Neivanai: Swarnakateswarar Temple.



This place is about 15kms from Ulundoorpettai, Vizhupuram, TN. This is one of the Devara sthalam of Nadunadu.












Main Deity Swayambu Lingam known as Chandra Shekarar / Vennaiappar seen under Rudraaksha Pandal and his consort known as Neelamalar Kanni in standing posture. She resides in separate sanctum. Here in the temple Lord Siva is seen in the centre of Soolam as Urchavar Idol which denotes Ardanareeswara tathvam.








Adikara Nandi is seen with both palms together here.




During the month of Feb/ Mar (Masi Tamil month), Early morning sun rays falls on Lord Siva and we see change of different colours.



Sthala Vruksham is Punnai and Teertham is well water, which is in front of Ambaal sanctum.



Other deities seen in the temple as we go around the prakaram are Vara Siddhi Vinayakar, Murugan with Valli and Devani is seen seated on peacock, Kasi Viswanadhar, Visalakshi, Natarajar seen in separate sanctum, Navagraham, Chandeekeswarar and Bairavar.



Lord Vishnu is seen seated with Mahalaksmi with both her palms together, on his left lap as Lakshmi Narayanar. Their eyes are closed as if they are meditating.



Lord Siva Himself built a dam with paddy hence the place is known as Nelanai which later changed into Neivanai.



Thiru Gaynasambandhar, during his pilgrimage reached this place in the night. He had difficulty in tracing the path. Lord Siva asked Ambikai to guide Sambandhar to reach the temple. “She” met Sambandhar in nearby place, known as Ethalavadi. When he reached the temple, Sambandhar worshiped Lord Siva who gave a wonderful darshan for him. In excitement he danced and sang Hymns on Lord Siva. The idol of Gyana Sambandhar is beautiful in dancing form. Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarar are seen in the sanctum.




Sthala puranam: People of this region did not worship god because of their wealth and luxury. In order to teach them a lesson Varuna was asked to pour down as rain causing heavy disaster. Lakes and tanks began to breach. People started worshiping “God” to rescue them. Lord appeared as a youth and asked them to bring their paddy bags from their homes to build dam. They looked upon the youth as their saviour. He said “God” is the one who gives prosperity and they should be grateful to Him. He gave them pot full of Gold to recover their loss and disappeared. Lord appeared before them as Swayambu Lingam. They raised a temple for Lord and named him as Swarnakateswarar