Sri Neelakandeswarar temple is located in the village named Tiruneelakudi in the district of Thanjavur, in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. The chief deity of this temple is Neelakandeswarar (Lord Shiva) and his consorts are Satgunambal and Nalla Nayaki.
The holy trees of this temple are five leaves vilwa and Jack tree. The holy water of this temple is Devi Theertham. The agamam or pooja of this temple is known as Kameeyam. This temple is nearly 1000-2000 years old in this region. The historical name of this place is Thennalakudi.
According to the scholars and pundits belonging to Hindu religion states, “ Lord of the temple is praised in the Thevaram hymns of Saint Tirugnana Sambandar. This is the 32nd Shiva temple on the southern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns.”
The festivals of this temple are on Pradosha days (13th day of new moon or full moon fortnights), Tamil and English New Year days, Deepavali, Pongal in January-February, Tirukarthikai in November-December, Aadi Pooram in July-August; Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January and 18 day long Chithirai Brahmmotsavam in April-May.
The temple’s specialty is Lord Shiva is a Swayambu murthi. In wedding posture in this temple, Mother Oppilamulayal (Anupamasthini) appears and in penance posture, Mother Bhaktabeeshta Pradayini appears.
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. and 8.00 p.m for devotees and pilgrims. The special four holy water used in pujas are sheerakundam, markandaya theertham, bramma theertham and devi theertham. In this temple vinyagar is known as narthana ganapathy.