Sri Rathnapureeswarar Temple | Thiruvazhkoliputhur | Thiruvalapputhur | Paadal petra sthalam.

Sri Rathnapureeswarar Temple:

Sri Rathnapureeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated at Thiruvazhkoliputhur (Thiruvalapputhur). The Presiding deities are Moolavar Sri Rathnapureeswarar/Sri Maanikkavannar and Ambal Sri Vandamar Poonguzhal Nayagi/Sri Brahma Kundhalambikai. 

This temple has its greatness by having Brahma Theertham as a holy tank and Vaagai Tree as Sthala Vriksham.

This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 29th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the waterway Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).

Sthala Purana:

Once in history, when the Devas and Asuras were beating the "Thiruparkadal" sea to separate nectar, Serpent Vasuki was utilized as a rope and the Mandara hill as the agitating bar. During this, Vasuki couldn't bear the agony and spat out toxins. This was consumed by Lord Shiva. Vasuki felt regretful that it had made Lord Shiva burn through its toxic substance and visited this temple to adore Lord Shiva and look for his exoneration as well as to regain its strength. She remained here under this  Sthala viruksham - Vaagai tree in a snake slope (Putru). Vasuki was honored to turn into an adornment of Lord Shiva in this shrine. Since Vasuki remained in a "putru" here, this spot gets the name Putrur. 

Another Purana, When Arjuna visited this spot, he was searching for water for his thirst. Lord Shiva appeared as an elderly person, offered him a stick, and asked him to strike the ground under the Vaagai tree to get water. Arjuna gave over his sword to the old man to do as advised. While Arjuna was drinking water, the Lord hid his sword in the Vaagai tree and vanished. When Arjuna returned, the person was not there, he understood that person who came in disguise is Lord Shiva himself. When he searched for his sword, he couldn't get any clue. So he visited the temple and sought the help of Lord Nandhi. To guide him to the place of Sword, he turned towards the tree. Thus we can adore Lord Nandhi facing the direction of Sthala Vriksham in this temple. He followed the guidance and discovered a snake slope with a Shivalingam close to it and Sword. He worshipped the Lord and took his sword from the tree. Consequently, this spot gets the name "Thiru Val Oli Putrur" later changed to Thiruvaalaputhur. 

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Importance of this Temple ;

Lord Vinayakar is found with 8 serpents named as "Ashta Naga" Vinayakar. This sanctum is under the Sthala Viruksham and it is intended to resemble a snake slope.

Temple Opening & Closing Timings:

The temple remains open from 7.30 am to 11.30 am and from 4.30 pm to 8 pm.

Temple Address

Sri Rathnapureeswaraswamy Temple,

Thiruvalaputhur Post,Mayiladuthurai Taluk,

Nagappattinam District, Tamil Nadu – 609 205.

Phone Number: 04364 - 254 879, 98425 38954.