Theerthanagiri - Sivakozhuntheeswarar Temple

Theerthanagiri Arulmigu Sivakozhuntheeswarar Temple (historically known as Thiru Theerthanagiri / Tondayamoor) is an ancient 10th-century Chola granite sanctuary and the 5th holy Paadal Petra Sthalam in the historic Nadu Naadu region of Tamil Nadu. Located near Kurinjipadi along the Cuddalore–Chidambaram coastal highway in Cuddalore district, this sacred temple derives its divine name from seven miraculous holy springs (Saptha Theerthams) created by Lord Shiva to heal Jambavan, the immortal bear king of the Ramayana.

Enshrined in the 7th-century Tamil Tevaram hymns composed by Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar, the temple is famous for Lord Shiva's manifestation as a tender sprout of divine light (Sivakozhunthu). The temple complex features a classic Dravidian Rajagopuram, an inner sanctum housing the Swayambhu Lingam of Sivakozhuntheeswarar, a dedicated shrine for Goddess Oppilaa Nayaki, the golden Kondrai tree (Sthala Vriksham), and the legendary Jambava Theertham. Pilgrims travel to Theerthanagiri to bathe in the holy waters for curing skin diseases, joint pains, physical ailments, and seeking long health (Arogya).

Jambavan's Healing Penance & The Seven Holy Springs (Saptha Theerthams)

According to the Sthala Puranam, following the epic battle of Lanka in the Ramayana era, the venerable bear king Jambavan suffered from severe battle wounds, exhaustion, and physical pain. Seeking divine remedy, Jambavan performed intense penance under a Kondrai tree at this location. Gratified by his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before Jambavan and struck the earth with His divine trident (Trishula), creating seven holy medicinal springs: 1. Jambava Theertham 2. Chakra Theertham 3. Shankha Theertham 4. Surya Theertham 5. Chandra Theertham 6. Agni Theertham 7. Brahma Theertham

Lord Shiva instructed Jambavan to bathe in the Jambava Theertham and apply the sacred silt (Mirthigai) to his body. Miraculously, Jambavan was instantly cured of all wounds, scars, and physical pain! Because Lord Shiva blessed the spot with seven sacred springs, the village came to be known as Theerthanagiri (the Mountain of Divine Springs).

Sundaramurthy Nayanar's Hymns of Divine Sprout

When Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar visited Theerthanagiri during his pilgrimage through Nadu Naadu, he was overwhelmed by the divine aura radiating from the inner sanctum. Sundarar beheld Lord Shiva as a tender flame of cosmic light (Sivakozhunthu) emerging from the Swayambhu Lingam. Spellbound, Sundarar sang 10 sublime Tevaram verses in the 7th Thirumurai starting with "Kondraiyuranai...", praising the Lord as Sivakozhuntheeswarar who bestows health, wealth, and liberation upon those who take refuge at His feet.

• Tevaram (7th Thirumurai): Glorified by Sundaramurthy Nayanar in 10 verses beginning with "Kondraiyuranai kuraikazhaladum... " (கொன்றையூரானைக் குறைகழலாடும்).
• Periya Puranam: Sekkizhar commemorates Sundarar's visit to Thiru Theerthanagiri in the 12th-century Shaivite hagiography.

• Parantaka Chola I Inscriptions: 10th-century stone inscriptions on the outer sanctum wall record grants of land for maintaining daily morning and evening pooja services and oil for perpetual lamps (Nanda Deepam).
• Rajaraja Chola I Grants: Epigraphs document endowments for maintaining the temple water tanks (Saptha Theerthams) and feeding visiting Shaivite pilgrims (Sathiram).

• Hydro-Therapeutic Properties of Jambava Theertham: Local tradition and Siddha practitioners observe that the water of Jambava Theertham contains herbal minerals from surrounding Kondrai trees, which traditional pilgrims use for ritual bathing to alleviate skin allergies.
• Chola Granite Sanctum Base (Adhisthana): Features early 10th-century molded stone courses carved with floral motifs and lotus petals.

• Jambava Theertham Healing Snanam: Devotees take holy baths in the Jambava Theertham on Sunday mornings and offer abhishekam with milk and sandalwood to Lord Sivakozhuntheeswarar to seek relief from skin diseases and chronic physical illness.
• Four Daily Kala Poojas: Morning Kalasanthi, Midday Uchikalam, Evening Sayarakshai, and Night Ardha Jamam.
• Kondrai Flower Archana: Special archana performed with golden Kondrai flowers during the Tamil month of Chithirai.

• Best Months: October to March (pleasant weather for temple visits).
• Major Festivals: Maha Shivaratri (Feb–March), Margazhi Arudra Darshan (Dec–Jan), Masi Magam (Feb–March), Monthly Pradosham.

• Tevaram Thirumurai Canon (7th Thirumurai, Sundaramurthy Nayanar).
• Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar (Sundarar Puranam).
• ASI South Indian Inscriptions, Volume XIX (Inscriptions of Cuddalore District).