Description
India is best known for his mythological significance and especially its temples. There are a lot of unexplored places in the Southern part of India, though known to the locals but are still unknown to the other parts of the country as well and also to the world, where tourists or devotees can certainly come and visit. One such ancient temple of Lord Shiva is in Kanchipuram district near Chengalpattu. In a little township approximately 7 km from the North Western province of Thirukalukundram is Thirunilai where the Periyandavar Shiva Temple is located. Though in a village but it is a divine, peaceful and calm place to worship and experience the serenity.
History
The Periyandavar Shiva Temple was built around 300 years ago and was reconstructed recently. Beautifully located, this temple is just adjacent to a lake in the village, surrounded with a pleasing and alluring natural beauty. Also it's far away from the chaos and fuss of the fast paced city life. The3 Periyandavar shiva temple thus lies amidst the fields of rice, a pond and last but not the least, a undersized hillock. The story of its origin also seems quite interesting. According to the Vedas or Puranas it so occured that Goddess Parvati cursed Lord Shiva due to which he came to life in the form of a man. During this time when he was wandering the earth agitated and unstable due to the curse, he finally took shelter in a place called Thirunilai. The word Thirunilai in Tamilian, refers to taking shelter. Thus to honor this occurrence, the forefathers built this temple in honor of Periyandavar, who people believe is a manifestation of Lord Shiva.The ruling deity of this temple is Lord Periyandavar in Suyambu Lingam but this temple is also blessed with Devi Angalaparmeshwari who is regarded as the deity of this shrine. Devotees often come here to worship and get the blessings the Lord and perform several rituals or poojas.
Importance/Significance
Usually at the entrance of the temples in India we always see a Nandi statue which is in a sitting position, but the unique feature about Periyandavar Shiva Temple is that is has a Nandi Devar that is a statue of Nandi in a standing posture. This temple is also known for its numerous festivals and pujas performed like Mahashivratri, Full Moon puja, and Pradhosam, among others. Devotees are given Annadhanam i.e. prasaad of food, throughout each sacred festival.There are many stories that are popular about this temple and the miraculous effects of the blessings of the Almighty Periyandavar as well as Goddess Angalaparameshwari even up to the extent that couples without a child have visited place and take a sacred bath in the temple pool, which is referred to by Siddhamirdhakulam after which they perform abhishek and pujas for a period of approximately one and a half months and are gradually blessed with a child. Thus it is said that Lord blesses them by the means of an offspring and gives a progeny blessing to the childless couples.With such miraculous effects huge number of devotees wishing to fulfill their dreams, desires or eliminate worries visits this place and worship Lord Periyandavar and Devi Angalaparmeshwari.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
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