- The legend is that Dakshan (father of Goddess Parvathi) once performed a yagna where he invited all the devas (celestial gods) but intentionally left out Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was angered by this slight and all the devas who attended the yagna and consumed the yagna-food (avirbhaagam), became the object of his fury.
- Lord Shiva instructed Aghora Veerabhadra to go to Dakshan’s yagna-hall and punish all the devas. Agora Veerabhadrar carried out the lord’s instruction and as a result the Sun God (Suryan) who was one of the attendees lost his eyesight and lustre.
- To seek Lord Shiva’s forgiveness, Suryan went to several holy places and offered his prayers. It was finally at this place (Puravaar Panangkattur) that Suryan’s eyesight and his brightness were restored. Hence, Lord Shiva is also praised here as “Kan parithu aruliya kadavul” (the God who took and later restored the eye sight).
- As Suryan got back his brightness at this temple, it is believed that every year, he worships Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi for a period of seven days from the 1st day of the Tamil New year by illuminating the idols in the two sanctums.
- Another legend associated with this place is that of the Chola Emperor Sibi Chakravarthi. It is believed that once, a pigeon that was being hunted by a vulture surrendered to the King and sought his help.
- He immediately cut a portion of his thigh flesh equivalent to the weight of the pigeon and offered it as food to the vulture instead.
- This deed came to the notice of Lord Shiva who appreciated his generosity, gave him his dharisanam and offered him salvation (moksham).
- In order to celebrate this event and to honour King Sibi, his descendants built a beautiful temple at this place.
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Sri Panangatt Eswarar Temple
Sree Panankateesvarar Temple is located in Panaiyapuram very close to the Vikravandi Bye Pass Road. This Temple is also known by another name as Thiruppuravar Panagatteeswarar Temple. The Presiding Deity of this Temple is Sri Panangate Eswarar who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The other names of Shiva are Sri Panangatt Eswarar, Sri Nethrothara Eswarar, Sri Kannamarnatha Nayanar. This is the 52nd Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 20th Paadal Petra sthalam of Nadu Naadu. As per the Thevara hymns this place was called as Thiruppuravar Panangattur and now called as Panayapuram. This is one of the Shiva temples, in which the Palm Tree as sthala vruksham.
Timings
06.00 AM to 11.00 AM and in the evening 04.00 PM and 08.30 PM
Entry Fee
No Entry Fee
Do's and Don'ts
- Dress modestly: Opt for clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. This demonstrates respect for the sanctity of the temple.
- Maintain cleanliness: Remove footwear before entering the temple premises. Wash your hands and feet before entering the sanctum (inner sanctum where the deity resides).
- Be respectful: Speak softly and avoid loud conversations or boisterous behavior. Maintain a peaceful and prayerful demeanor.
- Follow the queue: If there's a line to enter the sanctum, wait patiently for your turn.
- Seek guidance: If unsure about any rituals or procedures, politely ask a priest or temple staff for guidance.
- Disrespectful clothing: Avoid wearing revealing or skimpy clothing.
- Intoxication: Entering the temple under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited.
- Smoking and consumption of food: Smoking and eating are not allowed within the temple complex. Designated areas might be available outside the temple for these activities.
- Littering: Maintain the temple's cleanliness by disposing of offerings and waste materials in designated bins.
- Causing disturbance: Avoid loud noises, arguments, or any behaviour that disrupts the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.
- Touching the deities: Unless it's part of a specific puja (ritual) or ceremony, refrain from touching the idols or statues within the temple.
Dress Code
- Men can wear dhotis, kurtas, or shirts with pants/lungis.
- Women can wear sarees, salwar kameez sets, or long skirts with kurtas/tunics.
How to reach
By Bus:
Reach Villupuram Bus Stand and Hire Local Transport villupuram bus stand is 1.4km from the temple
By Air:
The nearest airport to Villupuram is Puducherry Airport (approximately 45 km away). From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other modes of local transportation to reach the temple.
By Train:
Villupuram Junction is the nearest major railway station. It is well-connected to various cities and towns across Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. From Villupuram Junction, you can take a taxi, bus, or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
Nearby Cities and Rivers
- The Pennai River is, flowing through Villupuram district hence temple could be situated near a tributary or branch of the Pennai River.
- Villupuram, Tirukkoyilur, Cuddalore are the cities near the temple.