Thirumiyachur Sthala Puranam

Thirumiyachur, as I’ve shared my previous post about the ‘Story and Power of Lalitha Sahasranamam’, in this post I’ve written about the Sthala Puranam (History) of the temple. One can visit Thirumiyachur temple only if they have good karma of their previous birth (Poorva Janmam).

Thirumiyachur Raja Gopuram

This is one of the oldest temple of Lord Shiva. This temple came into existence even before the worship of Navagraha came into existence, so you could only find 12 Nagas for the 12 zodiac signs.

Aruna Bhagavan's Desire

This temple comes into picture when Aruna Bhagavan, who drives the chariot of the Surya Bhagavan expresses his desire to have dharshan of Lord Shiva in Kailash. In reply Surya Bhagavan humiliates Aruna Bhagavan as he is paralyzed from his hip to toe. Then Aruna Bhagavan meditates towards Lord Shiva, with his strong will, Aruna Bhagavan overcomes all the disturbances and humiliation caused by Lord Surya.

Lord Shiva, as he never compromises with the humiliation happens to his ardent devotees, curses Surya Bhagavan that he will lose his tejas (light) and will be dulled. That’s when he realizes his mistake and apologize to Lord Shiva and pleads him to lift up the curse.

A glimpse of the Gopuram

Lord Shiva, who says that he can’t reverse this curse, advises Surya Bhagavan to go and worship him in the Mihira Kshetram, Thirumiyachur, for seven and a half months. Surya Bhagavan then creates Surya Theertham in Thirumiyachur and worship Lord Shiva in the clouds over Thirumiyachur for seven and a half months. That’s why Lord Shiva is also known as Meghanada Swamy in this temple.

As Aruna Bhagavan’s wish gets fulfilled and Surya Bhagavan Worships Lord Shiva here, he is also named as Mihira Aruneshwarar. As Surya Bhagavan is relieved from his curse, during the Thamizh Month of Chithirai, from 21^st to 27^th, it so happens that the sun rays while it rises falls on the Shivalinga, making it that the Surya Bhagavan himself worshipping the deity.

Shri Lalithambigai

Goddess Lalithambigai, here in the temple is blessing the world with her divine smile and as her iron throne she has this Sri Chakra. Chanting Shri Lalitha Sahasranamam in this temple is considered more special.

Specialties of the temple

One specialty about this temple is that, this temple comprises of two temples (both had been sung and praised by Thirungnana Sambandar) at a same place. The one is Meghanada Swamy with his consort Lalithambigai and other is Sagala Bhuvaneshwarar with his consort Minnu Megalaiyal.

Gajaprushta Vimanam

Meghanada Swamy is a swayambhu moorthy. As Lord Shiva was worshipped by Surya Bhagavan amongst clouds on an elephant, the Vimanam aka Sanctum of the temple is built like the top of an elephant. This style of Vimanam aka Sanctum is known as Gajaprushta Vimanam and is a rare style.

GajaPrushta Vimanam

The couple's Smile and Anger

Kshethra Puraneshwarar is one of the attractive sculpture work in this temple, located in the southern side of the main sanctum. While we observe this idol from one side, we see that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi is smiling and from other side it looks like they are angry. This portrays a fun happenings that usually occurs between every couple as they get angry after a small fight and after sometime, they get calmed down.

Kshetra Puraneshwarar

We can also find Rishabaarudar, Chaturbhuja Chandikeshwarar and much more attractive deities in the outer wall of the Sanctum. We can also have the dharshan of Trinity in one place.

Messenger Parrot

Goddess Durga with eight hands and holds a parrot named “Sugapuram”, which mediates and conveys all the needs and prayers of the devotees. If devotees conveys their wish to Goddess Durga here, she will send her parrot to convey the wishes of devotees to Shri Lalithambigai from the Kodimaram which is located in front of the Goddess Lalithambigai Sanctum.

Neikula Dharshanam and Ratha Sapthami

Neikula Dharshanam is one of the important occasion to worship Shri Lalithambigai. Laksharchana followed by the offering (Neivedhyam) of 100 kgs happens 3 times a year (Vijayadasami, Theipirai Ashtami of Thamizh Month Maasi and Full moon day  of Thamizh month Vaikasi). It is the time where Sakkarai Pongal, Puliyodhare and Curd rice are placed in a tray and spread in the Artha Mandapam. Neivedhyam are done and pure cow ghee is filled like a tank built of Sakkarai Pongal and the devotees should see the reflection of Shri Lalithambigai in the Ghee. Then the Neivedhyams are distributed.

Neikula Dharshanam

Ratha Sapthami is another important festival of this temple as Surya Bhagavan got relieved from the curse on this day. It is celebrated for 10 long days where the Abhishekams for the deities in the temple are done in the Surya Theertham (Pond). The temple's chariot festival is also done during these days.

To Reach Thirumiyachur

Bus: From Kumbakonam – Karaikal route buses (or) Vice versa

Train: Nearest station is Peralam, just 2 kms away.

By road: From Kumbakonam it is 34 kms, located in the route which runs towards Karaikal. The temple is located 24 kms From Karaikal.

Contact Priest: 9842551988

Yours East Gaterr