Sunrise At: 4:50 AM
Sunset At: 6:15 PM
Sirkazhi – Sattainathar, Brahmapureeswarar & Periyanayaki
Sirkazhi Sri Sattainathaswami Temple is one of the most sacred Saivite temples associated with Dharumapuram Adheenam. Located in Sirkazhi – 609 110, Mayiladuthurai District, Tamil Nadu, this ancient shrine holds immense importance in Tamil Saiva spiritual history and devotional traditions.
The Moolavar (principal deity) is Lord Sattainathar, Brahmapureeswarar, and Thoniyappar. The Urchavar (processional deity) is Somaskandar. The Amman / Thayar is Periyanayaki and Tirunilai Nayaki. The Thala Virutcham (sacred trees) are Parijatham and Pavalamalli. The temple has 22 theerthams including Brahmma Theertham. Pooja is performed according to Pancharathra Agama.
This is the 14th Shiva temple on the northern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns. Sirkazhi is especially renowned as the birthplace of Saint Tirugnana Sambandar, one of the foremost Nayanmars, who spread the glory of Saiva Siddhanta through sacred hymns. The historical name of this place is Brahmma Puram.
The Lord of the temple is praised by many saints including Tirugnana Sambandar, Manickavasagar, Arunagiriar, Gananathar, Nambiandar Nambigal, Pattinathar, Sekkizhar, Arunachala Kavi Rayar, Marimutha Pillai, and Muthu Thandava Dikshithar. Lord Shiva is a Swayambumurthi in the temple.
The first verse of Saint Tirugnana Sambandar, "Thodudaya Sevian," was born here when Mother Uma fed the infant saint with milk blended with Saraswatha wisdom at the temple tank. This event is mentioned in the 75th verse of Soundarya Lahari by Acharya Adi Sankara.
Temple Highlights
Birthplace of Saint Tirugnana Sambandar
Sacred birthplace where Mother Uma fed the infant saint with wisdom-infused milk, making him a poet of excellence.
Chinna Kayilai – Small Kailash
A portion of Mount Kailash was brought here by 20 birds. This three-tier hill temple is revered as Chinna Kayilai.
11th Shakti Peeta
This is the 11th Shakti Peeta where Mother graces as Mahalakshmi. It is also sacred as a place of Lord Bhairava importance like Kasi-Varanasi.
Lord Shiva in Three Forms
Lord graces here in three forms as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva — as Brahmapureeswarar, Thoni Appar, and Sattainathar.
Temple Details
| Temple Name | Sirkazhi Sri Sattainathaswami Temple |
|---|---|
| Moolavar | Sattainathar, Brahmapureeswarar, Thoniyappar |
| Urchavar | Somaskandar |
| Amman / Thayar | Periyanayaki, Tirunilai Nayaki |
| Thala Virutcham | Parijatham, Pavalamalli |
| Theertham | 22 Theerthams including Brahmma Theertham |
| Agama / Pooja | Pancharathra Agama |
| Historical Name | Brahmma Puram |
| Temple Age | 1000–2000 years old |
| City | Sirkazhi |
| District | Mayiladuthurai |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| Opening Time | 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Address | Sri Sattainathaswami Temple, Sirkali – 609 110, Mayiladuthurai District |
| Location | 6PRP+8V4, 106 D, Pidari S St, Thenpathi, Sirkali, Tamil Nadu 609110 |
Singers
The Lord of the temple is praised by many saints and scholars: Tirugnana Sambandar, Manickavasagar, Arunagiriar, Gananathar, Nambiandar Nambigal, Pattinathar, Sekkizhar, Arunachala Kavi Rayar, Marimutha Pillai, and Muthu Thandava Dikshithar. This is the 14th Shiva temple on the northern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns. Saint Tirugnana Sambandar sung his first hymn here after Mother Uma fed him with wisdom-infused milk as an infant — an event mentioned in the 75th verse of Soundarya Lahari by Acharya Adi Sankara, where Gnanasambandar is referred to as Drivida Sishu.
Spiritual Significance
Sirkazhi Temple is the only temple where Brahma-Saraswathi, Shiva-Parvathi, and Vishnu-Mahalakshmi bless devotees from the sanctum sanctorum together, as in Mount Kailash. Lord Bhairava graces in eight forms here. Worshipping here relieves the devotee from pride and arrogance. Those involved in litigations pray to Lord Satta Nathar — the supreme head of all Laws.
- Dedicated to Lord Sattainathar, Brahmapureeswarar, Thoniyappar
- Goddess Periyanayaki & Tirunilai Nayaki shrines
- Birthplace of Saint Tirugnana Sambandar
- 11th Shakti Peeta — Mother graces as Mahalakshmi
- 14th Shiva temple on northern bank of Cauvery in Thevaram
- Pancharathra Agama worship practices
- Lord graces in three forms — Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva
- Sacred as Lord Bhairava Kshetra, equal to Kasi-Varanasi
- Devotees avoid wearing flowers in this shrine (women); men come without shirts
Festivals
Brahmmotsavam begins on the Chithirai Tiruvadhirai day in April–May. The event of Mother Uma feeding Gnanasambandar is celebrated on the second day — the milk offered as Prasad is believed to ensure salvation. Oil abishek is offered to Lord Uma Maheswarar in the hill temple on the first day of Tamil months Chithirai, Aadi, Aipasi, Thai, on Karthikai Deepam, Margazhi Tiruvadirai, and Shivrathri. Special pujas are performed on Aadi Pooram, Navrathri, Thai new moon day, Vaikasi Moola Star Day, Aani Rohini Star Day, and Sadayam Star Day in Aipasi.
Temple History
Tirugnana Sambandar was born to Shivapada Hrudayar and Bagavati Ammai, regarded as the incarnation of Lord Muruga. When his father left him as an infant at the Brahmma Theertham tank, the hungry child cried. Lord Shiva asked Mother Parvathi to feed the boy. Mother fed him with milk blended with Saraswatha wisdom. The child's first hymn "Thodudaya Sevian" was born here, enriching Tamil spiritual literature. Gana Sambandar sang 67 pathigams of 10 verses each on the Lord of Sirkali temple; Tirunavukkarasar sang 3 pathigams and Sundarar sang one.