Dharisanam ENதமிழ்
A painted arch over the entrance with a bull on each side and figures at the centre; a tower stands beyond
Swayambu

Karuvili Kottitai Sri Sarguneswarar Temple 63rd of 129 on the south bank of the Kaveri · Chola Nadu · Temples near Mayiladuthurai

Darshan today7:00 am – 12:00 noon, 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Moolavar
Sarguna Natheswarar
Ambal
Sarvanga Sundari
Theertham
Yama Theertham
Sthala vriksham
Vilvam tree
Pathigam by
Thirunavukarasar (Appar)-1

Temple

Visited on: 29th June 2018.

Location

Karuveli is located at a distance of about 22 kms from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam to Poonthottam route (Via Koonthalur). It is about one kilometre away from Koonthalur; 10 kms from Poonthottam and 11 kms from Nachiyar koil.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are –

Thiru Nallam (Konerirajapuram), Vanniyur, Thiruvizhimizhalai, Sree Vanchiyam, Thiru Narayur Siddheecharam, Thirumiyachur, Thirumiyachur Ilamkoil, Thilathaipathy, Thiruppampuram, Serukudi, Thiru Kottaram, Ambal Maakalam and Ambar Perunthirukkoil.

General Information

Moolavar
Sri Sarguna Natheswarar
Ambal
Sri Sarvanga Sundari
Theertham (Holy water)
Yama Theertham
Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree)
Vilvam tree
Pathigam (Hymn) rendered by
Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar)-1
  • This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 63rd Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai).
  • Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
  • This east facing temple has a beautiful arch at the entrance and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 3-tier.
  • This temple has a single corridor and it does not have a flag post “Dwajasthambam”.
  • The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 30.06.2017 and prior to that on 14.07.2008.

History of the Temple

This ancient temple is situated on the northern banks of the river Arisilaru, a tributary of the river Cauvery. This village’s name is Karuvili and the temple is known as Kottitai. However, now this place is called Karuveli.

The historical names of this place are Karuvili Kottitai and Sarguneswarapuram.

There are certain stone inscriptions in this temple which date back to the periods of Chola king Rajathirajan-II and Rajendra Chola. This temple was built and renovated by the Chola kings.

In the stone inscriptions, this temple is referred to as “Uyyakkondan Valanattu Vennattu Kulothunga Chola Nallurakiya Karuvili Kottitai”.

This temple is presently managed by Sri Sarguneswara Swami Temple Management Committee.

This temple is also under the administrative control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Government of Tamil Nadu (HR&CE).

A tiered tower in sandstone colour, with a small painted hall in front and a red-and-white striped wall beside
A temple tank with red-and-white striped steps and a small structure at the centre of the far side

Legend

As per Sthala Puranam, after Dakshan’s yagna, Goddess Parvathy visited this place and had performed penance here in order to re-unite with her husband. To attract Lord Shiva’s attention, it is believed that she presented herself in a pleasing and beautiful form. Hence, she is praised here as “Sri Sarvanga Sundari” (“sundari” means beautiful).

The Sthala Puranam also states that Yama, the god of death, visited this place, created a pond and worshiped the lord in order to seek relief from his sins.

It is also believed that Lord Shiva performed his unique cosmic dance here called “Kodukotti”. Hence this place gets the name Kottitai.

According to legend, a king by the name of Sargunan worshiped the lord here. Hence, the lord is also praised as “Sri Sarguna Natheswarar”. The king, who was a staunch Shiva devotee, attained salvation here and was blessed with a place in the lord’s abode. He was also freed from the cycle of death and re-birth. Hence this place gets the name “Karuvili” (“Karu” refers to foetus or birth and “illai” means no in Tamil). The lord is also praised as “Sri Sarguna Nathar” because it is believed that devotees can attract good karma by worshiping this lord here.

It is believed that Lord Indra, Yama, the Devas and the ‘Rudhra Ganams’ have worshiped the lord here.

In his hymn, Saint Thirunavukkarasar refers to this place as Karuvili Kottitai. He also mentions that the Rudhra Ganams have worshiped the lord here.

