Shri Darbharanyeshwarar Temple at Thirunallar

This Shiva temple is located at Thirunallar in Karaikkal district in Pondicherry. This temple is one of the seven temples from Sapta Vidanga Sthalam. The vidanga here is known as Nagara Vidanga and the dance performed by Lord Shiva here is known as Unmatha Pada Natanam (i.e. dancing like an intoxicated person). This is also one of the Padal Pethra Sthalam revered by Nayanmars. Though this is a Shiva temple, it is more famous as Navagraha sthala for the planet Saturn. 

Traditionally it is customary to worship Lord Shani before Lord Shiva at this place. In this temple Lord Shani is considered as the doorkeeper of the shrine. This temple was revered by Shaiva Saints Sambandhar, Appar and Sundarar. Shaiva Saint Arunagirinathar has praised Lord Muruga of this temple. This temple is about 2 kms from Thirunallar bus stop, 7 kms from Karaikkal railway station, 53 kms from Kumbhakonam, 26 kms from Nagapattinam and 37 kms from Thiruvarur. This temple existed even before the 7th century. It was reconstructed by chola kings as a stone structure and later extensions were done by Vijayanagar and Maratha kings. There are stone inscriptions which describe about the endowments, gifts made by various kings.

Nomenclature: Because Brahma worshiped at this place long ago, the place is known as AadiPuri (Aadi = Beginning, Puri = City). As the sacred grass Darbha (not Durva used in Ganesh Pooja) was abundant, this place was called Darbharanyam. Because Nala had also worshipped here, the place used to be called Nallar and Shiva here called Nalleshwara.

Moolavar: Shri Darbharanyeshwarar, Shri Thirunallar-ishwarar
Devi: Shri Pranambika, Shri Bhogamarta - Poonmulaiyal, Shri Praneshwari
Kshetra Vruksha: Darbha grass
Sacred Theertha: Nala Theertha, Brahma Theertha, Vani Theertha. Anna Theertha and Ganga Theertha are in a well near Nalavinayaka temple. Besides these there are eight Ashta Dikpal Theerthas.
Speciality: On the shiva linga we observe markings of Darbha grass as it is stated in Puran that the Shiva Linga was found among darbha grass. This is a Swayambhu Linga.

Kshetra Puran:

There are a number of sthala puranas associated with this place which are mentioned in the puranas.

1. According to the scriptures, Lord Brahma, after having created the world, went around to tour it. When he came to this forest (Aranya) full of Darbha, he was enchanted by its beauty and performed a penance and worshiped a Swayambhu Shiva Lingam. The Lord appeared and explained to Brahma the inner meaning of Vedas and taught him other shastras. Brahma stayed in this place for a long time worshiping Shiva-Parvati and built temples for them. Brahma created Brahma Theertha and Saraswati created Vani Theertha. Indra, Ashta Dikpal (eight directions) and the sacred swan (Hansa) established their own Shiva Lingam and worshiped.

2. According to Puran, Lord Vishnu worshiped Lord Shiva and Parvati at this place and got Manmatha (Kamadeva) as his son. Hence as a token, Lord Vishnu created the Somaskanda form i.e. with Lord Muruga seated in between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Later on Vishnu gave this to Indra and by worshiping this form Indra obtained Jayant and Jayanti as children. Later on Indra created six more forms of the same Somaskanda and gave all of them to Muchuganda. The king placed them at seven places which are known as Sapta Vidanga sthala. One such form of Somaskanda is in this temple and people worship it for obtaining offspring. This vidanga is known as Nagar vidanga.  The Sapta Vidangas are as follows

