Festivals and Significance of Aranya Sundareswarar Sivan Temple
Aranya Sundareswarar Sivan Temple, located at Parthanpalli in Tamil Nadu, is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Also known as Keezhai Thirukattupalli Aranya Sundhareswarar Temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Aranya Sundareswarar, while Goddess Parvati is venerated as Sri Akilandeswari. This temple holds immense spiritual significance, as devotees can worship both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati from a single vantage point.
Important Festivals Celebrated
Vinayakar Chaturthi (Aavani - Aug/Sept)
This festival is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and marks his birth anniversary. Devotees offer special prayers and prepare modaks (sweet dumplings) as offerings to seek his blessings for wisdom and prosperity.Skanda Sashti (Aippasi - Oct/Nov)
Dedicated to Lord Murugan, this festival commemorates his victory over the demon Surapadman. Special poojas and processions take place in the temple, attracting a large number of devotees.Arudra Darshan (Markazhi - Dec/Jan)
This festival celebrates the cosmic dance of Lord Nataraja (Shiva in his dancing form). Devotees witness special abhishekams and prayers, seeking divine grace for spiritual enlightenment.Maha Shivaratri (Masi - Feb/Mar)
Considered the most important festival for Lord Shiva, devotees observe fasting and stay awake throughout the night, chanting prayers and hymns. Special Rudrabhishekams (sacred bath) are performed to honor Lord Shiva.Pradosham (Observed Fortnightly)
Pradosham is a special occasion dedicated to Lord Shiva, observed twice a month. It is believed that praying during this time can remove past sins and grant divine blessings.
Unique Features of the Temple
Sri Rajayoga Dakshinamurthy: Unlike the traditional form with four disciples, Lord Dakshinamurthy here is seen with six disciples: Sanakar, Sanathanar, Sananthanar, Sanathkumarar, Lord Brahma, and Lord Mahavishnu.
Dasalingam Shrine: Houses seven Shivalingams, with one lingam uniquely featuring two Banams (cylindrical parts of the lingam) at its base.
Four Theerthams: Sacred temple tanks located at four corners of the temple, believed to purify devotees spiritually.
No Navagraha Shrine: Unlike most Shiva temples, this temple does not have a separate shrine for the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities).
Corridor Idols: The temple features idols of Vinayaka, Murugan, Bhairava, Surya, and Shaneeswara in the corridors, along with Dakshinamurthy and Chandikeswarar in the sanctum area.
Significance of Worship
Devotees who have lost wealth, power, or status are believed to regain them by worshipping at this temple. The spiritual ambiance and unique deities present make Aranya Sundareswarar Sivan Temple a powerful place for devotion and divine blessings. The temple’s distinct features and deeply rooted traditions make it a must-visit for Shiva devotees seeking spiritual growth and prosperity.