Deities in the temple

Other than the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, shrines and idols of Vinayakar, Subramaniyar with his consorts and Chandikeswarar can be seen in the corridor. There is no Navagraham here.

Idols of Thirunavukkarasar, Thirugnanasambanthar and Sundarar can be seen in the hall.

Shrines of Goddess Simhavahini and Sanjeevi Anjaneyar can be seen near Goddess Parvathy’s shrine.

In the “koshtam” (place surrounding the sanctum sanctorum), idols of Narthana Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Mahavishnu, Brahma, Ardhanareeswarar, Bairavar and Durgai can be seen.

A stone-pillared hall with a small Nandhi in front, and a deity visible through the sanctum doorway ahead
A gold-toned carved doorframe with steps, and a deity in orange cloth standing inside the shrine
A central black stone idol flanked by two smaller idols in silk, all standing on a low platform
Three black stone figures in white dhotis with palms joined, standing on red bases
Several black stone idols and a coiled snake stone on a ledge against a pale wall
A seated black stone Dakshinamurthy in a niche, in white cloth, with a Tamil name board above
A small stone Mahavishnu in a wall niche, draped in white cloth, with a name board above
A standing black stone idol in a niche, dressed in yellow silk and a striped shawl
A black stone Brahma with several faces in a niche, in a white dhoti, under a Tamil name board
A white marble Anjaneyar carrying a mountain, in a small blue pillared shrine with steps in front
A white marble many-armed goddess seated on a lion, garlanded, inside a tiled niche
A black stone idol in a niche, with a red cloth over the shoulders and a tray of small lamps below
A weathered wall relief of an elephant at a lingam, with a small Vinayakar figure at the right

Salient Features

In fact, all the idols in this temple are very old and are beautifully carved especially those of Goddess Parvathy, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma, Subramaniyar with his consorts and Bairavar.

Lord Dakshinamurthy here is holding a snake in one of his hands, which is unique.

This temple is considered to be significant for its three important attributes – Moorthy, Sthalam and Theertham - glory of Lord, sacredness of the land and the auspicious temple tank.

In this temple, the shrines of both Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy are facing the east direction. Goddess Parvathy’s shrine is on the right side of Lord Shiva’s shrine. This is considered to symbolise their wedding posture.

There is a beautiful relief on the wall in the corridor depicting an elephant worshiping Lord Shiva. Vinayakar is also seen in that relief.

This temple’s Yama Theertham is very well maintained and beautifully decorated.

Around this temple, there are eight other Shiva temples which are believed to have been worshiped by “Ashta Dik Balakars”. Karuvili is one of them. Worshiping these lords is considered to be very auspicious. These eight temples are as follows –

  • Indra - Nagambadi,
  • Agni – Vanniyur,
  • Yama – Karuvili,
  • Niruthi – Vayalur,
  • Varunan – Sivanakaram,
  • Vayu – Akalangan,
  • Kubera – S. Pudur, and
  • Esanan – Nallavur.

Greatness of this temple

It is believed that worshiping the lord here would help devotees get salvation and will help them break away from the repetitive cycle of birth and re-birth.

It is also believed that those seeking wedding boon can pray to the lord here.

Important Festivals

Some of the important festivals celebrated in this temple are –

Aadi Pooram in the Tamil month of Aadi (July-Aug),

Vinayakar Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (Aug-Sept),

Navarathri in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Sept-Oct),

Skanda Shashti and Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct–Nov),

Thiru Karthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (Nov-Dec),

Makara Sankranthi in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb) and

Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar).

Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

From 07:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 04:30 PM to 08:00 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Sarguneswarar Temple,
Karuvili Kottitai (Karuveli) Post,
Poonthottam Via,
Kudavasal Taluk,
Thiruvarur District,
Tamil Nadu – 609 501.
Tele: +91 - 94429 32942, 04366 - 273 900.

*
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Today7:00 am – 12:00 noon, 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Phone+91 - 94429 3294204366 - 273 900
A colourful mandapam roof with bull figures, with the Rajagopuram rising behind it
A long stone wall of the corridor with an open gateway, and a colourful tower beyond it
A colourful tower over the stone corridor wall, palm trees behind and a small blue shrine at the left
A tiered sandstone tower with a small painted hall in front and a person seated beneath it
A dark stone wall with a bull figure on top and the sandstone tower in the background
A tiered sandstone tower under a cloudy sky, beside a red-and-white striped wall

Highlights

What makes this temple special

* Cards drawn from the temple write-up and photographs. “Read more” takes you to the full passage.