Temple	Vidangar Temple	Name of Lord	Name of Goddess	Location	Dance Pose	Meaning
Thyagarajar Temple	Vidhi-vidangar	Valmikinathar	Kamal-ambikai	Thiruvarur	Ajaba Natanam	Dance without chanting, resembling the dance of Shri Thyagaraja resting on Lord Vishnu’s chest
Darbha -ranyeswarar Temple	Nagara-vidangar	Darbha -ranyeswarar	Prana-ambikai	Thirunallar	Unmatha Natanam	Dance of an intoxicated person
Kayarohana -swamy Temple	Sundara-vidangar	Kayarohana -swamy	Neelaya -dhakshi	Nagapattinam	Vilathi natanam	Dancing like waves of sea
Kannayaria -mudayar Temple	Adhi-vidangar	Sahastra- netranaada- swamy (Kannayira -nathar)	Kailash-nayaki	Thiru- kkaravasal	Kukuda- natanam	Dancing like a cock
Brahma -pureeshwarar Temple	Avani-vidangar	Brahma -pureeshwarar	Brahma -kujalambigai	Thirukuvalai	Bhrunga natanam	Dancing like a bee that hovers over a flower
Vaimoor -naathar Temple	Nalla-vidangar	Vaimoor-naathar	Palinumnan -mozhial	Thiruvaimur	Kamala natanam	Dance like lotus that moves in a breeze
Veda -ranyeshwarar Temple	Bhuvani-vidangar	Veda -ranyeshwarar	Vedanayaki	Thiru- maraikkadu (Vedaranyam)	Hamsa- patha- natanam	Dancing with he gait of a swan

3. According to Puran, when the sages approached Lord Shiva to suggest a suitable place on the earth for performing Satra Yagnya. Lord Shiva rolled out a chakra (Nemi) made of darbha (kushagrass). The chakra stopped at the place which was suitable for performing yagnya and penance. Hence the place came to be known as Naimisharanya. According to another Puran, Lord Shiva annihilated a lot of asuras at this place in a minute (Nimish). Hence the place is called Naimisharanya.

4. According to the Puran, King Nala of Nishada married Damayanti of Vidarbha. Lord Shani became furious as he was not able to marry her. He became jealous of King Nala. He could not trouble King Nala as the king was very pious and just. Once Nala washed his legs before performing pooja. As he had not washed his legs properly Lord Shani got an opportunity to interfere in Nala’s life. Due to Lord Shani’s influence Nala lost everything including his kingdom and wife. Later on, he was advised by Sage Narada and Sage Bharadwaj to undergo a pilgrimage of Lord Shiva sthalas. Nala undertook the pilgrimage and came to this place. He created a tank and went into the temple for worshiping Lord Shiva. As Lord Shani was afraid of Lord Shiva, he stayed back at the entrance. Lord Shiva directed Shani that anyone who enters the temple after worshiping him (Shani) should not be troubled. Since then anyone who enters the temple after worshiping Shani is absolved of all miseries by Lord Shani.

5. According to the Sthala Puran, two brahmins had performed Putra Kameshthi Yagnya for King Thooyakanda of Vedavarthana. When a son was born to the king, he gave riches, gifts and cows to the two brahmins. As one cow was more healthier, the two brahmins quarreled amongst themselves. They fought among themselves with sticks. One of the brahmin’s blow landed on a cow and killed the cow. Hence the brahmin was affected by Gohatya Dosha. He approached the Sage Romasa to get relief. So Sage Romasa directed him to this place and asked him to worship Lord Shiva after taking bath in separate Theertha. The brahmin followed the advise of the Sage and was relieved of Gohatya Dosha.

6. According to the Puran, when Sage Bharadwaj visited the kingdom of Avanti, King Uruchi enquired with the Sage about the most superior charity amongst all the charities. The Sage suggested that the Annadan performed at Darbharanyeshwarar as the most superior of all charities. The King came to this place and worshiped Lord Shiva with great devotion. Lord Shiva granted him a boon. The King requested the Lord to bless him with everlasting grace and means to offer food to those who came to him. The King stayed back and devoted his entire life to the service of the poor.

7. Another Kshetra Puran is about a milkman who used to supply milk to the temple daily, on the orders of the local King. The accountant of the temple asked the milkman to deliver the milk to his house instead of the temple and enter it in the temple's account. The honest milkman refused to oblige, hence he was threatened by the accountant with punishment and drastic action. The milkman complained to Lord Dakshinamurti for justice. At that time, it is believed that Lord Dakshinamurti sent a trishul to punish the accountant. It is believed that the balipeetham which was in line of Trishul, moved slightly making way for trishul. Hence we find that the balipeetham is slightly away from the line of Shiva Linga.

Those who worshiped at this place:
Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Lord Indra, Ashta Dikpalakas, Sage Agastya, Sage Pulasti, Arjun, King Nala, Lava and Kusha (sons of Lord Shriram), Sage Vyasa, Sage Shuka and Lord Balaram.

