Thiruchuzhi

Paadal Petra Sthalams - Virudhunagar

God

Thirumeni Nadhar, facing east

Goddess

Thunaimalaiyammai Amman, facing east

Other Deities

Outer Prakaram – Anda Bakiranda Vinayaka, Subramanya with consorts, Pralayavidangar, Bala Dhandayudhapani, Navagraha. Inner Prakaram – Adhikara Nandi, Surya with consort, 63 Nayanmar, Saptamadar, Suzhigai Govinda with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi, Somaskanda, Kasi Viswanathar, Muruga with consorts, Bhairava, Saneeswara, Nataraja, Sage Gautama, Akalika, Chandran with consorts, Thavara Vinayakar, Bodhi Vinayaka, Arasu Vinayaka, Veladi Vinayaka, Dharmavadara Vinayaka. Goddess Prakaram – Vinayaka, Muruga with consorts. Sanctum Niches of main deity – Dakshinamurthy, Lingotbavar, Durga, Chandikeswara. Sanctum Niches of the goddess – three forms of goddesses, Chandikeswari

Thiruchuzhi is a large east-facing temple with three Prakarams. The entrance is through a gate in the east. A large temple is inside the compound in front of the large Mukha Mandapam. There is a small 3 tiered gopuram at the entrance and after the Mukha Mandapam. The outer Prakaram is large and completely paved with stones. Straight ahead is the sanctum sanctorum of the main deity in a separate completely enclosed prakaram. The main deity is a square lingam. There is a small channel (moat) around the sanctum sanctorum of the main deity. The lord here is also called by several other names including Chuzhikesar, Dhanunadar, Manakolanadar, Kalyana Sundarar, Bhuvaneswarar, and Bhoomeeswarar. To the south of the main deity is the separate shrine of the goddess in another inner Prakaram, also completely covered. The outer prakaram runs around the sanctum sanctorum and the shrine of the goddess. The goddess here at Thiruchuzhi is also known by other names including Sahayavalli, Swarnamaalai, Muthumaalai Umayal, and Manickamaalai. On the north side of the outer Prakaram is the shrine of Lord Shiva as Pralayavidangar in the form of a large lingam. The sanctum and shrine of the goddess have beautiful mandapams inside with many wonderful carvings. The place is also known by many other names including Vayalur, Mukthipuram, Avarthapuram, Shulapuram, Arasavana, Chuzhigai, and Chuzhigapuri. A minor river called the Gundar flows east of the Thiruchuzhi temple. Across this river is another ancient shrine for Lord Shiva as Kalainadar.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Gundaru (Bagavari) River, Kauvaikkadal Tank, also called Olipunari (in front of the temple), Bhoomi Theertham, Soola Theertham, Kodi Theertham (well in front of goddess shrine)

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Punnai (Calophyllum inophyllum), Arasu (Peepal – Ficus relegiosa)

History

Sundarar (8th Century CE) has visited and rendered hymns for the lord here Thiruchuzhi. The temple has many inscriptions and has been served by many dynasties of kings. From these, it is understood that Parakrama Pandya (regnal years 1422 – 1463 CE) renovated the sanctum sanctorum of the main deity. Saint Vivekananda stayed in this temple for a few days when the Gundar River flowing in the east was flooded and prevented his passage. This is the birthplace of the great saint Ramana Maharishi. The house where he was born is present nearby and named Sundara Mandiram.

Legend

Surya is believed to have worshiped the lord here at Thiruchuzhi. Goddess Parvati is believed to have undertaken a penance, seeking to marry Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva is believed to have diverted a huge swirling flood from here, giving the place its name as Thiru Chuzhi (a Swirl). Sundarar who visited this temple is said to have been accompanied by the Chera King Cheramaan Perumal. Lord Shiva is believed to have appeared in the dreams of Sundarar as a youngster with a golden bouquet in hand and a swirl of water above his head, during his stay in a Mutt nearby. The lord here at Thiruchuzhi is believed to have been worshipped by Vishnu, Indra, Brahma, Sun, Bhoomidevi, Sage Gowthama, Agaliga, Sage Kanva, and King Cheraman Perumal. Arjuna is believed to have come here with his wife Chitrangada to worship the Lord and created the Kodi Theertham by shooting an arrow on the rocks.

Directions

Thiruchuzhi is 32 kilometers east of Virudhunagar and 15 kilometers east of Aruppukottai in the road going to Ramanathapuram via Paramakudi.

Stay and Food

None locally. The closest are Virudhunagar and Aruppukottai.

Paadal Petra Sthalams

Tamilnadu Temples