Tirunallurpperumanam Temple

Tirunallurpperumanam Temple is one of the 275 Shiva Sthalams and has a beautiful architecture. A visit to the temple is a definite bliss. The temple has 2 prakarams which covers an area of one acre. The outer prakaram is surrounded by tall walls. At the top of the temple there is a huge Rajagopuram welcoming the devotees. There are a 100 pillars in the hall of the outer prakaram with many images of Sambandar and his consort. The shrine is decorated with 50 pillars exhibiting arty masonry.this temple is also embellished by many Theerthams.

It is believed that huge donations were made during the the period of the Imperial Cholas (Raja Raja I, Vikrama, Kulottunga III, Raja Raja III) & Maravarman Parakrama Pandyan. These endowments are recorded in the form of inscriptions in the temple. The Ambal shrine here was built around the 1210.

History:

Thiru Gnana Sambandhar with his wife prayed to Lord Shivalokathyagesar and Goddess Thiruvenneetrumai Ammai and faithfully sung the splendors of the Lord.  Instantly an enormous, brilliant light appeared from the temple sanctorum.  Sambandhar recommended his assembly of holy men to embrace the divine light.  Some of them were petrified and turned back after envisaging the massive fire.  At this point of time, Sambandhar described the glories of Panchakshara Mantra and sung one of his famous compositions Namashivaya Thirupathikam.  Ultimately, Sambandhar along with all the holy men collected including Thiru Nilakanda Yazhpanar, Thiru Nilakanda Nayanar and Muruga Nayanar settled into the vivid alluring light and attained the Abode of Lord Shiva in this blessed place.

Festivals:

Sambandar’s tirukkalyanam in  Vaikasi , Navaratri, Skandasashti are  notable here.

Rituals performed:

Six worship services are offered to the lord every day.

The deity:

The female deity is known as Tiruvenneetrumyammai and Lorad Shiva is known as Sivalogathyagesar

Temple timings:

The temple timings are from 6.00AM to 12.00PM and 4.00PM to 8.00PM.

How to reach:

One has to travel on Chidambaram – Sirkazhi road and reach a village called Kollidam after crossing the river Kollidam bridge. From Kollidam, one has to travel by a branch road that goes to Achalpuram and Tirumayendrapalli.This temple is located 8 Kms from Kollidam at Aachchaalpuram. Bus facilities are available from Chidambaram and Sirkazhi. Aachchaalpuram is about 25 Kms from Chidambaram.