Shistagurunathar - The Lord Who Blessed Sundarar with Divine Wisdom, Thiruthuraiyur Shiva Temple

Lord Shiva initiated Sundara Moorthy Nayanar in Thiruvennainallur to sing his first thevaram song. After this transformation, Sundarar started exploring and visiting Shiva temples. He was on his way to Thiruthuraiyur when river Pennar came as an obstacle. Lord Shiva and Parvathi came as old couple and offered help to him by ferrying in a small boat. After reaching the other shore of the river, the old couple vanished and Sundarar could not locate them anywhere. At that moment, a divine voice directed him to reach this temple from where he had the Darshan of Lord Shiva along with Parvathi. In this temple, Lord Shiva taught Sundarar the principles of Saivism and the way to attain divine union with Him. Lord Ganesha was the witness for this discourse, this scene is depicted as painting as well as sculptures inside the temple premise.

Main Praharam

Sundarar composed one pathigam (collection of ten songs) on this temple. Also, Lord Muruga in this temple has been sung by the saint Arunagirinathar. Vishnu, Brahma, Rama, Sage Agastiya, Bheema and Sita also have worshipped the Lord here.

Lord Shiva Imparting Divine Wisdom with Ganesha as Testimony

Lord Siva: Shistagurunathar, Pasupatheeswarar, Thavaneriyappar

Ambal (Goddess): Poongkothai Nayagi, Sivaloka Nayagi

Lord Shiva and Parvathi Giving Darshan to Sundarar

How to reach – Coming from Chennai, NH 36 branches off from Vikravandi (after the toll gate). On this highway continue until you reach the place Kandarakottai, from there take the road on the right which leads to Thiruthuraiyur.  Another famous Paadal Petra Sthalam Panangattur is situated closed to Vikravandi. Both the temples are covered in one trip.

Temple is open from 7 am to 11 am and from 5 pm to 8 pm daily.

Tamil version of this is available in my YouTube channel