Bhaktajaneswarar Temple (also called Thirunavalur Temple or Bhathajaneeswaram) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Thirunavalur, a village in Viluppuram district in Tamil Nadu. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Bhaktajaneswarar, and is represented in the form of lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Manonmani Amman.The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Shaiva canonical work, the Thevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple is closely associated with Sundarar, who is believed to have attained grace at this place
The temple has a five-tiered Rajagopurarn and two prakaras, and on the right side of the first prakara there is a separate shrine for Sundar along with Paravai Nachiyar and Sangi Nachiyar. Usually, the Sun in the middle of the Navagrahas is towards the East. But here the sun is facing west. It is believed that he is visiting God.
The original structure is believed to be existent from time immemorial, while the later additions are believed to have been built by Cholas, Pallavas, while the present masonry structure was built during the 16th century.
As per Hindu legend, during Samudra Manthana (the churning of the Ocean of milk), a sperm fell at this place to originate as a “Naval” tree. It came to be known as Jambuvanam and over the period of several eons, a temple formed in the place. The place thus came to be known as Navalur while presiding deity came to be known as Thirunavleeshan.
As per another legend, Shukra (Venus) obtained the divine elixir that could bring back dead people. During the fight between Devas, the celestial deities and Asuras, the demons, Shukra helped the Asuras by bringing them back to life repeatedly. The Devas complained it to Shiva, who swallowed Shukra. He then brought him back to life and installed him as one of the Navagrahas, the planetary deities. He also instructed him to help devotees based on the deeds.
Sundarar, an 8th-century shaivite saint was born in the place and believed to have attained divinity by worshipping Shiva at the place.
The place is also believed to be the one where Adisesha got back his original colour attained on account of the poison. Brahma is believed to have worshipped the deity during Dwapara Yuga, while Shivapriyar, who went on to become Chandekeswarar worshipped the deity during Treta Yuga.
Sundarar Janana festival during the Tamil month of Aavani (August – September) and Sundarar Guru Pooja during the month of Aadi are the most important festivals of the temple.
