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Sri Lakshmipureeswaraswamy Temple
THIRUNINRIYUR

Situated on the northern bank of the river Cauvery, Thiruninriyur is one of the sixty-three reputed Sivasthalams of the ancient Chola Nad. The place has also been known as Thiruninravur as if to point out that Goddess Lakshmi is always present here. The place is about eight kilometers form Mayuram on the road to Sirkali. It is connected by both bus and train, the nearest railway station being Ananda Thandavapuram at a distance of about six kilometers. The temple which covers an area about an acre has forty-five feet high three tiered gopuram in the front and presents an impressive view. There are two prakarams and four sancta. There are Arthamandapam and Mahamandapam as well. The Moovalur , Sri Lakshmipureeswarar is facing east. His divine consort known as Ulaganayagi is enshrined in a separate sanctum. Vinayagar, Subramaniar, and Chandikeswarar are other deities in this temple.

Poojas are performed twice daily by non-hereditary priests according to the principles of the Siva Agamam. Legends have it that the Goddess Lakshmi worshipped the Lord here, performed a severe penance and got the boon of permanent residence on the chest of Lord Vishnu. The place is, therefore, known also as Lakshmipuram and the presiding deity as Lakshmipureeswarar. There is also another story in vogue according to which a Chola king who came to the temple for worship with a burning wick in hand wanted to stay till the light was extinguished. But to his surprise, the effulgence of the light completely dazzled his eyes. And so the name Thiruninravoor was given to the place (Thiri-Wick). It is said that the great sages Agasthya and Parasuramar, Devendra and his divine white elephant Iyravatha, the sacred cow Kamadhenu and others have worshipped the Lord here and attained eternal bliss. Saints Appar, Sambandhar and Sundarar have also visited this shrine, worshipped the Lord and composed several sacred Padhigams in His praise in Thevaram.