Annavasal Viruthapureeswarar Temple, Pudukkottai

Address

Annavasal Viruthapureeswarar Temple, Pudukkottai

Annavasal,

Pudukkottai District,

 Tamil Nadu 622 101

Mobile: +91 99762 38448 / 94861 85259 / 97884 08173

Moolavar

Viruthapureeswarar/ Pazhampathi Nathar

Amman

Dharmasamvardhini / Aram Valartha Nayagi.

1. Introduction:
   • Viruthapureeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and located at Annavasal Village, near Pudukottai Town in Tamil Nadu.
   • The presiding deity is known as Viruthapureeswarar (also Pazhampathi Nathar), and the goddess is Dharmasamvardhini (or Aram Valartha Nayagi).
   • The temple is also known for being the birth star temple for Kettai, Ayilyam, and Hastham starers.
   • Annavasal was historically referred to as Annavayil.
2. Puranic Significance:
   • The temple is believed to have been constructed during the 7th century and renovated during the Mughal Empire.
   • It is said to have been built by the Bhooda Ganas of Lord Shiva.
   • The temple is recognized as a Thevara Vaippu Sthalam, mentioned in the Devaram hymns sung by Appar.
3. Beliefs:
   • The presiding deity, Viruthapureeswarar, is housed in the sanctum in the form of a Lingam and is considered a Swayambhu (self-manifested) deity, facing east.
   • Nandi and Balipeedam are situated facing the sanctum.
   • The Koshta idols around the sanctum walls include Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhava, and Durga.
   • The goddess, Dharmasamvardhini, is enshrined in a separate shrine facing south.
   • There is a large pond in front of the temple, which adds to its serene ambiance.
   • At the entrance of the temple, stone pillars stand as historical markers.
   • Two old Shiva Lingas are located on the prakaram (outer courtyard).
   • The temple complex also houses shrines for Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Kasi Viswanathar, Bhairava, Chandikeswarar, and Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai.
   • An inscription in the temple commemorates a Chettiyar who renovated the temple.
   • The Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree) is the Vilva tree.
4. Special Features:
   • The temple complex features a large pond, stone pillars at the entrance, and shrines dedicated to various deities such as Meenakshi Sundareswarar and Lord Murugan.
   • The temple is known for its sacred, self-manifested Lingam and vibrant Koshta idols.
   • The Vilva tree, a symbol of Lord Shiva, holds special significance as the Sthala Vriksham.
5. Festivals:
   • Major festivals celebrated at the Viruthapureeswarar Temple include:
     • 10-day Masi Magam Festival
     • Monthly Pradoshams
     • Vinayaga Chathurthi
     • Aippasi Annabishekam
     • Navaratri
     • Karthigai
     • Thiruvadhirai
     • Panguni Uthiram
     • Weekly Fridays
   • These festivals are celebrated with grandeur and devotion, drawing many devotees from the region.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com

Century/Period

7th Century

Nearest Bus Station

Annavasal

Nearest Railway Station

Pudukkottai

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple