Thiruvizhimizhalai

Padal Petra Sthalams, Thiruvarur District

God

Veezhinadheswarar (also Vizhiyagar, Nethirarpaneeswarar), facing east

Goddess

Sundaragujambigai, facing east in a seperate shrine

Other Deities

Kalyanasundareswarar, Nataraja, Padikkasu Vinayakar, Muruga, Mahalakshmi, Chandikeswara

Thiruvizhimizhalai is a large temple with a magnificent 5 tier Rajagopuram. Other names for this temple are Pookailasam, Kalyanapuram, Panchakkarapuram, Dakshinakasi, Sanmangalathalam, Suvedhakaananam, Aakasanagaram, Panasaranyam, Nethirarpanapuram and Thejineevanam. A large temple pond is outside and leads with wide steps to the Rajagopuram pathway. A large and wonderful Vauval Mandapam (a wedding hall) without pillars can be seen immediately to the right as you enter.

Holy Water (Theertham) – 25 Theerthams including Vishnu Theertham, Padmatheertham, Trivenisangamam, Kuberatheertham, Indratheertham, Varunatheertham, Lakshmitheertham and Vasishtatheertham.

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vizhi (Cadaba fruticosa). Each Yuga (ages of mankind) is said to have had a different holy tree here. In the past were Sandal and Champaka. The next would be Jackfruit.

Vimaanam – Vinnizhi Vimaanam

History

Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarar (7th – 8th Century CE) have visited and rendered Thevaram Hymns for the lord here. Senthanar rendered Thiruvisaipa here. Arunagirinadar sung a Thirupugazh hymn for Lord Muruga here.

Mythology

Lord Vishnu is believed to have come in his Vimaana (Vinnizhi Vimaanam) to worship the lord here and given his eye for his Chakra here. The lord is said to have provided the vision of his appearance in Sirkazhi to Thirugnanasambandar here. Lord Shiva is believed to have married Parvati here who was as the daughter of Sage Karthiyayana.

Directions

Thiruvizhimizhalai is about 9 kilometers west of Koothanur which is on the main road in between Mayiladuthurai and Thiruvarur.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest would be Thiruvarur.

Padal Petra Sthalams