DHINAM ORU KOVIL -284.

SRI. SUKSHMAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE, CHERUGUDI, Tiruvarur Dt.

This temple of Lord Shiva is situated in Cherugudi which is 3 km north of
Kadagambadi lying on the Kumbakonam Karaikal road via Poonthottam. The
primary deity is Sri.Sukshmapureeswarar with his consort Sri. Mangalanayaki. Holy
tree is Vilwam and sacred water spring is Mangala Theertham. Temple is 1000-2000
years ancient historically mentioned as Thiruchirukudi. Lord of the temple is praised
in the Thevaram hymns of Saint Gnana Sambandar.This is the 60th Shiva temple on
the southern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns. Lord Shiva in the temple
is a swayambumurthy,Linga made of sand. The temple is facing east with a three
tier Rajagopuram. The inner area is very spacious. There are shrines for Lords
Mangala Vinayaka and Muruga in the prakara. Navagraha-9 planets shrine is in the
front mandap. Sun, Sage Vishvamitra and Gandharvas had worshipped Lord Shiva
in this temple.
The place is named Sukshma Pureeswaram as couples separated earlier had a reunion here. Planet Mars-Angaraka had his curse relieved in this temple. Those
under adverse aspects of this planet will overcome delays in their marriages and
the sick will be cured, if they worship him in the temple. Tuesdays in Masi monthFebruary-March are suggested for Mars worship when special pujas are performed
here with Vilwa leaves and Mangala Theertham-water from a well-for the reunion of
couples. Those afflicted by Mars problems visit the temple in large numbers for
relief. The Navagraha-9 planets-mandap in the temple is different. Child Saint
Tirugnana Sambandar who sang the Kolaru Pathigam (a prayer to Lord Shiva with
Mother for relief from the adverse aspects of planets and other natural dangers
people face in life) is along with the planets. It may be recalled that ripe Saint
Tirunavukkarasar advised Child Tirugnana Sambandar to postpone his Madurai trip
to debate with the Jain monks and to save the Pandya king, as the time then was
not auspicious and very unfavourable then. The Child Saint simply said that the
planets would never be hostile to Shiva devotees. The Kolaru Pathigam is the
outcome of this event. This is being chanted by all believers as a daily prayer. So
the child saint is also among the planets as their beloved one. The added
significance is that Lord Bhairava and Lord Vinayaka are in this mandap.
While Mother Parvathi and Lord Shiva were playing dice, luck was turning to Mother.
At this stage, Lord Shiva suddenly disappeared. Shocked Ambica began to search
for Lord and finally came to this place dense with Vilwa trees. She made a Linga in
sand and worshipped. Lord appeared before Mother and said that He was planning
to lose the game in Her favour to show that husbands should develop the quality of
yielding to spouse to make family every happy and auspicious. Mother came to be
known as Mangalambikai and Lord Mangalanathar.
I am yet to visit this temple.