Kasi Viswanathar Temple, Sirkazhi, Nagapattinam
Kasi
Viswanathar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Sirkazhi in
Nagapattinam District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Kasi
Viswanathar and Mother is known as Visalakshi.
Legends
Demons Surapadma
and his brothers established the demon empire in Veeramahandrapuram. They
also captured worlds Earth, the world below Band the Indraloka. Driven out
of power, Indira, the king of Devas, came to earth, took the form of a bamboo
and stayed in a bamboo forest with his wife in Sirkali and performed penance on
Lord Shiva, seeking restoration of his power. During the nights, they
stayed in the Lotus flower in the hands of Kai Videl Appar so that they could
not be seen by any one.
Pleased
with his penance, Lord Shiva directed him to come to Kailash and place his
grievances. Indira left Indirani in the hands of Lord Kai Videl Appar and
left. Meantime, Kai Videl Appar also came to Kailash to submit his
accounts to Lord Shiva, leaving Indirani under the care of his army chief. Expecting
an opportunity to capture the beautiful Indirani, Surapadma’s sister Ajamukhi
came near to her with the intention of getting her married to her
brother. Mahakalan, the army chief, fought with her and chopped off her
hands. The place where her hand fell is known as Kai Vizhundha Cheri or
Kai Vilancheri meaning where the hand fell. Kai Videl Appar thus
protected Indirani. Remembering the event, the temple for Dharma Sastha is
raised in the south half of Sirkali.
The
Temple
Lord
Dharma Sastha occupies greater importance in this small temple granting the
boons devotees seek for. As he protected Indirani, wife of Indira, He is
also known as Kai Videl Appar meaning that he does not let down his
devotees. He graces from the south east corner of the temple with his
consort Poorana Pushkala. In the south half of Sirkali, Dharma Sastha
graces with his consort in a sitting form with one leg hanging and the other
bent.
Sri
Kanchi Mahaswamihal visited this temple and worshipped Lord and
Mother. Those on Sabarimalai pilgrimage begin the journey from here. Though
a Shiva temple, prominence is more attached to Dharma Sastha. Surrounding to
this temple Kamala Vinayagar, Dhakshina Moorthy, Subramaniyar, Durgai, Chandikeswarar
and Navagraham shrine are situated. Kasi Viswanathar and mother Visalakshi had
a separate shrine.
Temple
Opening Time
The
temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Monthly
Pradosha Pooja (13th day either from new moon or full moon day), new moon day
pujas, Karthikai in November-December, Chathurthi (4th day either from new moon
or full moon day), are regularly observed in the temple with special pujas. On
the last Sunday of the English year, Lakshrachana is performed for
Kaividelappar (God who would not let us down) and Navarathri is celebrated in
the shrine of Mother Visalakshi in September-October.
Prayers
Devotees
submit their prayers for removal of obstacles in marriage efforts, for child
boon and excellence in education. Abishek is offered to Lord and Mother with
vastras.
Contact
Sri
Kasiviswanathar Temple,
Sirkali,
Nagapattinam District
Mobile: +91 94439 11905 /
88831 76439
Connectivity
The
temple is situated at Thenpathi half a km from Sirkazhi Bus Stand. Auto
facilities are available. Nearest Railway Station is located at Sirkazhi
and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.
