorum. Over time, the Chera, Chola, Pandya, and Pallava dynasties made substantial contributions to the temple’s development, expanding it with additional structures and intricate architectural elements.
The temple's history reflects its significance as a prominent spiritual and cultural center. With the patronage of these dynasties, the temple grew to symbolize the architectural brilliance and religious fervor of the era.
Legacy and Reverence
Thirunavalur stands as a testament to the enduring devotion to Lord Shiva. Its timeless legacy is deeply etched in the verses of Sundarar, one of the greatest Nayanars, who celebrated the temple's glory in his hymns. The rulers' collective contributions over centuries have preserved this sacred site as a beacon of spiritual heritage.
PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE:
Origin of the Temple and Name
The temple at Tirunavalur, also known as Rajadityeswaram, has a rich origin linked to the churning of the ocean. A drop of nectar is believed to have fallen at this location, sprouting a Naval tree (Jambu in Sanskrit). Over time, this led to the formation of the temple, with the place named Navalur and the presiding deity called Navaleesan or Navaleeswaran.
Sukra Dosha Parikaram
Sukracharya, the preceptor of the asuras, obtained the elixir of immortality and used it to revive the dead asuras. When Lord Shiva cursed Sukra to be born on earth, Sukra worshipped Parvati for relief. She directed him to worship Lord Shiva at this temple. Sukra installed a Lingam, known today as Sukra Lingam or Bhargaveswarar, near the Navagraha shrine. This makes the temple a prominent Sukra sthalam for those seeking remedies for Sukra dosham.
Connection to the Four Yugams
According to the Sthala Puranam:
Krita Yugam: Parvati worshipped Lord Shiva here before their divine marriage.
Treta Yugam: Chandeswarar worshipped Lord Shiva.
Dwapara Yugam: Lord Brahma performed penance here.
Kali Yugam: Vishnu prayed here before taking the Narasimha avatar.
Shrine for Varadaraja Perumal and Other Legends
The temple features a shrine for Vishnu as Varadaraja Perumal. Garuda, after a conflict with Adiseshan that turned him blue due to the serpent’s poison, worshipped Lord Shiva here and regained his original form.
Birthplace and Mukti Sthalam of Nayanmars
Tirunavalur, also called Jambupuri and Tirunama Nallur, is the birthplace of three prominent Nayanmars:
- Sundarar
- Sadaiyar (Sundarar’s father)
- Narasinga Munaiaraiyar (a local chieftain)
It is also the mukti sthalam of Sadaiyar Nayanar and Narasinga Munaiaraiyar. A separate shrine within the temple honors Sundarar along with Sangili Nachiyar and Paravai Nachiyar. Additionally, the second prakaram houses a Lingam worshipped by Narasinga Munaiaraiyar.
Unique Iconography
Suryan: Faces west, towards Lord Shiva, rather than the usual east-facing position.
Dakshinamurti: Depicted standing, holding scriptures, with His right hand placed on a rishabham behind Him.
Amman: Seen in a state of dhyanam with untied hair.
Auspicious Nakshatrams
Worship at this temple is considered highly auspicious for:
Rohini Nakshatram: Due to the association with the sthala vriksham (Naval tree).
Pooradam Nakshatram: Based on ancient traditions.
Chola Contributions and Historical Significance
Rajaditya Chola: The son of Parantaka Chola, built the current temple structure in the early 10th century while stationed as commander of Tirumunaippadi. The region was renamed Rajadityapuram in his honor.
Pallava Era: Previously, the site housed a Pallava temple for Shiva (Kalinareeswaram) and a temple for Agastyeswarar.
Rashtrakutas: Additions made by Krishna III during his reign.
Raja Raja Chola I: Enhanced the temple after reclaiming the region.
The current masonry structure is believed to date back to the 16th century.
Thirunavaleesan: The Antiquity of the Place and Temple Architecture
The temple at Thirunavalur is believed to be established even before the Yugas began. The sanctum of Lord Shiva was the only structure initially. Later, Chera, Chola, Pandya, and Pallava kings expanded the temple with additional buildings. The deity, originally known as Jambunatheswarar in Sanskrit, was later referred to as Thirunavaleesan in chaste Tamil by Saint Sundarar, who also named the place Thirunamanallur.
The Birthplace of Sundarar: A Saintly Legend
The legend states that Aalalasundara, a devotee of Lord Shiva at Mount Kailash, was cursed to be born on Earth for neglecting his duties. He was reborn as Sundarar to a temple priest in Thirunavalur. Known for his extraordinary devotion, Sundarar composed the Thiruthonda Thogai, paving the way for the Peria Puranam by Sekkizhar. He is revered as one of the 63 Nayanmars, instrumental in spreading Shaivism.
Marriage and Mission of Sundarar
Sundarar married Paravaiyar at Tiruvarur and Sangili Nachiyar at Thiruvottriyur. On his wedding day in Thirunavalur, Lord Shiva, disguised as an old man, intervened to free Sundarar from worldly bonds. Sundarar’s shrine in the temple depicts him with his consorts.
People Who Worshipped Lord Shiva in Thirunavalur
The temple has been sanctified by the worship of several deities, sages, and saints, including:
- Narasinga Munaiyaraiyar Nayanar
- Goddess Parvati
- Lord Chandra (Moon God)
- Lord Vishnu
- Lord Brahma
- Sukran (Venus)
- Lord Indra
- Ashtathik Balahars (Eight Directional Guardians)
- Garudan
- Saptha Rishis (Seven Great Sages)
- Chandikeswara
- Sundaramurthy Nayanar and his parents
Sukran’s Worship and Vakra Dhosham Clearance
Sukran worshipped Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati here to clear his Vakra Dhosham. The lingam worshipped by Sukran, known as Bargaveeswarar, receives special poojas on Fridays.
Goddess Parvati’s Worship
Goddess Parvati worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple before their divine wedding.
Chandikeswarar’s Attainment
Sivapriyar, a devoted worshipper of Lord Shiva, attained the status of Chandikeswarar through his penance and worship here. Relief sculptures of Chandikeswarar’s life adorn the temple.
Garudan’s Ailment Healed
Garudan, after being afflicted by venom in a fight with Adhiseshan, prayed to Lord Shiva at Thirunavalur and was cured of his ailment.
Lord Vishnu’s Worship Before Narasimha Avatar
Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple to seek blessings before incarnating as Narasimha to defeat the demon Hiranyakashipu. The temple has a separate shrine dedicated to Sri Varadaraja Perumal (Lord Vishnu).
Lingams Worshipped in Various Yugas
- Girutha Yugam: Worshipped by Lord Vishnu.
- Tretha Yugam: Worshipped by Chandikeswarar.
- Dwapara Yugam: Worshipped by Lord Brahma.
- Kali Yugam: Worshipped by Sundaramurthy Nayanar.
ADMINISTRATION:
The temple's original complex is believed to have been constructed by the Chola dynasty, with subsequent contributions and expansions by various ruling dynasties over time. In the modern era, the temple is under the maintenance and administration of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
