Sri Akshaya Pureeswarar Temple- Poosam Nakshatra

Address

Sri Akshaya Pureeswarar Temple, Vilankulam 614612. Peravurani Taluk, Thanjavur District. Phone Numbers: +91 97507 84944, 96266 85051.

Deity

Akshayapureeswarar Amman: Abivruddha Nayaki

Introduction

• Location: The temple is situated in Vilankulam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.
• Deity: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is a significant example of Chola architecture and was built in 1350 AD by Parakrama Pandyan.
• Unique Aspects:
  • The temple has a history of over 700 years.
  • Special connection to Poosam Nakshatra (Pushya) and Saturn (Sani Bhagawan).
• Poosam Nakshatra:
  • People born under Poosam Nakshatra are encouraged to visit the temple on Saturdays and Poosam Star days.
  • Offering Abhishekam to Sani Bhagawan is believed to disperse their sorrows.
  • The temple also serves as a remedy for those facing planetary afflictions, leg pain, handicaps, and obstacles in marriage proposals.
  • Worshippers offer eight items (such as oil, panchamirtham, punugu, green coconut, milk, curd, etc.) to Sani Bhagawan and perform eight circumambulations around the shrine.

Puranic Significance

• Saturn’s Pilgrimage:
  • Shani (Saturn) was struck on his leg by his son, Yama (God of Death), and became lame. He began a pilgrimage to various Shiva temples to seek a remedy.
  • When he reached this temple, he fell while trying to circumambulate the shrine and was struck by the roots of a Vila tree.
  • On this Saturday (the day of Shani), combined with the Pushyam Star and Akshaya Tritiya (a day signifying prosperity), the hidden Poosa Gnanavavi spring erupted and helped Shani rise.
  • Lord Akshaya Pureeswara granted darshan and blessed Shani with the ability to stand straight again.
  • The place became known as Vilankulam (where “Kulam” means spring), due to the emergence of the healing spring.
• Siddha Poosa Marungar:
  • A Siddha named Poosa Marungar is associated with the temple.
  • He was believed to spill Sanivari theertha (holy water of Saturn) on the springs of Shiva temples.
  • This Siddha had the power to visit both the world of the Sun and the world of the departed ancestors (Pithrus). He is considered the Guru of the crows.
  • It is believed that the Siddha continues to visit this temple for worship daily.

Special Features

• Poosam Nakshatra Connection:
  • The temple holds a special significance for those born under Poosam Nakshatra (Pushya).
  • The phrase “Poosa Padam” is associated with friendship, as Padam refers to Saturn.
  • Worshipping Akshaya Pureeswarar helped Saturn regain his strength and heal his injury.

Festivals

• Mahashivaratri: Celebrated in February-March with grand festivities.
• Tirukarthikai: Celebrated in November-December.
• Margazhi Thivadhirai: Celebrated in December-January.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

Peravurani

Nearest Railway Station

Peravurani

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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