2. PERUMPERKANDIGAI

THANTHONDREESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 26 kms from Tindivanam on the way to Chennai.

Shiva: Thanthondreeswarar

Amman: Thaduthatkondanayaki

Sthala Viruksham: Athi

Speciality:

Thanthondreeswarar is a suyambhu linga made of sand. Thereore the Shiv is covered with a copper Kavasam.

This temple was renovated by Pallavas and Cholas.

There is a Kanaga Durga sannidhi is in a different posture seated over Maan (deer) Vahana with the bulls head under her leg. Around her there is patti, parrot and Vethal. She carries Changu, Chakram and Gadayudham in her hands. People worshipping her get rid of Pithru Dhoshas.

There is a Chamundeeswari Sannidhi who was established by King Vikramaditya who was an ardent devotee of this devi.

After visiting this temple only Vikramaditya went to Woraiyur.

There is a special Kaali called Ranabadhra Kali Sannidhi here. She killed Sandan and Mundan here.

Below the Sthala Viruksham we find Sage Agasthya in the form of a linga. There are 4 Nandhis around the Viruksham. The 4 nandhis are said to be the 4 Sanagadhi Munivars - Sanagar, Snandhar, Sanaadhanar and SanathKumarar.

The Ambaal Thaduthatkondanayaki is believed to perform Abhisheka to lord Shiva using the 'Gomadi Sangu' (this rare conch is found in this temple ). This Komadi Sangu appears only one out of a crore Sangu. This Sangu found here is more than 2000years old.

Inscriptions:

The inscriptions found in the temple state that the temple is more than 5000 years old.

There are inscriptions on the west wall of the Mandapam of the Thanthondreeswarar temple mentions the ancient name of Shiva was Shree Karaneeswarar and the name of the Village was Perumperur.

The inscriptions of the Period of Kulothunga Chola I gives account of the King's achievements and the defeat of Vikkalan and the conquest of Gangamandalam and Singanam. It also records the grant of Land to the Thiru Thanthndri Maha Shree Karaneeswarar Temple at Perumperur also called Thiribhuvananallur.

King Veera Rajendhra Chola I dispelled the dark Kali, took the head of Pandya King, levied tribute from Chera King and subdued the Sinhala country. He gave back Kadaram to the lost King as he fell on the feet of Veera Rajendhra. Raja Kesari Varman Vikramadhevan Veera Rajendhra Chola I seated on the throne after all victories with his queen Ulagamuzhudhudaiyal. He granted lands free of taxes to the temple. Three Padagam which had been lying without being leveled had been dug up and given to the temple. Paddy producing red rice was grown here and the yield was provided to the temple.

History:

Agasthya was sent to the south to balance the weight which was immense in Kailash due to Shiva Parvathi wedding and the whole universe attended the wedding. Agasthya told Shiva that Shiva shound before him in the wedding form with Parvathi whenever he wanted. Shiva assured him that he would do so. On his journey he found a very place for him to perform penance. He also found a Linga made of Sand. He started performing penance. The Chitra Pournami day came. On that day he wanted to see Shiva and Parvathi in the wedding posture. Lord Shiva appeared before him as Uma Maheswarar. Since the linga was formed on its own Lord Shiva obtained the nameThanthondreesarar. Now Shiva is called by this name only. Since Agasthya worshipped the Linga it was earlier called AGASTHEESWARAR in ancient days.