Having a problem in speaking or suffering from Stammering issues? Then do visit this temple took overcome your problems!!
Thirupandurai Sivanandeshwarar Temple is one of the unique temples located in a place called Thirupandurai in Thanjavur District. This temple is one of the Paadal Petra Sthalam located in the South of Cauvery.
The main deity of this temple is Lord Shiva and HE graces His devotees in the form of Shiva Lingam which is a Suyambu Moorthy. The goddess is known as Mangalambikai.
Though it’s a Shiva temple, Lord Muruga takes all the dominance in the temple. A separate Sanctum for Lord Muruga is found just opposite to Lord Shiva’s Sanctum. Lord Muruga graces His devotees as Lord Gyana Dhandayuthapani showing a Chinmudra in one hand, having the Holy Stick (Dhandam) on the other Hand. He also wears a bun on His Head (Kondai) and has long ears. Moreover, His eyes are closed in meditation. This is a very rare form of Lord Muruga to be seen in any other temple.
We all know that the divine incident of Lord Muruga explaining the Meaning of The Pranava Mantra to His father Lord Shiva happened in Swamimalai. Before explaining the Pranava Mantra to His father, Lord Muruga has imprisoned Lord Brahmma since He did not know the meaning of Pranava Mantra. Because of this action, Goddess Saraswathi thought that Lord Muruga is more conceit and proud because of His knowledge. So She condemned for His arrogant behavior and made him Dumb. So Lord Muruga came to this Shiva temple in Thirupandurai to perform penance and worshipped Lord Shiva to regain His speech.
It is said that Lord Ganesha took the form of Twins and came to this temple in order to give protection for His younger brother who is in penance. Hence you can see 2 Vinayakas in the temple namely Guha Vinayaka and Sakshi Vinayaka.
Lord Shiva was pleased with His penance and He granted back the speaking skills to His divine son. Since Lord Shiva was so happy with His son’s worship, He is called by the name Sivanandeswarar (Ananda – Happy).
Since Lord Muruga Himself got his speech back in this temple, we can still notice that people bring their children who are either dumb or having stammering issues in speaking to this temple. The children were asked to take a bath in the Holy Pond of the temple and worship Lord Muruga by doing Abishekam with honey, Milk and Sandal Paste. Then they would be asked to apply that honey on their tongue and eat for 48 days. They would also be asked to recite some slokas on Lord Muruga and do pooja in their home for 48 Days. By doing so it is strongly believed that the children regain their speech and overcome any other speech-related issues like stammering.
Hence Do visit this temple and get the Blessings of Lord Muruga !! OM Muruga !!