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Uthiraphasupadeeswarar temple

Uthrapathiswaraswamy Temple, located in Thiruchengattankudi, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. However, it is particularly famous for its unique depictions of Lord Ganesha (Ganapati). The temple houses a notable Ganesha shrine where the deity is portrayed with a human head, a rare depiction compared to the usual elephant-headed form. Another significant Ganesha icon, known as Vatapi Ganapati, is housed in a smaller shrine added later. Historically, the temple was referred to as "Siruthonda Ganapatishvara," a name derived from the saint Siruthondar. The title "Ganapatishvara" signifies "Lord of Ganesha," and connects to the legend of Ganesha slaying the demon Gajamukhasura and then worshipping his father, Lord Shiva, at this sacred site. The town itself is sometimes called "Ganapatishvaram" in honour of this connection.

Timings

Morning: 6:45 AM to 12:00 PM & Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Entry Fee

Free of charge

The Shiva temple, known as Siruthonda Ganapatishvara, is named after the saint Siruthondar. The title "Ganapatishvara," which also gives the town its alternate name "Ganapatishvaram," signifies Lord Shiva as the "Lord of Ganesha" and is tied to the legend where Ganesha defeated the demon Gajamukhasuran and then worshipped his father, Shiva, at this site.

The Vatapi Ganapati icon, currently enshrined in a secondary shrine within the Uthrapathiswaraswamy Temple complex, has a rich historical tradition. According to oral history, this icon was brought from the Chalukyan capital of Vatapi (modern-day Badami in northern Karnataka) by Paranjothi, the commander-in-chief of Pallava king Narasimha Varman I, after the Pallavas' victory over the Chalukyas in 642 CE.

Paranjothi later placed the Vatapi Ganapati icon in his birthplace, Tiruchenkattankudi. He eventually renounced his warrior lifestyle and became a Shaiva monk, taking the name Siruthondar, who is now revered as a Nayanar saint. While there are no written records to confirm this oral tradition, and the icon of Ganesha does not appear on lists of Pallava war spoils, the temple remains famous for its connection to this story. The renowned Carnatic music composer Muthuswamy Dikshitar immortalized the deity with his composition "Vatapi Ganapathim Bhaje."


Legend :


  1. Siruthondar: The Uthrapathiswaraswamy Temple holds great importance in Saivism as the birthplace of Paranjothi, a devout follower of Lord Shiva and the commander of the Pallava army. Paranjothi, always victorious in battle due to Lord Shiva’s blessings, was granted retirement by the king, allowing him to fully dedicate his life to spiritual service. Paranjothi later became known as Siruthondar and is celebrated as one of the 63 Nayanar saints. Siruthondar’s devotion to Shiva devotees was exemplified by an extraordinary incident. He and his wife, Mangai Nallal (referred to as Tiruvenkattu Nangai in Saivite scriptures), and their son, Seeralan, never ate before feeding a Shiva devotee. One day, when no devotees came, Siruthondar went in search of one. During his absence, a Shiva devotee arrived and was welcomed by Mangai Nallal. The devotee refused to dine without the male head of the house and waited under a Kattathi tree in the temple. Upon Siruthondar’s return, he invited the devotee, who placed an impossible condition: Siruthondar must slaughter his only son, cook the meat, and serve it. Without hesitation, Siruthondar and his wife fulfilled the request. However, when the food was served, the devotee asked Siruthondar to call his son to join him for the meal. To their astonishment, their son reappeared, alive and well. The devotee then revealed himself as Lord Pasupatheeswarar and granted darshan with Mother Parvathi, bestowing salvation on Siruthondar, his family, and their maid. The Kattathi tree and a shrine dedicated to Siruthondar’s family stand before Lord Pasupatheeswarar's shrine.
  2. The Four Ambikas: Another legend tells of a childless king who prayed to Lord Shiva for offspring. During a hunting expedition, he found four beautiful female children and raised them as his daughters. When they reached marriageable age, the king prayed to Lord Shiva to marry them, which the Lord did. These daughters are venerated as the four Ambikas in different temples: Vaaitha Tirukuzhal Nayaki in Thiruchenkattankudi, Karundhar Kuzhali Ammai in Thirupugalur, Sarivar Kuzhali in Ganapatheeswaram, and Vandar Kuzhali in Thirumarugal. Collectively known as Shoolikambal, they are revered for aiding a poor woman during childbirth. The term "Shool" means pregnancy in Tamil, which explains their title. Since the Ambikas returned late after helping the woman, they remained outside the temple, and their shrines are situated outside the main sanctum. During the Arthajama Puja (night ritual), a special nivedhana made of Samba rice, pepper, Seeragam (cumin), salt, and ghee (traditionally given to new mothers) is offered to them.
  3. Vadhabi Ganapathi: The temple also has a connection to the worship of Vinayaka (Ganesha). During a battle, Paranjothi discovered the Vinayaka idol, worshipped it, won the war, and brought the idol to Thiruchenkattankudi. This Vinayaka, known as Vadhabi Ganapathi, had earlier rid himself of the dosha incurred from killing the demon Gaja Mukha Asura. Vinayaka worship in Tamil Nadu is said to have originated from this event, earning him the title "Aadhi Vinayaka." The deity is depicted in a seated posture with folded legs. Special pujas are conducted on Chaturthi days (the fourth day after the full or new moon), and it is believed that Lord Shiva relieved Vinayaka of his dosha on a Sadaya star day in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December-January), which is also commemorated with special pujas and processions.
  4. Scar on Lord Uthira Pasupatheeswarar: A fascinating story surrounds the creation of the idol of Lord Uthira Pasupatheeswarar. A king wanted to craft an idol representing Lord Shiva’s darshan to Siruthondar, but the efforts of the sculptors were unsuccessful. A Shiva devotee arrived, asking for water, and in frustration, the sculptors offered him molten metal. The devotee drank it and transformed into a perfect idol. However, a small excess of metal on the idol's forehead was removed, causing it to bleed. The sculptors immediately applied saffron and borneol (Pachai karpooram) to stop the bleeding. This scar is still visible on the deity, and during evening pujas, saffron and borneol are applied. Abhishekam (ritual bathing) is performed for Lord Uthira Pasupatheeswarar on specific days, including the Tamil months of Chithirai, Aadi, Aipasi, and Thai, and on Bharani and Thiruvonam star days.
  5. Thiru Chengattan Kudi: The location of the temple is called Thiru Chengattan Kudi in Tamil, also known as Raktharanya Kshetra in Sanskrit. This name is derived from the legend of demon Gajamukhasura, whose blood flowed like a river after his defeat by Vinayaka.
  6. Ganapatheeswarar: In the legend, after slaying Gajamukhasura, Vinayaka worshipped the Swayambu Lingam Shiva at this site to rid himself of the dosha of killing the demon. Lord Shiva then granted him darshan and came to be known as Ganapatheeswarar.
  7. Bhairava and the Demons: It is also believed that Bhairava, a fierce form of Shiva, killed demons Raktabheejan and others in this sacred place, further contributing to its sanctity.


