The Sikkal Singaravelan Temple, located near Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, is one of the most spiritually powerful and mysterious Murugan temples in South India. Though the main presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Navaneetheswarar (also called Vennainathar – the Lord of Butter), the temple is world-famous for Lord Murugan in the form of Singaravelar, whose divine miracle during Skanda Shashti draws thousands of devotees every year.
This ancient shrine is also one of the 275 revered Thevara Paadal Petra Sthalams, glorified in the hymns of the Nayanmars, giving it immense Shaivite and historical significance.
Divine Significance of Singaravelar
Lord Murugan is worshipped here as Singaravelar, the heroic and radiant warrior god who received his divine weapon, the Vel (spear), from his mother Goddess Parvati at this very spot. This powerful event took place before Murugan proceeded to Thiruchendur to destroy the demon king Surapadman.
A famous Tamil saying originates from this belief:
“Sikkalil Vel Vaangi, Senthooril Samharam”
(He received the Vel at Sikkal and performed the destruction at Thiruchendur)
Because of this sacred event, Sikkal holds a unique place in Murugan worship traditions.
Legend of Navaneetheswarar – The Butter Lingam
According to ancient Puranic legends, Sage Vasishta once established his ashram in this region, which was then known as Mallikaranyam (Jasmine Forest). During a severe famine, Kamadhenu, the celestial cow, was forced to eat meat and was cursed by Lord Shiva to take the form of a tiger.
To regain her original form, Kamadhenu was instructed to bathe in the sacred pond here, now called:
- Paarkulam
- Ksheerapushkarani (Milk Pond)
Her milk flowed abundantly and filled the pond. Sage Vasishta churned this milk into butter and created a Shiva Lingam from butter, which he worshipped. When he tried to lift the Lingam after the puja, it became “Sikkal” (stuck) to his hand, giving the town its name – Sikkal.
Since the Lingam was formed from butter (Navaneetham), Lord Shiva came to be known as:
- Navaneetheswarar
- Vennainathar
- Vennaippiraan (Lord of Butter)
The Sweating Miracle of Lord Murugan
The most astonishing miracle of this temple occurs every year during the Aippasi Skanda Shashti festival (October–November).
On the day when Goddess Parvati hands over the Vel to Singaravelar:
- The Utsava idol of Murugan begins to sweat profusely
- Sweat appears like pearls on his face and body
- Even when priests wipe it using silk cloth, the sweat reappears
- The sacred sweat is later sprinkled as Divine Theertham to devotees
This phenomenon is known as the:
“Sweating Wonder of Sikkal”
The sweating subsides only after the idol returns to the sanctum. On the sixth day, the dramatic Soora Samharam (slaying of Surapadman) is enacted.
Other Deities and Temple Importance
It is believed that Lord Vishnu also worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple, and hence shrines for both deities exist here.
The Goddess who bestowed the Vel upon Murugan is worshipped as:
Velnedunganni Amman
The temple beautifully blends Shaivite and Murugan traditions, making it a powerful spiritual center
Temple Timings
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
|
Timing |
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
|
Temple Entry |
Free for all devotees |
|
Special Darshan Tickets |
₹50-₹200 per person tickets available at the ticket counter |
Festivals Celebrated
Major Festivals:
- Skanda Shashti / Soora Samharam – October / November (most important)
- Brahmotsavam (for Lord Shiva) – April / May (Chittirai month)
- Thai Poosam
- Vaikasi Visakam
- Karthigai Deepam
During Skanda Shashti, thousands gather to witness the sweating miracle.
How to Reach Sikkal Singaravelan Temple
By Road:
- Located 5 km from Nagapattinam
- 18 km from Tiruvarur
Buses and taxis are easily available.
By Train:
- Sikkal Railway Station – less than 1 km from the temple
By Air:
- Chennai International Airport – about 300 km
Conclusion
The Sikkal Singaravelan Temple stands as a rare blend of mythology, miracle, devotion, and divine power. From the butter Lingam of Lord Shiva to the extraordinary sweating miracle of Lord Murugan, this sacred place continues to astonish devotees and scholars alike.
It is not just a temple, but a living testimony to faith, where divine events are believed to repeat themselves year after year, reminding humanity of the eternal presence of the gods.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.Why is Lord Murugan called Singaravelar here?
Murugan is called Singaravelar because he received his divine weapon, the Vel, from his mother Goddess Parvati at this temple before going to Thiruchendur to defeat the demon Surapadman.
2. What is the famous miracle of Sikkal Temple?
The temple is famous for the “Sweating Miracle”. During Skanda Shashti, when Murugan receives the Vel, his Utsava idol begins to sweat profusely. Even after wiping, the sweat reappears and is distributed as holy theertham to devotees.
3. What is the meaning of the proverb “Sikkalil Vel Vaangi, Senthooril Samharam”?
It means “Murugan received the Vel at Sikkal and destroyed Surapadman at Thiruchendur.”
4.Why is Lord Shiva called Navaneetheswarar here?
According to legend, Sage Vasishta created a Shiva Lingam from butter (navaneetham) using milk from Kamadhenu. Hence, Shiva is worshipped as Navaneetheswarar – the Lord of Butter.
