Thilathaipathi

Padal Petra Sthalams, Thiruvarur District

God

Muktheeswarar (also Mantharavaneswarar), facing east

Goddess

Swarnavalli (also Porkodinayagi), facing south

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga, Rama, Lakshmana, the lingams worshiped by them, Gajalakshmi, Navagraha, Bhairava, Naalvar, Surya, Chandran, Vishnu with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Durga

Thilathaipathi is a small and very beautiful temple with the Prakaram in deep shadow provided by the Bauhinia and other flora. The temple has a small 3 tier gopuram at the entrance. There is also a Veda Pada Shala here. There is a separate shrine outside for Aadhi Vinayaka (without his usual trunk) and a shrine for Azhagunadar.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Chandratheertham, Arasilaru (river)

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Mantharai (Bauhinia sps)

History

Thirugnanasambandar (7th Century CE) has rendered Thevaram Hymns here for the lord. The temple is referred to as Madhimutham in the Thevaram Hymns.

Mythology

Lord Rama and Lakshmana are belived to have performed Thila (Til) Tharpana (a ritual performed with water and til to satisfy the dead) for their father Dasaratha and Jadayu. Surya, Chandran, Lion, Elephant, Rama and Lakshmana are believed to have worshiped here.

Directions

Thilathaipathi temple is about 2 kilometers north west of Koothanur.

Stay and Food

None locally. Kumbakonam, Thiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai and Karaikal are all almost equidistant from here.

Padal Petra Sthalams