Administration History : 



The temple's administration has a rich history tied to various dynasties, including the Pallavas and Chozhas, who contributed to its maintenance and growth. Inscriptions from the Chozha period detail land grants and offerings made for rituals, showcasing the temple's importance in local governance. The Velakuruchi Adheenam has historically overseen the temple's administration, ensuring the continuation of worship and cultural practices. This stewardship has preserved the temple's heritage and facilitated community engagement through regular festivals and rituals.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to Your Ishta Devata: Before embarking on your pilgrimage to the temple, take a moment to pray to your chosen deity.
  2. Contact the Temple Devasthanam: For inquiries about temple information, pooja details, or any other assistance, reach out to the temple information center.
  3. Reserve Travel and Accommodation: Make sure to book your travel and accommodation well in advance to ensure a smooth visit.
  4. Maintain Personal Hygiene: Bathe and wear clean clothes before entering the temple to show respect for the sacred space.
  5. Focus on the Deities: Once inside the temple, concentrate on the God and Goddess, immersing yourself in devotion.
  6. Practice Silence: Maintain silence and recite your Ishta Mantram quietly to yourself while inside the temple.
  7. Respect Customs and Traditions: Observe the ancient customs and traditions of the temple during your visit.
  8. Deposit Offerings Properly: Place your offerings in the hundi (donation box) only.
  1. Avoid Non-Worship Activities: Do not come to the temple for any purpose other than worshiping the God and Goddess.
  2. No Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited within the temple premises.
  3. No Alcohol Consumption: Consuming alcoholic beverages at the temple is not allowed.
  4. No Non-Vegetarian Food: Eating non-vegetarian food in the temple is prohibited.
  5. Avoid Mediators for Quick Darshan: Do not approach mediators for expedited darshan, as it may cause inconvenience to others.
  6. No Weapons: Carrying any weapons inside the temple is strictly forbidden.
  7. Remove Headgear: Do not wear helmets, caps, turbans, or hats within the temple premises.

Dress Code

For Men: Men should wear traditional attire such as a dhoti or kurta, or loose-fitting pants and a shirt. It is recommended to avoid wearing shorts or tight-fitting clothing.

For Women: Women are advised to wear traditional sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts with blouses. Revealing or tight-fitting outfits should be avoided to maintain decorum.

How to reach

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By Air: The nearest airport is located in Trichy, approximately 137 Kms from the temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is in Thiruvarur, providing convenient access to the temple.

By Road: The temple is about 22.2 Kms from Thiruvarur New Bus Stand.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Vadavaaru River: This river flows nearby, providing water for rituals and contributing to the temple's serene environment.
  2. Kollidam River: Located in proximity, this river is significant for irrigation and local agriculture, enhancing the area's fertility.
  3. Arasalar River: This river runs close to the temple, further enriching the landscape and serving as a source of water for various needs.


Cities:

  1. Thiruchengattankudi: The immediate town where the temple is located, known for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance.
  2. Thiruvidaimarudur: A nearby city that is home to several other ancient temples and cultural landmarks, often visited by devotees.
  3. Thanjavur: Located a short distance away, this historic city is famous for its magnificent temples and as a center of art and culture in Tamil Nadu.
  4. Kumbakonam: Known as the temple city, Kumbakonam is also nearby and is famous for its numerous temples, festivals, and traditional cuisine.