Avanam Paruthiyur Sri Vishahareswara Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Avanam Paruthiyur Sri Vishahareswara Temple, Thiruvarur Avanam Paruthiyur, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu 612604

Deity

Sri Vishahareswara Amman: Prasanna Parvathy Devi.

Introduction

• Location: The Vishahareswara Temple is located in Kodandaramapuram, a village in the Thiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu, India. It is situated on the banks of the Kudamurutti River, a tributary of the Cauvery.
• Direction: The temple faces south.
• Deity: The presiding deity is Vishahareswarar, a form of Lord Shiva, along with his consort, Prasanna Parvathy Devi.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Background: The temple was constructed by Aditya Chola between C.E. 870-901, and was originally known as Thiru Aditteeswaram.
• Renovation and Devotion: The temple was renovated by Paruthiyur Venkatesha Sastri, also known as Annaval, a prominent devotee of Shiva. He dedicated his life to studying the Shiva Purana, teaching scriptures, and promoting Hindu Dharma. Annaval was recognized for his expertise in Saivite traditions and was sought after for guidance on Dharma Shastram and Hindu law.
• Kumbabishekam: The temple was further renovated and consecrated with Kumbabishekam by Bramasri Paruthiyur Krishna Shastrigal in 1905.
• Mythological Event: According to legend, when Rahu attempted to eclipse the Sun, he emitted poisonous breath, which blackened the Sun’s face. In his distress, the Sun worshiped Lord Shiva under a Bilwa Tree on the northern banks of the Kudamurutti River. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy blessed the Sun, removing the effects of Rahu’s poison. This event led to the establishment of the Shiva temple, commemorating Lord Shiva as Vishahareswarar, meaning “poison remover.”

Beliefs

• Safety from Poison: It is believed that the poison from snakes is ineffective in this area. Despite the presence of many snakes, there have been no recorded snakebites or poison attacks in the village.
• Relief from Malefic Influences: Worshiping Shiva and Parvathy at this temple is said to relieve devotees from the evil effects of Rahu, Kethu, and Mars, and also aid in finalizing marriages.
• Name Origin: The name Parithipuram comes from “Parithi,” which refers to the Sun, highlighting the Sun’s worship of Lord Shiva at this holy site. People suffering from poison-related ailments travel from far and wide to pray to Vishahareswarar for healing.

Special Features

• Deity: The temple enshrines Lord Shiva as Vishahareswarar, along with his consort, Prasanna Parvathi Devi.
• Orientation: The temple faces south.
• Sthala Vriksham: The sacred tree of the temple is the Vilwa Tree.

Festivals

• Maha Shivarathri: This festival is celebrated with great devotion and special rituals at the temple, attracting numerous devotees.

Century/Period/Age

870-901C.E.

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kudavasal

Nearest Railway Station

Kumbakkonam, Thiruvarur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

lightuptemple