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Jagatheeswarar temple

Pereyil Jagadeeswarar Temple, located in Thirukollampudhur in Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The historical name of this place is Ogai Pereyil, now known as Ohaiperaiyur or Vengaramberaiyur. This temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams – Shiva temples glorified in the early mediaeval Thevaram hymns by the Tamil Saivite saint, Thirunavukkarasar (Appar). It is the 231st Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 114th on the southern side of the Cauvery River in Chozha Nadu. The presiding deity is Lord Jagadeeswarar, and the Goddess is Jagan Nayaki, also known as Pen Amirtha Nayaki. The temple's sacred tree (Sthala Vriksham) is the Narathai Maram (Citric Tree). The temple is particularly noted for its beautifully crafted image of Lord Nataraja. Devotees can participate in four worship services held daily at the temple.

Timings

Morning: 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM & Evening: 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Entry Fee

Free of charge

This place dates back to the Sangam period. The Sangam-era poetess "Pereyil Muruvalar," known for her contributions to Kurunthogai and Purananooru, hailed from this region. According to historians, when Thiruvarur served as the capital of the Chozhas, a fort existed near this location, which led to the name "Pereyilur." Over time, this evolved into the current name, "Peraiyur."

Since Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal sang hymns in praise of Lord Shiva at this temple, it is believed that the original temple existed before the 7th century. The temple was later reconstructed with stone during the Chozha period and further extended during the Vijayanagara rule. The Nattukottai Nagarathars have maintained it over the years.


Sthala Puranam :



This ancient temple, located in Pereyil, dates back over 2000 years. However, much of its puranic history has been lost over time. During the early Chola period, when Tiruvarur was the capital, Pereyil was believed to have been a fort. The presiding deity, Lord Shiva, is a swayambhu murti (self-manifested lingam). Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) has sung hymns in praise of this temple.

Lord Shiva is said to have blessed all the Devas in this sacred place, which is why He is revered as Jagadeeswarar, the "Lord of the World." Goddess Parvati, in turn, is worshipped as Jagannayaki Amman.

Bathing in the temple tank is believed to cure devotees suffering from leukaemia. Though originally constructed by the Cholas, the temple is now maintained by the Nagarathar community. The temple, while small, features remarkable sculptures and architecture, particularly the stunning image of Sabapathi Natarajar.

A local poetess, Muruvalar, from the Sangam period, has composed verses that appear in Kurunthogai and Purananuru, further emphasising the temple’s significance.

The temple holds two major annual festivals—Tiruvadhirai in Margazhi (December-January) and Maha Shivaratri. Lord Muruga is also venerated here, with the Chithirai Sashti festival celebrated with great devotion.


Administration History :



The administration of the Jagadeeswarar Temple in Ogaiperaiyur has evolved over centuries, reflecting its historical significance and cultural heritage. Originally maintained during the Chola dynasty, the temple underwent renovations and expansions under subsequent rulers, including the Vijayanagar Empire. In modern times, the upkeep of the temple has been entrusted to the Nattukottai Nagarathar community, known for their dedication to preserving religious sites. They have actively contributed to various restoration efforts and rituals, ensuring the temple remains a vibrant centre of worship. The involvement of local devotees has also played a crucial role in maintaining the temple's traditions and practices. Today, the temple continues to thrive as a testament to the rich spiritual legacy of the region.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to Your Ishta Devata: Before embarking on your pilgrimage, take a moment to pray to your chosen deity for blessings.
  2. Contact Temple Devasthanam: Reach out to the temple's information centre for inquiries about temple details, pooja schedules, and other relevant information.
  3. Reserve Travel and Accommodation: Ensure that you book your travel and accommodation in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
  4. Bathe and Dress Appropriately: It is customary to bathe and wear clean clothes before entering the temple to maintain purity.
  5. Focus on the Deities: Once inside the temple, concentrate on the God and Goddess, immersing yourself in the spiritual atmosphere.
  6. Maintain Silence: Practice silence and recite your Ishta Mantra quietly to yourself while inside the temple.
  7. Observe Traditions: Respect and observe the ancient customs and traditions that are upheld within the temple.
  8. Deposit Offerings in the Hundi: Kindly place your offerings in the designated hundi only, as a sign of devotion.
  1. Avoid Non-Worship Activities: Do not visit the temple for any purpose other than worshipping God and Goddess.
  2. No Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited within the temple premises.
  3. No Alcohol Consumption: Consuming alcoholic beverages in the temple is not allowed.
  4. No Non-Vegetarian Food: Eating non-vegetarian food in the sacred Kshetram is forbidden.
  5. Do Not Seek Mediators: Avoid approaching mediators for quick darshan, as this may cause inconvenience to other devotees.
  6. No Weapons Allowed: Do not carry any weapons inside the temple; it is a sacred space.
  7. Avoid Headgear: Do not wear headgear such as helmets, caps, turbans, or hats within the temple premises.

Dress Code

For Men : Men should wear traditional attire such as dhotis or kurta-pyjamas. If not, ensure to wear clean, modest clothing, avoiding shorts and sleeveless shirts.

For Women : Women are encouraged to wear sarees or salwar kameez for a traditional look. Alternatively, they should opt for modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees, avoiding revealing outfits.

How to reach

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By Air: The nearest airport is located in Trichy, approximately 118 Kms from the temple. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.

By Rail: The closest railway station is at Thiruvarur Junction. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the temple.

By Road: From Thiruvarur: Located 11.7 Kms away, you can take town buses from the Thiruvarur Bus Stand, specifically route numbers 353 (Thiruvarur to Vikrapandiyam/Kottur) and A32 (Thiruvarur to Vadivaikkal).

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers :

  1. Cauvery River: The temple is situated near the southern bank of the Cauvery River, one of the most significant rivers in Tamil Nadu. It holds cultural and religious importance, being associated with various temples and rituals.
  2. Agni River: While less prominent than the Cauvery, the Agni River is associated with the Agni Theertham near the temple, believed to have healing properties, especially for those suffering from ailments like leprosy.


Cities :

  1. Tiruvarur: The town of Tiruvarur is a significant cultural and religious hub, known for its numerous temples, including the famous Thyagaraja Swamy Temple. It is also the district headquarters, providing various amenities to visitors.
  2. Karaikudi: Located nearby, Karaikudi is known for its heritage homes and traditional Chettinad cuisine. It is a key city for pilgrims visiting the Jagadeeswarar Temple and other nearby shrines.
  3. Thanjavur: Approximately 40 kilometres away, Thanjavur is renowned for its rich history, art, and architecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Brihadeeswarar Temple.
  4. Kumbakonam: Situated around 30 kilometres from Ogaiperaiyur, Kumbakonam is famous for its temples and is often referred to as the "Temple City." It hosts several festivals and rituals, attracting pilgrims and tourists.