Description

Sugavaneshwar Shiva Temple is situated in Salem in the southern state of Tamil Nadu. This is said to be built 500 years back. The temple has contributions from all the three south kingdoms � CheraNaadu, CholaNaadu and Pandya Naadu. The temple is built in Dravidian style and is built in 2 acre land in the middle of the Salem City. The temple also has a beautiful garden that has tall coconut trees and Vilvam trees. The temple is built facing the eastern direction whereas entry to the temple is at the southern side.

History

Avvaiyar is one of the great poets in Tamil and she is supposed to have performed lots of miracles here that attracted many kings to this place. The daughter of the divine poet got married in this temple and the invitees included the CheraMannan, CholaMannan and Pandya Mannan. Many poets belonging to Saiva sect of Hinduism have written poems in praise of the temple. Based on the lyrics it is estimated that the origin of the temple goes back as early as first century AD.

Importance/Significance

The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva who is also called as Sugavaneshwar because he is said to have replied the prayers of a parrot and fulfilled its wishes. The god is also called as 'Vananadhar' which means the god of forests. Other deities of the temple are Soammbikai Marakadhavalli and Lord Ganesh who are called here as Valampuri Vinayakar. These three gods are called as 'Mummuthigal' or the combination of three gods. The temple is said to be the place where a saint called SukaMunivar meditated here and had the blessings of Lord Shiva. This saint is also considered as the King of Parrots.

Facts/Mythology

Festivals/Events/Gatherings

There are lots of occasions marked for celebration in this temple. Ganesh Puja that is known here as VinayakarChadurthi and is celebrated in the month of Avani (August / September). 33 statues of Lord Vinayaka are installed during the occasion and special pujas and abhisheks are conducted for all the Murthies. NatarajarPeruvizha is conducted in the tamil month of Aani (July / August) when the Urchavar, Natarajar is taken around the temple in a procession. AadiPooram is a festival that is conducted in the Tamil month of Aadi (July / August). It is a seven day festival. Processions, display of arts are famous in these days.NavrathriThiriuvizha is celebrated in a grand manner in the temple in the Tamil Month of Puratasi (September / October). It is a 10 days celebration. During the period decorated images and statues of Gods and Goddesses are collected and displayed in different styles. This particular ritual is called 'Kolu'KandhaSashti is celebrated in the month ogAipasi (October / November). This is the day when Lord Muruga killed the demon king 'Asura' and it is celebrated as 'SooraSamharam'. This festival goes on for a week and on the last day the god is taken out for a procession and the killing of the demon is dramatically acted and displayed. This particular day attracts thousands of devotees to the temple. Karthigai Deepam, margazhithiryvizha and Thai Poosam are other major festivals conducted in the temple.The temple opens very early in the morning and the first Puja is performed at 6 AM. In a day 5 special pujas are performed to Lord Shiva and the Amman.

Salem Sugavaneshwarar Shiva Temple