SATTAINATHER SIRKAZHI
Yesterday, there was a temple of sirkazhi reported in these columns,
where a peculiar name SATTAI (SATTA) NATHAR WAS THE NAME OF SIVA, apart
from Bhairava, Toniappar etc I thought some one will raise this or write
about, but no one seems to be cur*ious at all. *
Mahavishnu incurred a dosham for having sent King Mahabali to Patalam
(story of Vamana Avatara). He wanted to be relieved of this and prayed
here. Shiva wanted to show that there is no difference between Him and
Vishnu and He took the skin off Vishnu’s body whereby the dosham was
removed. He used this skin as an adornment in His body and hence He is
called Sattainathar (sattai in Tamil means shirt or dress). When
Mahalakshmi saw Vishnu’s skin on Shiva, She mistook that Her husband had
died and She removed flowers from Her hair. Shiva and Parvathi gave Her
the entire picture and pacified Her. As Lakshmi was entered this place
without flowers, even today, ladies do not keep flowers on their heir in
this temple. The wearing of Vishnu’s skin by Shiva has given rise to a
custom in this temple- like Kerala temples, here also, one should not wear
shirts while entering the sanctorum. There is one more explanation for the
name Sattainathar. As Shiva controlled all the Dharmas (Laws), He is
called Sattainathar (sattam in Tamil means law). Hence people who are
involved in legal disputes pray here for resolution.
The Vamana avatar is the fifth of the ten principal avatars
(Dashavatara) of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology. This avatar is significant
for several reasons, particularly in its narrative and the moral lessons it
imparts.
Significance of Vamana Avatar
Restoration of Cosmic Order: The Vamana avatar was taken to restore cosmic
order when the Asura king Bali gained immense power and control over the
three worlds (heaven, earth, and the underworld). Bali was a virtuous Asura
who performed great sacrifices and was loved by his subjects, but his
growing power threatened the balance of the universe.
Symbol of Humility and Devotion: Vamana is depicted as a dwarf Brahmin,
symbolizing humility and simplicity. His small stature contrasts with the
grand ambitions of Bali, emphasizing that true strength lies not in
physical might but in devotion and righteousness.
The Three Steps: When Bali granted Vamana anything he desired, Vamana asked
for three paces of land. With his divine form, he then expanded to cover
the entire universe in three steps, demonstrating Lord Vishnu's
omnipresence and the futility of material possessions against divine will.
This act teaches the lesson that no matter how powerful one becomes, divine
authority ultimately prevails.
Punishment of a Good Asura: The punishment of Bali, despite his good
nature, highlights the complexity of dharma (righteousness). It serves as a
reminder that good intentions can lead to adverse outcomes if one becomes
overambitious and disregards cosmic balance. It illustrates the idea that
even virtuous beings must remain humble and aware of their limitations.
Moral Lessons from the Vamana Avatar
The Dangers of Hubris: Bali's downfall serves as a warning against
arrogance and the belief that one can surpass cosmic limits. It underscores
the importance of maintaining humility, regardless of one's achievements.
Divine Will and Justice: The avatar illustrates that divine justice may not
always align with human perceptions of good and evil. It emphasizes the
belief that divine intervention is necessary to maintain order, even if it
means punishing a seemingly good individual.
Balance of Power: The narrative teaches that power must be balanced with
responsibility. The story reflects the idea that unchecked power, even in
the hands of a good person, can lead to chaos and must be curbed.
Devotion and Surrender: Bali's eventual acceptance of his fate and his
devotion to Lord Vishnu demonstrate the importance of surrendering to
divine will. It teaches that true devotion requires recognizing one's place
in the larger cosmic order.
In summary, the Vamana avatar holds great significance in Hindu philosophy,
illustrating complex themes of power, humility, and the nature of good and
evil. It serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of maintaining
balance, humility, and devotion in the face of ambition.
