Thirunelvayil Arathurai

Paadal Petra Sthalams – Cuddalore District

God

Arathurai Nadar (also Theerthapureeswarar, Anandeeswarar), facing east

Goddess

Arathurai Nayagi (also Ananda Nayagi, Thiripurasundari), facing south

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga with consorts, Nalvar, Sage Valmiki, Saptha Kanniyar, Varthamana Lingams, Perumal, Jothilingam, Adisesha, Lingams installed by Chera, Chola and Pandya Kings, Kasi Viswanathar, Gajalakshmi, Santhana Acharyas, Bhairava, Surya, Chandran, Saneeswara, Navagraha

Thirunelvayil Arathurai is a large east facing temple with a 5 tier Rajagopuram at the entrance. The temple is situated on the northern banks of the Vellar River.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Neelamalar Poigai, Vellar River

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Aal (Banyan- Ficus relegiosa)

History

Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarar (7th – 8th Century CE) have rendered Thevaram Hymns for the Lord here at Thirunelvayil Arathurai. Thirunelvayil Arathurai is the place where, guided by the Lord, the denizens discovered the Palanquin and Umbrella to be given to Thirugnanasambandar.

Legend

During a spate in the Vellar River when the Thirunelvayil Arathurai temple was threatened the Nandi is believed to have turned its head towards the river and the water receded. The Nandi’s here at Thirunelvayil Arathurai is with the turned head.

Directions

Thirunelvayil Arathurai is 20 kilometers form Vridachalam in the Thittakudi Road. Take a left at Kodikkalam and drive in towards the Vellar River to reach the temple.

Stay and Food

None locally, closest is Vriddachalam

Padal Petra Sthalams