Dharumapuram Sri Yazhmurinathar Temple, Puducherry

Deity: Yazhmurinathar, Dharmapureeswarar , Amman: Sri Madhuraminnammai, Sri Thenamirthavalli,
Temple Address: Dharumapuram Sri Yazhmurinathar Temple, Dharumapuram, Near Karaikkal, Puducherry - 609 602. Tele: +91- 4368 - 226 616.
Open between: 06:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 AM to 08:30 AM

Introduction

Dharumapuram Yazhmoorinathar Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Darmapuram, Karaikkal, Pondicherry, India. The place is now known as Koilpatthu.

• The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, worshiped as Sri Yazh Moori Nathar.
• His consort is Goddess Thenamirthavalli.
• This temple is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and is the 51st Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai).
• Lord Shiva here is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).

Temple Architecture & Features

• The temple faces east and has a 5-tiered Rajagopuram (main tower).
• It consists of two corridors (prakaram).
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on February 9, 2017, and before that on April 20, 1969.

Significance

• This temple is the birthplace of Saint Thiru Neelakanda Yazhpanar’s mother.
• Yazhpanar is one of the 63 Nayanmars (Shaivite saints).

Sacred Elements

• Theerthams (Holy Waters):
  • Vishnu Theertham / Dharma Theertham
  • Brahma Theertham
• Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree):
  • Plantain Tree (“Vaazhai”)

Puranic Significance

Dharumapuram Yazhmoorinathar Temple is one of the 27 temples under the administrative control of Dharumapuram Aadheenam. The temple is associated with two significant legends that highlight its spiritual importance.

Yama’s Penance and the Name “Dharmapuram”

According to legend, when Lord Shiva saved Sage Markandeya from the clutches of Yama (the lord of death) in Thirukadayur, Yama had already cast his noose around the sage. Realizing his mistake, Yama repented for his actions and sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness.

To atone, Yama came to this place, created a sacred spring, and performed penance. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva granted him darshan and assured him that he would be reinstated as the lord of death at the right time. Since Yama is also known as “Dharman”, this place came to be called Dharmapuram.

The Story of Yazhpanar and the Divine Music of Lord Shiva

Another fascinating legend revolves around Saint Thiru Neelakanda Yazhpanar, a renowned musician and devotee of Lord Shiva. He was skilled in playing the Yazh, a string instrument similar to the Veena or violin.

• Yazhpanar and his wife Madanga Soolamani accompanied Saint Thirugnana Sambanthar on his spiritual journeys. Yazhpanar composed the music for Sambanthar’s divine hymns.
• However, his relatives became arrogant, believing that Sambanthar’s fame was primarily due to Yazhpanar’s musical contributions.
• Yazhpanar, who held no such thoughts, was heartbroken when he learned of their arrogance and apologized to Sambanthar, who readily forgave him.

To seek blessings from Yazhpanar’s mother, Sambanthar traveled to Dharmapuram. However, when he sang the “Yaazhmoori Padhigam” in this temple, Yazhpanar was unable to set it to music. Frustrated, he attempted to break his Yazh in despair, but Sambanthar stopped him.

At this moment, Lord Shiva himself intervened—

• He took the Yazh from Yazhpanar, composed the music for the hymn, and even danced to its rhythm.
• Seeing this divine moment, Goddess Parvathy sang along, and her voice was as sweet as nectar.
• Due to this event, Lord Shiva is worshipped here as “Sri Yazh Moori Nathar” (the Lord who played the Yazh), and Goddess Parvathy is revered as “Sri Thene Amirthavalli” (“Thene” means honey and “Amirtham” means nectar in Tamil).

Other Divine Worships

• It is believed that Lord Mahavishnu, Lord Brahma, and Yudhishthira (Dharmar) also worshiped Lord Shiva at this temple.
• Since Yudhishthira is also known as Dharmar, this is another reason why the place is called Dharmapuram.

Beliefs

Those aspiring for excellence in music can worship Lord Shiva and Lord Dakshinamurthy here. Those facing “Puthra doshas” – problems related to child’s well-being can worship Goddess Durgai here on the days of the “Utharada” nakshatram.

Special Features

Other than the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, shrines and idols of lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Somaskanthar, Lingothbavar, Mahavishnu, Brahma, Natarajar, Dakshinamurthy, Nalvars, Santhana Kuravars, 63-Nayanmars, Chandrasekarar, Kasi Viswanathar with Visalakshi, Mahalakshmi, Durgai, Chandikeswarar, Navagraham, Suryan, Chandiran and Bairavar can be seen in the corridors. The procession idol of Lord Yazhmurinathar depicts him with a Yazh in his hands and flanked by Thirugnanasambanthar and Yazhpanar. This along with Lord Yama’s procession idol are very beautiful.

Festivals

Guru Pooja for Saint Thirugnanasambanthar is celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June) on the day of “Moola” nakshatram. On this day, Lord Shiva’s procession idol grants darshan to the saint’s idol. Some of the other festivals celebrated in this temple are – Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Maasi (February-March) and Thirukarthikai in the Tamil month of Karthikai (November-December). Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Saints and Singers

Thiruganamsambandar

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Best Time

10-12

Accommodation

Puducherry

Consecration (Kumbhishekam)

9 February 2017

Nearest Bus Station

Dharumapuram.

Nearest Railway Station

Puducherry

Nearest Airport

Puducherry

Location on Map

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