History of the place

When Thiru Gnana sambandhar reached this place during his Shiva Sthala yatra, he was thirsty. The lord came as Idaiyan (cow herd) with curd. The Lord compelled Sambandhar to sing hymns in praise of the Lord at this place. On their way, near a pond, idaiyan(the lord) stopped, smiled at Gnana Sambandhar and disappeared. As the Lord came as Idaian(cowherd) and left him halfway (Idaiyil - meaning halfway), this Lord came to be called as Idaisura Nathar.

Saints who worshiped

Thirugnana Sambandhar, Arunagirinaadhar. This temple is the 260th devara sthalam.

Temple History, Speciality, Miracle and Greatness

The Lord here is Maragadha Swayambu (Emerald) lingam which glitters during aarati. This place was once a vilva (tree) forest where a particular cow in a herd goes to a bush and spilled milk. Later the villagers found a suyambu maragadha lingam inside the bush and constructed a temple for it. It is believed that goddess herself has spilled milk in the form of cow (Govardhanambigai). The Neem, Vilva and the Banyan tree together are considered as Shiva, Uma and Vinayaka. Generally the Goddess is seen with her legs close to each other. But here it is in walking posture as if she is ready to go along with the Lord to feed Thirugnana Sambandhar. The pond from where Shiva disappeared is still could be seen there named "Kaatchi Kulam" (Where the Lord showed his original form to Thirugnana Sambandhar).

Pariharam

People pray here for beautiful face. It is believed that bad habits will vansih and life will glow as the Lord is jothi roopa (Fire form). Those with leg diseases will get peace on the darshan of the Goddess. People pray to Mother for good knowledge and education.

Pariharam Procedure

Vastras and sacred thread (dipped in turmeric) are tied to the sthala vruksha for marriage and child welfare. Also abisheka to the Lord is done with honey.

Pooja Types

Shivagamam

Festival Period

Chitra Pournami, Panguni Uthram (Thirukalyanam), Aadi Pooram (Valaikappu Urchavam)

Dharshan Timings

IST 07:00 AM to 11.00 AM, 04:30 PM to 6.30 PM

How to reach

This place is 65km from Chennai and 9 km from Chengalpat and is linked with city buses.

Nearest Location

Railway Station: Chengalpat Airport : Chennai