A Gateway to Moksha, (Mukti )

Sri Shivalokathyagar Temple Achalpuram 

A Gateway to Moksha, (Mukti ) 

Moksha, (Mukti )

   Release from the cycle of rebirth impelled by the law of karma. 

karma in Sanskrit means action. Every action leads to another reaction, creating a never-ending circle of actions and reactions—which could be negative or positive.

Achalpuram is historically known as Tirunallur Perumanam Shivalokapuram, Mukthipuram, Thirumana Nallur and Thirumanavai. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams - Shiva Sthalams glorified in the medieval Tevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Tiruganasambandar.

About the Temple

The temple, facing east, with a five tiered Rajagopuram, stands majestically.
                                                                                                                                                                                             On the walk way  of Rajagopuram we can see cow look like Nandhi .  
Feed the cow before entering the Rajagopuram of the temple.

Feeding cow will cleansing Karma  

Indians we believe cow symbolizes Mother, who is the giver of milk and Like mother who feeds her children without asking anything in return life. Feeding cows is auspicious– good karma.

 Next to the tower is Nanda Mandapam and 100 pillar mandap in which Saint Tirugnanasambandar graces with Stotra Poornambikai in a wedding posture. 

 Facing east, situated next to this, are the shrines of Lord Shivaloka Thyagarajar and Mother Tiruvennetru Umai Ammai.  Lord Shiva was worshipped in this temple by Lord Vishnu, Sages Kaka, Vasishta, Parasara, Brugu and Jamadagni. In his Thevaram hymns, the temple is praised by Saint Tirugnana Sambandar and also the 5th Lord Shiva temple on the northern bank of Cauvery.

Sri Shivaloka Thyagar temple  approximately 1300 years old   dating back  to the Chola period . The marriage of Tirugnanasambandar with Sthothra Poornambikai was held at this Shivasthalam . Goddess Parvati hereself personally invited all the guests who came to attend the marriage. The place is named after Ambal as ‘Achal’ Puram. ‘Achal’ Ambal had appeared here and handed the sacred ash to those that had been present for Thiru Gnana Sambandhar’s wedding.  The Lord Shiva graces in the temple as a Swayambumurthi.

This is the only temple where 4 Nayanmars – Thirugnanasambandhar, Thiruneelanakka Nayanar, Thiruneelakanda Yazhpaanar, Muruga Nayanar – have attained Mukthi (Salvation). Apart from them, Thiruneelakanda Yazhpaanar’s wife, Mathanga Soolaamaniyar also merged in the Agni and attained salvation.
Since Goddess Parvathy herself gave Vibudhi (sacred ash) prasadam to the entire marriage gathering, Goddess Parvathy is called Thiruvenneetru Umaiyammai and this place is called Achalpuram. So, as a unique feature of this temple, Vibudhi prasadam is given in the Goddess’s shrine. This Vibudhi prasadam is considered very auspicious.
The name Achalpuram is believed to have been arrived at from “Aayal” which means Goddess Parvathi and “Puram” which means place in Tamil.
Another reasoning behind this name is that it is believed to have been derived from the name “Achariyapuram”. “Achariya” means learned guru and “Puram” means place in Tamil. This name signifies the fact that Saint Thirugnasambanthar attained salvation here as he is often referred to as “Achariya”.
Sages Vashishtar, Kakabujandar, Viswamithrar, Parasara, Jamadagni, Dhurvasar, Brigu and Manthatha were blessed with a vision of Shivalokam (Kailash darshan) after their rigourous penance here. For this reason, Lord Shiva of this temple is also praised as “Sri Shivalokathyakar”.
It is believed that Sage Kakabujandar travelled to this place by walking with his hands. He considered this place so sacred that he did not want to soil it by placing his feet there. It is believed that he was also one of the attendees of Sambanthar’s wedding and he also attained salvation here.
Lords Vishnu, Brahma, Murugan, Indhiran, Chandran, Ganga Devi and king Manthatha of Ayodya are also believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here.

