- This is the 222nd Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 105th Sthalam on the south side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu.
- This place maintains the same name of Thirukalar, since Thirugnanasambandar period.
- Kalarmulainathar Temple, also known as Parijatha Vaneswarar Temple, is a revered Hindu temple located in Thirukkalar, Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu.
- The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Parijatha Vaneswarar or Kalarmulainathar.
- The temple holds significant importance in Saivite tradition, having been praised by the saints Sambandar and Thirunavukkarasar in the Thevaram hymns.
- The goddess of the temple is worshipped as Amirthavalli or Ilankombannal.
- The sacred tree, or Sthala Vriksham, is the Parijatham.
- Theerthams associated with this temple include Durvasa, Gnana, Brahma, and Rudra Theertham.
PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE:
Lord Shiva granting the Brahmma Thandava Darshan to Sage Durvasa:
- Lord Shiva performed his Ananda dance in Chidambaram and Perur, Aajaba in Tiruvarur, Gnana Sundara in Madurai, Oordhva in Avinashi, and Brahmma Thandava in Tirumuruganpoondi.
- Sage Durvasa performed severe penance in this place seeking the Ananda Thandava darshan of Lord which he granted to sages Vyakrapada and Patanjali.
- He brought the rare Parijatha flowers from the celestial world and made this place dense with these trees.
- He also made a Shiva Linga and installed it under the Parijatha tree and created a spring. He built the temple with the divine sculptor.
- Hence the place has names as Parijatha Vanam, Tharu Vanam and Karpaga Vanam according to scriptures.
- Pleased with his penance, Lord granted the Brahmma Thandava darshan to the sage.
- Kalari in Tamil also means dance. Hence, this place is called as Thirukkalar.
Historical Significance
The 5th Pontiff of Tirukoyilur Mutt initiated several educational institutions, including Veda Patasala, Thevara Patasala, and Agama Patasala, along with a chariot for the temple.