Mahabali did not die but was banished by the dwarf Vamana (an avatar of
Vishnu) to the netherworld, Patala or Sutala. After his self-sacrificing
offer to have Vamana place his third foot on his head, Mahabali was granted
a boon by Vishnu to visit his people once a year, a tradition celebrated as
the Onam festival.
The Story of Mahabali's Banishment
1. Vamana's arrival:
Lord Vishnu, in his Vamana avatar (a dwarf Brahmin), appeared before the
king Mahabali, who was known for his generosity and rule over the three
worlds.
2. The request:
Vamana asked Mahabali for a gift of three steps of land.
3. Mahabali's agreement:
The kind-hearted king agreed to the request, but Vamana grew to a colossal
size.
4. The three steps:
Vamana covered the earth with his first step and the heavens with his
second, leaving no place for his third step.
5. Mahabali's sacrifice:
To uphold his promise, Mahabali offered his own head for Vamana's third
step.
6. Banishment to Patala:
With his third step, Vamana pushed Mahabali into the netherworld, known as
Patala or Sutala.
The Boon and Onam
Yearly return:
In return for Mahabali's sacrifice, Vamana granted him a boon to return to
his kingdom once a year to meet his people.
Onam festival:
This annual homecoming is celebrated as Onam, a harvest festival, with
decorations, feasts, and community events, symbolizing Mahabali's return
and the joyous period of his rule.
Thus Bali was inactivated but recognized his good will; hence while so many
asuras were sent to swarga as per Puranas, sending a good man to Patala is
a dosham which was cleared by SIVA wearing the VISHNU skin sattai. (VANMANA
PURANAM)
K Rajaram IRS 22825
On Thu, 21 Aug 2025 at 13:42, 'gopala krishnan' via KeralaIyers <
[email protected]> wrote:
> SATTAINATHER TEMPLE- SIRIKAZHI- MAYILADUTHURAI DISTRICT- TAMILNADU-COMPILED
>
> Dear friends,
>
> *The Sattainathar Temple, also known as Brahmapureesar Temple or
> Thoniappar Temple*, is a significant Shiva temple located in Sirkazhi, in
> the Mayiladuthurai District of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 276 Paadal
> Petra Stalams, meaning it's a revered temple praised in Thevaram, a
> collection of hymns. *The temple is notable for its unique three-story
> structure, each level housing a different form of Lord Shiva. *
>
> Today my posting is about this temple.
>
> Hope a divine reading.
>
> *Gopalakrishnan 21-08-2025*
>
>
>
> Key Features:
>
> Three Shiva Shrines: The temple features three distinct Shiva shrines
> across its three levels: Brahmapureesar (Shiva lingam), Uma Maheswarar
> (Toniappar), and Sattainathar (Bhairavar).
>
>
>
> Sattainathar (Bhairavar):The shrine of Sattainathar, a form of Bhairavar,
> is located on the top level of the temple.
>
>
>
> Historical Significance:The temple is believed to be over 1000 years old
> and is mentioned in ancient Tamil texts and hymns, according to The Clarks
> Hotels & Resorts.
>
> Birth place of Thirugnana Sambandar: It is the birthplace of Thirugnana
> Sambandar, a prominent Saivite saint, who is said to have been blessed by
> Lord Shiva at this very temple, according to The Clarks Hotels & Resorts.
>
>
>
> Paadal Petra Sthalam: The temple is one of the 276 revered temples praised
> in Thevaram, a collection of hymns.
>
>
>
> Temple Structure: The temple complex is large and well-maintained, with
> impressive gopurams (tower gateways).
>
>
>
> Unique Layout: The three-story structure and the location of Sattainathar
> on the top level make it unique.
>
>
>
> Opening Hours: The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM
> to 9:00 PM.
>
>
>
> Special Pujas: Special pujas are held every Friday until midnight,
> particularly for Bhairava worship
>
>
>
> Introduction
>
> Sattainathar temple, Sirkazhi (also called Brahmapureeswarar temple and
> Thoniappar temple) is dedicated to Shiva located in Sirkali, Tamil Nadu,
> India. The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Thevaram and is classified
> as Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is an ancient temple complex with three
> different Shiva shrines in three stories.
