Thiruthuraiyur

Thiruthuraiyur is a paadal petra Sthalam. The temple is a large west facing structure with entrance from the west through a gateway. The rare position of north facing goddess shrine is on your right as you enter the main gateway, opposite this is the Sthala Vriksham (Holy Tree). The river Pennar which flows north of the temple today used to flow south in ancient days and Sundarar is said to have reached from that side and delivered his hymns to the lord from the banks as the river was in spate. This river in the south which branches off from Pennar a little way ahead is called Malattar. There is a small temple at this site. The scene of Lord Shiva providing Thavaneri (Rules of Penance) to Sundarar is depicted as a carving behind the sanctum sanctorum along with Vinayaka as a witness. The Ashtabhuja Bhadrakali shrine is outside the main temple. The monument for Arunandhi Sivacharya (Disciple of Meikanda Nayanar – one of the 63 Nayanmars) who lived and attained salvation here is also opposite the temple. It is his descendants who are continuing the regular rituals at the temple. A large temple tank is also opposite the temple on the west.  During Pradosham days (13th day from new moon and full moon fortnights) a flag with Nandhi symbol used to be hoisted here, a practice which still exists in the Shiva Temples of Sri Lanka.