| Description:
This is a Shivastalam located 9km south east of Kumbhakonam
near Nachiyar Koyil , Arisilkaraiputtur and Penu Perundurai. The name narai refers to the sweet
fragrance of flowers growing here. Also located in Naraiyur are the Naathan Koyil
(Nandipura Vinnagaram) and Nachiyar Koyil (both being Sree Vaishnava Divya
Desams). It is considered to be the 65th in the series of Tevara
Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri. The
Temple: This large temple is a maadakkovil built at an elevation, said to have
been worshipped by the Sidhas, hence the name Sidheeswaram. Vinayakar here is known as
Aanda Pillayar. The Bhramma Theertham tank is to the north of the temple.
Shiva is also referred to as Vedalingam. The suns rays illuminate the sanctum for 3
days in the months of Aquarius and Leo.
Legend has it that Shiva here was worshipped by Kubera, the Devas and the Gandharvas,
Surya, Nara-Narayana and Bhrahma, and the Vedas.
This temple with 2 prakarams occupies an area of about an acre and has
a 5 tiered Rajagopuram. Soola Theertham and Bhrama Theertham are the theerthams here. This
temple was rebuilt during the days of Uttama Chola (10th century). The bronze image of
Natarajar from the period of Sembiyan Mahadevi here is of great workmanship. Inscriptions
from the period of Uttama Chola, Raja Raja I and many of the later Cholas are seen
here.
Festivals: Four worship services are offered each day here.The annual
Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the month of Pankuni. Other festivals here are Arudra
Darisanam, Kartikai deepam, Navaratri, Skanda Sashti and Vinayaka
Chaturthi. |
