Uthamacholapuram Sri Karapuranathar Temple, Salem

Address

Uthamacholapuram Sri Karapuranathar Temple, Uthamacholapuram, Salem district- 636010, Phone: +9788718970

Diety

Sri Karapuranathar

Introduction

The Karapuranathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Uthamacholapuram, Salem District of Tamil Nadu. This ancient temple is known for its unique significance, historical legends, and association with the famous Tamil poetess Avvaiyar.

Puranic Significance

Significance and Location:

• The Karapuranathar Temple is over 1200 years old and is situated in Uthamacholapuram, Salem District, Tamil Nadu.
• It is one of the Marriage Parihara Sthalams, where prayers and rituals are conducted to seek blessings for successful marriages.

Presiding Deity:

• The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, who is known as Karabureswarar. The term “Karabureswarar” is derived from the legend of Khara and Dushana (demon brothers) who worshiped Lord Shiva here.

Legends:

• Khara and Dushana, demon brothers from the Ramayana, undertook severe penance to gain the favor of Lord Shiva. After their penance, Lord Shiva appeared before them, and Khara built this temple to commemorate the event. Hence, Lord Shiva came to be known as Karabureswarar.
• Another legend tells of Gunaseelam, a young boy who was too short to place a garland around Lord Shiva’s neck. Moved by his devotion, Lord Shiva tilted His head, and the Lingam remains slanting to this day, known as Mudisaithanathar.
• The famous Tamil poetess Avvaiyar played a significant role in arranging the marriage of Angavai and Sangavai, the daughters of King Pari Vallal. King Pari was a Velir king who had been a patron of poets and had two daughters who faced challenges after his death.
• Avvaiyar sought the help of Lord Shiva in convincing the three crowned Tamil Kings to bless the marriage of Angavai and Sangavai to suitable grooms.
• With her prayers and the miracle of a dried tree sprouting fresh leaves and fruits, Avvaiyar successfully brought the three kings to the temple to bless the marriage. The Kings are represented in the temple with symbols of their flags – the bow, the tiger, and the fish.

The Karapuranathar Temple is not only a place of worship but also a place of historical and literary importance, and it continues to be revered for its unique legends and cultural significance.

Beliefs

Devotees seek child boon, removal of obstacle in marriage alliances, progress in education and protection from enemies. Devotees offer abishek and offer vastras to God and Goddess.

Special Features

Additional Details:

• The temple’s Shivalinga is slightly slanting, a unique feature attributed to the legend of a devotee’s devotion.
• The temple’s main tower (Rajagopuram) was initially constructed during the Chola period but was not completed. The government of Tamil Nadu later completed the construction and conducted the consecration in 1992.
• The statues of the three Tamil Kings – Chera, Chola, and Pandya – are placed at the temple entrance, as are statues of Lord Shiva in His various forms and Avvaiyar.
• The temple is mentioned in ancient Tamil texts and hymns of saints such as Tirugnanasambandar, Tirumoolar, and Arunagirinathar.

Festivals

The temple is noted for festivals in all the 12 months of the year, Sukra (Venus) worship, Pradosham and Chandi Homam.

Century/Period/Age

1200 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Uthamacholapuram

Nearest Railway Station

Salem

Nearest Airport

Trichy, Coimbatore

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