Special features: 

1. After bowing to the rajagopuram, as we enter the temple we have to touch and pray at the entrance step. 

2. This is one of the Sapta Vidanga sthalams.

3. This is one of the shakti peetham known as Praneshwari Shakti Peeth.

4. There are marks on the Shiva Linga made by the darbha grass.

5. The balipeetham is slightly away from the line of Shiva Linga.

6. In this temple the importance is to Lord Shani.

7. This is one of the Navagraha temples dedicated to Lord Shanishwarar. 

8. There is no Navagraha shrine.

9. The idol of Shanishwarar has only two hands instead of the usual four. 

10. In this temple premises there are 17 shiva lingas.

11. In the Vasant Mandap, there are stucco images depicting 10 types of dances performed by Lord Shiva.

12. There are paintings depicting the puran of King Nala.

13. The dhwajastambha (gold plated) is in front of the sanctum.

About the temple:

This temple covers an area of two acres with a seven tiered rajgopuram and two parikramas. There is a mandap at the front. The Shiva Linga is a Swayambhu Linga. It was discovered amongst kusha grass (darbha). Hence the place is known as Darbharanyam. There are marks on the Shiva Linga made by the darbha grass. The balipeetham and Nandi are slightly away from the line of Shiva Linga and are facing the Shiva Linga. There is a huge Dhwajastambha (gold plated) in front of a sanctum. 

Koshta murtis: Lord Dakshinamurti, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma and Goddess Durga. 

On the side we come across Lord Thyagaraja praised as Unmatta Nadana Thyagaraja along with his consort Goddess Nilothalambal. King Nala’s puran is painted in the outer prakaram. In the Vasant Mandap, there are stucco images of various dances performed by Lord Shiva. We come across the shrine of Lord Shanishwarar at the entrance, on the left side of Lord Shiva's shrine. The Shrine of Lord Shanishwarar has a small sanctum. Lord Shanishwarar is facing the east and is depicted with two hands. 

In the inner prakaram we come across following idols and shrines: Shaiva Saint Sundarar, 63 Nayanmars, Lord Nalleshwarar, Lord Sthala Vinayaka, Lord Swarna Ganapati, Lord Subramanya, Lord Adi Shesha, Lord Nala Aranya Perumal, Goddess Mahalakshmi, Lord Bhairav, Natraj Sabha and utsav murtis. On the right side we have the shrine for the milkman (cowherd), his wife and the accountant.

Maragada lingam is kept in safe custody. Abhishek and poojas are conducted for it at 8.30 am daily.

Other shrines at this place: Lord Swarna Ganapati, Lord Muruga, Lord Nataraja, Lord Somaskanda, The idols of Lord Adi Shesha, Lord Surya and Lord Bhairava are also found. We come across the idol of King Nala and the Linga worshiped by him.

Prayers:

1. Devotees take bath in the Nala Theertha to get relief from challenges posed by Lord Shanishwar and worship Lord Shiva.

2. Devotees take bath in the Brahma Theertha for relief from sins committed in past and present and worship Lord Shiva.

3. Devotees take bath in the Saraswati Theertha (Vani Theertha) for knowledge, singing skills and skills in poetry.

Poojas:
Daily six rituals from 6 am to 9 pm for Lord Shiva. Daily five rituals for Lord Shanishwarar. Special pooja on transit of Saturn, full moon, new moon in the month of Purattasi, pradosha pooja, special pooja on Fridays, Tamil and English new year.

Some important festivals:

Vaikasi (May-June): 10 days Brahmotsavam festival.
Maasi (February-March): Mahashivaratri.
Aani (June-July): Natraj festival.
Purattasi (Sept-Oct): On full moon day a special worship for emerald lingam, Navaratri.
Karthigai (November-December): Thiru Karthigai Deepam, Diwali.
Panguni (March-April): Panguni Uttiram. Festival on Uttara Nakshatra.
Thai (January-February): Pongal festival. 

Timings: 6 am to 1 pm, 4 pm to 9 pm

Address: 

Shri Thirunallar Shanishwarar Temple,
Thirunallar,
Karaikkal,
Pondicherry (Union Territory)

Phone: +91-4368236530, +91-9442236504

Courtesy: 

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/ , https://temple.dinamalar.com/en/

धर्मपुरम (कारैक्कल जिल्हा) येथील श्री याळमुरीनाथर मंदिर / श्री धर्मपुरीश्वरर मंदिर

ह्या मंदिराला श्री ब्रह्मपुरीश्वरर मंदिर असं पण म्हणतात. थिरुनल्लरू-कारैक्कल मार्गावर थिरुनल्लरू पासून हे मंदिर ३ किलोमीटर्स वर आहे. सध्या ह्या स्थळाला कोविलपथु असं म्हणतात. हे पाडळ पेथ्र स्थळ कावेरी नदीच्या दक्षिण काठावर आहे आणि ह्याची स्तुती शैव संत संबंधर ह्यांनी गायली आहे. म्हणून हे स्थळ सातव्या शतकाच्याही आधीपासून अस्तित्वात असावं. ह्या मंदिराचं दगडी बांधकाम चोळा राजांनी केलं. आणि मंदिराचा विस्तार विजयनगर आणि मराठा राजांनी केला. 

मूलवर: श्री याळमुरीनाथर, श्री धर्मपुरीश्वरर
देवी: श्री मदुरामिन्नअम्माई, श्री थेनअमृतवल्ली, श्री अभयाम्बिका
पवित्र तीर्थ: विष्णू तीर्थ, धर्म तीर्थ, ब्रह्म तीर्थ
पवित्र वृक्ष: केळ्याचे वृक्ष

क्षेत्र पुराण:

१. पुराणानुसार श्री यमदेव मार्कंडेय ऋषींना यमलोकांत न्यायला आले तेव्हां भगवान शिव त्यांच्या मदतीला धावून आले. त्यावेळी यमदेवांनी त्यांचा पाश मार्कंडेय ऋषींच्या गळ्याभोवती टाकला होता. भगवान शिवांनी यमदेवांना त्यांच्या मृत्यूचा स्वामी ह्या पदावरून काढलं. म्हणून पृथ्वीवर कोणालाही मृत्यू येण्याचं थांबलं आणि म्हणून पृथ्वीवरची लोकसंख्या झपाट्याने वाढू लागली. भूमादेवींनी भगवान शिवांना यमदेवांना त्यांच्या मृत्यूचा स्वामी ह्या मूळ पदावर आणण्याची विनंती केली. त्याचवेळी यमदेवांनापण आपल्या पापाचा पश्चात्ताप झाला. भगवान शिवांनी त्यांना इथे येऊन एक तीर्थ निर्माण करून तपश्चर्या करण्याचा सल्ला दिला. भगवान शिवांनी यमदेवांना दर्शन दिलं आणि लवकरच त्यांना मृत्यूचा स्वामी हे त्यांचं मूळ पद प्राप्त होईल असं आश्वासन दिलं. यमदेवांना धर्म असं पण म्हणतात म्हणून ह्या स्थळाला धर्मपूरम असं नाव प्राप्त झालं आणि भगवान शिवांना श्री धर्मपुरीश्वरर असं नाव प्राप्त झालं. 

