Thiruvennainallur

Sri Kripapureeswarar -Thiruvennainallur

Sri Kripapureeswarar Temple

Sri Kripapureeswarar Temple is a very ancient Siva temple situated at about 25 kms off Vilupuram.According to various stone scriptures this temple is more than 800 years old.The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva sacred work, the Thevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams.
As per legend, when Siva consumed the poison that came out of churning the 'Paar kadal',Goddess Parvathy did a tapas to prevent the poison affecting Lord Siva. It is said that she built a castle out cow butter and then lit 'panchagni' (five fires-panchagni is four fires lit plus the fire from Sun). As this place was built with 'Vennai'( Tamil for Cow's butter) it came to be known as Vennai Nallur.
As per another legend, the famous Saivite saint and Nayanmar, Sundarar,was prevented by an old man from marrying at Tirunavalur. He showed a document that indicated that Sundarar was his slave and he is indebted to the old man for serving him for a lifetime. Sundarar called him 'Pitha', a lunatic. The village elders asked Sundarar to respect document and work for the old man. Sundarar followed the old man and the old man went to a place called Thiruvennainallur into a temple.where he disappeared in the temple. It was Shiva who had appeared as the old man to test Sundarar's devotion. Sundarar felt guilty of calling Shiva as "pitha" (lunatic), but Shiva revealed to him that he was pleased with him and that he enjoyed the verse and requested him to sing verses starting with "Pitha". Sundarar started singing his Thirumurai with "Pitha Piraisudi" verse in this temple and later would become one of the four most greatly respected saints of Saiva literature.(the other are Gnana Sambandar,Thirunavukarasar,Manikavachagar.)

The Temple: The temple covers an area of over 10 acres. The entrance has a big Rajagopuram with 5 tiers.The temple has two big 'praharams' (corridors). As you enter past the entrance you can see the 'mandapam' (hall) where the poet Sundarar argued with Siva who was in disguise as the old man. Beyond that you can see the copper plated 'Kodi Maram' (flag staff),Ganesha and the Bali Peedam.
The main deity Kripapureeswarar is in Linga form and is said to be Swayambu (self manifested) is seen facing east. Nest to this is the sannidhi for Goddess Mangalambigai ,also facing east in a standing posture with four hands.To the south of the temple is the temple tank called 'Thanda theertham'.
The Ganesha temple here is called Polla Pillyar,meaning the deity had not touched by any chisel or instrument (pola means to chisel out the granite) and it is a swayambu.

Polla Vinayagar

Rituals and beleifs Those who are impaired of speech pray to Polla Pillayar to gain speech skills. People light lamps with a mixture of four oils made of ghee, iluppu oil, coconutoil and gingelly oil and pray for getting married, childbirth and other success in life.

It is the staunch belief of the devotees that their wedding would materialise if they worship the Nandhi(the bull) with a garland.

Festivals On Swathi star day in the month of Aadi ( July-August), a two day festival for Sundarar is celebrated grandly. Ten day Panguni Uthiram with float festival in March-April, Arudra darshan and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January, Aavani Puttu ( a sweet pudding) festival in August-September, Skanda Sashti in October-November are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Temple location It is situated off Vilupuram at around 25 kms

Temple Timings The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

How to reach? There are buses from Vilupuram town to this place and also, autos,cabs available at a nominal rates. If you drive by your car, you can reach there from Vilupuram in about 30 minutes.

Where to Stay? There are no lodgings here. The nearest place is Vilupuram town where are there are decent hotels. Other interesting places around Thiruvennainallur The Thiruvikrama Perumal Temple of Maha Vishnu in Thirukoilur is around 20 kms from here. It is one of the 108 Vaishanvaite Divya Desams. Contact Sri Kripapureeswarar Temple,
Tiruvennainallur-607 203,
Thirukkoilur taluk, Vilupuram district
Mobile: +91-93456 60711
Useful data
State: Tamil Nadu
District: Vilupuram
Famous for: Pilgrimage
Languages: English,Tamil
Best Season: Throughout the year. Summer( from May to July) could be very sultry when the mercury shoots to 40 degree celsius.
Weather: Summer 33-42°C, Winter 16-28°C
Altitude: Sea level