Nalladai Agneeswarar Temple
Nalladai Agneeswarar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple located at Nalladai village near Poraiyar in Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Lord Agneeswarar, a form of Lord Shiva, and His consort is Goddess Sundaranayaki.
The temple is especially revered as a Parihara Sthalam for people born under Bharani Nakshatra. The temple's traditions connect Bharani with the Agni-related manifestation of Lord Shiva and with the yajna performed by Sage Mrikandu.
One of the most distinctive features of the temple is that Lord Agneeswarar faces west, unlike the usual east-facing orientation of many Shiva temples. The shrine of Sundaranayaki has a different orientation as well.
The temple is associated with the Chola period, and inscriptions indicate that the sanctum was constructed during the reign of Rajaraja Chola II (1146–1163 CE).
| Moolavar | Agneeswarar |
|---|---|
| Goddess | Sundaranayagi |
| Tradition | Shaivam |
| Nakshatra | Bharani |
| Theertham | Agni Theertham, Kundam Kulam |
| Timings | 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Best Time to Visit
For general temple tourism, Margazhi (December–January) is an excellent period because of the pleasant weather and the special Shiva worship culminating in Arudra Darshan.
However, for Bharani Nakshatra Parihara, the most meaningful time is:
Karthikai month + Bharani Nakshatra
This combination has a special traditional connection with Nalladai Agneeswarar Temple.
For devotees specifically seeking the Bharani Parihara, I would therefore recommend Karthikai Bharani rather than simply choosing a convenient month.
Why this temple is a Parigara Sthalam
The temple is a prime Parigara Sthalam because of the sage's declaration that Bharani Rudragni physically carried the offerings to the Lord. Therefore, it is spiritually tethered to the Bharani Nakshatra. Additionally, the main deity faces West, and the Goddess faces South. Temples with West-facing deities are considered exceptionally powerful and fierce, meaning prayers offered here yield multi-fold benefits and quickly remove doshams (afflictions).
Who should worship?
This temple is especially suitable for:
- People born under Bharani Nakshatra
- Those seeking traditional relief from Bharani-related doshas
- Couples praying for marital harmony
- Families praying for peace and unity
- Those seeking blessings for childbirth
- Devotees seeking removal of obstacles and doshas
- Those who wish to worship Lord Shiva in His Agni-associated form
- Devotees seeking traditional relief from Brahmahatya Dosha
The temple is not restricted only to Bharani-born devotees. Anyone may worship Lord Agneeswarar and Goddess Sundaranayaki.
Mantra & Slokam
Om Krishna Varnaayai Vidmahe · Danda Dharaayai Dheemahi · Tanno Bharani Prachodayaat
Sthala Puranam (Legend)
The principal legend of Nalladai is associated with Sage Mrikandu, who desired the blessing of a child.
According to the traditional sthala puranam, Sage Mrikandu came to this sacred place and performed a Putra Kameshti Yajna seeking divine grace for a worthy son. The Chola ruler Visitra Veera Chola is said to have provided the necessary support for the yajna. A homa-kundam was established on the eastern side of the temple.
During the completion of the yajna, a sacred silk garment was offered into the sacrificial fire as part of the Purnahuti. The devotee who had given the garment became worried that it had been destroyed by the fire.
Sage Mrikandu assured him that the offering had reached Lord Shiva. When the sanctum was subsequently seen, the same garment was found adorning Lord Shiva. The sage rejoiced and praised Shiva as the Lord who wore the good/auspicious garment — “Nalladai”. This traditional episode is associated with the name of the place and the temple.
The yajna was successful, and according to temple tradition, Markandeya was subsequently born to Sage Mrikandu.
The place where Sage Mrikandu is believed to have conducted the yajna is traditionally known as Kundam Kulam.
Another important legend says that Agni Bhagavan worshipped here and obtained relief from a curse after bathing in the sacred water on the Sundays of Karthigai. He regained his radiance or tejas. Because of this association, the Lord came to be worshipped as Agneeswarar, and the sacred water became associated with Agni Theertham.
The temple tradition also associates this sacred place with the removal of Brahmahatya Dosha of a Chola king.
Parigaram (Remedy)
For Bharani Starrers: Devotees perform Agni Homas (fire rituals) for Lord Agneeswarar to nullify bad planetary effects. Performing this homam on a Bharani star day is highly meritorious.
Marriage & Progeny: Unmarried individuals and childless couples offer special Archanas and Vastras (clothes) to the Lord and Mother, seeking quick resolutions to their obstacles.
What to do when you visit
A simple traditional worship sequence is:
Ganesha → Agneeswarar → Sundaranayaki → other shrines → Prakaram → Prayer
If visiting specifically for Bharani Nakshatra Parihara:
- Carry your birth-star details.
- Perform archana in your name and nakshatra.
- Visit preferably on your Bharani Nakshatra day.
- If possible, choose Karthigai-month Bharani.
- Enquire about the monthly Bharani special puja/yaga before travelling.
- Spend a few quiet minutes in prayer rather than treating the visit merely as a ritual.
Before You Visit
- Check the current temple timings before starting your journey.
- If you are going for a special Bharani Parihara Puja, confirm the date and availability with the temple.
- Wear modest, clean traditional clothing.
- Carry cash for archana, offerings and donations, as digital payment availability may vary.
- Avoid assuming that special pujas are available every day.
- During festivals, expect larger crowds and altered timings.
- Since the temple is in a village location, keep some travel time as a buffer.
The official HR&CE listing currently gives the temple's contact number as 9443559307.
Special Rituals / Abhishekam
The temple's principal special observance is the Bharani Nakshatra Parihara Puja/Yaga.
Traditional temple sources also mention:
- Bharani Nakshatra special worship
- Special dosha-parihara yajna
- Annabhishekam during Aippasi
- Karthikai Somavara worship
- Arudra Darshan
- Thai Poosam
- Maha Shivaratri worship
- Panguni Uthiram observances
The Agneeswarar shrine has an unusual association with the Agni principle, and traditional descriptions note water being maintained around the Shiva Linga, symbolically associated with calming the heat of Agni.
Festivals
Key festivals include Aipasi Annabhishekam (Oct-Nov), Karthikai Somavaram (Mondays of Nov-Dec), Margazhi Arudra Darshan (Dec-Jan), Thai Poosam, Maha Shivaratri (Feb-Mar), and Panguni Uthiram.
How to Reach
Nalladai is located about 15 km from Mayiladuthurai on the route to Karaikal (via Nedungadu).
By Train: The nearest major railway station is Mayiladuthurai Junction.
By Bus/Car: Town buses run from Mayiladuthurai to Nalladai. However, hiring a private taxi or auto-rickshaw from Mayiladuthurai is the most convenient option.
Location Map
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Jyotishacharya S. Sermaraj M.B.A. · HinduPanchangam.in · 30 Aug 2026