Keezhapalur Alanduraiyar temple near Palur in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Sunrays falls on the Swayambhu Shivling worshipped in the temple on the 18th day of Panguni (April 2 or April 3). The Lingam is very small, so a metal Kuvallai (tumbler/vessel) is placed over it to make it identifiable, and the Abhishekam (ritual bathing) is performed to this Kuvallai.
Kilpaluvur Alanduraiyar Temple Story
It is believed to be the place where Parasurama worshipped
Shiva to be relieved of the sin of killing his mother, Renuka Devi. The pond he
created is called 'Parasurama Theertham.'
Another legend has it that once in Kailash, Goddess Parvati
playfully closed Lord Shiva's eyes. As the sun and moon are Shiva's eyes, the
world was plunged into darkness, and all cosmic activity ceased. Shiva told
Parvati, "Even a mistake done playfully is a sin if it harms others. As
penance, you must separate from me and go to Earth. After performing penance in
several places, you must finally stay in the Yogavanam (Forest of Yoga). I will
join you there.
Following this, Parvati completed her penance and settled in
Yogavanam. She made a Shiva Lingam out of ant-hill soil and performed penance
standing on one leg. Lord Shiva reunited with her there. This Yogavanam is the
present-day Pazhuvur. Since the Goddess performed severe penance, she is known
as 'Arundhava Nayaki' (Goddess who performed severe penance).
The word "Pazhu" means Banyan tree. Therefore, the
deity is called 'Alanduraiyar' (Lord of the Banyan place). The area came to be
known as 'Thirupazhuvur' due to the abundance of its sacred tree, the Banyan.
Other Specialities:
The idol of Ganesha (Vinayagar) in a dancing posture and the Panchaloha (five-metal alloy) idol of Chandikeswara are considered unique.
The main festival in the temple is held on Panguni Uthiram day.