२. इथे अजून एक पुराण आहे ज्याच्यामध्ये भगवान शिवांना याळमुरीनाथर असं संबोधलं जातं. श्री नीलकंठ याळपनर नायनार हे भगवान शिवांचे कट्टर भक्त होते. त्यांचं ह्या गावात म्हणजेच एरुकथम्ब पुलियूर मध्ये वास्तव्य होतं. त्यांनी शैव संत संबंधर ह्यांच्याबद्दल ऐकलं होतं आणि म्हणून ते त्यांच्याबरोबर शिव स्थळांच्या तीर्थयात्रेमध्ये सामील झाले. संबंधर ह्यांच्या स्तोत्रांसाठी नीलकंठ नायनार याळ ह्या त्यांच्या संगीत वाद्यावर सुंदर पार्श्वसंगीत आयोजित करायचे. नीलकंठ नायनार ह्यांचं पार्श्वसंगीत लोकप्रिय झाल्याबरोबर त्यांचा अहंकार वाढायला लागला. त्यांना असं वाटायला लागलं की पडिगमच्या (संबंधरांची पवित्र स्तोत्रे) लोकप्रियतेचे कारण त्यांचे पार्श्वसंगीतच आहे. भगवान शिवांनी त्यांचा अहंकार काढून त्यांना शिक्षण देण्याचे ठरवले. संबंधर आणि नीलकंठ नायनार जेव्हा ह्या मंदिरात आले तेव्हा संबंधरांनी आपली पवित्र स्तोत्रे गायला चालू केलं आणि त्याचबरोबर नीलकंठ नायनार ह्यांनी पार्श्वसंगीत जोडण्यास चालू केलं. पण कितीही प्रयत्न केला तरी ते पार्श्वसंगीत जोडू शकत नव्हते. त्यामुळे नीलकंठ नायनार दुःखी झाले. त्यांनी आपलं संगीतवाद्य तोडून आत्महत्या करण्याचा प्रयत्न केला. त्याच वेळेस भगवान शिवांनी त्यांच्यावर कृपा केली, त्यांच्या हातातून त्यांचे याळ हे वाद्य घेतले आणि आपण स्वतःच त्या वाद्यावर संबंधरांच्या गायनासाठी पार्श्वसंगीत जोडले. असं करताना भगवान शिवांनी नृत्य पण केले. संबधरांचं पडिगम आणि भगवान शिवांचे पार्श्वसंगीत आणि नृत्य पाहून नीलकंठ नायनार ह्यांचा अहंकार पूर्ण नाहीसा झाला. भगवान शिवांनी इथे याळ हे वाद्य वाजवले आणि नीलकंठ नायनार ह्यांचा अहंकार नाहीसा केला म्हणून इथे त्यांना श्री याळमुरी (घालवला) नाथर असं संबोधलं जातं. जेव्हां भगवान शिवांनी याळ वाजवलं आणि नृत्य केलं तेव्हां पार्वती देवींनी गोड आणि मधुर आवाजात पडिगम गायलं. त्यावेळी असं वाटत होतं की पार्वती देवींच्या मुखातून मध (थेन) आणि अमृत वाहत आहे. म्हणून श्री पार्वती देवींना इथे श्री थेनअमृतवल्ली असं संबोधलं जातं. असा समज आहे की ज्यावेळी श्री पार्वती देवी गात होत्या त्यावेळी एक कोयल पण तिच्या बरोबर गायली.

३. जेव्हां भगवान शिव याळ वाद्य वाजवत होते त्यावेळी श्री दक्षिणामूर्ती हे तन्मयतेने ऐकत होते आणि त्याचा आनंद घेत होते. ते इतके समरस झाले होते कि ते थोडे पाठीमागे झुकले. कोष्टामध्ये जी दक्षिणामूर्तींची मूर्ती आहे त्यामध्ये ते पाठीमागे झुकले आहेत असे चित्रित केले आहेत.

ह्या ठिकाणी ज्यांनी उपासना केली त्यांची नावे:
श्री महाविष्णू, श्री ब्रह्म, श्री युधिष्ठिर, शैव संत संबंधर, श्री यमदेव, श्री नीलकंठ याळट्टनर

वैशिष्ट्ये:

१. श्री दक्षिणामूर्ती थोडे पाठीमागे झुकले आहेत. सहसा श्री दक्षिणामूर्तींना पिवळ्या रंगाचे वस्त्र नेसवलेले असते. पण इथे त्यांना भगव्या रंगाचे वस्त्र नेसवले आहे.

२. शैव संत संबंधर ह्यांनी भगवान शिवांची संगीत नियोजक म्हणून स्तुती गायली आहे तर श्री पार्वती देवींच्या मधुर आवाजाची स्तुती गायली आहे.

३. थिरु धर्मपूर अधिनम ह्या संस्थेचे संस्थापक थिरु ज्ञानसंबंधर ह्यांचे इथे देवालय आहे.

४. प्रकारामध्ये इथे एक पवित्र तीर्थ आहे ज्याचे नाव धर्म तीर्थ आहे. हे तीर्थ श्री यमदेवांनी निर्माण केले.

५. इथे श्री युधिष्ठिर ह्यांनी भगवान शिवांची उपासना केली म्हणून ह्या स्थळाला धर्मपूरम असे म्हणतात.    

