Soolamangalam Sri Keerthivageeswarar Temple, Thanjavur (Soolamangai)

Address

Soolamangalam Sri Keerthivageeswarar Temple, Soolamangalam, Ayyampettai (Via), Papanasam Taluk, Thanjavur district- 614206

Diety

Keerthivageeswarar / Kari Uritha Nayanar Amman: Alankara Valli

Introduction

The Keerthivageeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in Soolamangalam, Papanasam Taluk in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India.

Puranic Significance

The Keerthivageeswarar Temple is believed to be around 1000 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is known as Keerthivageeswarar or Kari Uritha Nayanar. The name Keerthivageeswarar is derived from a mythological story wherein Shiva defeated the demon Gajasuran and used the elephant’s skin as his attire. This event led to the name Keerthivageeswarar, signifying the Lord’s glory.
Lord Astra Deva, the deity associated with celestial weapons, worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple and received numerous benefits.
Another legend relates to Lord Vishnu, who is said to have worshipped Shiva here during Thai Amavasya (in January-February) to secure victory in a battle against the demon Kalanemi.
This temple is also associated with Lord Brahma, who sought relief from severe stomach pain through his prayers to Lord Shiva here.

Religious Observances:

Thai Amavasya, which falls in January-February, is observed as a special day in this temple. Devotees worship Lord Shiva on this day, and it is believed to be associated with the victory of Lord Vishnu over the demon Kalanemi.
Soola Vratham, a religious observance, is performed on this day, and those who participate are believed to be relieved of enmities, poverty, and illness.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

The temple has inscriptions that date back to the period of Kulottunga Chola III, Sundara Pandyan, and Hoysala Kings. These inscriptions provide valuable insights into the grants and social life of the bygone era.

Sthala Vriksham and Theertham:

The sacred tree (Sthala Vriksham) of the temple is the Vilvam tree, which holds significance in Hindu rituals and worship.
The temple is associated with the Soola Theertham, a sacred water body. It is believed that Lord Shiva created this Theertham using his Trident (Soolam), which may have contributed to the name Soolamangalam.

Special Features

Deities and Architecture:

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Keerthivageeswarar or Kari Uritha Nayanar, and the main sanctum houses a Swayambumurthy Shiva Lingam. The deity is typically covered with a Kavacham, symbolizing the use of the elephant’s skin as attire.
The temple features a unique shrine dedicated to Lord Astra Deva, the deity associated with celestial weapons. Worshipers believe that visiting this shrine can help remove enmity and negative feelings.
Mother Alankara Valli, the consort of Lord Shiva, has a separate shrine within the temple complex.
The temple’s architecture includes a three-tiered Rajagopuram, the main entrance tower, and features Dakshinamurthy in a unique form. Typically, Dakshinamurthy is depicted seated under a banyan tree, but in this temple, he appears without the tree, and his hair is arranged as Jata Mudi.

Festivals

Mahasivarathri in February-March, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple. This Temple is one of the seven places forming seven Holy Kshetras in and around Pasupathi Koil where the annual Saptha Sthanam festival is held in the month of Panguni. The Deities from the main temple Chakkarapalli are taken in a procession in very huge “kannadippallakkoo” weighing more than 2000 Kgs by bearers on bare foot over more than 40 Kms in two days nonstop except for few hours halt at Kudamurutti river sands for the fireworks show at 4 am.