Sri Athitheeswarar Temple- Punarpoosam Nakshatra

Address

Sri Athitheeswarar Temple, Vaniambadi – Old Vaniambadi, Vellore district.635751 Phone: +91 4174 226 652,99941 07395, 93600 55022

Deity

Athitheeswarar Amman: Periyanayaki

Introduction

• Location: Situated in Vaniyambadi Town, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu.
• Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be over 1000 years old.
• Special Significance:
  • It is a Parihara Sthalam (a place for remedies) for individuals born under the Punarvasu (Punarpoosam) star.
  • The temple is particularly known for offering remedies for those facing planetary afflictions in their horoscope.

Punarvasu (Punarpoosam) Star

1. Characteristics:
   • People born under the Punarvasu (Punarpoosam) star are known for their Satvic qualities: they are religious, sincere, good communicators, and well-controlled.
   • They have a strong physique, often with broad shoulders, and a strong mind.
   • While generally popular, they may experience frequent illnesses.
   • Lord Rama is believed to have been born under this star.
   • Punarpoosam individuals are generally intelligent, talented in debating, and interested in tourism and understanding human nature.
2. Temple Significance:
   • People born under Punarpoosam star are advised to visit this temple on their star day and perform flower pooja to Lord Shiva in order to overcome adverse planetary effects in their lives.
   • The temple offers a remedy for horoscope-related troubles experienced by individuals of this star.

Puranic Significance

• Legend of Saraswati:
  • The legend recounts that Lord Brahma once cursed Mother Saraswati to lose her speech.
  • Saraswati traveled to Sringeri to meditate, where Lord Brahma later found her, convinced her, and took her back to Heaven.
  • During their journey back, they passed by this temple near the River Palar and worshipped Lord Shiva.
  • Pleased by her worship, Lord Shiva restored Saraswati’s speech. She then sang at this place, which led to the naming of the place as Vaniyambadi (Vani meaning speech, Yambadi meaning town).
• Legend of Saint Kashyap’s Wife, Athithi:
  • Saint Kashyap’s wife, Athithi, performed regular worship of Lord Shiva on Punarpoosam days and received a special boon.
  • Consequently, the Lord in this temple came to be known as Athitheeswarar, named after her.
  • The temple is considered a Parihara Temple for people born under the Punarpoosam star.

Beliefs

• Lord Dakshinamurthy:
  • The temple features an idol of Lord Dakshinamurthy, who is depicted seated on Nandi (the bull vehicle of Shiva).
  • He holds a deer and a battle-axe, and performs Chinmudra (a symbolic hand gesture where the thumb and second finger touch, while the other three fingers are kept apart).
  • Chinmudra represents the union of Jeevatma (the individual soul, represented by the second finger) with Paramatma (the supreme soul, represented by the thumb).
  • The other three fingers represent arrogance, fate, and illusion, which are kept away from the union, symbolizing the importance of spiritual balance and freedom from distractions.

Festivals

• Chithirai Brahmmotsavam: Celebrated in April-May with grand festivities.
• Mahasivarathri: Celebrated in February-March, with special rituals and prayers.
• Margazhi Tiruvadhirai: Celebrated in December-January, marking a significant festival dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

Jolapet

Nearest Railway Station

Jolapet

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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