NNT018 -Thirupapuliyur Shiva Temple

திருப்பாதிரிப்புலியூர் – Thiruppadirippuliyur
(Present name : கடலூர் - Cuddalore)

A couple of months back when I was travelling in Tiruchendur Express, the train stopped at a big station and the name of the station was written as Thiruppadirippuliyur. I had heard that this town is a religious centre and never believed that more than 200 passengers either got in or got down at this station. Later I realized that this is the same as Cuddalore.
Thiruppadirippuliyur is located in the present day Cuddalore and is a typical pilgrim centre. The city is built around the temple with houses and shops on the four sides of the temple.
A reasonably large Raja Gopuram, but may not compare with that of Madurai or Thiruvanaikoil. Majestic is the temple entrance, with the temple tower slightly wider than a tower of its size we may have seen elsewhere. This is typical of “Nadu Naadu temples” or the temples to the south of Pallava kingdom and to the north of the Northern bank towns of Cauvery.
The presiding deity is Pataleeswarar (Lord Shiva) and the Lord and the temple have been sung in praise by the great four Saivite Saints. This temple is one of the 274 Padal Petra Sthalams (பாடல் பெற்ற ஸ்தலம்) and one of the most popular temples in “Nadu Naadu”
Ubiquitous availability of quality flowers (especially Lotus) at the temple entrance is an added bonus for the devotees.
The famous song (below) had originated from this temple

சொற்றுணை வேதியன் சோதி வானவன்
பொற்றுணைத் திருந்தடி பொருந்தக் கைதொழக்
கற்றுணைப் பூட்டியோர் கடலிற் பாய்ச்சினும்
நற்றுணை யாவது நமச்சி வாயவே.

(From the web) Pataleeswarar Temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in the town of Cuddalore. It was constructed during the Pallava and Medieval Chola periods. The Saivite saint Appar is believed to have adopted Saivism at this temple.

There is a belief/myth that by worshiping single time this God is equal to 16 times worshipping the Shiva in Kasi, 8 times in Thiruvannamalai and 3 times in Chidambaram.

Once, Lord Shiva and Parvathi were playing the game of dice. Though Parvathi won every time, the LORD could not accept it. The Lordess said that she will cover the eyes of Shiva and to check if he really can win. . Thus saying she covered the eyes of the Shiva. The whole world plunged into darkness. A few seconds in this situation, seemed infinite time for Gods. Gods felt this darkness as a long duration of inactiveness.

Parvathi on realising that she has committed a mistake, prayed for forgiveness.
Lord Shiva advised the Lordess to go to earth and pray in all the 1008 shiva sthalas and in whichever sthala the left eye & shoulder vibrates, there the penance should be performed by her. Accordingly, in the course of sthala yatra of Parvathi, when she came to pray in this sthala (Thirupadhiripuliyur Padaleeswarar temple) the diving occasion of vibration of left eye and left shoulder happened. Lordess also penanced in the Aruba(formless) form (Arunthava nayagi) and married Lord Shiva.

The name "Thirupadirupuliyur" has been derived from the holy tree of the temple - Padiri.
During the period of “King Mahendravarman” (600-630) “Thiru Navukkarasar” (Appar) was tied to a stone and thrown into ocean. “Appar” praised “Lord Shiva” and composed hymns on him. “Lord Shiva” was pleased with his prayers and the stone started floating like a boat and “Appar” reached the shore safely. Even now the place, where he landed on shore known as “Karayeravitta Kuppam” is there as witness.

Son of “Madiyanta Muni” worshipped “Lord Shiva” IN this place. He requested “Lord Shiva” to bless him legs and hands like tiger, to climb the Padiri tree. There after he was known as “Pulikkaal Munivar”.

“Gnana Sambandhar” addressed “Thiru Navukkarasar” as “Appar” for first time in this place. Saint Arunagiri Nadhar worshipped and sang “Thirupugazh” on Subramanya in this place. ‘Thiru Gana Sambandhar” and “Thiru Navukkarasar” sang hymns on “Lord Padaleeswarar.”

Padaleeshwaram Padal petra Statham, one of the saivate temple situated near cuddalore town, olden temple. Here many Hymns were sung by various nayanmars. Margazhee and Karthikai month are specials. Many historical events are linked with de temple. Environment is good for meditate and pleasant for worship

One of the best symbol of Cuddalore. Here lord Shiva called the name as Parakeeswara and Devi called as Periya nayagi.
But some of the old people told that the name of the Devi was Prahanayagi.
Divine place.

Padalpetra sthalam. Heart of the town Cuddalore. Walkable distance from Thirupadripuliyur railway station.

Excellent ancien temple... Statues explain the love and yaali Worriers... Can Feel Réal peace Of temple....

It is good to visit this temple as lord Shiva and mother goddess will give you the blessings. It has got a pond. I have visited this place more than 5000 Times. Got a good history.

One of my favourite places. It is very peaceful here. I usually visit when it isn't crowded. Nice atmosphere. I like to sit in a quiet corner and meditate.

Historic temple