History of the place

Sage Durvasa was on an intense penance to have the darshan of Lord Shiva. A gandharva (celestial people) caused hindrance to the sage's penance. Known for his temperament, the sage cursed him to become Narai (Crane). As the sage refused the apology of the Gandharva and denied to suggest a relief, the gandharva prayed to Lord Shiva. The Lord asked him (Narai) to do abishekam to HIM with Ganga water fetched every day from Kasi. The bird did the same and got relief. As the salvation took place here, this place is called Thirnaraiyur.

Saints who worshiped

Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), Thirugnanasambandar. This temple ranks 33rd among the 274 devara sthalams.

Speciality of this temple

Polla Pillayar (Lord Vinayaka) is swayambumurthi here and this place is the 6th Padai Veedu (the top most important temples for Lord Vinayaga). Nambi Andar Nambi grew up watching his father offering nivedhanas to Polla Pillaiyar (Lord Vinayaka) here. When he became the priest, he offered Nivedhana too and requested the Lord to consume his offering. As Lord Vinayaga was testing Nambi's trust, HE did not consume. Nambi wept and dashed at His feet and cried. Pleased with his Bhakti, Lord Vinayaka accepted and consumed the Nivedhana. KIng Rajaraja Cholan did not believe this miracle and came with different Nivedhana and asked Nambi to offer it to the Lord. When Nambi sang the Irattai Mani Malai hymns, Polla Pillaiyar ate the nivedhana in the presence of all. Nambi Andar Nambi was responsible for collecting and saving the sacred Thevaram hymns from pests and edited them and each Saivaite is indebted to him in every lifetime.

Pariharam

This Lord grants all that the devotees wish.

Pariharam Procedure

Devotees perform abishekam to Lord and Mother offering new vastras.