Temple's Peculiarity

The magnificent Sri Agneeswarar temple sprawls across an area of two acres in Nalladai near Nagapattinam. There are three entrances with majestic Kopuras (Towers). It is a bygone temple built in 1147. The sanctum sanctorum has Lord Shiva surrounded by water in order to cool down the heat from the idol. This is one among 27 Nakshatra temples. It is unusual to see the lord facing West and that's why this temple attracts more people and is also considered being more powerful and pious.

Mythology

The myth of this temple is that Sage Mruganda Maharishi held a mass Yaga for lord Nalladai. The public offered three silk clothes as their contribution to the Yaga. The sage got it from them and hurled those clothes in to the fire pit. The people were bewildered and asked the sage why he threw their beloved offerings into the fire, the Sage with a warm smile asked them to see inside the sanctum. When they entered the sanctum sanctorum they were taken aback to see those silk clothes draped around the Lord. Seeing their amused faces the sage explained that all types of Agni and Bharani Rudrani are all one and they have the power of delivering our offerings to the Lord directly, this is why this temple is devoted to Bharani star.

Festivals

Many festivals are commemorated every year. Among them Aippasi Annabishekam, Karthigai somawar, Arundra Dharshan, Margali poojai, Maha Sivarathiri, Panguni uthiram and Thai poosam are some of the famous ones.

Preferred Nakshatra

Bharani starrers are advised to visit this temple at least once in their life time. As the idol here is facing west, the devotees are twice blessed.

Timings:

The temple is open from morning 8.00 am to 12.00 am then in the evening from 5.00 pm to 8.30 pm.

Speciality

This temple is famous for dislodging obstacles in wedding, child boon and planetary effects.

Travel

Nalladai village is near the town Mayiladuthurai.

Bus : Buses or taxis from Mayilladuthurai can be taken; there are also some auto rickshaws outside the bus stand.

Train : Mayilladuthurai is the nearest railway station from where you have to take a bus or taxi to reach the temple.

Airport : Trichy International airport is the only one nearer to this place.