Sivapuri Uchinathar Temple

Uchinathar Temple
Uchinathar Temple
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Cuddalore
Deity	Uchinathar (Shiva) and Uchinayagi (Parvati)
Location
Location	Sivapuri Chidambaram
State	Tamil Nadu
Country	India
	Location in Tamil Nadu
Geographic coordinates	11°22′22.4″N79°42′48.3″E / 11.372889°N 79.713417°E Coordinates: 11°22′22.4″N79°42′48.3″E / 11.372889°N 79.713417°E
Architecture
Type	South Indian Architecture

Last updated March 20, 2023

Sivapuri Uchinathar Temple (also called Thirunelvayil) is a Hindu temple located at Sivapuri in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. The place is also known as Thirunelvayil. The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Uchinathar. His consort is known as Uchinayagi.

The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram , written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam . The temple complex covers an area of one acre and all its shrines are enclosed with concentric rectangular walls. The temple has a number of shrines, with those of Uchinathar and his consort Uchinayagi being the most prominent.

The temple has three daily rituals at various times from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and four yearly festivals on its calendar. Vaikasi Visagam during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May - June) is the most prominent festival celebrated in the temple.

Legend

As per Hindu legend, the god Shiva and his consort Parvati appeared to the sage Agastya at this place (the same legend is attributed to several Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu). The place is called Thirunelvayil as it is believed that it was surrounded by fresh rice fields during the time (nel in Tamil indicates paddy grain). As per another legend, saint poet Sambandar, who was born in Sirkali, was fed by Parvati with divine milk. The child grew up and visited various temples and sung praised of god. At the age of twelve, his marriage was arranged to be held at Achalpuram. The marriage party visited the place on the way to Achalpuram. The party was hungry and on account of divine intervention, food was offered. Sambandar started praising Shiva as Uchinathar (Madhyaneeswarar in Sanskrit).^[1] Periyapuranam , the 11th century compilation of the Nayanmars has details about Sambandar visiting the place after coming via Thillai Nataraja Temple and Thiruvetkalam.^[2]

Architecture

Uchinathar temple is located in Sivapuri, a place 5 km (3.1 mi) from Chidambaram. The temple has a three tiered rajagopuram on the eastern side with concentric rectangular walls surrounding the temple. The sanctum is approached through a pillared hall called mukha mandapa and an artha mandapa. The shrine of the Ambal is located in the mukhamandapa facing south. The presiding deity in the form of lingam (an iconic form of Shiva) is located in the sanctum. It is believed that the image is self manifested. There is a panel on the wall behind the image that depicts the marriage of Shiva and Parvathi. There is a circumabulatory passage around the shrines. The pillars in the hall leading to the sanctum has sculpted images depicting various Hindu legends.^[1] The temple tank called Kripasamudram is located opposite to the temple.^[3] The temple was in dilapidated condition during the early part of 20th century and was rebuilt.^[4]

Religious importance and festivals

Sambandar, an 8th-century Tamil Saivite saint poet, venerated Uchinathar in ten verses in Tevaram , compiled as the First Tirumurai . As the temple is revered in Tevaram, it is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam , one of the 276 temples that find mention in the Saiva canon. The temple is counted as the third in the series of the temples on the northern bank of river Cauvery.^[1]

The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed three times a day; Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 a.m. and Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), naivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for Uchinathar and Uchinayagi.^[1] There are weekly rituals like somavaram (Monday) and sukravaram (Friday), fortnightly rituals like pradosham , and monthly festivals like amavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, pournami (full moon day) and sathurthi. Vaikasi Visagam during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May - June) is the most important festival of the temple. Navratri during Purattasi and Karthikai somavaram are other festivals celebrated in the temple.^[3]^[1]

Related Research Articles

Tiruppukkozhiyur is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Avinasi, a panchayat town in Tiruppur district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Avinasiappar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Karunambigai. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edaganathar temple</span>

Edaganathar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thiruvedagam, a village in Madurai district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is located on the banks of Vaigai River. Shiva is worshipped as Edaganathar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Visalakshi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maanturai Amravaneswarar Temple</span>

Maanturai Amravaneswarar Temple, is a temple dedicated to Hindu deity Shiva, located in Manturai, a village in the outskirts of Trichy, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, where the three of the most revered Nayanars, Appar and Tirugnana Sambandar have glorified the temple with their verses during the 7th-8th century. The temple has been widely expanded by Chola kings during the 11th century. The temple has three tiered gateway tower and a tank. Since Shiva bestowed a deer with a mango, this place is called Manthurai.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nadutariappar Temple, Kanrappur</span> Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Nadutariappar Temple, Kanrappur is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located at Kanrappur near Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Appar and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Pushpavananathar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the village of Tiruppoonturutti near Tiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Aiyarappar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Soundaranayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Padikasu Nathar Temple</span>

Padikasu Nathar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Azhagaputhur, a village in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Padikasunathar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Soundaranayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The 8th century Saiva saint poet Sundarar has sung praise about the temple in his works.

