Thanthondreeswarar Temple, Nedungadu, Karaikal,
Puducherry
Thanthondreeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva located at Nedungadu in Karaikal District of Union Territory of
Puducherry, India. Presiding Deity is called as Thanthondreeswarar and Mother
is called as Nedunthuyar Theertha Nayaki.
History
The Temple is believed to be constructed during the
Chola period. The temple was declared as a protected monument in 1971 under
Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1956. Nedungadu is Tamil parlance for
Dheergharanya, is perhaps named after the local deity Nedunthuyar Theertha
Nayaki-meaning one who redressed the longstanding grievances of the people,
inhabiting this area. She is the consort of Thantondrinathar (Swayambu Eswara). There
are many inscriptions on the outer wall of the temple.
The temple was probably renovated by the Nayak Rulers of
Thanjavur. Several architectural excavations were conducted at the site in
1948, which resulted in discovery of bronze images of various Gods and
Goddesses. The wide collection found at the site includes idols of
Manickavasagar, Pillaiyar, Tirugnanasambandar, Skanda, Uma and Jnanasakti,
dancing posture of Lord Shiva or Anandatandavam and Shivakamasundari. Besides,
a conch, a copper tripod, a pair of sandals and a plate were also found during
excavations. All the Idols are dated to 14th Century A.D.
The
Temple
The Temple is east facing with three tiered Rajagopuram
(tower). The tower is plain without stucco images. The entire temple is made of
red colored stone, which enhances the beauty. Presiding Deity is called as Thanthondreeswarar
and Mother is called as Nedunthuyar Theertha Nayaki. The sanctum enshrines the
tall Shiva Linga idol. The entrance of the sanctum has the idols of Ganesha and
Subramanya. The wall around the sanctum has the niche images of Ganesha,
Dakshina Murti, Lingodhbava, Brahma and Vishnu Durga.
There is no flag staff or bali peetha. Nandi mandapam is
there facing towards the sanctum. A small Ganesha image is found behind the
Nandi mandapam. Near Nandi mandapam, the shrine of the Goddess Nedunthuyar
Theertha Nayaki is found. It faces the southern direction. Chandikeswara
sub-shrine is found in its usual place. The sub-shrines of Ganesha and
Subramanya-Valli-Devasena are situated in the prakara of the temple. All the
sub-shrines have attractive Vimanas. The outer walls of the temple carry many
inscriptions. There are also a few exquisitely carved granite statues in the
temple.
Festivals
Devotees throng to the temple especially during the
celebrations of Thiruvadirai festival.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 1.3 Kms from Nedungadu, 5
Kms from Thirunallar, 8 Km from Dharmapuram, 11 Kms from Karaikal, 18 Kms from Tirumalai
Rayan Pattinam, 14 Kms from Neravy, 24 Kms from Nagore, 31 Kms from Nagapattinam,
16 Kms from Tharangambadi, 124 Kms from Puducherry and 134 Kms from Trichy.
Nearest Railway is located at Karaikal and Nearest Airport is located at
Trichy.
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