INTRODUCTION
Sakthivanesvara Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is situated in a beautiful village called Thirusakthimutram, which is located near the famous Durgamma Patteswaram Temple, and this temple is situated a few kilometres faraway from Kumbakonam. Here Lord Shiva is worshipped as Sakthivanesvara and the Lingam can be seen hugged by his consort Ma Parvati, hence he is also known as Sivakozhundeesvara, Sivaambigapaty, Sivashakteeswara, Parvatipriyeswarar and as Siva Sakthi Swamy. It is believed that when one prays to Lord Sakthivanesvara and to Ma Parvati with utmost faith and devotion, one would be blessed with a nice life partner as per his wish. Lord Sakthivanesvara is also called as Lord Muktivanesvara, since he grants Mukti (Salvation) to his devotees.
This temple was sanctified by the ancient Nayanmar Saints like Tirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar in the Tevaram poems, and this excellent ShivaShakti Temple was built on the banks of the Holy River Kaveri.
As per ancient legend, at the present place of the temple, once Ma Parvathi was doing severe penance in order to unite with Lord Shiva, and since Lord Shiva was appeared before Ma Parvati in the form of fire, Ma Parvathi could not bear the heat, and due to that, she embraced Lord Shiva, and hence this sacred place came to be known as Thiru Sakthimutram which means, Ma Sakthi embracing Lord Shiva.
I have visited this temple during August 2022 for two times, and after seeing the vision of our divine parent, Ma Shakti and Lord Shiva in one place, I have got great ecstasy and happiness. The priest who performs puja to Shiva can be seen always singing wonderful songs on Shiva and Shakti, in a high pitch sound, and it is very pleasant to hear those songs at the time of having the darshan of the deities.
Since, Ma Parvati embraces Lord Shiva at this temple we can recite the holy Arthanareeswarar Suktam at this pleasant place, in order to get better prospects in our lives.The famous Sri Arthanareeswarar Suktam written by Sri Adi Shankaracharya is as follows:-
My humble salutations to Lord Arthanareeswarar, the form of both Parvati and Shiva while the body of Ma Parvati shines similar to the precious diamond,the body of Lord Shiva shines like the fire,Ma Parvati contains good hair,while Lord Shiva appears with the matted hair.
My humble salutations to Lord Arthanareeswarar, the form of both Parvati and Shiva,while the body of Ma Parvati is applied with saffron,the body of Lord Shiva is smeared with ashes.
My humble salutations to Lord Arthanareeswarar, the form of both Parvati and Shiva,while Ma Parvati wore precious ornaments as garlands,Lord Shiva wore the Holy snake Vasuki as garland.
My humble salutations to Lord Arthanareeswarar, the form of both Parvati and Shiva,While the eyes of Ma Parvati appears similar to the freshly blossomed lotus flowers,the eyes of Lord Shiva appears in reddish form.
My humble salutations to Lord Arthanareeswarar, the form of both Parvati and Shiva, while Ma Parvati decorates her hair with marvellous divine flowers, Lord Shiva decorates his hair with skulls.
My humble salutations to Lord Arthanareeswarar, the form of both Parvati and Shiva, while Ma Parvati dresses in good sari made out of silk,Lord Shiva wore the skin of the tiger on his waist.
My humble salutations to Lord Arthanareeswarar, the form of both Parvati and Shiva,while Ma Parvati is considered to be the goddess of the mountains,Lord Shiva is considered to be the Lord of the entire universe.
My humble salutations to Lord Arthanareeswarar, the form of both Parvati and Shiva,while Ma Parvati is considered to be the mother of the dance,Lord Shiva is considered to be the father of the dance.
My
humble salutations to Lord Arthanareeswarar, the form of both Parvati
and Shiva,
while Lord Shiva is expert in telling divine stories,
Ma Parvati is an expert in watching those stories.
My
humble salutations to Lord Arthanareeswarar, the form of both Parvati
and Shiva,
while Lord Shiva is believed to be a most benevolent
god, Ma Parvati is also considered to be a most merciful goddess.
“OM SRI SHAKTIVANESWARAYA NAMAHA”
Sent BY
R.HARISHANKAR