>
> The Bhramapureeswarar shrine is housed in the lower level.
> Brahmapureeswarar is accompanied by Ambal Sthira sundari/Thiripurasundari
> or Thirunilainayaki in Tamil.
>
> The second-level houses Periyanakar with Periyanayaki on a Thoni, hence
> the name Thoniappar. Sattainathar/ Vatukanathar is also housed here.
>
> *There are 22 water bodies associated with this shrine*.
>
> The temple is associated with the legend of child Sambandar who is
> believed to have been fed by Parvathi on the banks of the temple tank.
> The child later went on to compose Tevaram, a Saiva canonic literature on
> Shiva and became one of the most revered Saiva poets in South India.
>
> Etymology and origin
>
> In ancient times, this town had twelve different names, including
> Brahmapuram, Thonipuram, Kazhumalam, Sirkazhiswaram and Shri Kali. As
> per popular belief, Kali is believed to have worshipped the presiding
> deity, Brahmapureeswarar, and thus the place came to be known as
> Srikalipuram, which went on to become Shiyali Sambandar refers the town as
> "Kazhi" in his verses. It was called Shiyali during British rule, and after
> Independence, it was renamed "Sirkazhi".
>
> According to Tamil legend, during one of the biggest deluges that
> submerged the planet earth, Tamil god Shiva is said to have carried the 64
> arts on a raft (called Thoni in Tamil). The presiding deity in the
> temple, Shiva, is thus called "Thoniappar" (the one who carried the raft)
> and the region is called "Thonipuram".
>
> The Hindu god Brahma is believed to have worshiped Shiva here, giving the
> name "Bhramapureeswarar" (the one worshipped by Brahma) and so the region
> is also referred as "Bhramapureeswaram".
>
> The town is thus called "Sattainathapuram", which in modern times, is a
> suburb within Sirkazhi. The town was known as "Kalumalam" during the early
> Chola period.
>
> The Ashtabhairavas (the eight Bhairava) are housed in the Valampuri
> mandapa in the temple. The images along with the inscriptions indicate
> Bhairava worship from the late 16th century. The eight Bhairavas in the
> group include Asitanga, Visalaksa, Marrtanda, Modakapriya, Svachanda,
> Vignasantusa, Khechera and Sarcaracara. The images are sported with
> trident, hand-drum, noose and sword.
>
> Legend
>
> The Sattainathar Temple in Sirkazhi has a rich history rooted in Tamil
> legends and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It's also known as the Thoniappar
> Temple, named after Shiva who is said to have carried the 64 arts on a raft
> (Thoni) during a great deluge. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site
> and is associated with the concept of rebirth, with various shrines for
> different deities.
>
> Sattainathar is a form of Shiva, and the temple is a major pilgrimage
> site, especially for those seeking spiritual solace. *The temple is
> associated with the concept of rebirth and is considered a sacred place for
> devotees. *
>
> Architecture
>
> The temple has a vast Prakarams (courtyards) with high walls of enclosure.
> There are two sets of seven-tiered gopurams on the outer walls of the
> enclosure. The porch on the entrance from the second to the first prakara
> date back to 10th to 11th century. Earlier the three deities were in
> different locations.
>
> The enlargement of the original temple happened during the period of
> Kulothunga Chola I, Vikrama Chola, Kulothunga Chola II and Kulothunga Chola
> III and all the deities brought to same sanctum in three floors. The image
> of Parvathi in the form of Sthira Sundari is located in the basement in a
> separate shrine.
>
> The eastern gateway serves as the main entrance, leading visitors into the
> temple’s sacred grounds. Upon crossing the threshold, devotees first
> encounter the sanctum of Brahmapureeswarar, facing east and situated near
> the temple’s holy pond. The temple also houses several significant shrines,
> each intricately designed, making it a visual and spiritual delight for
> pilgrims.