मंदिराबद्दल माहिती:

मंदिरामध्ये गाभारा, अंतराळ, अर्ध मंडप, मुख मंडप आणि महा मंडप आहेत. गाभाऱ्याच्या भोवती मंडप आहे. मंदिराच्या पहिल्या पातळीवर पंच स्तरांचं तर दुसऱ्या पातळीवर तीन स्तरांचं राजगोपुर आहे. इथे ध्वजस्तंभ नाही. दोन पातळ्यांच्यामध्ये नंदी आणि बलीपीठ आहे. राजगोपुराच्या पहिल्या स्तरावर शैव संत संबंधर आणि त्यांच्या पत्नी ह्यांचे स्टुक्कोचे चित्र आहे. येथील शिव लिंग स्वयंभू आहे आणि त्याला कवच आहे.

कोष्ठ मूर्ती: श्री नर्थन विनायक, श्री दक्षिणामूर्ती (ह्या मूर्तीमध्ये त्यांचे शिर भगवान शिवांचे याळ हे संगीत वाद्य ऐकताना थोडे पाठीमागे झुकले आहे), श्री लिंगोद्भवर आणि त्यांच्या बाजूला श्री विष्णू आणि श्री ब्रह्म आहेत, श्री दुर्गा देवी आणि त्यांच्या मागे महिषासुर आहेत. श्री चंडिकेश्वरांचं देवालय त्यांच्या नेहमीच्या ठिकाणी आहे.

इथले शिव लिंग चांदीच्या कवचाने आच्छादित आहे. म्हणून ह्या शिव लिंगावर अभिषेक केला जात नाही. वेळोवेळी सिवेटचा लेप लावला जातो.

अंबिका देवींचे स्वतंत्र देवालय आहे. ह्या देवालयामध्ये त्या आसनस्थ आहेत. त्यांचा एक हात त्यांच्या मांडीवर आहे. ह्या मुद्रेमध्ये असं भासत आहे कि त्या गात आहेत.

परिक्रमेमधल्या इतर मूर्ती आणि देवालये: श्री विनायक, श्री सुब्रह्मण्य त्यांच्या पत्नींसमवेत, श्री सोमस्कंद, श्री नटराज, शैव संत नालवर, सनातन कुरुवर, ६३ नायनमार, श्री चंद्रशेखर, श्री विशालाक्षी समवेत श्री काशी विश्वनाथ, श्री महालक्ष्मी, नवग्रह, श्री सूर्य, श्री चंद्र आणि श्री भैरव.

श्री विनायकांना इथे श्री कर्पग विनायक असे संबोधले जाते. श्री याळमुरीनाथर ह्यांच्या मिरवणुकीतल्या मूर्तीमध्ये त्यांच्या हातामध्ये याळी हे संगीत वाद्य आहे. त्यांच्या एका बाजूला संबंधर आहेत तर दुसऱ्या बाजूला याळपनर नायनमार आहेत. श्री यमदेवांची मिरवणुकीतली मूर्ती फार सुंदर आहे.

प्रार्थना:

१. ज्यांना गायकीमध्ये प्राविण्य मिळवायचं आहे ते भाविक जन इथे अभिषेक करतात आणि श्री अंबिका देवींना वस्त्र अर्पण करतात.

२. ज्यांना संगीत वाद्य शिकून त्यात प्राविण्य मिळवायचं आहे ते भाविक जन इथे श्री दक्षिणामूर्ती आणि भगवान शिवांची पूजा करतात.

३. असा समज आहे की इथल्या पवित्र तीर्थातले जे भाविक जन तीर्थ प्राशन करतात त्यांच्या सर्व पापांचे क्षालन होते.

४. भाविक जन इथे आयुष्य होम करतात आणि षष्ट्याब्दिपूर्ती (६०व्वा वाढदिवस) साजरी करतात.

५. भाविक जन इथे विवाहातले अडथळे तसेच पुत्रदोषांचे निरसन करण्यासाठी उत्तराषाढा नक्षत्रावर श्री दुर्गादेवींवर अभिषेक करतात.

पूजा:

दैनंदिन पूजा, प्रदोष पूजा, मासिक आणि साप्ताहिक पूजा, विशेष पूजा केल्या जातात. वैकासि ह्या तामिळ महिन्यातील मूळ नक्षत्रदिवशी इथे शैव संत संबंधर ह्यांची गुरुपूजा केली जाते.

