Engan Subramanyaswamy (Brahmapureeswarar Temple) Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Engan Subramanyaswamy (Brahmapureeswarar Temple) Temple, Engan, Thiruvarur district – 612 603. Phone: +91 – 4366 – 278 531 / 278 014 Mobile: +91 – 94884 15137

Deity

Subramanyaswamy

Introduction

Location: Engan village, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu.
Deities:
- Presiding Deity: Lord Brahmapureeswarar (Shiva).
- Mother: Peria Nayaki Amman.
- Importance: Despite being a Shiva temple, Lord Muruga holds greater significance.
Historical Context: Built during the reign of Kulothunga II; believed to be over 1000 years old.
Cultural Significance: Glorified in the Thiruppugazh hymns of Arunagirinathar.

Puranic Significance

Sage Arunagiri: Celebrated the temple in his hymns.
Mythological Events:
- Pranava Mantra Revelation: Lord Muruga taught the meaning of the Pranava Mantra to Brahma, who had failed to explain it.
- Name Origin: The place became known as Brahmmapuram after Brahma worshipped Shiva with his eight eyes (En Kan).

Beliefs

Healing: Devotees seek restoration from impaired vision; those suffering from eye ailments can be blessed with sight by performing Shanmugarchana on Vaishaka star days for 12 months.
Aspirations:
- Fasting on Tuesdays for health.
- Prayers for happy marriages, child blessings, job opportunities, and prosperity.
Ritual Offerings: Includes abishek with milk, curd, honey, and performing tonsuring.

Special Features

Temple Structure:
- Rajagopuram: A large three-tier gopuram on the eastern side and a smaller two-tier gopuram on the southern side.
- Idol Details: Muruga’s idol is notable for its unique balance, standing on a single leg of a peacock, with intricate carvings on the body.
Muruga’s Attributes: Holds a variety of weapons and symbolizes various divine aspects.
Shrine Layout:
- Separate shrines for Lord Vinayaka (Nardana Vinayaka), Dakshinamurthy, Natarajar, and others.
- Navagraha Sanctum: Unique representation with family members seated, significant to relieving planetary afflictions.
Sacred Water: Theerthams include Netra Pushkarini, Saravana Poikai, and others.
Sacred Tree: Vanni Tree (Proposis cineraria).

Festivals

Thai Poosam-Brahmmotsavam: A grand 14-day celebration in January-February.
Other Notable Festivals:
- Monthly Kruthika star days.
- Skanda Sashti in Aipasi (October-November).
- Karthikai in November-December.
- Deepavali, Pongal, and New Year celebrations.