Chaayaavaneswarar Temple, Tiruchaaikkadu (Chaayavanam)

Location of the temple Tiruchaaikkadu (now known as Chaayavanam)
Lord Shiva known as Chaayaavaneswarar
Female deity known as Kuyilinim Nanmozhiammai
Pathigam Sambandar – 2
Thirunavukarasar – 2
How to reach Tiruchaikkadu is situated on the Sirkazhi – Poompuhar road, just before Poompuhar. Town bus services to Poompuhar are available from Sirkazhi. The temple is located about 19 Kms. from Sirkazhi. Tiruchaikkadu can also be reached from Mayiladuthurai.
Temple address Arulmighu
Chaayaavaneswarar Temple
Chaayavanam
Kaviripoompattinam Post
Sirkazhi Taluk
Nagapattinam District.
PIN 609105

The temple is open for darshan from 7-00 AM to 12-00 Noon and from 4-00 PM to 7-30 PM.
Location map Map showing location of Tiruchaaikkadu (Chaayavanam)
Map courtesy by: Google Maps:

Temple: The temple in this Sthalam is one among the six temples which are compared as equivalent to the temple in Varanaasi. The other 5 shivasthalams are  Tiruvenkaadu, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvaiyaru, Tiruvidaimarudur and Tiruvanchiam. This temple is one of the Maadakovil built by Kochengat Chozhan. The temple is facing east and the temple tank is in front of the east entrance. The sanctum sanctorum of the main deity Chaayavaneswarar is at an elevated site (Maadakovil). The Sannidhi for Sooriyan, Devendiran and Iyarpagai Nayanar along with his wife are located in the outer prakaram. The Sannidhi for the female deity is also located in the inner prakaram along with the main sanctum for Lord Chaayaavaneswarar.

Temple history: Athithi, mother of Indira was harbouring a desire to come to earth and worship Chayavaneswarar. Therefore, she landed on the earth. Indira was searching for the missing mother and found that she had come to earth. To fulfill the desire of the mother, Indira wanted to take the temple to his place pulling it through his white elephant Iravadha. While he made the attempt, Mother Parvathi made a sound that was sweeter than that of a nightingale, hence the name to the Goddess. Lord Shiva also appeared before Indira and told him to drop the idea of taking the temple to his place and advised him to do the worship on Earth itself and be blessed.

Iyarpagai Nayanar: Iyarpagai Nayanar is one the 63 celebrated devotees of Lord Shiva. Iyarpagai means doing something against established customs. This devotee had an abnormal trait of parting anything belonging to him to others. It is here, the devotee-attained salvation.The Story goes like this. Lord Shiva once came to Iyarpagayar in the guise of a Shiva devotee and demanded his wife to be sent with him. Without any hesitation, the devotee offered him his wife. The wife also did not disobey the husband nor opposed his decision. The Lord said, that his relatives or others can intercept and attack Him on the way and therefore, Iyarpagai Nayanar should escort Him until He crossed the borders of the place. Iyarpagayar obliged and escorted the Lord with a sword on hand. The devotee defeated those who came to oppose. Reaching the border, the devotee was asked to return as the danger was over. While turning to go back, Iyarpagayar saw the Lord with Parvathi asking him to go back with his wife, live happily for years and come back to HIM at the end of his life. It is in this holy soil, Chayavanam, the miracle took place.

Also it is here, that Lord Muruga holds the bow and the arrow instead of his usual weapon Velayudham, readying for the war against Soorapadman. It is also said that the idol of Lord Muruga was found in the sea and taken from there to the temple. Muruga also wears the Veeragandamani (anklet) in his right leg, presented by Father Lord Shiva. Those who have fear of enemies, worship this Muruga for freedom from enemy fear. While Mother Shakthi offered the Vel to Muruga, the Lord gave him the Veeragandamani. Those who come and worship here sum up all courage to advance in life.