मंदिरात साजरे होणारे महत्वाचे सण:

कार्थिगई (नोव्हेंबर-डिसेंबर): थिरुकार्थिगई
मासी (फेब्रुवारी-मार्च): महाशिवरात्री

मंदिराच्या वेळा: सकाळी ७ ते दुपारी १२, संध्याकाळी ५ ते रात्री ९

मंदिराचा पत्ता: 

श्री याळमुरीनाथर मंदिर,
धर्मपूरम,
कारैक्कल जवळ,
पॉंडिचेरी,
तामिळ नाडू ६०९६०२

दूरध्वनी: +९१-४३६८२२६६१६

अस्वीकरण आणि शिष्टाचार (Disclaimer and courtesy):

ह्या लेखांमधली माहिती संकलित करताना विविध आचार्यांचे उपन्यास, दक्षिण भारतातील काही नियतकालिके, तसेच इंटरनेट वरील विविध ब्लॉग्स आणि वेबसाईट्स ह्यांचा आधार घेतला आहे. आपल्याला ह्या लेखांमध्ये काही त्रुटी आढळल्यास आम्हाला जरूर कळवा.

Shri Yazhmurinathar Temple / Shri Dharmapurishwarar Temple at Dharmapuram (Karaikkal district)

This temple is also known as Dharmapurishwarar temple. It is situated at a distance of about 3 kilometers from Thirunallaru on the Thirunallaru-Karaikkal route. The place is now known as Kovilpathu. This is a Padal Pethra sthalam on the southern bank of Kaveri revered by Shaiva Saint Sambandhar. The temple must have existed before the seventh century. It was built as a stone structure by the Chola king. The extensions were done by Vijaynagar kings and Maratha kings. 

Moolavar: Shri Yazhmurinathar, Shri Dharmapurishwarar
Devi: Shri Maduraminnammai, Shri Thenamrutvalli, Shri Abhayambika
Sacred Theertha: Vishnu Theertha, Dharma Theertha, Brahma Theertha
Sacred Vruksha: Plantain tree (Banana tree)

Kshetra Puran:

1. According to puran, Lord Shiva came to the aid of Sage Markandeya when Lord Yama came to take away the life of Sage. At that time Lord Yama had put a noose around the neck of Sage. Lord Shiva removed Yama from his position of Lord of Death, hence there was no death taking place anywhere and the population started increasing rapidly. Bhumadevi requested Lord Shiva to restore Lord Yama to his original position. At the same time Lord Yama also repented for his sin. He was advised by the Lord to come to this place, create a theertha and do penance. Lord Shiva granted him darshan and told him that he will be restored to his original position in due course of time. As Lord Yama is also known as Dharman the place came to be known as Dharmapuram. Lord Shiva is praised as Dharmapurishwarar. 

2. There is another puran where Lord Shiva is praised as Yazhmurinathar. Shri Neelakantha Yazhpanar Naayanar was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva who lived in this village known as Erukathamba Puliyur. Having heard about Shaiva Saint Sambandhar, he joined him in his pilgrimage of Shaiva sthalam. Neelakantha Naayanar used to set very sweet music with his yazh (musical instrument) for the sacred hymns of Sambandhar. As the music set by him became popular, Neelakantha Naayanar became egoistic. He started feeling that his music is responsible for the popularity of Padigam (sacred hymns). Lord Shiva decided to remove his ego and teach him a lesson. When they reached this temple as usual, Sambandhar sang a hymn to which the Nayanar tried to set music. However he tried but he could not set the music. As he could not give proper music Nayanar became sad. He tried to break the musical instrument and commit suicide. At that very instant Lord Shiva graced him and took away the instrument from his hands and set music for the hymn. He also danced while playing the instrument. Nayanar lost his ego, on hearing music and padigam. As Lord Shiva played the yazh and broke the ego of Neelakanth Yazhpanar he is praised as Shri Yazhmoori (break) Nathar. When Lord Shiva played Yazh and danced, Goddess Parvati sang the padigam in a very sweet and melodious voice. It was as if honey (Then) and amrut were flowing from her mouth. Hence Goddess Parvati is praised as Then-amruta-valli. It is believed that at that time a koyal also joined and sang with a melodious voice. 

