Lord Shivalokathyagar - With Whom A Devotee Merged During His Marriage!



The next temple in the list of the paadal petra sthalam is Tirunellurperumanam temple, most commonly known as Achalapuram Shivalokathyagar temple. This temple is situated at Achalpuram in Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, referred to here as Shivalokathyagar and His consort is Devi Tiruvennetru Umaiammai. 



This temple is more of a tribute to the life and salvation of Thirugnana Sambhandar, one of the prime devotees of Lord Shiva among the 63 Nayanmars. It is believed that in this temple, this great devotee attained moksha and merged into Shiva Tattva. Sambhandar's father wanted his son to get married and to settle into a family. While Sambhandar was not at all interested, he surrendered to the will of the Divine to make his father happy. His marriage was first fixed with a girl who died of snake bite. Sambhandar is said to have revived her back to life but then viewed her as a daughter since he had given life to her. His father then fixed his marriage with another girl. The marriage ceremonies took place at Achalapuram. The wedding was officiated by none other than Tiruneelaka Nayanar, another devotee of Lord Shiva among the Nayanmars. As Sambhandar was circumambulating around the holy fire, he sent a heartfelt prayer to Lord Shiva to save him from the bondage of a married life. His prayers were answered when Lord Shiva appeared there in the form of a jyoti and asked Sambhandar to merge into Him. Uttering one last pathigam (verse) highlighting the benefits of the Shiva-Panchakshari Mantra, Sambhandar merged into Shiva Tattva. It is said that many others gave up their mortal lives there, including, Tiruneelaka Nayanar. This is the only temple which houses image of Thirugnana Sambhandar with his wife, as their marriage took place here. There are idols for Lord Vinayaga, Lord Dakshinamurthy, Lord Brahma, Lord Lingotbhava and Devi Durga, alongwith idols of some of the Nayanmars. 

Devi is said to have personally attended the wedding and offered Vibhuti to all the guests, thereby getting the name Thiruvennetru Umai Amman. 

Achalpuram has a lot of religious significance. Lord Brahma is said to have gotten the boon for creation here and Lord Vishnu is believed to have achieved the powers to fight and win over wicked people here. Many sages such as Rishi Vashishta, Rishi Bhrigu and Rishi Jamadagni are believed to have attained Darshan of Kailashanathar here. Devi Ganga is said to have performed penance here and Lord Indra is said to have got all His riches at this place. In face, Sage Kaka Bhushundi considered this such a pious spot that he is believed to have walked here on his head, rather than his feet! 

There are many healing properties associated with this temple. The Vibhuti offered in the temple is said to cure all diseases of devotees, frees them from sins and poverty and blesses married women with Mangalya-dharanam for a long period of time. Those who pray to Thirugnana Sambhandar at this temple are believed to achieve salvation. 

Om Namaha Shivaya!

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