Rajendra Pattinam - Tirukkumaresar Temple

Rajendra Pattinam Arulmigu Tirukkumaresar Temple (historically known as Thiru Erukkathampuliyur) is an ancient 11th-century Chola granite sanctuary and the 4th holy Paadal Petra Sthalam in the historic Nadu Naadu region of Tamil Nadu. Renamed by Emperor Rajendra Chola I in honor of his imperial victories, this venerable temple is celebrated across Shaivite literature as one of the sacred Pancha Puliyurs (Five Tiger Shrines of Tamil Nadu) and as the birthplace of Saint Neelakanta Yazhpanar Nayanar, the master harp musician who accompanied child-saint Sambandar.

Enshrined in the 7th-century Tamil Tevaram hymns composed by Saint Thirugnanasambandar, the temple derives its sacred name Tirukkumaresar from Lord Murugan (Kumaran), who performed intense penance here before defeating demon Surapadman. The temple complex features a three-tiered Rajagopuram, an inner sanctum housing the Swayambhu Lingam of Swetargavaneswarar, a dedicated shrine for Goddess Neelamalarkkanni, the rare white calotropis tree (Vellerukku Sthala Vriksham), and the holy Skanda Pushkarini. Devotees visit Rajendra Pattinam to pray for childlessness remedies, musical mastery, freedom from ear and nerve afflictions, and academic success.

Lord Murugan's Penance & Name 'Tirukkumaresar'

According to the Sthala Puranam, before embarking on his divine battle against demon Surapadman, Lord Murugan (Kumaran) approached his father, Lord Shiva, at this holy spot to seek divine weapons and supreme spiritual strength. Lord Murugan installed a Swayambhu Lingam under a white calotropis tree (Vellerukku) and performed intense Vedic rituals. Gratified by His son's devotion, Lord Shiva manifested before Murugan, granted him the divine Vel (spear) and brahmastra boons, and declared: "Because My son Kumaran worshipped Me here, I shall forever be known at this shrine as Tirukkumaresar (the Lord of Kumara)."

The Legend of White Calotropis (Vellerukku) & Swetargavaneswarar

In Sanskrit, the temple deity is called Swetargavaneswarar (Sweta = White, Arka = Erukku tree). Legend holds that Sage Vyasa and Sage Agastya performed penance under the white calotropis bush at this shrine. It is believed that offering leaves of the sacred Vellerukku tree to Lord Tirukkumaresar on Sundays relieves devotees of chronic skin ailments, ear pain, and planetary doshams.

Birthplace of Saint Neelakanta Yazhpanar Nayanar

Erukkathampuliyur (Rajendra Pattinam) is immortalized in Sekkizhar's Periya Puranam as the birthplace of Saint Neelakanta Yazhpanar Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars. Born into a family of master musicians, Yazhpanar mastered the ancient Tamil stringed instrument, the Yazh. Upon hearing child Sambandar's Tevaram hymns at Sirkazhi, Yazhpanar dedicated his life to playing the Yazh in harmony with Sambandar's singing as they traveled across Tamilakam. A dedicated shrine honoring Saint Neelakanta Yazhpanar and his wife Matanga Sulamani is enshrined within the temple.

• Tevaram (1st Thirumurai): Glorified by Thirugnanasambandar in 11 verses beginning with "Pulam uyareduthu isaikol paadal... " (புலம் உயராடுத்து இசைகொள் பாடல்).
• Periya Puranam: Sekkizhar dedicates an inspiring chapter to the life and musical devotion of Neelakanta Yazhpanar Nayanar at Erukkathampuliyur.

• Rajendra Chola I Inscriptions (1012–1044 CE): Imperial stone inscriptions on the outer sanctum wall document that Emperor Rajendra Chola I grandly renovated the temple in polished granite, endowed gold coins, and renamed the village Rajendra Pattinam.
• Rajaraja Chola I Grants: Epigraphs record grants of wetland for maintaining Tevaram reciters (Oduvars) and musicians playing the Yazh.

• Botanical Rarity of Vellerukku: The temple preserves the rare white-flowered Calotropis procera (Vellerukku), a medicinal plant revered in Siddha medicine for its anti-inflammatory and cardiac properties.
• Pancha Puliyur Alignment: Rajendra Pattinam is geographically aligned along the ancient Shaivite pilgrimage route connecting the five Puliyur shrines (Chidambaram, Omampuliyur, Perumpuliyur, Kattumannarkoil, and Erukkathampuliyur).

• Neelakanta Yazhpanar Music Festival: Celebrated annually on the birth star (Anusham) of Saint Neelakanta Yazhpanar, featuring classical Tamil Yazh and Veena concerts by renowned musicians.
• Four Daily Kala Poojas: Morning Kalasanthi, Midday Uchikalam, Evening Sayarakshai, and Night Ardha Jamam.
• Vellerukku Archana for Health & Children: Special archana performed with white calotropis flowers on Sundays for childless couples and those seeking relief from nervous disorders.

• Best Months: October to March (pleasant weather).
• Major Festivals: Neelakanta Yazhpanar Guru Poojai (May–June), Skanda Sashti (Oct–Nov), Maha Shivaratri (Feb–March), Monthly Pradosham.

• Tevaram Thirumurai Canon (1st Thirumurai, Thirugnanasambandar).
• Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar (Neelakanta Yazhpanar Puranam).
• ASI South Indian Inscriptions, Volume XIX (Inscriptions of Rajendra Chola I).