Avarani Puduchery Nateswarar Temple, an ancient shrine located near Sikkal in Tamil Nadu, is renowned for addressing childbirth issues. Devotees believe that offering prayers here can help them conceive healthy and intelligent children.
Story of Avarani Puduchery Nateswarar Temple
The temple enshrines a Swayambhu miracle Shivalingam, believed to embody both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The Tale of Devathachan and the Sacred Lingam:
Devathachan, a devoted young boy, would sculpt Shivlingas from mud on the banks of the Pasumpuli River. He performed daily pujas, using river water for rituals and abhishekam with milk. Over time, his sand Shivlingam solidified, resembling an anthill.
One stormy night, the Pasumpuli River swelled with heavy rain. Sage Vashishta, on a pilgrimage and camped nearby, feared the rising waters would dissolve the lingam cherished by young Devathachan. Determined to protect it, he embraced the lingam, shielding it with his body.
Meanwhile, Devathachan, anxious about the lingam's safety, pleaded with his widowed mother to let him check on it. Concerned for his safety in the storm, she asked him to wait until dawn. Torn between obedience and devotion, the boy wept for his beloved Lord.
At dawn, as the rain ceased and the river calmed, Devathachan rushed to the riverbank. There, he found Sage Vashishta still cradling the lingam. Overwhelmed with gratitude, the boy fell at the sage’s feet. Upon opening his eyes, the sage was astonished to see the top of the lingam had transformed to resemble Shiva Kayilai and Sakthi Kayilai, akin to the divine couple's presence on Mount Kailash.
It seemed as though Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati had manifested from the river to bless their young devotee. The sage and gathered villagers were overjoyed, building a small shrine to honor the divine occurrence.
Significance of the Pasumpuli River and the Puthrakameshti Theertham:
The once-surrounding Pasumpuli River has since shrunk into a tank known as the "Puthrakameshti Theertham." Couples desiring children bathe in this sacred tank and worship Nateswara Swamy on Thiruvathira birth star or nakshatra day. Continuous worship for 64 days is recommended for those facing natural conception challenges. The temple is also referred to as Shivakayilai Shakthikayilai.
Key Features of the Temple
Goddess Akilandeswari Shrine: A separate shrine dedicated to Goddess Akilandeswari, built in the 14th century CE, is part of the temple complex.
Goddess Kali's Worship: It is believed that Goddess Kali performed worship here. A monthly procession of Goddess Kali occurs on Amavasya (new moon) day. Devotees facing issues due to Rahu's unfavorable position in their horoscopes find relief through prayers offered here, known as Rahu Dasa Pariharam.
Shani Bhagavan Shrine: A separate east-facing shrine is dedicated to Shani Bhagavan, offering solace to those troubled by Saturn's influence.
The Avarani Puduchery Nateswarar Temple stands as a beacon of hope for couples seeking divine intervention for childbirth, with its rich mythology and the continued devotion of its followers.
Temple Timing
Evening Darshan Timing is from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM