Nimileeswarar Temple, Koodapakkam, Puducherry

Nimileeswarar Temple, Koodapakkam, Puducherry

Nimileeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Koodapakkam, an outskirt of Puducherry Town in Union Territory of Puducherry. Presiding Deity is called as Nimileeswarar / Chokkanathar and Mother is called as Nilothpalambigai.

Legends

Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva here:

This temple is one of the temples worshipped by Mahavishnu after he killed Mahabali to get relieved from the Dhosha.

Koodapakkam:

All the 9 Navagrahas worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple together. Therefore, the place is called Koodapakkam.

Brahmapureeswarar:

Once Mahavishnu was cursed by Sage Sukracharya. Brahma was also a part for the curse. Due to the curse they lost their eyesight. Both Brahma and Vishnu were asked to reach this place and install a Linga and worship it. Brahma installed a Linga and both Brahma and Vishnu worshipped this Linga and got rid of their curse. Therefore, Brahma has 8 eyes as he has 4 heads and Mahavishnu 2 eyes. Hence, the place is called as Pathukannu. Ancient name of Pathukannu was Brahmeeswaram. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be called as Brahmapureeswarar.

The Temple

This temple is facing towards east. Dhwaja Sthambam, Balipeedam and Nandi can be found facing the sanctum in the mukha mandapam. The temple consists of sanctum, antrala and mukha mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Nimileeswarar / Chokkanathar. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy. Vinayaga, Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma and Durga are the koshta idols located around the sanctum walls.

Chandikeswarar shrine can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Nilothpalambigai. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine in the mukha mandapam. It is believed that Brahmapureeswarar Temple existed in Pathukannu Area and completely lost. Only the Lingam and Vinayaga remains. They have been placed under a tree in this temple. Shrines of Surya, Chandran, Bhairava and Murugan can be found in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about at about 200 meters from Koodapakkam Bus Stop, 700 meters from Pathukannu Bus Stop, 7 Kms from Osudu Lake, 12 Kms from Puducherry Main Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Puducherry Railway Station, 13 Kms from Puducherry Airport and 147 Kms from Chennai Airport. The Temple is situated on Pondicherry Bus Stand to Vazhudavur Bus Route.

Devotees can get down at Pathukannu Bus Stop. The Temple is located at a walkable distance from this Bus Stop. PRTC Bus 18 A and 12 A is plying between Pondicherry Bus Stand to Thirukanur and Pathukannu will stop at Pathukannu Bus Stop. All the other private buses running in this route also stops here. Taxis and Autos are also available to reach this Temple from any part of Puducherry. Nearest Railway Station is located at Puducherry. Nearest Airport is located at Puducherry and Chennai.

Location