Sri Chayavaneswarar Temple

Sri Chayavaneswarar Temple has been referred to in Akanaanooru and Natrinai of the Sangam period. Images of Surya, Indra, IyarpakaiNayanaar, and an image of Subramanya with a bow, which is said to have been recovered from the sea,decorate this temple. Engravings from the imperial Chola period can be seen in this temple.  A fresco of the legend of IyarpakaiNayanaar one of the 63 Nayanmaars who was related with this temple is also seen here.

Also known as Chaayaavanam, Tiruchaaikaadu is one of the 2 Shivastalams in the ancient Chola seashore capital of   Poompuhaar .This shrine said to be on par with the one inBanares. Tiruchchaaikkadu is the 9th in the series of TevaraStalangal on the northern banks of the river Kaveri in the Chola region of Tamil Nadu.There is also a North facing Pidariamman – guardian deity of Puhaarkovil within the temple

The devotees while circumambulating the prakara can also have the darshan of Lords Vinayaka, Muruga and Kala Bhairava on a higher level and Mother Gajalakshmi and Navagrahas. LordMuruga in the temple has a bow in his hand. It is said said he promises to protect his devotees. There is a firm belief that theMuruga idol was found from the sea. He is appeared to be wearing an ankelet-Veerakandara Mani-as powerful as the Vel gifted by Mother Parvathi.  Those facing troubles from enemies worship Lord Muruga in this temple.

History:

Athithi, mother of Indira had a desire to worship Lord ChayaVaneswarar in this place.  She came to earth for the purpose.  Lord Indira missed his mother and came searching for her on earth and found her to be in this place. To fulfill the wish of his mother, he tried to take the very temple to his place.He ordered his elephant Iravadam to pull the very structure.  While the elephant began to pull the temple, Ambica expressed a sound that was sweeter than a nightingale.  She came to be known as KuyilinumIniaMozhiyal.  Lord appeared before Indira and advised him to drop his idea and be benefitted by his worship in this place itself.

Festivals:

Rituals performed:

Three worship services are offered each day here.

The deity:

Lord Shiva is known here as Chaayavaneswarar

Temple timings:

Sri Chayavaneswarar Temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 12.oo p.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Location:

11.144°N 79.855°E

Poompuhaar near Sirkazhi, Tamil Nadu

How to reach: