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Sarguna Natheswarar Temple

The 180th Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the southern side of the river Kaveri and the 63rd sthalam of Chozha Nadu is now known as Karuveli. The place is also referred to as Sarguneswarapuram, named after Lord Shiva. In ancient times, this location was called Karuvili, and the temple was known as Kottidai. Together, the place and the temple were collectively referred to as Karuvilikottaidai.

Timings

From 07:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 04:30 PM to 08:00 PM.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


The temple's origins date back to before the 7th century, as Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal sang hymns in praise of Lord Shiva here, indicating the existence of an original temple at that time. During the Chozha period, the temple was reconstructed in stone and later extended by the Vijayanagara rulers, the Marathas, and the Nattukottai Nagarathars.

Inscriptions from this temple belong to the later Chozha period, specifically the reigns of Rajathirajan II and Rajendran. An inscription from the 4th year of Rajarajan II's reign records that this place was part of Uyyakondar Valanattu, Venattu, and Kulothunga Chola Nallur Kottidi.

Maha Kumbhabhishekam ceremonies were conducted in recent times on 27th March 1997, 14th July 2008, and 30th June 2017.


Puranic Significance :-


  1. Place for Total Salvation:


According to Hindu belief, praying at the Sarguneswarar Temple leads to salvation, ensuring that devotees will not be reborn. The temple’s lesson stems from the story of the divine Mother, who, having been born to a wicked person in her past life, had to be reborn to reunite with her Lord and avoid further rebirth. Those worshipping here attain eternal happiness and total salvation. The place was originally known as "Karu Illai," meaning no rebirth (no entering into a womb again). Over time, the name evolved into "Karuveli," meaning a protective fence preventing further birth.


  1. Sarguna Nathar:


It is believed that worshipping at this temple helps retain noble traits and completely reforms one from past wicked qualities. Hence, Lord Shiva here is praised as Sarguna Nathar, meaning "Lord of Noble Traits."


  1. Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi’s Stay:


The temple is associated with the story of King Daksha, who conducted a Yagna without inviting his son-in-law, Lord Shiva. Despite Shiva's warning, Dakshayani, his wife, attended the Yagna and was humiliated by her father, Daksha. In her sorrow, she ended her life by jumping into the Yagna fire. Enraged, Lord Shiva carried her body and danced furiously, shaking the worlds. Lord Vishnu intervened and cut Dakshayani’s body into 51 pieces, which became the Maha Shakti Peetas. Though pacified, Lord Shiva remained disturbed and came to a forest near Karuveli, known as Amba Samuthiram, where he performed penance.

During this time, Shiva saw Parvathi, the daughter of Himavan, who came to Karuveli as Sarvanga Sundari and danced before him. This place where she danced is now called Kottittai. Shiva married Sarvanga Sundari (Parvathi) at Mount Kailash and stayed at the Karuveli temple.


  1. Worship by Indra and Devas:


There is also a legend that Indra, the king of Devas, along with the Devas and Rudhra Ganas, came to this temple to worship Shiva and Parvathi. A king named Sargunan is also said to have worshipped Shiva here.


  1. Yama Theertham:


Yama, the god of death, constructed a temple tank in front of the temple and prayed to Lord Shiva after taking a dip in the tank to overcome a curse. This sacred tank is still known as Yama Theertham.


  1. Name of Sarguneswarar:


The temple’s presiding deity, Sarguneswarar, derives his name from King Sarguna, who worshipped Lord Shiva here and was blessed by him.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress Modestly: Wear traditional attire or respectful clothing, covering shoulders and knees.
  2. Remove Footwear: Take off shoes before entering the temple premises as a sign of respect.
  3. Follow Rituals: Participate in the rituals and prayers respectfully, if you choose to.
  4. Maintain Silence: Keep noise to a minimum to maintain the temple's serene atmosphere.
  5. Offer Prayers: Feel free to offer prayers and express your devotion sincerely.
  6. Use Photography Respectfully: Only take photographs in permitted areas and avoid capturing images of idols during rituals.
  7. Donate Generously: Contribute to the temple’s maintenance and community projects if you wish.


  1. Avoid Disruptive Behaviour: Do not engage in loud conversations or disruptive activities inside the temple.
  2. No Food or Drink: Do not bring food or beverages into the temple premises.
  3. Do Not Touch Idols: Refrain from touching the idols or any sacred objects without permission.
  4. Avoid Wearing Shoes: Do not wear shoes on temple grounds; use designated areas for footwear.
  5. No Smoking or Alcohol: Strictly avoid smoking or consuming alcohol on the premises.
  6. Avoid Commercial Photography: Do not take pictures for commercial purposes without prior permission.
  7. Do Not Litter: Keep the temple clean by disposing of waste properly.


Dress Code

Men:

  1. Traditional Attire: Wear a dhoti or kurta; pants and shirts are acceptable but should be modest.
  2. Modesty: Avoid shorts, sleeveless shirts, and tight clothing.

Women:

  1. Traditional Attire: Wear a saree, salwar kameez, or a long dress; modest Western dresses are also acceptable.
  2. Modesty: Avoid short skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops.

How to reach

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Best season to visit :-


The best season to visit the Sarguneswarar Temple is during the winter months from November to February.


How to reach :-



  1. By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), approximately 90 km from the temple. Transportation: From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use ride-sharing services to reach the temple.
  2. By Train: The closest major railway station is Tiruchirappalli Junction, about 90 km away. Transportation: From the railway station, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local bus to reach the temple.
  3. By Road: State-run and private buses frequently operate from major cities like Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, and Coimbatore to nearby towns. You can take a bus to a nearby town and then hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Kaveri River: The temple is situated on the south bank of the Kaveri River, which is a major river in the region and holds significant religious importance.
  2. Cities:


Cities :

  1. Kumbakonam: Approximately 17 km away, Kumbakonam is a well-known temple town with numerous shrines and a vibrant cultural heritage.
  2. Thanjavur: About 34 km from Karuveli, Thanjavur is famous for its historical temples, including the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  3. Tiruvarur: Located around 30 km away, Tiruvarur is known for its rich temple architecture and the famous Thyagaraja Temple.
  4. Swamimalai: Approximately 19 km from the temple, Swamimalai is known for its Murugan temple and scenic landscapes.