Thiruvakkarai

Thiruvakkarai

Padal Petra Sthalam, Villupuram District

God

Chandrasekareswarar, Chandramouleeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Amirtheswari, Vadivambigai, facing south

Other Deities

Ashtabujakara Durga, Vakkirakali, Nataraja, Vinayaka, Muruga, Vakkiralingam, Dakshinamurthy, Varadaraja Perumal, Garudalwar, Vishnu Durga, Deepalakshmi, Aathma Lingam, Nataraja, Sahasra Lingam embedded with 1008 lingams, Vakkira Saneeswara with his vahana (crow) on the left (instead of the usual right)

The 7 tier Rajagopuram of the Thiruvakkarai temple  is not in a straight line with the Sanctum Sanctorum as is the normal practice. A large temple pond is present to the south of the temple.

Holy Water – Surya Theertham, Chandra Theertham

Holy Tree – Vilvam (Aegle marmelos)

History

Thirugnanasambandar (7th Century CE) has rendered Thevaram Hymns in praise of the lord. Thiruvakkarai temple was constructed by Adithya Chola (c. 870 – c. 907 CE). Parantaka Chola (907 – 953 CE) has donated wealth. His younger brother Kandaraditha Chola built the Gopuram  between the years 950-7 CE. His wife the famous Chembian Mahadevi consolidated the temple with stone structures and contributed gold and land. Inscriptions also reveal the donation of a large lamps. Other stone inscriptions provide information about contributions from kings and queens till 1430 CE.

Legend

Vakkirasura is believed to have worshiped the lord here at Thiruvakkarai.

Directions

From Tindivanam continue on the highway till the Mailam cutting and take that road which goes to pondicherry. In this road after mailam drive on for about 6 kilometers to reach a junction from where the road to Thiruvakkarai branches off to your right. There is an Indian Bank at the junction. from here the temple is about 6 kilometers.

Stay and Food

Tea and snack shops are available locally

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