Saraparameshwarar, Tirucherai

Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).This temple is very famous as a “Kadan Nivarthi Sthalam” (to remove indebtedness). 

Saraparameswarar Temple, Thirucherai: Thirucherai is around 15 Kms south east of Kumbakonam on the Kodavasal Road via Nachiarkoil. This is a padal petra sthalam with Thevarams by both Sambandar and Appar. The old name of this place was Udayar Koil.

This is a famous Parihara Sthalam for those having significant debts. Devotees are required to perform special pooja to Sri Rina Vimochana Lingeswarar for 11 consecutive weeks to get relief from their debts and other related problems. These poojas are performed on Mondays and Fridays. Finally, on the 11th Monday or Friday, an “abhisheham” is performed to the lord.Devotees also believe that by worshiping this lord here, they will be relieved of any sins that they might have accrued.Devotees also believe that by worshiping the lord here, obstacles from their marriage proposals will be removed. This is also a parihara sthalam for performing poojas for “Santhana Prapthi” (child boon).

Here, Moolavar is Saraparameswarar ( Senneri Appar/Udayar) and He is a swayambumurthy. However this temple is more known for another lingam in the prakaram ( near the Vinayakar shrine) called Rina Vimochana Murthy ( one who removes all the debts). This lingam was installed by Sage Markandeya when he visited this temple. ( The temple theertham is also named after the Rishi). The purpose of installation was to remove all the debts even from his previous births! Hence it is presumed that this Swamy is to be worshipped to get relief not only from the material debts in this birth, but also the other Rinas like Deva Rina, Rishi Rina, Pithru Rina etc