Greatness

Glory of Moorthy, Sthalam and Theertham

This temple is considered significant for its three important attributes, and the lord and goddess face east together.

  1. Three attributesMoorthy, Sthalam and Theertham: the glory of Lord, the sacredness of the land and the auspicious temple tank.
  2. A wedding postureThe shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy both face east, and her shrine on his right is considered to symbolise their wedding posture.
  3. Dakshinamurthy with a snakeLord Dakshinamurthy here holds a snake in one of his hands, which is unique.
  4. Yama's temple among eightKaruvili is one of the eight Shiva temples around it that are believed to have been worshiped by Ashta Dik Balakars; Yama is linked with Karuvili.
Significance

A Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the Cauvery

This is the 63rd Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the Cauvery in Chozha Nadu, sung by Saint Thirunavukarasar.

  1. Sung in the DevaraThis is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams.
  2. The saint's hymnIn his hymn, Saint Thirunavukkarasar refers to this place as Karuvili Kottitai and mentions that the Rudhra Ganams worshiped the lord here.
  3. Parvathy's penanceAs per Sthala Puranam, Goddess Parvathy performed penance here in order to re-unite with her husband.
  4. Yama's pondYama visited this place, created a pond and worshiped the lord to seek relief from his sins.
Why devotees come

Why devotees come here

Devotees come here seeking salvation and a wedding boon.

  1. For salvationIt is believed that worshiping the lord here helps devotees get salvation and break away from the repetitive cycle of birth and re-birth.
  2. For marriageIt is also believed that those seeking wedding boon can pray to the lord here.
The arch at the temple entrance
276Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams

Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams

Karuvili, no more birth

  1. கருfoetus or birth
  2. இல்லைno

The place is called Karuvili because the king who worshiped here was freed from the cycle of death and re-birth.

Karuvili Kottitai and Sarguneswarapuram

    Legends of this place

    After Dakshan's yagna, Goddess Parvathy performed penance here, and is praised as Sri Sarvanga Sundari.

    Yama created a pond and worshiped the lord to seek relief from his sins.

    Lord Shiva performed his cosmic dance Kodukotti here, hence the name Kottitai.

    A staunch Shiva devotee, King Sargunan attained salvation here, and the lord is praised as Sri Sarguna Natheswarar.

    Kings of this temple

    1. Chola kingsStone inscriptions here date back to Rajathirajan-II and Rajendra Chola, and the temple was built and renovated by the Chola kings.
    2. King SargunanHe worshiped the lord here and was blessed with a place in the lord's abode.

    Kings linked with this place.

    Festivals through the year

      Festivals follow the Tamil months, from Aadi Pooram to Shivrathri, and Pradosham is observed regularly.

      Deities

      The deities of this temple

      * Drawn from the temple write-up and photographs. Where there is no photograph, the card shows the name.

      From the sanctum to the corridors
      Moolavarச
      Moolavar

      Sri Sarguna Natheswarar

      Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested), also praised as Sri Sarguna Nathar.

      Ambalசர்
      Ambal

      Sri Sarvanga Sundari

      Goddess Parvathy performed penance here and presented herself in a pleasing and beautiful form to attract Lord Shiva’s attention.

      Shrine in the corridorவி
      Shrine in the corridor

      Vinayakar

      The shrine and idol of Vinayakar can be seen in the corridor.

      A central black stone idol flanked by two smaller idols in silk, all standing on a low platform
      Shrine in the corridor

      Subramaniyar with his consorts

      The shrine and idols of Subramaniyar with his consorts can be seen in the corridor.

      Shrine in the corridorசண்
      Shrine in the corridor

      Chandikeswarar

      The shrine and idol of Chandikeswarar can be seen in the corridor.

      Idol in the hallதி
      Idol in the hall

      Thirunavukkarasar

      The idol of Thirunavukkarasar can be seen in the hall.

