Sunrise At: 4:50 AM
Sunset At: 6:15 PM
Achalpuram – Shivalokathyagar & Thiru Vennetru Umai Ammai
Achalpuram Temple (Sri Shivaloka Thyagaraja Swami Temple) is one of the sacred Saivite temples maintained under the administration of Dharumapuram Adheenam, located in Achalpuram, Sirkali – 609 101, Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu. The temple stands majestically facing east with a five-tier Rajagopuram.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shivaloka Thyagar (Moolavar) and Goddess Thiru Vennetru Umai Ammai & Suvedha Vibhuti Nayaki. The Urchavar (processional deity) is Tirugnana Sambandar. The Thala Virutcham (sacred tree) is the Mango Tree. The sacred theerthams are Panchakkara, Ashwa, Vasishta, Athiri, Jamadagni, and Vyasa Mrigandu theerthams.
This is the 5th Lord Shiva temple on the northern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns. The temple is praised by Saint Tirugnana Sambandar in his Thevaram hymns. The historical names of this place are Shivalokapuram, Mukthipuram, Thirumana Nallur, and Thirumanavai. The temple is approximately 1000–2000 years old.
Lord Shiva graces in the temple as Swayambumurthi. Nanda Mandapam and a 100-pillar mandap stand next to the tower. Saint Sambandar graces in the 100-pillar mandap with Stotra Poornambikai in a wedding posture. Lord Vishnu and the sages Kaka, Vasishta, Parasara, Brugu, and Jamadagni had worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple.
Dharumapuram Adheenam continues to preserve the temple's ancient traditions, architecture, and spiritual practices while ensuring the uninterrupted conduct of daily poojas, religious ceremonies, and grand annual celebrations.
Temple Highlights
Swayambumurthi Shiva
Lord Shiva graces as Swayambumurthi — a self-manifested divine form of immense spiritual significance.
Praised in Thevaram Hymns
The 5th Shiva temple on the northern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram by Saint Tirugnana Sambandar.
Saint Sambandar's Merger with Shiva
The sacred place where Saint Tirugnana Sambandar merged with Lord Shiva Jyoti along with all gathered devotees during his wedding.
Festival Celebrations
Mahashivaratri is devotionally celebrated in February–March. The Moola Star Day in Vaikasi (May–June) commemorates Sambandar's merger with Shiva.
Temple Details
| Temple Name | Achalpuram Sri Shivaloka Thyagaraja Swami Temple |
|---|---|
| Moolavar | Shivaloka Thyagar |
| Urchavar | Tirugnana Sambandar |
| Amman / Thayar | Thiru Vennetru Umai Ammai, Suvedha Vibhuti Nayaki |
| Thala Virutcham | Mango Tree |
| Theertham | Panchakkara, Ashwa, Vasishta, Athiri, Jamadagni, Vyasa Mrigandu Theerthams |
| Historical Names | Shivalokapuram, Mukthipuram, Thirumana Nallur, Thirumanavai |
| Temple Age | 1000–2000 years old |
| City | Achalpuram |
| District | Mayiladuthurai |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Opening Time | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Address | Sri Shivaloka Thyagaraja Swami Temple, Achalpuram, Sirkali – 609 101, Mayiladuthurai District |
| Location | 8QH4+JF8, Kollidam-Alakudi Rd, Achalpuram, Tamil Nadu 609101 |
Singers
The temple is praised by Saint Tirugnana Sambandar in his Thevaram hymns. This is the 5th Lord Shiva temple on the northern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns. The Nayanmars Tiruneelanakanda Yazhpanar, Muruga Nayanar, and Tiruneelanakka Nayanar also worshipped the Lord in this temple.
Spiritual Significance
Achalpuram Temple holds supreme spiritual significance as the sacred place where Saint Tirugnana Sambandar merged with Lord Shiva Jyoti along with all devotees gathered for his wedding. Sirkali occupies a place of pride in the religious map of Tamil Nadu as the birthplace of Saint Tirugnana Sambandar, who restored the Vedic glory and supremacy of Saivism. Great sages Vasishta, Parasara, Jamadagni, and Brugu had their Kailash darshan here. Lord Brahma secured the creation boon and Vishnu was granted the power of destroying the wicked here.
- Dedicated to Lord Shivaloka Thyagar (Swayambumurthi)
- Divine shrine of Thiru Vennetru Umai Ammai
- 5th Shiva temple on northern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram
- Sacred place of Saint Tirugnana Sambandar's merger with Shiva Jyoti
- Sacred Ash (Vibhuti) is the Prasad — applying cures illness and removes sins
- Worshipping here removes poverty and ensures salvation
- Nayanmars Tiruneelanakka Nayanar, Muruga Nayanar, and Tiruneelanakanda Yazhpanar worshipped here
- Mahashivaratri festival celebrated devotionally in February–March
Greatness of Temple
Sirkali is the birthplace of Saint Tirugnana Sambandar, who ably restored the Vedic glory of Saivism. It is in Achalpuram that Sambandar merged with Lord Shiva Jyoti together with all gathered devotees. As Achal-Mother personally attended the wedding and offered Vibhuti Prasad to the guests, She is praised as Tiruvennetru Umai Ammai. Sage Kaka performed penance here using his head, unwilling to tread this sacred land with his legs. Lord Brahma secured the creation boon here. Moon was relieved of his curse at this holy place. Sacred Ash-Vibhuti is the Prasad offered — applying it on the body cures illness, frees one from sins and poverty, and ensures the Mangalya longevity of women.
Temple History
Father Shivapada Hrudayar asked Saint Tirugnana Sambandar to marry. Shivapada Hrudayar chose Poompavai, daughter of Sivanesan Chettiar, as his bride. But she died of a snake bite. Tirugnanasambandar restored her to life with the grace of Lord. He then chose Mangai Nallal, daughter of Nambiandar Nambi of Nallur. The wedding took place at Achalpuram. Tiruneelanakka Nayanar conducted the rituals. While circumambulating the wedding fire pit, Gnanasambandar prayed to Lord Shiva for protection and sang the Kallur Perumanam hymn. Lord Shiva appeared as Jyothi and advised the saint to join Him. Sambandar sang his last Pathigam highlighting the glory of Panchakshara Mantra — Na Ma Shi Va Ya. All merged with the Lord collectively at the same time. This event is celebrated each year on the Moola Star Day in the month of Vaikasi (May–June).
Prayers & Thanksgiving
Devotees worshipping in this temple will never suffer from poverty and are sure to attain salvation, according to belief. Devotees offer vastras to Lord and Mother and contribute for the renovation of the temple.