Arani Sri Puthrakameshtiswarar Temple – Thiruvannamalai

Address

Arani Sri Puthrakameshtiswarar Temple – Thiruvannamalai

Arani,

Thiruvannamalai district,

Tamil Nadu – 632 301

Phone: +91 94860 46908, 97891 56179, 96294 73883

Moolavar

Puthrakameshtiswarar

Amman

Perianayaki

Introduction

• Location: The Puthira Kamateshwarar Temple is a renowned Shiva temple situated in Arani, Thiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu.
• Deities:
  • Main Deity: Sri Putharakameshtiswarar (Lord Shiva) in Lingam form, under the protective hood of a nine-headed Adisheshan.
  • Consort: Goddess Periya Nayaki Amman, enshrined in a separate sanctum with an individual Dwajasthambam.
  • Urchavar: Lord Somaskandar.
• Architecture: The temple features a three-tier Raja Gopuram and is centrally located in Arani Town, about 41 km from Vellore, 58 km from Thiruvannamalai, and 71 km from Kancheepuram.

Puranic Significance

• The temple is associated with the legend of Emperor Dasaratha, who was distressed by his lack of heirs.
• As guided by his Kula Guru Vashishta, he arrived at this site, installed a Shiva Lingam, and performed the Puthrakameshti Yaga under the leadership of Rishyasringa Maharishi.
• Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva blessed Dasaratha with four sons: Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna.
• The emperor named the deity Putharakameshtiswarar after the yagna and built a temple in his honor.

Beliefs

• The temple is believed to grant the blessing of children to childless couples.
• Devotees pray to Putharakameshtiswarar with faith, performing abishekams and offering vastras to Lord Shiva and Goddess Periya Nayaki.
• The temple continues to be a center of hope for couples seeking progeny.

Special Features

1. Historical Significance:
   • The temple is believed to be over 1500 years old.
   • The sanctum features a unique idol of Emperor Dasaratha depicted as a sage performing yagna, holding a kamandalam and Rudraksha mala.
2. Rare Iconography:
   • Presiding deity Sri Putharakameshtiswarar is enshrined under the hood of a nine-headed serpent.
   • Lord Vinayaka (facing north) and Sri Anjaneya (facing south) are positioned opposite each other along the temple’s riverside. This unique arrangement signifies the Vedic principle of starting with Vinayaka worship and concluding with Anjaneya worship.
   • Lord Anjaneya’s idol features carvings of Vishnu’s discus and conch, a rare depiction.
3. Shrines and Deities:
   • The temple complex houses shrines for:
     • 63 Saivite Saints.
     • Swarna Vinayaka, Panchalingam with Ambicas, Ashtothra Linga, Veerabadra with Kali, Lord Shanmugha with Valli and Deivanai, Lord Gopalakrishna with Bama and Rukmini, Kalabhairava, Saneeswara, and Sun God.
4. Special Poojas:
   • Devotees flock to the temple during Full Moon days, when special pujas are performed.
   • Emperor Dasaratha’s shrine also receives offerings and pujas during festival days.

Festivals

The temple celebrates several vibrant festivals:

• Aadi Swathi Star Day: Lighting of one lakh deepams (lamps) in July-August.
• Purattasi Navarathri: Observed in September-October.
• Masi Shivaratri: Celebrated in February-March, attracting devotees from across the region.

This has been extracted from,

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Century/Period

1500 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Arani

Nearest Railway Station

Arani Road Station

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

Location on Map

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