Jagadeeswarar, Ogai Perayur, Tiruvarur

Basic information about the temple

Moolavar:	Jagadeeswarar	Ambal / Thayar:	Jagannayaki
Deity:	Siva	Historical name:	Paereyil
Vriksham:	Narthai	Teertham:	Agni Teertham
Agamam:		Age (years):
Timing:	8.30 to 11 & 4.30 to 8	Parikaram:
Temple group:	Paadal Petra Sthalam (Kaveri Then Karai)	–
Sung by:	Sundarar	Temple set:
Navagraham:		Nakshatram:
City / town:	Ogai Perayur	District:	Tiruvarur
Maps from (click):	Current location	Thiruvarur (10 km)	Nagapattinam (38 km)
	Kumbakonam (41 km)	Mayiladuthurai (53 km)

Location

Ogai Perayur is located 13 km from Tiruvarur and 21 km from Mannargudi.

Sthala puranam and temple information

As this is a very old temple, there is very little by way of puranam available about this temple – much of it has been lost in the mists of time. This place – Pereyil – is said to have been a fort during the early Chola times when Tiruvarur was the capital of the empire.

The Siva Lingam here is a Swambhu murti, and this temple is said to be very old – possibly over 2000 years old. Appar has sung about this temple in one of his songs.

Siva is said to have blessed all the Devas in one place here, and so He is regarded Lord of the world (Jagat-easwarar), and Parvati is correspondingly named Jagannayaki Amman.

Bathing at the temple tank is said to relieve devotees who suffer from leukemia.

Originally a Chola temple, the maintenance and upkeep of the temple is currently being done by the Nagarathar community. Although a small temple, with a large pond opposite which also serves as the temple tank, the temple has some fantastic sculptures and architecture, including Sabapati Natarajar.

Songs sung by a local lady named Muruvalar find place in the Kurunthogai and Purananuru, in Sangam literature.

The temple has two important celebrations during the year – Tiruvadhirai in Margazhi (December-January) and Maha Sivaratri. Murugan also gets importance here, and Chitrai Sashti is celebrated with fervour at this temple.

Other information for your visit

Given its location, this temple is not frequented by too many devotees. Also, there is very little worship conducted here – the puja by the temple priest happens only once daily. A meikavalar is appointed for the temple, and one of the houses nearby (to the south of the temple) also has the keys to the temple, which can be opened for devotees who visit when the temple is closed.