Sishtagurunatheshwarar Temple

Thiruthuraiyur is located approximately 10 kilometers from Panruti on the route from Villupuram to Panruti. It is about 20 kilometers from Villupuram and around 32 kilometers from Cuddalore. This temple is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and is the 15th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, worshiped here in the form of a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested). This west-facing temple does not have a Raja Gopuram (main tower) and features a single corridor. Thiruthuraiyur is also significant as the birthplace of Saint Arul Nandhi Sivachariyar, one of the four renowned Santhana Kuravarkal.

Timings

The temple is open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. in the morning and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the evening.

Entry Fee

Free of charge

According to legend, when the wedding of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi took place at Mount Kailash, Lord Shiva sent Sage Agasthya to the south to balance the level of the earth. On his journey, Sage Agasthya installed Shiva Lingas with Ambica to witness the wedding. At this location, the sage worshipped Lord Shiva facing west, with Mother Ambica facing the north (Vamadeva) direction, as the wedding occurred in the north. This north-facing form of Ambica is considered very rare.

Administration History :

The temple dates back to the Pallava period (6th–7th century) and was later reconstructed during the Chola period, with contributions from the Pandya and Vijayanagara dynasties. Inscriptions mention endowments and renovations by rulers like Kulothunga Chola, Rajaraja, and Vijayanagara kings, including Achutha Devaraya and Narasingadeva Rayar. Lands and resources were gifted for maintenance and worship by local donors and rulers. Currently, the temple is under the administration of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE), Tamil Nadu. Regular worship and maintenance are carried out per traditional practices.

Do's and Don'ts

Pray to your Ishta Devata before visiting the temple.
Contact the temple information center for inquiries and pooja details.
Reserve travel and accommodation in advance.
Bathe and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
Focus on God and Goddess inside the temple.
Maintain silence and recite your mantra quietly.
Follow the temple's customs and traditions.
Respect the religious sentiments of others.
Deposit offerings in the designated hundi.

Do not visit for purposes other than worship.
No smoking or consumption of alcohol.
No non-vegetarian food in the temple.
Avoid mediators for quick darshan.
Do not carry weapons or headgear (like helmets, caps, or turbans).
Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the sanctum sanctorum.
Limit time during Sparsa Darshanam in the Garbhagriha.
Avoid buying prasad from street vendors.
Do not encourage beggars in the temple.
Do not spit or create disturbances in the temple premises.

Dress Code

For Men: Men should wear traditional attire such as a veshti, lungi, or dhoti. Shirts or t-shirts should be worn with respect, and avoid wearing shorts.

For Women: Women are expected to wear sarees, salwar kameez, or other traditional attire. Avoid wearing revealing clothes and dresses.

How to reach

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By Road: The nearest urban route is from Panruti.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Panruti Railway Station, located about 10.3 Kms from the temple.

By Air: The nearest airport is in Puducherry, which is approximately 47.7 Kms from the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

Then Pennai River: A major river flowing near the temple, historically situated on its south side, with its course having possibly changed over time.
Malatar River: The present channel of the old Pennai River, which flows near the temple and is believed to have resulted from floods altering the original river course.

Cities:

Thiruthuraiyur: The town where the temple is located, known for its religious and cultural importance, especially in Saivite traditions.
Thirunavalur: The birthplace of Saint Sundarar and the town from which his pilgrimage started, with a strong connection to the temple's history.
Thiruvennainallur: A nearby town known for its association with Saint Sundarar's sainthood and his hymns dedicated to the deities here.