Tiruvetkalam Pasupatheswarar Temple is a Hindu temple of the god Shiva located at Chidambaram in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshipped as Pasupatheswarar, along with His consort known as Satgunambal and Nalla Nayaki. The temple is located inside the Annamalai University complex.

Tirukkazhippalai Palvannanathar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Sivapuri in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity is Shiva in the form of Palvannanathar and his consort is known as Vedanayaki. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Vedapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thiruverkadu, a Municipality in Tiruvallur district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Vedapureeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Balambigai. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Veerateeswarar Temple in Tirukoilur, a panchayat town in Villupuram district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the Cholas period in the 10th century. Shiva is worshipped as Veerateeswarar and his consort Parvathi as Periyanayagi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thirumakaraleeswarar temple</span>

Thirumakaraleeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Magaral, a village in Kanchipuram district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Thirumakaraleeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Tribuvananayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atulya Nadheswarar Temple</span> Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Atulya Nadheswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Arakandanallur in Thirukoilur taluk, a town panchayat in Viluppuram district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Atulya Nadheswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Azhagiya Ponnazhagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Marundeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in T. Edaiyar, a village in Viluppuram district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Marundeeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Balambigai. The temple is located on the Southern banks of Thenpennai River on the Thirukoilur - Thiruvennainallur road. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaseeswarar Temple</span>

Vaseeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thirupasoor, a village in Tiruvallur district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshiped as Vaseeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Pasupathinayagi. The temple is located on the Southern banks of Poondi reservoir on the Thiruvallur - Thiruthani road, 5 km (3.1 mi) away from the town. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oondreswarar Temple</span> Hindu temple of Shiva in Poondi, India

Oondreswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Poondi, a village in Tiruvallur district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshiped as Oondreswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Minnoli Amman. The temple is located on the Northern banks of Poondi reservoir on the Thiruvallur - Thiruthani road, 11 km (6.8 mi) away from the town. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Thirukumaresar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thirukoodalaiyathoor, a village in Cuddalore district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Thirukumaresar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Verumulai Amman. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple is also the birthplace of Saiva saint Tirunilakanta Nayanar

Vadukeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thiruvandarkoil, a village in Pondicherry - Villupuram highway in Pondicherry in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshiped as Vadukeeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Thiripura Sundari. The temple is located on the Chennai - Villupuram highway. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Arasaleeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Olindiyampattu, a village in Villupuram district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Arasaleeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Periyanaayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Pushpavaneswarar temple in Thirupuvanam, a town in Sivaganga district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the Cholas period in the 7th century. Shiva is worshipped as Pushpavaneswarar and his consort Parvathi as Soundaranayagi.

Thirumeninathar temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Tiruchuli in Virudhunagar district, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Thirumeninathar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Thunaimalaiyammai Amman. The temple is located on the Virudhunagar–Manamadurai road. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple is closely associated with Sundarar, who has sung praises about the presiding deity. This shrine is regarded as the 12th of the Tevara Stalams in the Pandya region of Tamil Nadu.

References

1 2 3 4 5 R., Dr. Vijayalakshmy (2001). An introduction to religion and Philosophy - Tévarám and Tivviyappirapantam (1st ed.). Chennai: International Institute of Tamil Studies. pp. 336–7.
↑ S., Ponnuswamy (2015). Sekkizhar's Periya Puranam. Giri Trading Agency Private Limited. p. 152. ISBN 9788179506851.
1 2 "Sri Uchinathar temple". Dinamalar. 2014. Retrieved 14 May 2017.
↑ Ayyar, P. V. Jagadisa (1993). South Indian Shrines: Illustrated (2nd ed.). New Delhi: Asian Educational Service. p. 244. ISBN 81-206-0151-3.

External links

"Sri Uchinathar temple". Dinamalar.
"Uchinatheswarar Temple, Tirunelvoyal". Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu, Paadal Petra Sivasthalangal.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.

[R-1] 1 2 3 4 5 R., Dr. Vijayalakshmy (2001). An introduction to religion and Philosophy - Tévarám and Tivviyappirapantam (1st ed.). Chennai: International Institute of Tamil Studies. pp. 336–7.

[2] S., Ponnuswamy (2015). Sekkizhar's Periya Puranam. Giri Trading Agency Private Limited. p. 152. ISBN 9788179506851.

[dinamalar-3] 1 2 "Sri Uchinathar temple". Dinamalar. 2014. Retrieved 14 May 2017.

[Ayyar-4] Ayyar, P. V. Jagadisa (1993). South Indian Shrines: Illustrated (2nd ed.). New Delhi: Asian Educational Service. p. 244. ISBN 81-206-0151-3.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]