The main deity is Shiva. He is called as Shivalokathyagar and his consort is called as Tiruvennetru Umai Ammai..

Moolavar: Shivaloka Thyagar
Ambal: Tiru Vennetru Umai Ammai, Suvedha Vibhuti Nayaki
Sthala Theertham: Panchakkara, Ashwa, Vasishta, Athiri Jamadagni, Vyasa Mrigandu theerthams

Sthala Virksham: Mango 

Greatness of this temple

This temple is considered to be a Mukthi Sthalam (a place to attain salvation).
It is believed that worshiping Lord Rina Vimochanar (a form of Lord Shiva) here will clear all our debts and remove obstacles from marriage proposals. It is also believed that those seeking “santhana prapthi” (child boon) can pray to this lord. It is considered especially auspicious to worship him on Mondays.

It is significant to note that Lord Rina Vimochanar is present only in three temples – Thirucherai, Thiruvarur and Achalpuram.
In Goddess Thiruveneetru Ammai’s shrine, sacred ash is given as prasadam instead of the usual Kumkum. It is believed that by applying this sacred ash on their forehead, women will be blessed with a long and prosperous married life.

Tirugnanasambandar Wedding and Mukthi on the same day

Tirugnanasambandar merging with Shiva Jyoti "divine light" with all the devotees gathered for his wedding.

The history of Saint Tirugnanasambandar is the very history of Saivism philosophy stressing the ultimate truth that reaching the Lotus feet of Shiva should be purpose of a meaningful human life. Father Shivapada Hrudayar asked the Saint Son to marry which though he refused first but gave in reluctantly thinking it to be the will of Lord. Shivapada Hrudayar chose Poompavai, daughter of Sivanesan Chettiar as his bride. But she died of a snake bite. Tirugnanasambandar restored her to life with the grace of Lord and simply accepted her as his daughter only. Shivapada Hrudayar then chose Mangai Nallal daughter of Nambiandar Nambi of Nallur. The wedding took place at Achalpuram. Tiruneelanakka Nayanar conducted the rituals.

Circumambulating the wedding fire pit with his bride,  Tirugnanasambandar prayed  Lord Shiva to protect him from the problems of a marital life and praised him with Kallur Perumanam hymn. Lord Shiva appeared in the form of Jyothi "divine light" and advised the saint to join him along with all gathered there. Losing himself completely to the Lord, Tirugnanasambandar sang his last Pathigam (10 verses) highlighting the glory of Panchakshara Mantra – Na Ma Shi Va ya. All merged with Jyothi "divine light" Lord collectively the same time. This event is celebrated each year in the temple on the Moola Star day in the month of Vaikasi – May-June.

Mother Parvathi offering Viboothi to the guests during Sambandar Marriage:

As Achal-Mother, personally attended the wedding of the saint and offered the Vibhuti Prasad to the guests, She is praised as Tiruvennetru Umai Ammai. 

  

People worshipped Shiva here:

Great sages as Vasishta, Parasara, Jamadagni, and Brugu had the Kailash darshan here. Lord Brahmma secured the creation boon from the Lord here, while Vishnu was granted the power of destroying the wicked and demons. Indira had all the luxuries from Lord Shiva at this place. Holy Ganga Devi performed penance at the entrance of the place. Moon was relieved of his curse. Those worshiping in this temple will become free of all adverse effects falling on them. Everyone worshiping Lord who embraced Saint Sambandar through the Shiva Jyoti is sure to awarded total salvation.

Sage Kaka was reluctant to tread on this land with his legs and used his head and performed penance sitting in the Nirudhi corner – southwest. Tiruneelakanta Yazhpanar, Muruga Nayanar, Tiruneelanakka Nayanar worshipped Lord in this temple. Sacred Ash-Vibhuti is the Prasad offered in the temple. Applying this on the body cures the devotee of all illness, frees him/her from sins and poverty and ensures the Mangalya longevity of women, according to belief. 

Click here Way to Moksha Temple route map