iluppaipattu-4, Iluppaipattu Neelakandeswarar Temple, Nagapattinam
iluppaipattu-4, Iluppaipattu Neelakandeswarar Temple, Nagapattinam

Iluppaipattu Neelakandeswarar Temple, Nagapattinam

Date built:–
Deity:Iluppaipattu Neelakandeswarar
Architectural style:Dravidian architecture
Major festivals–
Locale:Nagapattinam
District::Nagapattinam
Address:Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple,Iluppaipattu, Manalmedu – 609 202,
Mayiladuthurai Taluk,Nagapattinam District
Phone+91-92456 19738
 Iluppaipattu Neelakandeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Iluppaipattu in Nagapattinam district of Tamilnadu, India. The place is also called as Pazhamanni Padikarai and Tirumannippadikkarai. The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Thiruneelakandeshwarar and Padikarai Nathar. His consort is Amirthavalli. Saint Arunagirinathar sung praising the glories of Lord Subramanya in this temple. This is the 84th Devaram paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 30th Sthalam on the north side river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. Sundarar has hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
Dhakshinamoorthy is seen sitting on Rishaba below kalla tree. There is a through hole   from left ear to the right ear. Natarajar is of Dhasapuja Thandavamurthy and standing on bull surrounding with Devars is kept under custody. This will be taken only on Pradosham day. This temple is of Karakkoil one type out of nine types of architecture. The Moolavar Karuvarai was built like Chariot pulled by horses. The basement is 18 layered Adhittanam called pathmayapandham and manjapathram.
Vijaya Ganapathy is located opposite to the temple.  Sthalavruksham is Iluppai maram. There is no Dwajasthambam in this Temple. The Shiva temple where Lord hid the sword of Arjuna – Tiru Val Oli Puttrur – Where the sword was hidden – is just 3 km from this place. Lord Shiva is a swayambumurthy in the temple.
There are five Shivalingas in the temple worshipped by the five Pandava brothers, Dharma, Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva namely 1) Neelakandeswarar, 2) Padikarai Nathar, 3) Magadeeswarar, 4) Parameswarar and 5) Muthugiriswarar. Ambica shrines are there for Neelakandeswarar and Padikarai Nathar.
Mangalambikai shrine is with Padikarai Nathar facing south. The Linga worshipped by Bheema is with 16 stripes as Shodasalinga. People worship here to have the 16 types of wealth. Though all the Murthis in the temple are considered presiding deities, prominence is for Neelakandeswarar and Padikarai Nathar. Nandhi, the bull vehicle of Lord Shiva is before these shrines only. Lord Muthugiriswarar, worshipped by Sahadeva is facing south. Those aspiring to master in astrology and scriptures pray here.

Temple Opening Time

The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 3.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

See also  Nataraja Temple, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu

Festivals

10 day Chithirai Brahmotsavam in April-May, Shivrathri in February-March and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple. Masi Makam, Panguni Uthiram, Arudra Dharisanam, Aippasi Annabhishekam and Markazhi Utsavam are the other festivals celebrated in this Temple.

Prayers

For remedy from illness, to achieve promotions in job, people pray in this temple. They pray in the shrine of Lord Shodasalinga to achieve 16 types of wealth. Devotees perform abishek and offer vastras to Lord and Mother.

Architecture

Legend / Local stories

Parvathi saving Shiva by pressing his Neck:

During the churning of the milk ocean, serpent Vasuki used as the rope, was exhausted and spit its deadly venom. To protect the Devas and the world, Lord Shiva devoured the venom before it started spreading. To protect Shiva from the effect of the poison, Mother Parvathi pressed the neck of the Lord from behind so that the venom did not reach the stomach and made it stay at the neck itself. As Mother Parvathi stopped the poison from mixing with the Nectar, She is praised as Amirtha (nectar) Valli. She has her shrine behind Lord Shiva’s. As Mother Parvathi saved her husband, married women pray in the shrine for the longevity of their husbands and thereby their Mangalsutras. Mother’s left hand points to her feet.

Shiva appeared as Five Lingas to each Pandava Brothers:

Pandavas During their exile, Pandava brothers stayed in this place for some time. They could not get Shivalingas for their worship here. They lit lamps in the Iluppai nuts and worshipped the Lord in meditation. Lord granted darshan to them individually. They prayed to the Lord that he should grace all devotees from this place. He appeared then as five Shivalingas as prayed by the Pandava brothers. Hence, there are five Lingas (Panchalingas) in separates shrines in the temple.

See also  Sridhara Nangai Amman Temple, Derisanamcope, Kanyakumari

Emperor Nala prayed here for reducing Saturn Effects:

Towards the end of the seven and half year rule of Saturn-Sani Bhagwan in his life, Emperor Nala was visiting Shiva temples.  Before visiting Thirukkadaiyur temple, he came to this temple and felt the impact of the effect of the planet reducing considerably. It is believed that worshipping here would greatly reduce the adverse effect of Sani Bhagwan during such times.

Photo Gallery

How to Reach:

This temple is 16 Kms on the west direction from Vaitheeswaran Kovil by road. It is situated near Manalmedu at Iluppaipattu. Bus facilities are available from Mayiladuthurai and Vaitheeswaran Kovil. From Vaitheeswaran Kovil take the right going to Manalmedu which is about 12 Kilometers and take a right to reach Pazhamanni Padikarai. Ask for Iluppaipattu if you have a doubt. There are about 5 other Paadal Petra Shivasthalams in this route and area, be sure to combine them together.

Contact Details

Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple,
Iluppaipattu, Manalmedu – 609 202,
Mayiladuthurai Taluk,
Nagapattinam District
Mobile: +91-92456 19738

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