Sikkal Singaravelan Temple

Sikkal Singaravelan Temple is a renowned Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan and holds immense religious significance in Tamil Nadu. The temple is located in the village of Sikkal in Nagapattinam district and attracts devotees throughout the year.

Tradition attributes the construction of the temple to Muchukunda Cholan, who is closely associated with the ancient Tiruvarur legend. Notably, the Singaravelan Temple stands within the larger Sikkal Navaneetheswarar Temple complex, which serves as the main shrine. One of the temple’s rare features is that it houses shrines dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu within the same sacred premises.

Legend Behind the Sikkal Singaravelan Temple

According to legend, the area surrounding the temple was once a lush jasmine forest. Kamadhenu, the divine celestial cow, lived here and later incurred the displeasure of Lord Shiva for consuming meat. To absolve herself of the curse, she bathed in the holy waters of the temple tank and offered her milk as penance.

As a result, the temple tank came to be known as Parkulam, meaning “the milk pond.” Furthermore, Sage Vashistha is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here by creating a Lingam using butter collected from the Parkulam.

After completing his pooja, when the sage attempted to move the Lingam, it remained firmly fixed to the spot. Consequently, he named the place “Sikkal,” which means “that which gets stuck.” Additionally, devotees believe that Lord Murugan received his divine spear, the Vel, from his mother Goddess Parvathi at this sacred site. Armed with the Vel, Murugan later defeated the demon Surapadman, making the temple deeply significant in Murugan worship.

Deities in the Temple

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Navaneetheswarar, while Goddess Parvathi is revered as Velnedunganni. Lord Murugan is worshipped in the powerful form of Singaravelavar. In addition to the main deities, the temple complex houses shrines for Ganapathi, Mahalakshmi, Nataraja, the 63 Nayanmars, Bhairava, Surya, and Chandra, thereby reflecting the temple’s rich spiritual diversity. The temple entrance is adorned with a magnificent seven-tiered Rajagopuram that rises to a height of nearly 80 feet, adding to the grandeur and visual appeal of the sacred complex.

Temple Timings – Sikkal Singaravelan Temple

The temple is open for worship from ​5:30 AM to 12:30 PM​ and from ​4:30 PM to 9:00 PM​ in the evening.

Pooja Timings – Sikkal Singaravelan Temple

Festivals of Sikkal Singaravelan Temple

The most important festival observed by the temple is Soora Samharam- killing of the demon Soorapadman during the Tamil month of Aipasi (October-November). Brahmottsavam is celebrated with religious pomp for Lord Shiva during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April-May).

How to reach Sikkal Singaravelan Temple

Sikkal is situated about 5 kilometres from Nagapattinam and 18 kilomteres in the east from Tiruvarur. The nearest railway station is located at Sikkal less than a kilometre away from the temple. The nearest airport is at Chennai (300 kilometres away).

Other popular places to visit in Nagapattinam district:

• Shri Kayahorana Swami Neelayathatchi Amman Temple
• Soundararaja Perumal Temple
• Vedaranyeswarar Temple
• Ettukudi Murugan Temple
• Nagore Dargah
• Velankanni Church