Thiru Nelvoil Arathurai: Teerthapureeswarar temple.


The place Thiruvatta Thurai is about 10 kms east from Thittakudi on the banks of River Vellaru. The temple was under renovation.




Raja Gopuram is of five storeys with prakarams




Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Teerthapureeswarar and his consort Tripura Sundari / Anandha Nayaki Amman.


Sthala Vruksham is Banyan tree.


Teetham is River Velar / River Neeva and Neelamalar poigai.


As we go around we see beautiful sculptures as Koshta moorthams.






Pichaandavar,





Natarajar and Sivakami Ammai along with devotee






Guru Dakshina Moorthy.











Lord Siva and Parvathy.






Ardhanareeswarar






Bairavar



Here Nandi is seen facing the entrance. Purana says during the flood time he turned back.

Adiseshan penanced and worshiped Lord Siva here on the bank River Neeva. Lord Siva was pleased with his worship and the place was known as Thiru Arathurai ( Thiru + Aravam + Thurai ). Later days it changed as Thiru Nelvoil Arathurai and presently the place is known as Thiruvatta thurai.



There are seven temples on the bank of River Vellaru known as Adi Thurai (karianoor),
Tiruvalanthurai, Thiru Aduthurai, Thirukaranthuri, Thiruvattathurai (Thittakudi), Thirumandhuthurai and Thiru Nelvoil Arathurai are the places known as Arathurai Temples. Lord Siva appeared, and to help Saptha Rishi’s perform their rituals in this place, He called seven Thurai (Nee Vaa) which means you come and it was known as River Vellaru,


While Sambandhar was returning after his worship of Pralaya Kaleswarar at Pennadagam, Lord Siva of Thiru Vattahurai sent palanquin (Mutthu Chivigai) and an umbrella (Mutthu Kodai) for his devotee, Sambandar who was visiting this place.


King Chera, Chola and Pandiyan worshiped Lord Siva of this place and installed Siva Lingas. We find Chera, Chola and Pandiya Lingam in the temple.

Sani Bhagavan worshiped Lord Siva here and there is a separate sanctum for Sani Bhagawan.


Sundarar, Thiru Gyana Sambandhar, and Appar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this
Temple. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan here.