Theerthapureeswarar Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Thirunelvayil Arathurai (presently called Thiruvattathurai) near Thittakudi in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu. This temple holds immense historical and spiritual significance as it is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and the 33rd Shiva Sthalam mentioned in the Thevaram hymns. It is also the first Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
Key Highlights of Theerthapureeswarar Temple:
Swayambumurthi: Lord Shiva here is worshipped as a self-manifested deity (Swayambumurthi).
Association with Saints:
This is one of the 44 Paadal Petra Sthalams where the three revered Nayanmars – Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), and Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar) – have rendered their hymns (Pathigams).
Saint Thirugnanasambanthar was specially blessed in this temple with a Muthu Pallaku (pearl palanquin), Muthu Kodai (pearl umbrella), and Muthu Chinnam (pearl ornaments).
Saint Arunagirinathar also sang praises of Lord Murugan in this temple through his renowned Thirupugazh hymns.
Sage Vasishtar’s Connection: It is believed that Sage Vasishtar was blessed with the title Raja Rishi by Lord Shiva at this sacred place.
Sapta Rishi Connection: This temple is the sixth of the seven “Thurai” temples, which are situated on riverbanks and associated with the Sapta Rishis.
The River and Holy Water:
The temple is situated on the banks of the Neevaa river (referred to as Vellar river in later texts). Sundarar’s Thevaram hymn mentions it as the Neevaa.
The temple’s sacred water sources (Theerthams) include Neelamalar Poikai, Annamalar Poikai, and the Vada Vellaru river.
Thurai Significance: This temple is part of the six Thurai temples associated with the Sapta Rishis, emphasizing its connection to divine sages and their penance.
Historical Renovations: The most recent Maha Kumbabishekam (consecration ceremony) of the temple was held on 24th March 2011.
PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE:
Saint Thirugnanasambanthar’s Visit
After worshiping Sri Pralaya Kaleswarar, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar stayed overnight at Maranpadi (Eraiyur).
The journey from Eraiyur to the temple was tiring. Lord Shiva, understanding this, instructed local Brahmins (Vethiyars) to fetch the saint.
They carried a pearl palanquin (Muthu Chivigai), pearl umbrella (Muthu Kodai), and other pearl-bedecked paraphernalia (Muthu Chinnam) to Eraiyur, as arranged by Lord Shiva himself.
The Brahmins met the saint at Kudalur and escorted him to the temple in a grand procession.
Lord Shiva honored Thirugnanasambanthar with the title “Achariyan” (Teacher).
Following this, Thirugnanasambanthar traveled to several holy sites using the Muthu Chivigai.
Unique Feature of the Nandhi
The temple's Nandhi (sacred bull) has a distinctive posture: its head is lifted and turned to the right.
This unusual position is linked to a flood in the Neeva River. On Lord Shiva’s advice, Nandhi turned its head towards the river and prevented the flood from causing damage.
Divine Worship at the Temple
The temple has been worshipped by several celestial beings and legendary figures:
Deities: Mahavishnu, Brahma, Adisheshan, Saneeswaran (Saturn), and Angarakan (Mars).
Sages: Valmiki, Sanakar, and Barathvasar.
Kings: King Janakar (Sita’s father), and rulers from the Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties.
Legend of the Neeva (Vellaru) River
It is believed that Lord Shiva called the Vellaru River to the temple site to assist the Saptha Rishis in their rituals.
The river earned the name “Nee Vaa” (meaning "you come here") in Tamil due to this event.
The fingerprints of the seven sages (Saptha Rishis) are said to be visible on the Shiva Lingam here.
Sage Vasishtar’s Penitence and Blessings
Sage Vasishtar performed intense penance at this temple and was blessed with the title “Raja Rishi” by Lord Shiva.
As “Raja Rishi,” Vasishtar became the Kula Guru (family teacher) of royal dynasties, including:
Chola King Manu
King Dasarath
Lord Sri Rama
Vasishtar imparted spiritual wisdom to Sri Rama, recorded as ‘Gnana Vasishtam’.
This scripture is regarded as a philosophical dialogue akin to the Bhagavad Gita.
Thurai Temples: Worship by Saptha Rishis
The Saptha Rishis (seven sages) worshipped Lord Shiva at seven sacred locations along the banks of the river Vellaru, also known as “Nee Vaa.” In each of these temples, the fingerprints of the sages can be seen on the Lingam. These temples are collectively known as the Thurai Temples:
Adi Thurai (Kaariyanoor)
Thirumaanthurai
Thiruvalanthurai
Su. Aduthurai
Thiruvathittathuri (Thittakudi)
Thiruvattathurai (Thirunelvayil Arathurai)
Thirukkaranthurai (Pelanthurai)
Saint Thirugnanasambanthar and the Pearl Palanquin
After worshiping Lord Sri Pralaya Kaleswarar at Pennaagadam, Saint Thirugnanasambanthar stayed overnight at Maranpadi (Eraiyur). Due to the exhausting journey to the temple, Lord Shiva instructed local Brahmins to carry a pearl palanquin (Muthu Chivigai), a pearl umbrella (Muthu Kodai), and other pearl-decorated items (Muthu Chinnam) to Eraiyur to bring the saint to the temple.
The saint was welcomed in a grand procession at Kudalur, and Lord Shiva honored him with the title "Acharyan" (Teacher). From then, Thirugnanasambanthar traveled in the pearl palanquin to many sacred sites. Worshiping Lord Shiva here is believed to bring significant changes in life, including fame, recognition, and elevation in social and professional status.
Worship by Divine Beings
The temple holds a special place in mythology as several divine and royal figures are believed to have worshiped here, including:
Lords Mahavishnu and Brahma
Adhiseshan (the divine serpent)
Planets Saneeswaran (Saturn) and Angaraka (Mars)
Sages Valmiki, Sanakar, Bharadhwaja, and Vasishtar
King Janakar (Sita’s father)
Kings of Chera, Chola, and Pandya dynasties
River Nee Vaa
The river Vellaru is called "Nee Vaa" due to Lord Shiva’s command, which translates to "You come here" in Tamil. This facilitated the Saptha Rishis in performing their rituals.
Sage Vasishtar’s Penance
Sage Vasishtar performed intense penance at this temple and received the title "Raja Rishi" from Lord Shiva. This title later earned him the role of Kula Guru (family teacher) to royal dynasties, including the Chola King Manu, King Dasaratha, and Lord Rama. His teachings were compiled as the ‘Gnana Vasishtam,’ a philosophical work similar to the Bhagavad Geeta.
Relief from Planetary Doshas
As both Saneeswaran and Angaraka worshiped Lord Shiva here, the temple is considered a Dosha Parihara Sthalam. Devotees believe that worshiping here alleviates the malefic effects of these two planets.
Maham Nakshatram and the Sacred Tree
The sacred tree of the temple is the banyan tree, which represents the Maham Nakshatram (constellation). This makes the temple especially auspicious for individuals born under this star.
Aratturai: The Sacred Name
The temple is also called Aratturai or Thirunelvayil Arathurai, derived from “Aravatturai” (where Adhi Sesha worshiped Shiva).
