Located at Pazhayarai, near Kumbakonam, stands an ancient Shiva temple that carries centuries of devotion, miracles and Chola history. Known today as Sri Somanathar Temple at Keezh Pazhayarai, this sacred shrine is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams and continues to draw devotees seeking divine blessings and healing.
Interestingly, the temple was once part of the ancient city of Pazhayarai Vadathali. Over time, the area became two separate villages, Pazhayarai and Vadathali located about a kilometre apart. Although they are now separate temples, Saint Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) praised both together in his sacred hymns.
One of the temple's most fascinating legends dates back to the time when Jainism flourished in the region. It is believed that the Shiva temple at Vadathali was deliberately buried beneath the ground by Jain monks, leaving the sacred Shivalingam hidden from devotees.
When Saint Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) arrived in Pazhayarai, he sensed that something was amiss. Upon learning what had happened, he began a determined fast, praying for Lord Shiva to reveal the hidden shrine.
Moved by his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared in the dream of the local Chola king, Manimudi Devan, instructing him to help Appar uncover the temple. Following the divine vision, the king located the buried Shivalingam, restored the temple, and reopened it for worship. The remarkable event remains one of the most celebrated miracles associated with Pazhayarai.
Pazhayarai was once one of the most important capitals of the mighty Chola Empire. It was home to royal palaces, military camps, temples and thriving settlements. Historians believe that great Chola rulers, including King Aditya Chola and Raja Raja Chola, were closely associated with this sacred temple.
Also did you know that some temples have a dedicated Shiva Lingam for each of the 12 zodiac signs?
From Mesham to Meenam, devotees offer prayers at the Lingam associated with their rasi, believing that Lord Shiva helps absorb planetary afflictions such as Sani Dosham and unfavourable planetary transits while blessing them with peace, protection and spiritual strength.
The temple is also linked to Rajendra Chola, who is believed to have spent part of his childhood in Pazhayarai under the care of his grandmother, the respected Queen Kundavai Piratti. Keezh Pazhayarai is honoured as the birthplace of two revered Nayanmars.
It is the birthplace of Mangayarkkarasiyar, the courageous queen who played a vital role in restoring Saivism in Madurai by inviting Saint Thirugnanasambandar to the Pandya kingdom during a time when Jainism was spreading rapidly.
The temple is also the birthplace of Amarneethi Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars remembered for his unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva. According to temple legend, Garuda once carried a pot of divine nectar after obtaining it from Lord Indra to free his mother from slavery.
During his journey, demons attacked him, causing three drops of nectar to fall upon this sacred land. Those drops transformed into a Shiva Lingam, a divine goddess and a sacred water source now known as Jatayu Theertham.
Garuda is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here and created the holy pond that continues to attract devotees.
Another legend tells of Chandran, the Moon God, who came here seeking relief from a curse. After worshipping Lord Shiva and creating Soma Theertham, he regained his radiance and strength. Because of this, Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Sri Somanathar, while the Goddess is revered as Sri Soma Kamala Nayagi.
Apart from the sanctum of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, devotees can worship Lord Vinayagar, Lord Murugan with His consorts, Bhairavar, Surya, Chandra, the Navagrahas, Chandikeswarar and many other deities. One of the temple's most striking sculptures depicts Ravana lifting Mount Kailash upon his shoulders beneath Lord Kailasanathar, a masterpiece admired for its intricate craftsmanship.
Beautiful idols of Dakshinamurthy, Ardhanareeswarar and Veera Durgai further add to the temple's spiritual and artistic significance.
For generations, devotees have visited this temple seeking not only spiritual blessings but also healing.
It is widely believed that taking a holy dip in Soma Theertham helps relieve mental ailments and brings peace of mind, while bathing in Jatayu Theertham is said to provide relief from skin diseases, including leprosy.
Whether one comes seeking divine grace, inner peace or simply to experience the legacy of the Cholas and the Nayanmars, Sri Somanathar Temple at Keezh Pazhayarai remains a timeless reminder of unwavering faith, miraculous intervention and Lord Shiva's eternal presence.
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