Sikkal Singaravelan Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Sikkal, a small village near Nagapattinam district in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan, who is also known as Singaravelan, the God of war and victory. The temple is considered to be one of the most sacred places of worship for the followers of Lord Murugan. The Sikkal Navaneetheswarar Temple is the main temple in the Sikkal temple complex, with Lord Shiva as the main deity worshipped as Navaneetheswarar, and the Goddess worshipped as Velnedunganni. As per local legends, Sikkal Singaravelan Temple was constructed by Muchukunda Cholan, who was a king of the Chola dynasty.
Legend of the Sikkal Singaravelan Temple:
Legend has it that Sikkal, the location of the Singaravelan Temple, was once a beautiful jasmine forest where the semi-human Goddess Kamadenu resided. Kamadenu was blessed with a cow’s trunk and her milk was believed to be sacred. One day, Kamadenu ate meat and was cursed by Lord Shiva. Feeling guilty, Kamadenu bathed in the holy water point of the temple and worshipped there, as instructed by Lord Shiva. After being absolved of her sin, Kamadenu offered her milk, which eventually became the Parkulam, or the milk pond, situated behind the temple.
Another legend says that the revered sage Vasistha Maharishi performed a pooja in the holy water point, and fashioned a lingam from the butter obtained from the Parkulam. However, the lingam became stuck in the ground and refused to move. This event led Vasistha Maharishi to regard the location as “Sikkal,” which means “where it stuck.”
Additionally, it is believed that Lord Murugan obtained his Vel or weapon from his divine mother at Sikkal. The Vel was crucial in his battle against the demon king, Soorapadman, in Sri Lanka. Lord Murugan set up his base camp in Thiruchendur, and eventually defeated the demon in the epic battle known as Soora Samharam.
Architecture of the Sikkal Singaravelan Temple:
The temple’s grand entrance is adorned with a magnificent seven-tiered Rajagopuram, which stands tall at 80 feet high. This architectural masterpiece is a sight to behold and adds to the temple’s grandeur.
The temple complex houses several deities, with Lord Shiva being worshipped as Navaneetheswarar and the Goddess in the form of Velnedunganni. Lord Murugan is worshipped here as Singaravelavar. Other deities present in the temple include Ganapathi, Mahalakshmi, Nataraja, 63 Nyanmars, Bhairava, Surya, and Chandra.
The temple complex houses several deities, with Lord Shiva being worshipped as Navaneetheswarar and the Goddess in the form of Velnedunganni. Lord Murugan is worshipped here as Singaravelavar. Other deities present in the temple include Ganapathi, Mahalakshmi, Nataraja, 63 Nyanmars, Bhairava, Surya, and Chandra.
Festivals of the Sikkal Singaravelan Temple:
The temple hosts several festivals throughout the year, with the most important being Soora Samharam, which commemorates the victory of Lord Murugan over the demon Soorapadman. This festival is celebrated during the Tamil month of Aipasi, which falls between October and November. Brahmotsavam, a grand festival for Lord Shiva, is also celebrated during the Tamil month of Chittirai, which falls between April and May.
Sikkal Singaravelan Temple timings:
The Sikkal Singaravelan Temple welcomes visitors for worship from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM every day. Devotees can participate in various poojas conducted throughout the day, starting with Usha kalam at 5:30 AM, Kalasanthi at 9:00 AM, Uchikalam at 12:30 PM, Sayaratchai at 4:30 PM, Irandan Kalam at 8:00 PM, and Arthajamam at 9:00 PM.
How to reach Sikkal Singaravelan Temple:
Visitors can easily access the temple by road, rail, or air.
By Air:
The nearest airport is located in Chennai, which is approximately 300 kilometers away from the temple.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located in Sikkal, less than a kilometer away from the temple.
By Road:
Sikkal Singaravelan Temple is located in the town of Sikkal, which is approximately 5 kilometers from Nagapattinam and 18 kilometers from Tiruvarur in Tamil Nadu.