When Lord Shiva played the Yazh, Lord Dakshinamurti was hearing with attention and enjoying it. He was so much engrossed in the music that without his own knowledge he leaned back. This is depicted in the koshta wall where the idol of Lord Dakshinamurti is slightly inclined towards the back.

Those who worshiped here:

Lord Mahavishnu, Lord Brahma, Yudhisthir, Shaiva Saint Sambandhar, Lord Yama, Neelakantha Yazhttanar.

Special Features:

1. Lord Dakshinamurti is slightly inclined towards the back. Generally Lord Dakshinamurti is adorned with a yellow color cloth in all the temples. But here he is adorned with saffron color cloth. 

2. Shaiva Saint Sambandhar has praised Lord Shiva as music composer and Goddess Parvati for her melodious voice in his sacred hymns. 

3. There is a shrine for revered Guru Dnyanasambandhar, founder of Thiru Dharmapura Adheenam. 

4. There is a Sacred Theertha at this place known as Dharma Theertha which was created by Lord Yama in the prakaram. 

5. This place is known as Dharmapuram as Yudhishthira (Dharma) worshiped Lord Shiva at this place.

About temple:

The temple consists of Sanctum Sanctorum, Antarala, Ardha mandap, Maha mandap and Mukha mandap. A mandap is present around the sanctum. The temple has five tiered Rajagopuram in the first level and three tiered Rajagopurm in the second level. There is no Dhwajastambha. Balipeetham and Nandi are in between the two levels. Stucco image of Shaiva Saint Sambandhar and his wife is on the first tier of Rajagopuram. Shiva Linga is a swayambhu linga with a kavach.

Koshtha murtis: Lord Narthana Vinayaka, Lord Dakshinamurti with his head in slanting position as if he is hearing the yazh (stringed instrument) played by Lord Shiva, Lord Lingodbhavar with Lord Vshnu or Lord Brahma on either side, Goddess Durga with Mahishasur behind her. Lord Chandikeshwarar shrine is in the usual position.

The Shiva Linga is covered by a silver kavach, hence no abhishek is performed on the Shiva Linga, but only Civet is applied. Goddess Ambika is in a separate shrine in a sitting posture with one hand on her thigh as if she is singing. The other shrines and idols in the parikrama are Lord Vinayaka, Lord Subramanya with his consorts, Lord Somaskanda, Lord Nataraja, Shaiva Saint Naalvar, Sanatana Kuravas, Sixty three Naayanmars, Lord Chandrasekhar, Lord Kashi Vishwanath with Goddess Vishalakshi, Goddess Mahalakshmi, Navagraha, Lord Surya, Lord Chandra and Lord Bhairav. Lord Vinayaka is praised as Lord Karpaga Vinayaka. The procession idol of Lord Yazhmurinathar is with the musical instrument Yazhi in his hands. He has Shaiva Saint Sambandar and Naayanmar Yazhpanar by his side. The procession idol of Lord Yama is very beautiful.

Prayers:

1. Those who want to excel in vocal music, perform abhishek and donate Vastra to Goddess Ambika.
2. Those who wish to learn and excel in playing musical instruments worship Lord Dakshinamurti and Lord Shiva.
3. It is believed that drinking theertha from the sacred theertha after prayers one’s sins are removed.
4. Devotees perform Ayushyahomam and the sixtieth year birth ceremony at this place.
5. Devotees worship here for removal of marriage obstacles and putra dosha by performing abhishek of Goddess Durga on Uttarashadha nakshatra. 

Pooja:

Daily rituals, pradosha pooja, monthly and weekly poojas. Special pooja. Shaiva Saint Sambandhar's Guru pooja on Mula nakshatra in tamil month of Vaikasi. 

Important Festivals:

Maasi (Feb-March): Shivaratri
Karthigai (Nov-Dec): Thiru Karthigai

Time: 7 am to 12 noon, 5 pm to 9 pm

Address: 

Shri Yazhmurinathar temple,
Dharmapuram,
Near Karaikkal,
Pondicherry, 609602

Phone: +91-4368226616

Courtesy: Various websites and blogs