Sri Pallikondeswara Swamy Temple, Surutapalli - Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh

Experienced: August 2023

Unique Aspects

• This unique temple stands as the exclusive abode where Lord Shiva manifests in a reclining form, and Sri Dakshinamurthy bestows His presence alongside His consort, Mother Dhara.
• The distinctive feature of this temple lies in the presence of each deity alongside their consorts.
• Surutapalli Pallikondeswara Swamy Temple holds the distinction of being the birthplace of the Pradosha puja, a unique and special worship ritual.
• Similarly, in Vaishnavite temples, the blessings of the lord are often conveyed by touching the 'Chadri,' a metal crown-like object, to the heads of the devotees.

In the realm of temple depictions, it is a common sight to witness Lord Vishnu in various poses, including the reclining or lying down posture. However, finding other deities in this specific posture is exceptionally rare. One such extraordinary example is the Pallikonda Eeswar Temple, where Lord Shiva is represented in the lying down posture. Situated in the village of Surutapalli, nestled on the border of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu in the Chittoor District, this unique temple stands as a testament to the rarity of such divine representations. The tranquil village of Surutapalli cradles the sacred presence of Lord Shiva in his reclining form, inviting devotees to witness and experience this exceptional divine manifestation.

Significance

The tale unfolds when, under Lord Vishnu's counsel, the devas and asuras embarked on the task of churning the ocean of milk, utilizing the Mandara mountain as the churn stick and the serpent Vasuki as the rope. As the mountain began to sink, Lord Vishnu took the form of Kurma, the tortoise incarnation, to support it. In the course of this cosmic churning, the first substance that emerged was a pot of poison. In desperation, the devas and asuras sought the protection of Lord Shiva. Responding to their plea, Lord Shiva swallowed the poison, but before it could harm him, Goddess Parvati, in a protective gesture, pressed his neck, trapping the poison there permanently. This act led to Lord Shiva being known as Neelakantha, meaning blue-throated. Following the consuming task of neutralizing the poison, Lord Shiva, overcome with weariness, sought rest. It is said that he found repose on Parvati's lap in Surutapalli, where the divine couple's presence is believed to endure, symbolizing the eternal bond of protection and love.

The distinctive feature of this temple lies in the presence of each deity alongside their consorts. The divine pairs include Pallikondeswarar with Sarva Mangalaambikai, Valmeegishwarar with Maragathambikai, Vinaayakar with Siddhi and Buddhi, Saasthaa with Pooranai and Pushakalai, Kuberan with Sanganidhi and Padumanidhi, Dakshinamoorthy with Taara, and Kasi Viswanathar with Vislakshi. This harmonious assembly of deities and their consorts creates a sacred and spiritually enriching ambiance within the temple.

Pallikondeswara

The main shrine at the Surutapalli temple is dedicated to the primary deity, Pallikondeeswar. Positioned to the right of Valmikeeswar's shrine, it houses a unique representation of Lord Shiva. Pallikondeeswar, also known as kidantha eswar, lies in a reclining posture, with a colossal 16-foot idol. In this special depiction, Lord Shiva's head rests on the lap of Goddess Parvathy, who is revered as Sarva Mangalaambigai.

Unlike the traditional Linga form found in most Shiva temples, Pallikondeeswar is represented in a human-like form and in a reclining position, reminiscent of the Ranganatha temples where Lord Vishnu reclines with his head on the lap of Goddess Lakshmi. Inside the sanctum, alongside the divine couple, one can find the idols of Kamadhenu (the celestial cow) and Karpaka Viruksham (the Holy tree known for granting boons), emerging from the churning of the milky ocean.

Several other deities grace the sanctum, including the Sun and Moon gods on either side of Goddess Sarva Mangalaambigai. Additional divine entities such as Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Goddess Laxmi, Sage Maarkandeyar, Sage Agasthair, Valmiki, Indran, Sage Naradhar, Lord Subramaniyam with consorts Valli and Devayani, and Lord Ganapati, gather to express their gratitude and seek the well-being of Lord Shiva. This divine assembly reflects the courage of Lord Shiva for safeguarding the Universe by containing the Haalaahala poison in his throat.

Dampathya Dakshinamurthy

On the southern side wall of the Valmikeeswar shrine, on the exterior, there is a remarkable idol of Dakshinamurthy - Guru Bhagavan (Jupiter), accompanied by his consort Tara. This particular Dakshinamurthy idol is often referred to as Dampathya Dakshinamurthy, making it unique as it might be the only Dakshinamurthy idol depicted with his consort.

The pose of Lord Dakshinamurthy is distinct, with his left leg raised and the knee folded in such a way that his foot rests on the seat, while his right leg presses a mischievous demon to the ground, as commonly depicted. Standing behind the Lord, the consort Tara's face appears as if she is peeping. Worshiping this form of Dakshinamurthy on Thursdays is believed to fulfill devotees' desires, facilitate a harmonious marriage with a suitable partner, and bring about a life of peace.

Location

The Pallikondeswarar Swamy Surutapalli Temple is located in Andhra Pradesh, about 2 kilometers from Uthukottai on the Chennai-Periyapalayam-Tirupati road. This special Shiva temple is known for its lively celebration of Pradosha, a sacred time, and is believed to be the origin of this tradition. What makes this temple unique is the depiction of Lord Shiva in a reclining pose on the lap of Goddess Parvathi, similar to how Lord Vishnu is often depicted. This makes the temple spiritually significant and distinct.

Address

Sri Pallikondeeswara Swamy Temple,
Surutapalli,
Sathavedu,
Chittoor Region, Andhra Pradesh,
India, Pincode: 517588.