Neeneri Nathar / Sthira Budheeswarar Temple

Neeneri Nathar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Thandalachery in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. The presiding deity is Shiva. Presiding Deity is called as Neeneri Nathar / Sthira Budheeswarar and Mother is called as Gnanambika. Thandalachery is the birthplace of the Saivite saint Arivattaya Nayanar one of the 63 Nayanmars. The temple is frequented by people afflicted with leprosy. This is the 227th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 110th Sthalam on the south side of River Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. Four worship services are offered each day here. The historical name of the place is Thiru Thandalai Neel Neeri.

The temple was constructed by the Early Chola king Kochenganan who was cured of leprosy at this place. The village of Kannandangudi had served as a Chola capital.

This is one of the 78 “Maadakovils”, built on an elevation, by Ko Chenkata Chola Nayanar so that elephants cannot enter the sanctum. The current temple is a result of the contributions from the Nagarathaar community. Lord in the temple is a Swayambu murthy. Sthala Vriksham is Kurunda Tree and Theertham is Omaka Theertham.

Generally Ganga Mata is traditionally on the head of Lord Nataraja but Ganga Mata is at his feet in this temple. Sannadhi for Adhikara Nandi is located at the entrance of Rajagopuram and the temple has no Dwajasthamba.

Legend

There was a village named Kannamangalam 2 km north of Thandalacherry. This place is now called Kannandangudi, praised as the prosperity capital of the Chola kingdom. This also has the honour of the birth place of Thayanar of Velalar- farmers community. He was very kind to all Shiva devotees. It was his mission to offer Samba rice (a rich variety of rice) with Palak-Keerai in Tamil and mango pickles as naivedya to Lord every day. Though he had contributed for many renovations in the temple, in his opinion this naivedya occupied all priority. His wife also joined Nayanar in the worship.