Seerkazhi

Seerkazhi is a religious spot located between Chidambaram and Mayiladuthurai in the district of Tanjore in Tamil Nadu. Seerkazhi is described in Hindu mythology by various names. Seerkazhi village is a calm and beautiful place with all aspects of a south Indian village. The village is calm and still preserves the traditional customs, rituals and beauty.

There are many mythological stories about Seerkazhi. During a severe flood which submerged almost full earth, Lord Shiva had taken 64 arts with him in a rescue raft in this place. Hence this place has names related with Thoni (boat). It is believed that God Brahma had worshipped Lord Shiva at this hamlet. There are many temples for various forms of Lord Shiva in this place.

There is a famous temple in the heart of the village with four tall gopurams. The temple is believed to be constructed centuries back. The major deities in the Seerkazhi temple are Brahmapureeswarar and Thirumala nayaki. Brahmotsavam is a famous festival in this temple. The temple is open from 6 am to 12 noon and 4 pm to 9 pm everyday.

Sirkali Bhramapureeswarar is a big temple complex containing three Shiva shrines. The Bhramapureeswarar shrine, Periyanakar with Periyanayaki (lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati) temple on a 'Thoni' and Sattainathar/Vatukanathar temple are very attractive in Seerkazhi temple complex. There are about 22 tirthams (ponds) associated with this temple. Seerkazhi is known as the birthplace of many famous personalities including the singer Sirkazhi Govindarajan, Thirugnana Sambanthar (Thevaram) and Thirumangai Azhvar. It is also believed that the renowned Tirugnanasambandar, a famous artist, had fed with milk of Wisdom by Goddess Parvati during the infancy. Tevaram is sung at the temples, which was written by Sambandhar.