      Idol in the hallஞா
      Idol in the hall

      Thirugnanasambanthar

      The idol of Thirugnanasambanthar can be seen in the hall.

      Idol in the hallசு
      Idol in the hall

      Sundarar

      The idol of Sundarar can be seen in the hall.

      A white marble many-armed goddess seated on a lion, garlanded, inside a tiled niche
      Shrine near the Ambal shrine

      Goddess Simhavahini

      The shrine of Goddess Simhavahini can be seen near Goddess Parvathy’s shrine.

      A white marble Anjaneyar carrying a mountain, in a small blue pillared shrine with steps in front
      Shrine near the Ambal shrine

      Sanjeevi Anjaneyar

      The shrine of Sanjeevi Anjaneyar can be seen near Goddess Parvathy’s shrine.

      Niche in the koshtamநர்
      Niche in the koshtam

      Narthana Ganapathy

      In the koshtam, idols of Narthana Ganapathy can be seen.

      A seated black stone Dakshinamurthy in a niche, in white cloth, with a Tamil name board above
      Niche in the koshtam

      Dakshinamurthy

      Lord Dakshinamurthy here is holding a snake in one of his hands, which is unique.

      A small stone Mahavishnu in a wall niche, draped in white cloth, with a name board above
      Niche in the koshtam

      Mahavishnu

      In the koshtam, idols of Mahavishnu can be seen.

      A black stone Brahma with several faces in a niche, in a white dhoti, under a Tamil name board
      Niche in the koshtam

      Brahma

      In the koshtam, idols of Brahma can be seen.

      A standing black stone idol in a niche, dressed in yellow silk and a striped shawl
      Niche in the koshtam

      Ardhanareeswarar

      In the koshtam, idols of Ardhanareeswarar can be seen.

      Visit & map

      Sacred geography
      Karuvili Kottitai Thirucherai Vanniyur Vaikal Maadakkoil Sirukudi Thiruneelakkudi Thirukkozhambam Thiru Vanchiyam Thirunallam Thiruppampuram Thiruvavaduthurai Naalur Mayanam Thirunaraiyur
      You are hereThis temple

      Schematic. Distances as recorded on the visit; directions approximate.

      12a6a12p6p
      Darshan today7:00 am – 12:00 noon, 4:30 pm – 8:00 pm
      7:00 – 12:004:30 – 8:00 pm

      Hours as recorded on the visit. Festival days can differ.

      Plan the day around it

      Address and phone

      Sri Sarguneswarar Temple, Karuvili Kottitai (Karuveli) Post, Poonthottam Via, Kudavasal Taluk, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu – 609 501.

      +91 - 94429 32942

      *

      A day of darshan nearby

      5 more sthalams within reach, nearest first: 19.7 km in straight lines.

      Map of Karuvili Kottitai and the sthalams nearby, in route order: Thirucherai, Vanniyur, Sirukudi, Thiruppampuram, Thirunallam. Vaikal Maadakkoil · 5.2 km Thirukkozhambam · 8.1 km Karuvili Kottitai 1 Thirucherai 2 Vanniyur 3 Sirukudi 4 Thiruppampuram 5 Thirunallam 2 km N
      Drawn from coordinates. Straight-line distances; roads are longer. Faint dots are other sthalams within 50 km.

      Temple plan

      A painted arch over the entrance with a bull on each side and figures at the centre; a tower stands beyond
      01

      Arriving at the temple

      Karuveli is located at a distance of about 22 kms from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam to Poonthottam route (Via Koonthalur).

      1 / 6

      Summary written with AI help from the temple write-up.

      Pathigam

      Saint Thirunavukkarasar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

      Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

      Pathigam No.5.069.

      V. Muthukumaraswamy

      Appar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam. Verse 1 of 10.

      Maṭṭiṭ ṭakuzha lārchuzha lilvalaip
      paṭṭiṭ ṭumayaṅ kippari yāthunīr
      kaṭṭiṭ ṭaviṉai pōkak karuvilik
      koṭṭiṭ ṭaiyuṟai vāṉkazhal kūṭumē

      Do not grieve, bewildered and caught in the whirling net of fragrant-haired women. Join the feet of the lord who dwells at Kottitai in Karuvili, so that the bound deeds go away.

