Pennadagam Sudarkozhundeeswarar Temple

Paadal Petra Sthalams – Cuddalore District

God

Sudarkozhundeeswarar, Pralayakaleswarar, facing east

Goddess

Aamodanambal, Kadanthai Nayagi, Azhagiya Kadhali facing east in a separate shrine

Other Deities

Soundareswarar, Nalwar, Sekkizhar, Dhandapani, Vinayaka, Visweswarar, , Kodi Vinayaka, Muruga, Mahalakshmi, Pralayakaleswari, Somaskandar, Lingotbavar, Chandikeswara, Nataraja

Pennadagam Sudarkozhundeeswarar Temple is an east facing temple with a 5 tier Rajagopuram and a Temple Tank in the front, a little way off. The Sanctum Sanctorum has openings on all three sides and you will be able to see the main deity in all angles. The Lingam has a square base and a large form. A separate elevated Sanctum of about 30 feet high for Lord Soundareswarar is present in the north side. The goddess shrine is in a connected separate enclosure. The vimaanas, sculptures and the architecture are all beautiful creations that captivate your mind. The five Theerthams of Pennadagam Sudarkozhundeeswarar Temple are as follows – Kabilai (near and west of the temple), Parvathi (east and in front of the temple), Mukkulam (northwest of the town), Indra Theertham (east of the town) and Vellar River which flows south of the temple.

The other names of Pennadagam Sudarkozhundeeswarar Temple and the place are Dayarasapathi, Pushpavanam, Pushparanyam, Mahendrapuri, Parvathipuram, Sokanasanam, Sivavasam.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Kabilai Theertham, Parvathi Theertham, Mukkulam, Indira Theertham, Vellar River

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Shenbagam (Michelia champaka)

Vimaanam – Gajaprashtam

History

Thirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar (7th Century CE) have rendered Thevaram Hymns to the lord here at Pennadagam Sudarkozhundeeswarar Temple. About 40 stone inscriptions found here have been deciphered. As per one stone inscription the Pennadagam Sudarkozhundeeswarar Temple was built by Kochengatchozhan as a Madakovil (Tiered Temple). This place is also the birth place of Kalikamba Nayanar (one of the 63 Nayanmars).

Legend

Lord Indra sent the divine ladies (penn) to get flowers for his prayers and when they were captivated by the lords beauty here and did not return he sent Kamadenu (aaa) followed by his white elephant (kadam) all of whom were found by Indra to be praying to the lord here at Pennadagam Sudarkozhundeeswarar Temple and hence the name Pennadagam.

Kalikamba Nayanar is believed to cut the hands of his wife as she hesitantly served a hunter (actually shiva). Touched by his devotion Shiva appeared with his consort on Rishaba Vahana and blessed them both and gave back her hand.

The Soolam and Rishabam marks on Thirugnanasambandar is said to have been received here. The lord is believed to have saved the area from massive floods.

Directions

Pennadagam Sudarkozhundeeswarar Temple is 17kms on the Vridachalam –Thittakudi road. The temple is on the main road in Pennadagam town.

Stay and Food

Tea shops for a snack are around. Closest place for food would be Vridhachalam.

Padal Petra Sthalams