SITHARKADU SIVALAYAM SITHARKADU SIVALAYAM
The Thatheeswarar Siva temple (Sitharkadu Sivan Temple), Sitharkadu, is located at Thirumanam village, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Sitharkadu is 8 km from Poonamalle, a place on the outskirts of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. There are many buses traveling to Poonamallee from Chennai. Buses from Poonamallee to Sitharkadu are available only at specific hours. The closest railway station is in Chennai. The nearby airport is also in Chennai.
The present temple is believed to be constructed by Pandya king Jadavarma Sundara Pandian-I dating back to 9th Century. Fish emblem in the Rajagopuram Entrance supports the belief that the temple is erected by Jadavarma Sundara Pandian-I. This temple with multiple deities is dedicated to Thatheeswarar and Prasunakunthalambigai Ambal. Thatheeswarar is a Hindu God known for solving problems related to illness and poverty. The Goddess Prasunakunthalambigai solves problems related to marriage and prosperity.
The Thatheeswarar Siva temple is filled with a nice aroma and is noted for its intricate architecture. As the place is fragrant, it is also called Tirumanamgood fragrance. This ancient temple of Shiva has many carvings of various Siddhars in the mandapam and all around the temple. Prana Depika Sithar, Jadamudi Sidhar and many other Sidhars are appearing in the pillars of the temple. Two great Siddhas, Padukkai Jadamudi Siddha and Prana Deepika Siddha performed penance in this place. They installed a Shivalinga under a Gooseberry tree and named it Nelliappar. Thathiri in Sanskrit means gooseberry and the Tamil name is Nelli. This place is called Siddhar Kadu as Siddhas lived here. In the days that followed it is Sitharkadu now. Today, this Thatheeswarar Siva temple is being worshipped by Siddhars. Devotees perform abishek to Lord with gooseberry juice and milk. They offer green vastras and bangles to the Goddess and light ghee lamps in Her shrine.
The temple traces its history to a king who while commencing the renovation of the temple, found the idol of a Goddess and named her Poonguzhali and erected a shrine. 'Swathi' star people generally worship the God here for relief from adverse planetary effects including those facing obstacles in marriage proposals and those suffering from cardiac problems. Visiting this sacred temple can benefit those who are married without the blessings of their parents as well as doctors and
people in the medical professions. They are advised to offer curd rice nivedhana with gooseberry pickle, tamarind rice and offer the same to the poor for a prosperous life. Performing Abishekam to the God by gooseberry juice at Swathi Natchatram will help the devotees to get out from their illness and poverty. Pachai vastram presented to Prasunakunthalambigai Ambal will bring marriage fortune and prosperity. Those who face obstacles in their marriage proposals should perform an abishek to the God with gooseberry juice and seeds. Those facing heart trouble should light ghee lamps in this shrine.
Special abisheks are performed for God Muruga on Aadi and Thai Krithika days and on Panguni Uthiram day. On the Karthika festival day, lamps are lit for all the 27 stars with special pujas. The ten days Margazhi festival is celebrated in a grand manner. The wedding festival for Lord Nataraja and Mother Sivakami is celebrated on Margazhi Tiruvadhirai day. Those expecting to be married should worship the Lord on this day with faith.
Sri Thatheeswarar Temple, (Sitharkadu), South Mada Street, 1/144, Thirumanam Village, Via Pattabhiram, Vayalanallur Post, Chennai - 600072.
The temple is open from 8.00 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.