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The Chayavaneswara temple is located in Chayavanam
(Chaikadu), at a distance of two miles from Tiruvengadu and about a mile
from the confluence of River Kaveri
with the sea, known as "Kaveripatnam".
Much sanctity is attached to this temple and the pilgrims after ablution
at the confluence worship Lord Chayavaneswara and seek his blessings.
According to Hindu customary rites a bath at the confluence of a river
with the sea is considered religiously meritorious.
Connection With Iyarpagai Nayanar
The temple attained legendary importance for its connection with
Iyarpagai Nayanar, one of the sixty-three Nayanmars or Saivite saints of
the South. The story goes that the Nayanar used to spend all his wealth
for temples, feeding sadhus and satisfying their desires.
It so hap pened that once an old man approached him with the very absurd
request to send his (Nayanars) wife to him as a gift. Without hesitation
Iyarpagai Nayanar satisfied the desire of the old man. But this created
commotion among his relatives, who never appreciated such a gift. However
socially degrading it may be, he insisted upon his wife to follow the
sadhu and she did so. The old man transformed into Lord Shiva, praised the
Nayanar for his unstinted devotion towards Saivite saints and blessed him
with liberation. Lord Shiva tests the depth of devotion of his devotees
and rewards them when they stand the test.
Metalled roads easily reach the temple from Shiyali, Vaitheeswaran Koil, Semponnar Koil and Akkur railway stations on the Chennai- Mayavaram line.
Accommodation is available at the choultries located near the temple.