      Tap any Tamil word for its meaning

      Verse text and transliteration as given in the write-up. Word meanings and the English meaning are AI-assisted drafts.

      All ten verses

      1. 01

        மட்டிட் டகுழ லார்சுழ லில்வலைப்பட்டிட் டுமயங் கிப்பரி யாதுநீர்கட்டிட் டவினை போகக் கருவிலிக்கொட்டிட் டையுறை வான்கழல் கூடுமே

        Maṭṭiṭ ṭakuzha lārchuzha lilvalaip / paṭṭiṭ ṭumayaṅ kippari yāthunīr / kaṭṭiṭ ṭaviṉai pōkak karuvilik / koṭṭiṭ ṭaiyuṟai vāṉkazhal kūṭumē

        தேனையுடைய மலர்களைவைத்துச் சூடிய கூந்தலை உடைய பெண்களாகிய சுழலின் வலைப்பட்டு மனம் மயங்கிப் பின் இரங்காமல், நீர் உம்மைக் கட்டிய வினைகள் போக. கருவிலிக்கொட்டிட்டை உறையும் பெருமான் திருவடிகளைக் கூடுவீராக.

      2. 02

        ஞால(ம்)மல்கு மனிதர்காள் நாடொறும்ஏல மாமல ரோடிலை கொண்டுநீர்கால னார்வரு தன்முன் கருவிலிக்கோல வார்பொழிற் கொட்டிட்டை சேர்மினே

        Gnāla(m)malku maṉitharkāḷ nāṭoṟum / ēla māmala rōṭilai koṇṭunīr / kāla ṉārvaru thaṉmuṉ karuvilik / kōla vārpozhiṟ koṭṭiṭṭai sērmiṉē

        உலகில் நிறைந்த மனிதர்களே! நாள்தோறும் சிறந்த மலர்களோடு பச்சிலைகளையும் பொருந்துமாறு கொண்டு, நீர்உமக்குக் கூற்றுவன் வருவதன் முன்பே அழகு மிக்க நெடிய பொழில்கள் சூழ்ந்த கருவிலிக்கொட்டிட்டையைச் சேர்வீராக.

      3. 03

        பங்க மாயின பேசப் பறைந்துநீர்மங்கு மாநினை யாதே மலர்கொடுகங்கை சேர்சடை யான்றன் கருவிலிக்கொங்கு வார்பொழிற் கொட்டிட்டை சேர்மினே

        Paṅka māyiṉa pēsap paṟainthunīr / maṅku māniṉai yāthē malarkoṭu / gaṅgai sērsaṭai yāṉtṟaṉ karuvilik / koṅku vārpozhiṟ koṭṭiṭṭai sērmiṉē

        குற்றமுடையவற்றைப் பேசுதலால், நீர் மங்குமாற்றை நினையாமல் மலர்களைக்கொண்டு, கங்கை சேர்ந்த சடையானுக்குரிய மணம் மிக்க நெடிய பொழில்களை உடைய கருவிலிக்கொட்டிட்டையைச் சேர்வீராக.

      4. 04

        வாடி நீர்வருந் தாதே மனிதர்காள்வேட னாய்விச யற்கருள் செய்தவெண்காட னாருறை கின்ற கருவிலிக்கோடு நீள்பொழிற் கொட்டிட்டை சேர்மினே

        Vāṭi nīrvarun thāthē maṉitharkāḷ / vēṭa ṉāyvisa yaṟkaruḷ seythaveṇ / kāṭa ṉāruṟai kiṉtṟa karuvilik / kōṭu nīḷpozhiṟ koṭṭiṭṭai sērmiṉē

        மனிதர்களே! நீர் துன்பங்களால் வாடிவருந்தாமல் அருச்சுனனுக்கு வேடனாய்வந்து அருள்செய்த திருவெண்காடனார் உறைகின்ற கிளைகள் நீண்ட பொழிலை உடைய கருவிலிக்கொட்டிட்டையைச் சேர்வீராக.

