History of the place

To help devotees to cleanse themselves of their sins, Lord appeared in this place. He called these Thurais for the Saptha Rishis (Seven sages) addressing "Nee Vaa" meaning "You come here". This came as River Neeva Vada Vellaru, according to a story. The river is in the south of the temple. To avoid ravages during flooding, Nandhi, the bull vehicle of Lord turned its head towards the river. The floods receded. Hence, the head of the Nandhi is seen turning a side. While Sambandar was returning after worshipping Pralaya Kaleswarar at Pennadagam and was tired, Lord sent a pearl palanquin (Muthu Chivigai) and an Muthu Kodai (Pear Umbrella) to continue his pilgrimage.

Saints who worshiped

Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), Thirugnanasambandar, Sundarar, Adi Sankarar, Guhai Namachivaya Swamigal and Ramaling Adigal. This temple ranks 212 in place among the 274 Devara sthalams.

Speciality of this temple

The Lord Shiva here is a Swayambumurthi. Lord Vishnu, Adisesha, Planets Saturn and Mars, King Janaka and Chera, Chozha and Pandya kings had worshipped here. Seven temples on the banks (Thurai) of Vellaru are called Thurai temples. They are Aadhithurai (Kaarianur), Thiruvaalandurai, Thirumaanthurai, Thiruaaduthurai, Thiruvattathurai (Thittakudi), Thirunelvaayil Arathurai, Thirukarandurai.

Pariharam

Planets Shani (Saturn) and Angarakan (Mars) preethi sthalam. The Lord mercifully responds to every prayer of the devotees.

Pariharam Procedure

Devotees perform abishekam to Lord and Mother and offer vastras. Women who lost their husbands after one year, bathe in the river nearby, enter the temply through Magam Vasal gate (which is on the left of the sanctum sanctorum) worship the Lord and return the same way.