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Neelakandeswarar Temple

The Iluppai Pattu Neelakandeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple situated in Iluppai Pattu, within the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, India. This location is also known as Pazhamanni Padikarai and Tirumannippadikkarai. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, referred to as Thiruneelakandeswarar and Padikarai Nathar, with his consort being Amirthavalli. The temple is one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams, which are Shiva shrines celebrated in the early mediaeval Tevaram poems by the Tamil Saivite Nayanar, Sundarar.

Timings

Morning : 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM & Evening : 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Entry Fee

Free of charge

During their exile, the Pandava brothers stayed in this area for a time but struggled to find Shivalingas for worship. In their devotion, they lit lamps using Iluppai nuts and meditated on the Lord. In response to their prayers, the Lord granted them individual darshans and appeared as five Shivalingas, fulfilling their request. This is why the temple features five Lingas (Pancha Linga’s) housed in separate shrines.


Puranic Significance :



In ancient times, the region around the temple was believed to be densely covered with Iluppai trees, which is reflected in the temple's “sthala vruksham” (sacred tree). This gives the place its name, Iluppaipattu. The temple is situated on the southern banks of the Manniyaru River, also known as the Subramanya River, leading to the alternate name "Pazha Manni Padikkarai" (“pazha” meaning ancient, “Manni” referring to the river, and “Padikkari” meaning riverbank in Tamil).

Several stone inscriptions found here date back to the time of Chola King Rajaraja and rulers from the VijayaNagara dynasty. The historical names of this place include Madhookavanam and Pazhamanni Padikkarai, and the temple is under the administrative control of the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam.

According to legend, during their exile, the Pandava brothers stayed in this area. Duryodhana is believed to have poisoned the Brahma Theertham (sacred water) of this temple, but Goddess Parvathi intervened, removing the poison and replacing it with celestial nectar. Lord Shiva then consumed the extracted poison to save the Pandavas. The tank is known as “Nachupoigai,” meaning poison pond. Goddess Parvathi is praised here as “Sri Amirtha Kara Valli” (meaning "Goddess with nectar hands").

The Pandavas reportedly extracted oil from the seeds of the Iluppai tree to light lamps in the temple. Impressed by their meditation, Lord Shiva granted each of them individual darshans. Each brother requested that the Lord remain in this place to bless all devotees, leading to the appearance of five Shivalingas at different locations within the temple complex. These Lingas are named as follows:

  1. Sri Neelakandeswarar with Amudhakara Valli worshipped by Dharumar
  2. Sri Padikkarai Nathar with Goddess Mangalambikai worshipped by Arjunan
  3. Sri Mahadeshwara worshipped by Bheeman
  4. Sri Parameswarar worshipped by Nakulan
  5. Sri Muktheeswarar worshipped by Sakadevan

Another legend involves a Chola king who, while crossing the Manniyaru River by boat to reach the temple, saw an uprooted Iluppai tree floating. He brought the tree to the temple, believing that the oil from its seeds could be used for lighting lamps. A beautiful sculpture depicting this incident can be seen on the outside wall of the sanctum sanctorum. It is believed that the Pandavas, Lord Brahma, King Manthatha, and Emperor Nalan worshipped the Lord here.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to Your Ishta Devata: Begin your pilgrimage by offering prayers to your chosen deity.
  2. Contact Temple Devasthanam: Reach out to the temple information centre for inquiries, details about the temple, and puja arrangements.
  3. Reserve Travel and Accommodation: Book your travel and accommodation well in advance to ensure a smooth pilgrimage.
  4. Maintain Cleanliness: Bathe and wear clean clothes before entering the temple premises.
  5. Focus on Worship: Concentrate on the deities within the temple during your visit.
  6. Practice Silence: Maintain silence and recite your Ishta Mantra quietly while inside the temple.
  7. Observe Traditions: Follow ancient customs and traditions during your visit.
  8. Respect Religious Sentiments: Show respect for the religious beliefs and practices observed at the temple.
  9. Deposit Offerings Properly: Place your offerings in the designated hundi only.
  1. Worship Only: Do not visit the temple for any purpose other than worshipping the deities.
  2. No Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited within the temple premises.
  3. Avoid Alcohol: Do not consume alcoholic beverages on temple grounds.
  4. No Non-Vegetarian Food: Refrain from eating non-vegetarian food within the temple area.
  5. No Mediators for Darshan: Do not seek help from intermediaries for quick darshan, as this may inconvenience others.
  6. Prohibit Weapons: Do not carry any weapons inside the temple.
  7. Remove Headgear: Avoid wearing helmets, caps, turbans, or hats within the temple premises.
  8. Avoid Sastang Pranam in Sanctum: Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the sanctum sanctorum.
  9. Be Brief During Darshan: Do not linger excessively while performing Sparsa Darshanam in the Garbhagriha.
  10. No Spurious Prasadam’s: Avoid purchasing fake prasadam’s from street vendors.
  11. Do Not Encourage Beggars: Do not give alms to beggars within the temple area.
  12. Maintain Cleanliness: Do not spit or create any nuisance in the temple premises.

Dress Code

For Men : Men should wear traditional attire such as dhoti or kurta, or at least ensure that their clothing is modest and clean. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or any form of clothing that is too casual.

For Women : Women should opt for traditional clothing like sarees or salwar kameez, ensuring their attire is modest and respectful. Avoid wearing revealing outfits, shorts, or sleeveless tops while inside the temple.

How to reach

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By Air : The temple is approximately 106 km from Pondicherry Airport, making it accessible for those travelling by air.

By Rail : The nearest railway station is Mayiladuthurai Junction Railway Station, which is 17.2 km away.

By Road : The temple is located about 15.1 km from Mayiladuthurai Old Bus Stand.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers :

  1. Manniyaru River: Flowing to the south of the temple, this river is significant in local mythology and is associated with various legends involving the Pandavas.
  2. Kollidam River: Located nearby, the Kollidam is another important river that contributes to the region's agricultural and cultural landscape.


Cities:

  1. Mayiladuthurai: The nearest town, Mayiladuthurai is known for its rich cultural heritage and several temples, making it a key pilgrimage destination.
  2. Thiruvarur: A historical town located a bit farther away, Thiruvarur is renowned for its ancient temples and is an important centre for Tamil culture and spirituality.
  3. Kuthanur: Close to the temple, this village is known for its agricultural activities and local traditions that reflect the essence of rural Tamil Nadu.