Parvatheeswarar Temple, Thiruthelichery

This Sri Parvatheeswarar Temple at Thiruthelichery, Karaikkal temple’s Lord Shiva is a Swayambumurthi or self-manifesting. The central tower of this west-facing temple, called Rajagopuram, has two corridors and five stories. One of Myanmar’s 63 most revered saints, Karaikkal Ammaiyar, was born in Karaikkal.

History of the Temple

One of the oldest ports and commercial districts in South India is Karaikkal. Currently, Karaikkal is a part of Puducherry. It is said that Lord Shiva saw four “Yugas” pass by at this site. This place was called Brahma Vanam in Kretha Yugam, Sameevanam in Thretha Yugam, Ananda Vanam in Dwapara Yugam, and Mukthi Vanam in the present Kaliyugam, according to the sthala purana. Several historical names, such as Sivathalam, Mukthi Sthalam, Suriyathalam, Guhathalam, and Gaurithalam, have known this place.

Deities in the temple

In addition to the shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, one can find shrines and idols in the corridors honoring Sambantha Vinayakar, Murugan and his consorts, Natarajar with Sivakamasundari, Somaskanthar, Dakshinamurthy, Nardhana Ganapathy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Durgai, Chandikeswarar, Gajalakshmi, Nalvars, Navagraham, Suryan with Renukadevi, Chandiran, Pidariyamman, 63 Nayanmars, and Kasi Viswanathar with Visalakshi and Bhairavar. There is also a separate temple for Saneeswaran and his wife, Renuka Devi, along the passageway.

Salient Features

The procession idol of Lord Shiva, known as “Sri Kirathamurthi” with Goddess Parvathy, is exceedingly lovely and unique. Lord Shiva is depicted as a farmer with a plow over his shoulders, and Goddess Parvathy as the farmer’s wife.

In this temple, there are some exquisite reliefs showing legends from the “sthala puranam,” such as Goddess Parvathy worshiping the Lord, who appears in the appearance of a farmer; Lord Suryan and Saint Gnanasambanthar praising Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy. Another sculpture depicts Arjuna worshiping Lord Shiva, who appears in the appearance of a hunter.

Saint Karaikkal Ammaiyar was born here, and there is a separate shrine dedicated to her at Karaikkal. “Maangani Thiruvizha” is a well-known annual celebration held here.

Greatness of this Temple & Important Festivals

It is claimed that persons seeking “santhana prapthi” (child blessing) might pray to Goddess Parvathy here. Devotees can pray to Goddess Swayamvara Thapaswini here to remove hurdles in their wedding proposals.

The paddy planting festival in the Tamil month of Avani (August-September) is held in magnificent style at this temple.

Maha Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar), Navarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct), Thiruvadhirai in the Tamil month of Margazhi (Dec-Jan), and Panguni Uthiram in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr) are among the other significant festivals observed here. Pradosham is also routinely noticed.

Sri Parvatheeswarar Temple Timings

From 07:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 04:00 PM to 08:30 PM.

Sri Parvatheeswarar Temple Location

Sri Parvatheeswarar Temple,

Thiruthelicherry (Kovil Pathu),

Karaikkal,

Puducherry – 609 602.

Thiru Thelicherry is located in Karaikkal on the Bharathiyar Road. It is located near the entrance of Karikkal town when traveling from the Poraiyar route. There is a train station in Karaikkal. For more details about temples in Tamilnadu visit the official website of Temples in tamilnadu.