Satyagiriswarar temple is situated in Pudukottai district in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Divyadesam. The preceding deity of this temple is Satyagiriswarar. This temple was built by Pallavas king with a view to harmonize the relations between Saivism and Vaishnavism. The temple is built with a single rock. Devotees can visit this temple only after covering Shiva temple. Girvalam i.e going around the hill can be done only by covering both the temples. The main shrine is Kudavarikoil which means carving the hill.
History of Satyagiriswarar Temple
In older days, people in the world were not able to perform yajana and poojas when demons were aggressively spreading their wrath and dominating the world. All the saints and gods were very much frightened about this. No one could stop the terror of demons and were scared of them. They all surrendered towards “Dharma Devathi”, the godess of Dharman and requested her to help them get out of this danger.
Dharma devathai manifested herself into a deer and came to this Sathya Kshetram, also known as “Venu Vanam”. The perumal came infront of Dharma Devathai and promised her that he would stay in the temple as “Sathya giri Nathan” and helps all the peoples and including the Rishis and Devas from the wrath of demons.
Significance of Satyagiriswarar Temple
Devotees visit the temple to worship Goddess Venuvaneswari to seek a boon for marriage and child. People offer bangles and dolls and distribute nivedhana to the visitors. Rich people offer heavy donations for the maintenance of the temple.
10 day Chithirai festival in April-May, 10 day Adipuram in July-August and 1 day Thaipoosam festival in January-February are main festivals of the temple. A huge number of people can be seen visiting the temple during new moon, full moon days and Pradosham days. Thousands of devotees gather here on Poornima days for Girivalam.