>
> Deities
>
> The Sirkazhi temple is home to several significant sannidhis (shrines):
>
> Thoniappar and Periya-Nayaki: Located on an elevated level, this shrine
> honors Shiva and his consort. Devotees must ascend narrow wooden stairs to
> reach the sacred sanctum.
>
> Sattainathar Shrine: Situated above the Thoniappar sanctum, this shrine
> represents the union of Shiva and Vishnu. Rituals here include anointing
> the deity with civet oil during the Artha-Jaama Pooja, a ceremony held late
> on Friday evenings.
>
> Ashta Bhairavar: A shrine dedicated to the eight forms of Bhairava,
> located near the southern gateway. This sannidhi is open for worship only
> on Friday evenings, from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
>
> The Divine Connection: Shiva and Vishnu as Sattainathar
>
> The unique form of Sattainathar symbolizes the profound connection between
> Shiva and Vishnu. Mythology recounts that Shiva wielded Vishnu’s bones as
> a weapon and wore his skin as a sacred garment, embodying the dual
> reverence of these supreme deities.
>
> Witnessing the rituals of Sattainathar, particularly during the Friday
> evening Artha-jaama Pooja, is considered highly auspicious. Devotees
> believe that this worship brings blessings of divine protection and wisdom.
>
> Poojas
>
> The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a
> daily basis. Like other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to
> the Shaivaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste.
>
> The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 5:30
> a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00
> p.m., Irandamkalam at 8:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 10:00 p.m. Each ritual
> comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration),
> neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for all
> the three Shiva shrines. The worship is held amidst music with nagaswaram
> (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument), religious instructions
> in the Vedas read by priests and prostration by worshippers in front of the
> temple mast.
>
> There are weekly rituals like somavaram and sukravaram, fortnightly
> rituals like pradosham and monthly festivals like amavasai (new moon day),
> kiruthigai, pournami (full moon day) and sathurthi.
>
> Shiva is worshipped in three different forms; the Shivalingam
> (Bhrammapureeswarar), Uma Maheswarar (Toniappar) at the middle level, and
> Bhairavar (Sattanathar) at the upper level.
>
> Festivals
>
> Every year in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April – May), a 10-day
> festival is celebrated. The temple is linked to the Navratri festival and
> other religious celebrations.
>
> To commemorate the divine blessings received by Tirugnana Sambandar,
> Sirkazhi hosts the annual Tiru-Mulai-Paal Urchavam, or the Festival of the
> Divine Milk. Celebrated during the Tamil month of Chitirai, this event
> occurs on the second day of the Brahmotsavam, under the auspicious
> Tiruvathirai star.
>
>
>
> Religious importance
>
> The temple is mentioned in the Saiva canonical work, Tevaram, by
> Thirugnana Sambanthar, Tirunavukkarasar and Sundarar, the foremost Saivite
> saints of 7th–eighth century CE and is *classified as Paadal Petra
> Sthalam*.
>
> There is a separate shrine for Sambandar celebrating the miracle of
> Parvathi suckling the child Sambandar when he was crying for milk.
>
> Arunagirinathar was a 15th-century Tamil poet born in Tiruvannamalai. He
> spent his early years as a rioter and seducer of women. After ruining his
> health, he tried to commit suicide by throwing himself from the northern
> tower of Annamalaiyar Temple, but was saved by the grace of god Murugan. He
> became a staunch devotee and composed Tamil hymns glorifying Murugan, the
> most notable being Thirupugazh. Arunagirinathar visited various Murugan
> temples and on his way back to Tiruvannamalai, visited the temple and sung
> praises about Murugan in the temple.
>
> Mayakshethras
>
> Mayaka Kshetras are the places where Lord Brahma was reduced to ashes by
> Lord Shiva. Five such places are - Kasi (Varanasi) Mayanam, Kacchi
> (Kanchipuram) Mayanam; Kazhi (Sirkazhi) Mayanam, Nallur (Thirunallur)
> Mayanam and Kadavur (Thirukadaiyur) Mayanam.