      5. 05

        உய்யு மாறிது கேண்மின் உலகத்தீர்பைகொள் பாம்பரை யான்படை யார்மழுக்கையி னானுறை கின்ற கருவிலிக்கொய்கொள் பூம்பொழிற் கொட்டிட்டை சேர்மினே

        Uyyu māṟithu kēṇmiṉ ulakaththīr / paikoḷ pāmparai yāṉpaṭai yārmazhuk / kaiyi ṉāṉuṟai kiṉtṟa karuvilik / koykoḷ pūmpozhiṟ koṭṭiṭṭai sērmiṉē

        உலகத்தில் உள்ளவர்களே! இதுவே உய்யும்வழி; கேட்பீராக; படம்கொண்ட பாம்பை அரையின்கண் அணிந்தவனும்,மழுப்படை பொருந்திய கையை உடையவனும் ஆகிய பெருமான் உறைகின்ற, கொய்து கொள்ளத்தக்க பூக்களை உடைய பொழில் சூழ்ந்த கருவிலிக்கொட்டிட்டையைச் சேர்வீராக.

      6. 06

        ஆற்ற வும்மவ லத்தழுந் தாதுநீர்தோற்றுந் தீயொடு நீர்நிலந் தூவெளிகாற்று மாகிநின் றான்றன் கருவிலிக்கூற்றங் காய்ந்தவன் கொட்டிட்டை சேர்மினே

        Ātṟa vum'mava laththazhun thāthunīr / thōtṟun thīyoṭu nīrnilan thūveḷi / kātṟu mākiniṉ tṟāṉtṟaṉ karuvilik / kūtṟaṅ kāynthavaṉ koṭṭiṭṭai sērmiṉē

        நீர், மிகவும் துன்பத்தில் அழுந்தாமல், தோற்றுகின்ற தீ, நீர், நிலம், விசும்பு, காற்று ஆகி நின்றவனும், கூற்றுவனைக் காய்ந்தவனும் ஆகிய பெருமானுக்குரிய கருவிலிக் கொட்டிட்டையைச் சேர்வீராக.

      7. 07

        நில்லா வாழ்வு நிலைபெறு மென்றெண்ணிப்பொல்லா வாறு செயப்புரி யாதுநீர்கல்லா ரும்மதில் சூழ்தண் கருவிலிக்கொல்லே றூர்பவன் கொட்டிட்டை சேர்மினே

        Nillā vāzhvu nilaipeṟu meṉtṟeṇṇip / pollā vāṟu seyappuri yāthunīr / kallā rum'mathil chūzhthaṇ karuvilik / kollē ṟūrpavaṉ koṭṭiṭṭai sērmiṉē

        நில்லாத வாழ்வு நிலைபெறும் என்று எண்ணிப் பொல்லா நெறியின்கண் வினைகளைச் செய விரும்பாது, நீர், கல்லால் நிறைந்த மதில் சூழ்ந்து தண்ணியதும் கொல்லேறாகிய இடபத்தினை ஊர்வானுக்குரியதும் ஆகிய கருவிலிக் கொட்டிட்டையைச் சேர்வீராக.

      8. 08

        பிணித்த நோய்ப்பிற விப்பிறி வெய்துமாறுணர்த்த லாமிது கேண்மின் உருத்திரகணத்தி னார்தொழு தேத்துங் கருவிலிக்குணத்தி னானுறை கொட்டிட்டை சேர்மினே

        Piṇiththa nōyppiṟa vippiṟi veythumā / ṟuṇarththa lāmithu kēṇmiṉ uruththira / kaṇaththi ṉārthozhu thēththuṅ karuvilik / kuṇaththi ṉāṉuṟai koṭṭiṭṭai sērmiṉē

        உம்மைப் பிணித்துள்ள துன்பம் நிறைந்த பிறவிப் பிரிவெய்தும் நெறியை உணர்த்தலாகின்ற இதனைக் கேட்பீராக! உருத்திரகணத்தினார் தொழுதேத்துவதும், எண்குணத்தினான் உறைவதும் ஆகிய கருவிலிக்கொட்டிட்டையைச் சேர்வீராக.

