Thirupampuram Sri Paampuranathar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Thirupampuram Sri Paampuranathar Temple, Thirupampuram, Suraikkayoor Post – 612 203, Kudavasal Circle, Thiruvarur District. Phone Number: 0435-2469555, PH:9443943665

Diety

Sheshapureeswarar, Bambureeswarar, Bambisheer, Paampuranathar(Shiva) Amman: Pramarambikai(parvathi)

Introduction

Location: Paampuranathar Temple is in Thirupampuram Village, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu.
Other Names: Thirupampuram, Pambura Nannagar, Pamburam, Seshapuri, Uragapuram, Uyyakondar Vallanadu Thirupampuram.
Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva, known as Seshapureeswarar and Pambureswarar.
Goddess: Pramarambikai and Vanduser Kuzhali.
Sacred Tree & Theertham: Vanni Tree (Sthala Vriksham) and Adisesha Theertham.
Significance:
- Equivalent to Srikalahasthi, Kumbakonam, Thirunageswaram, Nagore, and Kizhapperumballam combined.
- Features Rahu and Kethu as a single physical entity.
- Known as a Rahu Kethu Temple in Tamil Nadu.
- Pooja here is a remedy for Kala Sarpa Dosha, Sarpa Dosha, and Rahu Dosha.
- Devotees with Naga Dosham or seeking children visit for blessings.
Paadal Petra Sthalam:
- 176th Shiva Sthalam.
- 59th Sthalam on the south side of the Cauvery River in Chozha Nadu.
- Tirugnanasambandar has sung hymns in praise of the deity.
Notable Events:
- 2002 (May 26): An 8.3 feet snake skin was found in Lord Shiva’s shrine.
- Another 7.5 feet snake skin is in the Ambal Shrine.
Administration: Managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Government of Tamil Nadu.

Puranic Significance

Ashtama Nagas Relieved from Lord Shiva’s Curse
- A snake around Shiva’s neck grew proud when Lord Vinayaka worshipped Shiva.
- Lord Shiva, angered, cursed all snakes to lose their poison.
- The Ashtama Nagas (Aanandhan, Vasuki, Dakshakan, Karkodakan, Sangabalan, Kuligan, Padman, Mahapadman, and others led by Adhishesha) pleaded for mercy.
- Lord Shiva instructed them to worship him at four temples on Maha Shivaratri:
  1. Morning: Nageswarar Temple
  2. Afternoon: Thirunageswaram
  3. Evening: Thirupampuram
  4. Night: Naganathar Temple, Nagore
- At Thirupampuram (3rd Jamam), Nagaraja used Agathi flowers tied with banyan tree stems for pooja.
- Result: Serpents regained their lost power.
- Significance: Worshipping at these four temples on Maha Shivaratri is believed to help regain lost things in life.
Chandran (Moon God) Absolved of His Curse
- Chandran had an illicit relationship with Vanathara, the wife of Brihaspati, and begot Budhan.
- Brihaspati cursed him with tuberculosis.
- To absolve his curse, Chandran worshipped Pampuranathar with 1,000 flowers daily for 12 years.
- He was cured at noon on Thai Poornima Day.
Sage Agasthya Regained His Speech
- Agasthya argued that Tamil was as great as Sanskrit.
- Devas and Rishis, angered, cursed him to become mute.
- He prayed to Lord Shiva and was instructed to worship at Thirupampuram for one year.
- Lord Shiva restored his speech on the first segment of Maha Shivaratri.
- Shiva then directed him to Podhigai Hill to help Tamil flourish.
Agni Relieved of His Curse for Attending Daksha’s Yagna
- During Daksha’s Yagna, Lord Shiva was ignored in the distribution of offerings.
- Shiva, in the form of Veerabhadra, cut off Agni’s hand and knocked him down.
- Agni repented and worshipped at Thirupampuram for three years.
- Lord Shiva relieved him of the curse.

Beliefs

Kalasarpa Dosha in Horoscopes
- Occurs when Rahu and Ketu are positioned at two ends, trapping other planets in between.
- In some cases, Rahu’s 18-year main period can be highly influential.
- Rahu or Ketu may be in:
  - Second house (affecting wealth and family life).
  - Eighth house (impacting longevity and unexpected difficulties).
  - Kalathra Dosha (affecting spouse’s longevity and marriage stability).
- Snakes appearing in dreams or incidents of killing a snake (intentionally or unintentionally) can also indicate dosha effects.
- Financial burdens and debts may be linked to planetary positions.
Remedies at Thirupampuram Temple
- Devotees seek relief by performing Abhishekam (ritual bathing) and Archana (prayers).
- Offering Vastras (clothes) to Lord Shiva is considered highly beneficial.
- Worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati together as Shiva-Shakti brings peace and overall well-being.

Special Features

Architecture & Structure
- Majestic East-facing temple with a three-tiered Raja Gopuram.
- Aadhi Sesha Theertham is the temple’s sacred tank, located opposite the temple tower.
- The temple follows a traditional layout with Sanctum, Artha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, and Mukha Mandapam.
- The flagstaff (Dwajasthambam) is currently ruined, but the altar and Nandi are still present.
Deities & Special Features
- Presiding Deity: Lord Shiva is worshipped as Seshapureeswarar, Pambeesar, Pampuranathar, Pambureeswarar, Sarpeswarar, Naganathar.
- Goddess: Known as Vandaar Poonkuzhali, Bramarambal, Bramaramigai, Vanduserkuzhali, Maamalayatti.
- The Shiva Lingam here is small and naturally formed (Swayambhu).
- Rahu and Ketu appear together in a single body, unlike in other temples where they are separate.
- Thirupampuram is known as Rahu-Ketu Sthalam, offering relief from planetary afflictions.
- The temple has the combined power of five major serpent temples:
  - Kudanthai (Kumbakonam)
  - Thirunageswaram
  - Nagore
  - Keezha Perum Pallam
  - Srikalahasti
Special Shrines & Features
- Panchalingam represents the five faces of Lord Shiva.
- Rahu-Ketu shrine is located in the North-East corner.
- Vinayagar is seated at the base of the flagstaff (Dwajasthambam), facing east and blessing devotees.
- In the Southern courtyard (Prakaram), there is a shrine for Thirumalai Easwaran.

Festivals

Masimakam – Tirthavari – Panchamurthy worship, Rahu-Ketu is specially titled, Four-day special poojas on the night of Masivaratri. Main festivals are Maasi Magam and Arudra Darisanam. Aadisesha, the mount of Lord Vishnu, worshipped shiva here on the Night of Maha Shivaratri and then he commenced his worship at Kudandai Keezhkottam, and then proceeded through Thirunageswaram, Tiruppaampuram and Nagur. This event is celebrated on Maha Shivaratri nights.