History of the place

This place got its name as Penn (Virgins in Tamil), Aa (Divine cow Kamadhenu) and Gadam (Elephant) worshipped the Lord here, hence the name Pennaagadam (later changed as Pennadam). Indira, the king of Devas sent two maidens to bring flowers from earth for his puja. They found the flowers in plenty but stayed there by worshipping a Shivaling in a garden. Indira sent the Divine cow Kamadhenu to bring them back, who also joined them in the Puja by pouring its milk on the Lord. Now, it is the turn of Indira's white elephant (Iravadham) in search of them. It also joined them by protecting the Lord from sun's rays. Finally, Indira himself joined them in the worship. All returned together back to their place with the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Saints who worshiped

Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), Thirugnanasambandar. This temple is at 213th place out of the 274 Devara Sthalams.

Speciality of this temple

The Lord Shiva here is a Swayambumurthi. Birth place of Kalikamba Nayanar and Meikandar and Maraignana Sambandar had lived here. During pralaya kala (destruction of the world), the Lord ordered Nandhi to stop the water entering this place. Nandhi, then turned and diverted the flood and saved the place. Hence, this Lord is called Pralaya Kaleswarar. Kalikamba Nayanar did Pada Puja (washing the feet of Shiva devotees). When his wife refused to do so for a devotee, the Nayanar chopped off her hands, but the Lord restored her hands. Appar asked Shiva to put the trident and bull seal on his body. Accepting his request, Shiva inscribed his stamp in this temple with his signature. The Lord in recognition to a Chola king's bhakthi (who worshipped the Lord from the other side of banks of the river due to flood), raised the ground level and gave darshan.

Pariharam

People pray to Lord seeking cure for hand ailments.

Pariharam Procedure

Abishekam is done to the Lord with new vastras.