      9. 09

        நம்பு வீரிது கேண்மின்கள் நாடொறும்எம்பி ரானென் றிமையவ ரேத்துமேகம்ப னாருறை கின்ற கருவிலிக்கொம்ப னார்பயில் கொட்டிட்டை சேர்மினே

        Nampu vīrithu kēṇmiṉkaḷ nāṭoṟum / empi rāṉeṉ tṟimaiyava rēththumē / kampa ṉāruṟai kiṉtṟa karuvilik / kompa ṉārpayil koṭṭiṭṭai sērmiṉē

        மனிதர்களே! நான் சொல்லும் இதனை நம்பிக் கேட்பீராக; நாள்தோறும் தேவர்கள் 'எம்பெருமான்!' என்று ஏத்தும் ஏகம்பத்து இறைவனார் உறைகின்றதும், பூங்கொம்பு போன்ற பெண்கள் பயில்வதும் ஆகிய கருவிலிக்கொட்டிட்டையைச் சேர்வீராக.

      10. 10

        பாரு ளீரிது கேண்மின் பருவரைபேரு மாறெடுத் தானை யடர்த்தவன்கார்கொள் நீர்வயல் சூழ்தண் கருவிலிக்கூர்கொள் வேலினன் கொட்டிட்டை சேர்மினே

        The last verse calls on the people of the world to reach Kottitai in Karuvili, the home of the lord with a sharp spear.

        pāru ḷīrithu kēṇmiṉ paruvarai / pēru māṟeṭuth thāṉai yaṭarththavaṉ / kārkoḷ nīrvayal chūzhthaṇ karuvilik / kūrkoḷ vēliṉaṉ koṭṭiṭṭai sērmiṉē

        உலகிலுள்ளவர்களே! இது கேட்பீராக! பெரிய திருக்கயிலாய மலையைப் பேருமாறு எடுக்கலுற்ற இராவணனை அடர்த்தவனும் கூர்மைகொண்ட வேலை உடையவனும் ஆகிய பெருமான் உறைகின்ற கருமையைக் கொண்ட நீர் நிறைந்த வயல் சூழ்ந்த குளிர்ந்த கருவிலிக்கொட்டிட்டையைச் சேர்வீராக.

      Photos

      Photographs

      22 photographs, in the order they appear in the write-up. Captions are AI-assisted.

      A painted arch over the entrance with a bull on each side and figures at the centre; a tower stands beyond
      A tiered tower in sandstone colour, with a small painted hall in front and a red-and-white striped wall beside
      A temple tank with red-and-white striped steps and a small structure at the centre of the far side
      A stone-pillared hall with a small Nandhi in front, and a deity visible through the sanctum doorway ahead
      A gold-toned carved doorframe with steps, and a deity in orange cloth standing inside the shrine
      A central black stone idol flanked by two smaller idols in silk, all standing on a low platform
      Three black stone figures in white dhotis with palms joined, standing on red bases
      Several black stone idols and a coiled snake stone on a ledge against a pale wall
      A seated black stone Dakshinamurthy in a niche, in white cloth, with a Tamil name board above
      A small stone Mahavishnu in a wall niche, draped in white cloth, with a name board above
      A standing black stone idol in a niche, dressed in yellow silk and a striped shawl
      A black stone Brahma with several faces in a niche, in a white dhoti, under a Tamil name board
      A white marble Anjaneyar carrying a mountain, in a small blue pillared shrine with steps in front
      A white marble many-armed goddess seated on a lion, garlanded, inside a tiled niche
      A black stone idol in a niche, with a red cloth over the shoulders and a tray of small lamps below
      A weathered wall relief of an elephant at a lingam, with a small Vinayakar figure at the right
      A colourful mandapam roof with bull figures, with the Rajagopuram rising behind it
      A long stone wall of the corridor with an open gateway, and a colourful tower beyond it
      A colourful tower over the stone corridor wall, palm trees behind and a small blue shrine at the left
      A tiered sandstone tower with a small painted hall in front and a person seated beneath it
      A dark stone wall with a bull figure on top and the sandstone tower in the background
      A tiered sandstone tower under a cloudy sky, beside a red-and-white striped wall