Thiruvadigai Temple, Panruti
| Thriuvathigai Temple | |
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  Thriuvathigai Temple Location in Tamil Nadu
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| Coordinates: | 11°28′N 79°20′E / 11.46°N 79.33°ECoordinates: 11°28′N 79°20′E / 11.46°N 79.33°E |
| Location | |
| Country: | India |
| State: | Tamil Nadu |
| Location: | Tamilnadu, India |
| Temple Details | |
| Primary Deity: | Veerateswarar(Shiva) |
| Architecture and culture | |
| Architectural styles: | Dravidian architecture |
The Thiruvathigai Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated at Thiruvathigai Village which is about 2 kilometres east from the town of Panruti. Veerattaaneswarar is the presiding deity.
History
The Thiruvathigai Temple was originally built as a Jain temple by the Pallava king Mahendravarman I in the 6th century AD. However, on his conversion from Jainism to Hinduism, Mahendravarman demolished the existing temple and built a Shiva temple in its place. There are a few Jain artifacts as evidence of this legend.
There is also another Shiva temple and a Vishnu temple nearby believed to have been constructed from the remains of the demolished Jain temple.
Legend
According to the legend Thirugnana Sambanthar was glorified by the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva at this holy place. Appar's sister Thilakavathiyar settled here during her later years and devoted her lifetime service to the Lord Siva. Also notable saints Thirunavukkarasar, and Arunagirinathar visited and wrote many hymns on the Lord. Afflicted by a painful illness, Thirunavukkarasar prayed for relief at this temple where his sister Thilagavathiyar served and was cured. This temple is the place where Lord shiva destroyed three rakshashas(demons) and the three cities created by them. Saranarayana Perumal, another name of Lord Vishnu, is the one who gave the saram(arrow) to Lord shiva for killing the demons.Hence the name Saranarayanar. The Saranarayana Perumal temple is also located in Panruti.
Location
This ancient Siva temple[1] is located at South Arcot district 2 km from Panruti. There is a good bus network between Chennai, Cuddalore, Virudhachalam, Villupuram, Chidambaram and Thiruvathigai. One can reach the temple from Panruti bus stand towards Cuddalore road to reach Thiruvathigai. Buses will reach up to the temple location. There is also Train access to Panruti from Chennai. This temple is one among the 8 veera Siva temples in Tamil Nadu.
Notes
References
- Tourist Guide to Tamil Nadu. Sura Books. p. 53. ISBN 81-7478-177-3, ISBN 978-81-7478-177-2.
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