Neelakandeswarar Temple

Origin/History :-

The Thiruneelakudi Neelakandeswarar Temple dates back to before the 7th century, as it was praised by the Tamil Saivite saint Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal in his hymns. The temple was originally constructed during ancient times and later rebuilt with stone during the Chola period. Subsequent expansions were made by the Pandyas and the Vijayanagara rulers.

An inscription in the temple mentions a restriction on constructing "Nerkodu" (specific structures) within the temple premises. Another inscription records the existence of a tank named "Madyarjunam" in the village.

The temple’s Maha Kumbhabhishekam was performed on 17th March 2006, and it is currently under the administration of the Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam.

Puranic significance :-



1. Legend of Neelakandeswarar: According to Hindu mythology, during the churning of the Ocean of Milk by the Devas and Asuras for nectar (Amruta), poison emerged first. Lord Shiva consumed the poison to save the world, but his wife, Goddess Parvati, stopped it from entering his stomach by holding his throat. Due to this, Shiva’s throat turned blue, earning him the name Neelakanta (Neela means blue, Kandam means throat). The place came to be known as Thiruneelakudi, and the deity as Neelakandeswarar. It is believed that Parvati anointed Shiva with gingelly oil here to soothe his pain, a tradition that continues today, where the oil is fully absorbed by the lingam.
2. Saptha Sthana Temples: Sage Markandeya, who worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple to attain immortality, is believed to have carried Shiva in a palanquin, visiting six other temples nearby. This event is commemorated during the annual Chithirai festival when Lord Shiva and his consort from Thiruneelakkudi visit these seven temples in a procession, known as the Saptha Sthana festival. The seven temples are: Neelakandeswarar Temple, Thiruneelakkudi ; Sundareswarar Temple, Elandurai ; Somanathar Temple, Enathimangalam ; Naganatha Swamy Temple, Thirunageswaram ; Kampaheswarar Temple, Thirubuvanam ; Mahalingeswarar Temple, Thiruvidaimarudur ; Airavateshwarar Temple, Maruthuvakudi.
3. Mooladhara Sthalam: The temple is considered the starting point for those following the Yoga Marga, as it is associated with the Mooladhara chakra, the base chakra in the human body. This chakra is the first of six, marking the beginning of efforts to raise the Kundalini energy.
4. Saint Appar’s Miracle: Saint Appar (Thirunavukkarasar) prayed to Lord Shiva of this temple after being thrown into the sea by Jains, tied to a stone. Through Shiva’s grace, he survived and floated to safety. Appar mentions this miraculous event in his hymns.
5. Reunion of Parvati and Shiva: After the events at Daksha’s Yagna, where Parvati was killed, it is believed she reunited with Lord Shiva at this temple. This makes the temple particularly significant for couples seeking blessings for marital harmony and Thali Bhagyam.
6. Relief of Brahma’s Curse: The Brahma Lingam, located in the front hall, is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma to absolve himself of a curse incurred during his interactions with the celestial dancer Urvasi.
7. Kamadhenu’s Worship: Kamadhenu, the divine cow, worshipped Neelakanta at this temple to rid herself of a curse placed on her by her master, Sage Vasishta.