Sirkazhi, Chidambaram - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Sirkazhi/Sirkali

At a distance of 20 Km from Chidambaram, 45 Km from Karaikal and 110 Km from Thanjavur, Sirkazhi, also spelled as Sirkali and Siyali is a municipal town in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, India. This quaint town is adorned with numerous historic structures that span from the medieval era to the British colonial period. Among these, the Brahmapureeshwarar Temple stands out as the most significant. Commonly known as Sattainathar Temple, Vaitheeswaran Temple, and Kazheesirama Vinnagaram Temple, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is one of the must-include places in Chidambaram tour. Additionally, Sirkazhi is notable as the birthplace of the Shaiva saint Thirugnanasambandhar, the internationally acclaimed actor Sivaji Ganesan, and Padma Shri Sirkazhi Govindarajan, a distinguished vocalist in Carnatic music and a celebrated playback singer in Tamil cinema.

History of Sirkazhi/Sirkali

The town is considered to have a rich historical background and has been governed by various dynasties, including the Medieval Cholas, Later Cholas, Later Pandyas, the Vijayanagar Empire, the Marathas, and the British. Central to the town's history is the Sattainathar Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva. The earliest reference to Sirkazhi appears in the accounts of the Chola king Kocengannan from the Sangam Age (3rd - 4th century CE), who is thought to have achieved victory in a significant battle in this area. During the 7th and 8th centuries, there were notable conflicts between the Hindu sects of Saivism and Vaishnavism. The Chola dynasty ruled the region for over four centuries, from 850 to 1280, and was the patron of the Sattainathar Temple. The temple houses 41 inscriptions from the Chola kings, documenting various donations, including land, sheep, cows, and oil.

In 1532, the Pandyas took control of the region, which later became part of the Thanjavur Nayak kingdom. In 1674, Ekoji I (1675-84), a Maratha and adversary of the Nawab of Bijapur, conquered the area; he was also the half-brother of Shivaji (1674-80). The Thanjavur district was established in 1799 when the Maratha ruler Serfoji II (1798-1832) ceded a significant portion of his kingdom to the British East India Company in exchange for his restoration to the throne. Following India's independence, Sirkazhi remained within the Thanjavur district until 1991, when it became part of the Nagapattinam district until March 2020. Currently, Sirkazhi is included in the newly formed Mayiladuthurai district.

Mythology of Sirkazhi/Sirkali

In ancient times, this town was known by twelve distinct names, including Brahmapuram, Venupuram, Thonipuram, Kazhumalam, Pugali, Sirkazhiswaram, Srikali, and Kazheesirama Vinnagaram. According to Hindu mythology, during one of the great floods that engulfed the earth, the deity Shiva is said to have transported the 64 arts on a raft, referred to as 'Thoni' in Tamil. Consequently, the principal deity of the temple, Shiva, is known as 'Thoniappar', and the area is named 'Thonipuram.' It is believed that the god Brahma worshiped Shiva in this location, leading to the name 'Brahmapureeswarar,' and thus the region is also called 'Brahmapureeswaram.' Shiva is thought to have subdued the pride of Brahma by demonstrating his supremacy over the three realms, earning him the title 'Sattainathar.' As a result, the town is referred to as 'Sattainathapuram,' which is now a suburb of Sirkazhi.

Furthermore, the town is associated with the Rajarajeshwari - Angalaparameshwari Temple, dedicated to the goddess Adi Shakti, located south of the Kalumalaiyar River. In her fierce manifestation, the goddess is known as 'Shri Kali,' which inspired the town's name, 'Sirkali.' Sirkazhi is also recognized as the birthplace of the saint Tirugnanasambandar. Legend has it that goddess Parvati nourished the infant saint with the milk of wisdom at a temple bank. After consuming it, the child began to recite the Tevaram hymns, starting with 'Todudaiya Seviyan.' In his poetry, Sambandar refers to the town as 'Kazhi.' Later, during the Chola dynasty, the town was named 'Kalumalam,' and it was called 'Shiyali' during British rule. It was only after gaining independence that the town adopted its current name, 'Sirkazhi.'

Things to do in Sirkazhi/Sirkali

Sirkazhi is home to numerous Hindu temples that attract significant tourist activity. Among the most renowned is the Bhramapureeswarar Temple, also referred to as the Sattainathar Temple. This historic temple complex features three shrines dedicated to Shiva, constructed by the Chola kings Vikrama Chola, Kulottunga II, and Kulottunga III during the 10th century. In this temple, Shiva is revered in three divine manifestations: the Shivalingam (Bhrammapureeswarar), Uma Maheswarar (Toniappar), and Bhairavar (Sattanathar). The Sattainathar Temple is recognized as one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, as noted in the Shaiva sacred text 'Tevaram,' authored by the eminent Saivite saints Thirugnanasambanthar, Tirunavukkarasar, and Sundarar in the 7th to 8th centuries CE. Additionally, the temple grounds feature a separate shrine of Goddess Parvati, depicted as nurturing an infant Sambandar.

Another significant temple in Sirkazhi is Kazheesirama Vinnagaram, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, also known as Thadalan Koil. Here, the deity is worshipped in the form of Trivikrama, representing Vishnu in his Vamana avatar, who requests three footsteps of land to measure the three worlds and measure 3 worlds in those steps. Visitors can also explore the Thirunangur Divyadesams, the birthplace of Thirumangai Azhwar. It is said that the area comes alive during Thai Amavasai (the New Moon day in January), when twelve different deities from the Divya Desams are paraded on Garuda, creating one of the most captivating and beautiful spectacles in the town.

Festivals of Sirkazhi Sattainathar Temple

Sirkazhi is home to a variety of lively festivals that take place throughout the year. The most significant of these is the annual Brahmotsavam festival at Sattinathar Temple, which occurs in April/May and draws a large number of devotees to the town. Additionally, Thaiposam and Maha Shivaratri are celebrated with considerable fervor.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Sirkazhi Sattainathar Temple

Although Sirkazhi Temple does not enforce a formal dress code, it is advisable to wear modest clothing that covers the upper arms and legs as a mark of respect for the deities. Traditional garments are encouraged, with women typically donning sarees or salwar kameez, while men often opt for dhotis or trousers paired with shirts.

Visitors who are not of the Hindu faith are allowed to wander the temple premises and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Sirkazhi Sattainathar Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM

Sirkazhi Sattainathar Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Seeghra Darshanam available for Rs. 150
Alankara Darshanam available for Rs. 500
Sparsha Darshanam available for Rs. 500

Best Time to Visit Sirkazhi/Sirkali

The optimal period to explore Sirkazhi is during the winter. From November to February, Sirkazi experiences more agreeable weather, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. This cooler season aligns with the peak tourism period in Tamil Nadu, rendering it an excellent time for both spiritual pursuits and sightseeing. Conversely, the summer months from March to June can bring intense heat, which may hinder visitors from fully appreciating the spiritual experience.

How to Reach Sirkazhi/Sirkali

Pondicherry Airport serves as the closest airport to Sirkazhi, located approximately 97 kilometers away. The Sirkazhi Railway Station is situated on the primary route between Chennai and Trichy, offering train services to destinations such as Chennai, Madurai, Mayiladuthurai, Salem, Villupuram, Bangalore, and Trichy. Additionally, weekly express trains provide connections to Tirupathi, Varanasi, Tiruchendur, and Bhubaneswar. Bus services are managed by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, along with private operators, facilitating travel to Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam, Nagapattinam, Chidambaram, Karaikal, and various other cities within Tamil Nadu.