About trip

About Temple: This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 3rd Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).This temple was destroyed by the flooding of Manimuthaaru river and has been reconstructed after that.

• Moolavar : Nardana Vallabeswarar.
• Amman / Thayar : Gnana Shakti, Parasakthi
• Thala Virutcham : Kallala Maram (Banyan tree)
• Theertham : Brahmma, Agasthya, Kathyayana theerthas
• Old year : 1000-2000 years old
• Historical Name : Dakshina Prayagai
• Location : Tirukoodalai Attrur, Cuddalore,Tamil Nadu

History:

• This temple has a single corridor and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 3-tiers.
• The Moolavar vimanam (shrine of the main deity) has two tiers.
• There is no flag post in this temple.
• The last Consecration ceremony (Kumbhabishekam) took place on 08.02.2015. Prior to this, the consecration ceremony was held on 29.08.1961. 
• Koodalaiyatrur is on the confluene of rivers Vellaaru, Manimuthaaru and Akaya Ganges (an invisible river), hence the place is known as Koodalaiyatrur and “Thiruveni Sangamam”. This place is also known as “Dakshina Prayagai” as the river flows from south to north.
• In the outer corridor, idols of Lords Amutha Vinayakar, Kasi Viswanathar, Murugan with his consorts, Natarajar, Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Vishnu, Kala Bairavar, Bairavar, Suryan, Chandran, Chandikeswarar, Nalvars and goddess Ashta buja Durgai can be seen.
• There is no Navagraham here but only a separate shrine for Lord Sani. He is respected as “Pongu Sani” - meaning Lord Sani who gives prosperity.
• There is a separate shrine for Sage Agasthiar in the outer compound wall of the temple. 
• Since Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswathi are believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva, Goddess Gnanasakthi and Goddess Parasakthi in this temple, devotees believe that worshipping the deities here will give them the gift of knowledge and wisdom.
• Secondly, as Sage Agasthiar worshiped the lord of this temple so as to not forget the arts and knowledge that he learnt so far, devotees worship the lord here seeking a similar blessing.
• This is also a parihara sthalam for those who born during the periods of Bharani and Makam nakshatrams (constellation). Devotees whose birth nakshatram are Bharani and Makam visit this temple for poojas.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Cuddalore Sightseeing

Pick up from Theni/Dindigul. Proceeding towards Cuddalore. Hotel Check in. Then proceed to visit Singirikudi Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swami Temple. Bhuvaraha Swami Temple. Padaleeswarar Temple. Come back to Hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 2 - Cuddalore Sightseeing

After Refreshment and Breakfast at Hotel. Check out from Hotel. Then proceed to visit Sri Deyva Nayaga Perumal Temple. Sri Narthana Vallabeswarar Temple at Thiru Koodalaiyatrur. Then Starting Our Journey Towards Theni/Dindigul.