About Us

Ilayathakkudi, situated in Sivagangai district of Tamil Nadu, is the foremost among the nine temples of the Nattukottai Nagarathar community. It lies near Keelasivalpatti, along the Mana Madurai–Thirumayam highway—412 km from Chennai, 52 km from Sivagangai, and 35 km from both Karaikudi and Pudukottai.

🔱 Spiritual Significance

Ilayathakkudi is revered for granting enlightenment and salvation through Siva Puja. Saints like Subadrar, Kanvarishi, and Sri Maha Devendra Saraswati Swamigal (65th head of Kanchi Math) attained salvation here. A black stone tomb commemorates the Swamigal, who was immersed in water. The 68th Acharya, Sri Chandra Sekarendra Saraswathi Swamigal, stayed here from 1961 to 1963, performing pujas.

Subadrar and his nine sons, who migrated from the Godavari riverbanks, worshipped Lord Shiva here. They were blessed by Kailayanadhar and became the Nava Siddhar.

When Surapadman, the demon king of Mayapuri, tormented the Devas, they sought refuge in the forest of Ilayathakkudi and worshipped the Suyambu Lingam. Lord Kailasanadhar liberated them, earning the shrine the name “Ilaipattrumkudi,” later known as Ilayathakkudi.

📜 Brahma’s Revelation

Saint Naradha once asked Lord Brahma:

Which shrine, Teertha, and Lingam is supreme on earth?
Which place best helps souls transcend rebirth?
Which offers the greatest fruits of good deeds?

Lord Brahma, guided by Lord Shiva’s message, replied:

“The place where Moorthi, shrine, and holy water coexist is Ilayathakkudi. The Suyambu Linga named Kailayanadhar is the Kailasapathi here. The Siddha Amritha Tirtha found here is unmatched anywhere in the world.”

🌟 Blessings of the Shrine

It is believed that:

Hearing the temple’s name brings virtue
Thinking of it brings wealth
Visiting brings pleasure
Staying for three days brings bliss

Devotees seeking to shed past burdens come with surrender. Charity and donations here yield immense spiritual merit.

முதல் கோவில் இளையாத்தக்குடி
இளையாற்றங்குடி என்று கேட்டலினால் அறம் பெறுவர்! இயல்சேர் மாந்தர்
இளையாற்றங்குடி என்று நினைத்தலினால் பொருள் அடைவர்! ஏற்றம் மிக்க
இளையாற்றங்குடி தன்னைக் காணுதலால் இன்புறுவர்! இடையறாமல்
இளையாற்றங்குடி தன்னில் வசித்தலினால் இறைவனடி எய்தி வாழ்வார்

🏰 Nagarathar Heritage

In 707 AD, the Pandya kings granted Ilayathakkudi and its temple to the Keelatheru Ezhuvaliyars—marking the origin of the Nagara Koil tradition. Subsequent temples were granted as follows:

712 AD: Mathur and Vairavan Koil
714 AD: Irani Koil, Pillayarpatti, Nemam, Iluppaikkudi
718 AD: Surakkudi and Velangudi
(As recorded in Velangudi culverts)

🧬 Seven Pirivus of Ilayathakkudi

Okkurudayar
Arumbur Kizharana Pattina Samiyar
Kazhanivasal Kudiyar
Perumarthurudaiyar
Kinginikurudaiyar
Perasendurudaiyar
Sirsetrurudaiyar

Each pirivu has its own Pillayar and Oorani.

🙏 The First Respect: OkkurudayarDuring temple rituals, Okkurudayar are given the first respect—a tradition rooted in sacrifice. In the Chola era, when King Povandhi Chozha demanded eight heads and eight thousand gold coins in exchange for a Nagarathar girl, seven elders complied. One Okkurudayar elder offered his life to complete the sacrifice. Since then, Okkurudayar receive the first honor in all Nagarathar temples

🌟 EONA – Ilayathakkudi Okkur Nagarathar Association

🏛️ Our Legacy

Originally known as Ilayathakkudi Okkur Nagarathar (EON), our association has roots that stretch back well before 1939. In the 1990s, we formally registered as EONA, continuing our mission with renewed vigor and structure.

🛕 Infrastructure & Community Development

Over the decades, EON and later EONA have been instrumental in building and maintaining key landmarks and facilities that serve both spiritual and social needs:

Okkur Kailasavinayakar Temple
Ganapathi Homa Mandapam
Oorani (Water Tank)
Okkur Nagara Viduthi – recently renovated with:
- Granite flooring and walls
- A modern, well-equipped kitchen
- Five air-conditioned rooms for comfortable stay
Pasu Madam and a community farm behind the Viduthi in Ilayathakkudi
Ilangudi Oorani and Kailasavinayakar Temple, near the revered Bakthsala Moorthi Ayyanar Temple

🎉 New Function Hall (2025 Inauguration)

From 2024 to 2025, we constructed a new pure vegetarian function hall, set to be inaugurated in 2025. This hall:

Accommodates up to 200 guests
Is available for advance booking by Pangalis, Nagarathars, and non-Nagarathars
Offers a serene and sacred space for weddings, celebrations, and community events