Pazhamanni Padikkarai

Pazhamanni Padikkarai

Padal Petra Sthalam, Nagapattinam District

God

Neelakandeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Amirthakaravalli, Mangalanayagi, facing east

Other Deities

Valampuri Vinayagar, Nadana Vinayagar, Subramniya, Mahalakshmi, Nataraja, Magadeeswarar, Padikkarainadar, Parameswarar, Mutheeswarar

Pazhamanni Padikkarai is connected with the Pancha Pandava legend and has five shivalingams – Magadeeswarar (worshiped by Bheema), Padikkarainadhar (worshiped by Arjuna), Parameswarar (worshiped by Nakula), Mutheeswarar (worshiped by Sahadeva) and the main deity worshiped by Yudhishtra. The east facing temple has a 3 tier Rajagopuram at the entrance and has been completely renovated recently (2013). The twin Vinayakas here at Pazhamanni Padikkarai are important and so is the Lingam worshiped by Bheema (also referred to as Shodasalingam) with 16 stripes in it denoting the 16 types of wealth. The temple’s main deities are considered to be Neelakandeswarar and  Padikkarainadhar.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Brahma Theertham, Amirtha Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Iluppai (Madhuca longifolia)

History

Sundarar (7th – 8th century CE) has rendered Thevaram Hymns for the lord here at Pazhamanni Padikkarai.

Legend

When Lord Shiva drank the poison churned out by the ocean in quest of Amirtham (Ambrosia) by the Devas and Asuras the Goddess Parvathi is said to have pressed his neck to prevent the poison reaching his stomach and holding it in his throat. Hence the name Neelakandan (Blue Throat) is the name of the presiding deity here at Pazhamanni Padikkarai. During their exile the Pandava princes are believed to have visited Pazhamanni Padikkarai and worshiped Shiva and hence we find the Five Lingams mentioned above.

Directions

From Vaitheeswaran Kovil take the right going to Manalmedu which is about 12 Kilometers and take a right to reach Pazhamanni Padikkarai. Ask for Iluppaipattu if you have a doubt. There are about 5 other Paadal Petra Sthalams in this route and area, be sure to combine them together. Refer to our map below to make the most of your time.

Stay and Food

None locally, closest is Vaitheeswaran Kovil

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