Sri Agnipureeswarar Temple- Sathayam Nakshatra

Address

Sri Agnipureeswarar (Saranyapureeswarar) Temple, Tiruppukalur, Thirukkannapuram Road, Thiruvarur District. Phone: + 91- 4366-237 198, 273 176, 94431 13025, 94435 88339

Diety

Agnipureeswarar Amman: Karundharkuzhali

Introduction

Agnipureeswarar Temple (also called Thirupugalur temple) in Thirupugalur, a village in Nagapattinam district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Shiva. Constructed in the Tamil style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the Cholas period in the 10th century. Shiva is worshipped as Agnipureeswarar and his consort Parvathi as Karundar Kuzhali. The temple is believed to be the place where Saiva saint Appar is believed to have attained salvation. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple has a five-tiered Rajagopurams, the gateway tower. The temple is open from 6 am – 12 pm and 4-8:30 pm on all days except during new moon days when it is open the full day. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the ten-day VaikasipournamiBrahmotsavam festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May – June) and float festival for Agnipureeswarar during the Tamil month of Vaikasi being the most prominent festivals. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Sathayam star people visit this temple often to get rid of their struggles in marriage, child boon and business prosperity. SATHAYAM NAKSHATHRA: Will have a charming look to look at. They are wealthy. They are patient and act with a broad mind. Able to accomplish what is in the mind. Will be active only after decisive idea.

Puranic Significance

The temple has inscriptions dating from UttamaChola (970–985 CE) from the 10th century. The inscriptions from the time of Rajaraja I (985-1011) indicates tax free gifts of land for conducting festivals and for providing offering to the temple every year by PanchanvanMahadeviyar, one of the consorts of the ruler. Another inscription dated to the 27th regnal year of the king indicates gift of paddy and money by AngikumaraGramavittan. The inscriptions from the period of Rajendra I (1012–1044 CE) indicates exemption of taxes for certain lands belonging to the temple. The records from Rajadhiraja indicate offering by PichanSirudaikal of Saliamangalam making a gift of offering to the ashtamangalam ceremony, the eight steps of bathing of the deity

Beliefs

Sathayam star people visit this temple often to get rid of their struggles in marriage, child birth and business loss. This temple is noted for Vasthu benefits (house construction), smooth delivery and happy wedding. Devotees will bring the first stone of their house and perform poojas for it in order to guard their houses from evil spirits.

Festivals

Vaikasi Pournami is a ten days long fete celebrated with grandeur and Thirukarthigai, Proshams, Diwali are some other important festivals in this temple, Tamil& English New year days are the festivals celebrating in the temple.