- March 9, 2025
Contents
| Shiva Sthalam | Arulmigu Pathanjali Nathar Thirukkovil |
|---|---|
| Moolavar | Pathanjaleeshwarar |
| Utsavar | Somasundarar |
| Amman | Kanaanarkuzhali Ammai, Ambujakshi, Kolvalaikkaiyambigai |
| Theertham | Surya Pushkarini |
| Thala Viruksham | Erukku (Calotropis) |
| Purana Name | Thirukkaanattumulloor |
| Town/Village | Kaanattampuliyur |
| District | Cuddalore |
Thennādudaiya Sivanē Pōtri
Ennāttavarkkum Iraivā Pōtri
Located in Muttram village, Kaatumannaarkudi Taluk, Cuddalore District, the Thirukkaanattumulloor Pathanjalinathar Temple is the 86th of the 276 Shiva Sthalams praised in the Thevaram hymns. It is the 32nd temple on the northern bank of the Kaveri River.
Aadiseshan, who rests on Mahavishnu in the Milky Ocean, expressed his desire to witness the dance of Lord Shiva to Mahavishnu. As per Mahavishnu’s command, Aadiseshan incarnated as the sage Pathanjali and performed penance towards Lord Shiva. Shiva appeared before him in Chidambaram and blessed him with a vision of his dance. Once, Pathanjali Muni visited this sacred place (Thirukkaanattumulloor). Desiring to witness Shiva’s dance here as well, Shiva granted him his divine dance in this very place. Hence, the Lord of this temple came to be known as Pathanjali Eshwarar.
This temple faces east with a 3-tiered Rajagopuram (main tower). Outside the gopuram, opposite to it, is the Surya Theertham (holy tank). Upon entering through the gopuram gateway, the Balipedam (sacrificial altar) and Nandi (the divine bull) are situated in the front hall. To the right is the shrine of Goddess Kanaanarkuzhali Ammai, facing south. The Goddess is also known as Ambujakshi. To the right of the Amman shrine, Lord Shaneeshwara (Saturn) resides in a separate shrine. Those afflicted by Shani Dosha (malefic influence of Saturn) offer prayers here. In the front hall, there is an image of Krishna between two Nagas (serpents), and nearby, a Lingam (symbol of Shiva) is also present amidst Nagas.
Crossing the front hall and proceeding straight inside leads to the sanctum sanctorum of Moolavar Pathanjali Eshwarar. On either side of the sanctum entrance, Vinayagar (Ganesha) and Bala Dhandayuthapani (young Muruga) are depicted. The Moolavar graces devotees as a small Lingam, a self-manifested (swayambhu) deity. During the Tamil New Year in the month of Chithirai, the sun’s rays fall upon the Moolavar for three days, as if performing worship.
In the koshtam (niches around the sanctum), idols of Vinayagar, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, and Durga are present. In the circumambulatory path around the sanctum, directly opposite Mahavishnu, Lord Muruga with his consorts Valli and Deivanai stands in a posture. A separate shrine for Gajalakshmi is also located nearby. In the same path, Kasi Viswanathar, Kasi Visalakshi, and Niruthi Vinayagar also grace devotees from their individual shrines. The Dakshinamurthy in the koshtam does not have the Kallala tree above him (a characteristic feature). Opposite the Nataraja shrine, Vinayagar with the four Saivite saints (Nayanmars) and Pathanjali Muni can be seen. Those with Naga Dosha (serpent affliction) and Rahu Dosha (affliction of the planet Rahu) offer their prayers to the Lord and Pathanjali here.
Sundarar’s Hymn: The pathigam (set of hymns) dedicated to this temple by Sundarar is found in the 7th Thirumurai (a collection of Saivite hymns).
This temple is one of the five “Puliyur” temples. The others are Perumpatrapuliyur (Chidambaram), Thiruomaampuliyur, Erukkathampuliyur, and Thiruppathiripuliyur. Among these, Thiruomaampuliyur is located close to this temple.
Those born under the Simha Rasi (Leo zodiac sign) or Simha Lagna (Leo ascendant) who have any negative influences in their horoscope can visit this temple and worship the Lord and Goddess to receive benefits.
This temple is also a significant place for remedies for Rahu Dosha and is a particularly auspicious place of worship for those born under the Karthigai Nakshatra (Krittika constellation).
This is the sacred place where Lord Shiva performed his dance for Pathanjali Muni.
Pradosham, Vaikasi Visakam, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Navaratri, Annabhishekam, Thirukarthikai, Thiruvathirai, and Maha Shivaratri are celebrated with great fervor.
The temple is open from 07:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 05:00 PM to 07:00 PM.
How to Reach the Temple
This temple is situated 10 km from Kaatumannaarkovil and 35 km from Chidambaram.
Contact Information:
Visit this sacred temple where Lord Shiva danced for Pathanjali Muni and receive the Lord’s blessings.
Arulmigu Pathanjali Eshwarar Thirukkovil, Kaanattampuliyur, Muttram Post, Kaatumannaarkudi Taluk, Cuddalore District, PIN – 608306.
