Thirucherai Gnanavalli Sametha Sara Parameswarar Temple - The Temple For Financial Debt Relief

About

Debt can scare the daylight out of anybody. Presiding deity of Thirucherai, Gnanavalli Sametha Sara Parameswarar ensures his devotees are saved from the debt mountain when they pray him wholeheartedly. The deity was installed by Markandeya, the Chireenjevi, meaning who has no death. Lord Shiva blessed the sage and agreed to shower prosperity whoever visited here to worship him. The Runa  Lingeshwarar is located in the circumambulatory path. One who suffers from financial problems and debts must visit this place and do archana to the Lord 11 weeks on Mondays. This worship also helps people who are childless, jobless, and who have stagnant business.

History / Story

After the special offerings for 11 weeks, ablution is to be performed as a token of gratitude. Devotees are given flowers, which is taken back during the ablution symbolizing one has paid the debts back. As there 11 Rudras, the forms of Lord Shiva, 11 is considered to be a special number for the Lord. So, there are 11 materials used for the ablution:

• Gingely Oil
• Pancha Kavyam- the 5 materials obtained from cow- milk, curd, ghee, cow’s urine, and honey
• Panchamrutham
• Ghee
• Milk
• Sugarcane juice
• Lime juice
• Tender coconut water
• Curd
• Honey
• Sandal paste

While it is said runa or debt can be resolved, it is not restricted to financial debts. Debts to parents, ancestors and the Devas are resolved here. During the month of Tamil calendar, Masi (from Mid February to Mid March), on 13th 14th and 15th days, the sun’s rays fall on the Lord directly. It is said the Sun God, Surya, worships Lord Shiva here on these days. In the inner Praharam one can see sannidhis for Durga, Vishnu Durga, and Vaishnava Durga.

Architecture

Sannidhis for Mahalakshmi and Jyeshta Devi too are present. It is customary to pray to these goddesses after completing the prayers to Runa Lingeshwarar. They ensure the devotee remains debt free and financial sound thereafter.

Like other ancient temples, there is miracle sighted here. The Sthala Vriksham or the Tree of the Temple will have only leaves for the first 4 months of the year, and the second 4 months it has white flowers,  and the rest of the year, it has nothing. The Mavilangai tree is the sthala vriksham here.

How To Reach

Thirucherai is located near Kumbakonam, and it is a very short distance of 15 Km from here. The town has proper roads, and lots of buses ply to this place.

Temple Timings

The temple is open from 6 to 12 noon, and 4:30 to 8:30 PM. On Mondays, the Runa Lingeshwara archanas and abhishekam can be enjoyed by all devotees during Praadosha kalam, ie 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM