- August 16, 2025
| Sivasthalam | Arulmigu Sivakozhundheeswarar Temple |
|---|---|
| Moolavar (Presiding Deity) | Sivakozhundheeswarar, Sivakozhundheesar |
| Amman (Goddess) | Oppilanaayaki, Neelayathakshi, Karunthadankanni, Ilankommannal |
| Theertham (Holy Tank) | Jambuvathadakam |
| Sthala Viruksham (Sacred Tree) | Konrai |
| Agamam | Sivagamam |
| Puranic Name | Thiruthinai Nagar |
| Town/Village | Theerthanagiri |
| District | Cuddalore |
Among the many sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Tamil Nadu, the Thiruthanagiri Sivakozhundeeshwarar Temple holds a special place. Located in Cuddalore district, this ancient temple is renowned for the self-manifested (Swayambhu) Lingam of Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Sivakozhundeeshwarar, along with Goddess Oppilaa Nayagi.
This temple is one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, glorified in the sacred hymns of the Nayanmars. Every year, a rare phenomenon takes place here — the rising sun’s rays directly fall on the presiding deity, a divine spectacle that draws thousands of devotees.
According to tradition, the place has been known by different names in various Yugas (cosmic ages):
Later, the place came to be known as Thiruthinna Nagar, and eventually as Thiruthanagiri.
A pious farming couple once followed the noble practice of feeding a devotee of Lord Shiva before partaking in their own meals. One day, Lord Shiva himself came in disguise as a mendicant and asked for food, saying, “I will not eat unless I have worked for it.”
The couple sent him to plough their field. To their astonishment, the millet seeds sown that very day sprouted, ripened, and stood ready for harvest instantly! Amazed, they prepared food for the mendicant, who then revealed himself as Lord Shiva and manifested here as a Swayambhu Lingam.
Because of this miracle, the place was first called Thiruthinna Nagar (Land of Sacred Millet), and later became known as Thiruthanagiri.
Legends state that King Veerasena was cured of a severe skin disease after bathing in the temple tank here. Out of gratitude, he expanded and renovated the temple. Stone inscriptions belonging to the Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagara dynasties are also found within the temple premises, attesting to its antiquity and importance.
Several divine beings and sages are believed to have worshipped at Thiruthanagiri, including Goddess Parvati, Nandi, Lord Vishnu, Patanjali, Vyagrapada, Sage Agastya, and Jambavan.
Notably, Jambavan is said to have consecrated a Lingam here, prayed for longevity, and later rendered his devoted service to Lord Rama in the Ramayana.
The temple welcomes devotees with a majestic east-facing Rajagopuram. Inside are the Nandi Mandapam, Dwajasthambam (flagstaff), Balipeetam, and a spacious prakaram (circumambulatory path).
The presiding deity is Lord Sivakozhundeeshwarar (Swayambhu Lingam).
The divine consorts Oppilaa Nayagi and Neelathambikai are enshrined in separate sanctums.
The Nataraja shrine here is unique. Beneath Lord Nataraja’s dance form, exquisite sculptures depict Lord Vishnu blowing a conch and Lord Brahma playing the drum (tavil), a rare iconographic marvel.
Another distinctive feature is the image of Lord Dakshinamurthi. Unlike the usual posture with the right leg extended, here he is shown sitting with both legs folded, an uncommon depiction that fascinates devotees.
The temple is associated with five sacred water bodies:
Bathing in these theerthams and worshipping the Lord here is believed to absolve devotees of sins.
Important festivals are celebrated throughout the year, including Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, and Navaratri.
A major highlight occurs during the Tamil month of Panguni (March–April), when for three consecutive days (20th, 21st, 22nd), the rising sun’s rays directly fall on the main deity — a spectacular sight that attracts thousands of devotees.
This is one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams (holy abodes of Shiva praised in the Tevaram hymns). This temple also finds mention in the hymns of Saint Sundarar in the 7th Thirumurai, where he praises the Lord of Thiruthanagiri in every verse.
The temple is open daily:
(Timings may vary on festival days.)
Sivakozhundeeshwarar Temple Contact Number: +91-94434 34024
Located about 18 km from Cuddalore on the Cuddalore–Chidambaram highway.
From Alappakkam village, a road branches off towards Mettupalayam, leading to Thiruthanagiri (around 4 km).
✨ Belief & Blessings: Worship at Thiruthanagiri is said to bless devotees with prosperity, wisdom, artistic growth, and family harmony. A single darshan at this sacred temple is believed to fill hearts with divine light and spiritual energy.
Arulmigu Sivakozhundeeshwarar Temple
Via Alappakkam, Thiruthanagiri Post,
Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu – 608801.
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