Sirkazhinadhar Ilupuli

Sirkazhinadhar, Ilupuli

Saivite Temples - Namakkal District

God

Sirkazhinadhar, facing east

Goddess

Sivakami Ambal, facing south

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Naagar, Navagraha

Sirkazhinadhar Ilupuli is an east-facing temple situated in a single open Prakaram. A stone Dwajasthambam with carvings of Vinayaka, Muruga, and a small mandapam at the base is in front. After this is a beautiful Nandi in a mandapam. On the north side is the shrine for Navagraha. A common Mahamandapam is in front of the east-facing main deity and the south-facing shrine of the goddess. Both of them also have small Ardha Mandapams. There are no Vimaanams on top of the sanctum sanctorum and the goddess shrine. The Vinayaka shrine is behind on the southwest side and has some beautiful Naagar idols at the entrance.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Sirkazhinadhar Ilupuli is an old temple that has been built up later. Historical information is not available as of now.

Legend

Sirkazhinadhar Ilupuli was so named by a Sage who came here from Sirkali, installed the Lingam in a Nandavanam (garden), and lived here for many years. Originally there was no temple. Later during the invasion of Tipu Sultan, the locals feared that he will target the villages without temples and decided to build up one around the lingam in a hurry. The locals say that since time was short a Gopuram was not built.

Directions

Sirkazhinadhar Ilupuli is 15 kilometers east of Thiruchengode and about 22 kilometers southwest of Rasipuram off the road connecting these two towns. Take the road going south at Elachipalayam and proceed for 3 kilometers to reach Sirkazhinadhar Ilupuli. Sirkazhinadhar Ilupuli is about 25 kilometers northwest of Namakkal and can be reached by taking the road going towards Thiruchengode. Take a right at Koothampoondi towards the north and go for about 3.5 kilometers to reach Sirkazhinadhar Ilupuli.

Stay and Food

None locally. The closest is Erode, Salem or Namakkal depending on your travel plans.

Saivite Temples

Tamilnadu Temples