| Description:
This Shivastalam is situated almost next door to Patteeswaram
(Pazhayarai), one time capital of the Cholas. Darasuram,
a vertable art gallery of Chola architecture and sculpture is situated close by.
Satthi Mutrattu Pulavar of 'Naarai Naarai' (popularized in Tamil Text books all over the
state) hailed from this town. The entire Pazhaiyaarai region abounds in remains of ancient
temples. Mention must be made of the nearby Pazhaiyaarai
Vadatali, the Somanathar temple and the vast Patteeswaram
temples nearby. Sakthimutham is considered to be the 22nd in the series
of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river
Kaveri. Legends: Legend has it that Shiva appeared as a huge
column of light (Jyotiswaroopam) in front of Parvati, who had meditated upon him here, and
that she embraced him; hence the name Sivakkozhundeeswarar and Sakthi Mutham. The image
above is that of the Stalapuranam at Kanchipuram.
TheTemple: This temple with 2 prakarams occupies an area of under an
acre. A majestic Rajagopuram crowns its entrance, although the glorious days of the temple
are now mere history. . An image of Shiva and Parvati in embrace associated with the
legend, is enshrined in the temple.. The Natarajar shrine and the Sarabeswarar shrine are
of importance here.
Appar is said to have prayed to surrender at the feet of Shiva; his prayer is believed
to have been granted at Tirunallur nearby. The
unusual practice of placing a chatari containing an image of the feet of the deity, on the
heads of devotees (a Vaishnavite tradition) is carried out at Tirunallur, commemorating
Appar's surrender at the feet of Shiva.
This temple was reconstructed in stone during the period of Sembiyan Mahadevi and the
early years of Raja Raja Chola I (1000 CE). Inscriptions from the period of Rajadiraja
Chola II (1166-1182 CE), Kulottunga Chola III, and the Vijayanagar Emperors are seen here.
Festivals: Four worship services are offered each day. The annual
Bhrammotsavam falls in the month of Chittirai. Other festivals here are Navaratri and
Rathasaptami. |