>
>
>
> Sirkazhi: A Shakti Peetam and Home to the Goddess
>
> The temple is also recognized as one of the 64 Shakti Peetams, sites that
> are deeply associated with the divine feminine energy of the Goddess. The
> sanctum of Thiru-Nilai-Nayaki, Shiva’s consort, is adorned with intricate
> sculptures depicting the goshta murthas, including manifestations of divine
> energy:
>
> Ichcha Shakti (Divine Will)
>
> Gyana Shakti (Divine Wisdom)
>
> Kriya Shakti (Divine Action)
>
> Opposite this shrine lies the sacred Brahma Theertham, a holy pond with an
> ornate archway entrance decorated with sculptures narrating the life and
> miracles of Tirugnana Sambandar.
>
> Interestingly, Sambandar’s birth, his divine encounter, and his attainment
> of liberation (mukti) all align with the Tiruvathirai star, making it a
> central celestial marker of his life and legacy.. Brahma, Muruga, Kali,
> Indra, the moon-god Chandra, and the sun-god Surya are all said to have
> worshipped at this temple. Sage Vyasa, the author of the Mahabharata, is
> also believed to have visited Sirkazhi to pay homage to the deity.
>
> Among the Paadal Petra Sthalams of Lord Shiva (sacred sites celebrated in
> hymns), Sirkazhi holds the distinction of receiving the highest number of
> hymns, underscoring its spiritual prominence in Shaivism.
>
> Tirugnana Sambandar
>
> Sambandar was a young Saiva poet-saint of Tamil Nadu who lived around the
> 7th century CE. He is one of the most prominent of the sixty-three
> Nayanars, Tamil Saiva bhakti saints who lived between the sixth and the
> tenth centuries CE. Sambandar's hymns to Shiva were later collected to form
> the first three volumes of the Tirumurai, the religious canon of Tamil
> Saiva Siddhanta. He was a contemporary of Appar, another Saiva saint.
>
> Sambandar was born to Sivapada Hrudiyar and his wife Bhagavathiar who
> lived in Sirkazhi in Tamil Nadu. They were a saivite Brahmins who at that
> point of time professed Rig veda. The group of servitors wore tuft on top
> of their head with a tilt towards right, as seen in all murals and statues
> of sambandar and also finds mention in the related hagiographies of that
> period and also of the later periods like that of Arunagirinathar.
>
> According to legend, when Sambandar was three years old his parents took
> him to the Shiva temple where Shiva and his consort Parvati appeared before
> the child. The goddess nursed him at her breast. His father saw drops of
> milk on the child's mouth and asked who had fed him, whereupon the boy
> pointed to the sky and responded with the song Todudaya Seviyan - the first
> verse of the Tevaram.
>
> At his investiture with the sacred thread, at the age of seven, he is said
> to have expounded the Vedas with clarity. *Sri Shankaracharya who lived
> in the subsequent century has also referred to sambandar in one hymn of
> Soundarya Lahari,* praising him as a gifted Tamil child (Tamil sisu) who
> was fed with milk of divine gnosis by goddess Uma.
>
>
>
> Sirkazhi Sattainathar Temple Timings
>
> Sirkazhi temple is open from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the morning and from
> 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the evening.
>
>
>
> Administration
>
> The temple is maintained by Dharmapuram Adheenam, a Saivite mutt or
> monastic institution located in the town of Mayiladuthurai, India. As of
> 1987, there were a total of 27 Shiva temples under the control of the
> adheenam.
>
>
>
> Sirkazhi Shiva Temple Address and phone number
>
> 106 D, Pidari South Street, Thenpathi, Sirkali, Tamil Nadu 609110. Sirkali
> Sattainathar Temple Contact Number: +91-4364-270235, +91-9443053195
>
>
>
> How to reach Sirkazhi Shiva Temple?
>
> The Sirkazhi Sattainathar Temple is located in the heart of Sirkazhi, a
> municipal town situated 260 km from Chennai by road. It is 17 km from
> Chidambaram and 58 km from Kumbakonam.
>
>
>
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