Thirubuvanam Kampaheswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Thirubuvanam Kampaheswarar Temple, Thirubuvanam, Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk, Thanjavur District – 612 103 Phone: +91 435 246 0760

Deity

Kampaheswarar / Kampahareswarar / Nadukkam Theertha Nayagan / Thirubhuvana Eswarar / Thirubhuvana Ma

Introduction

• Kampaheswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in Thirubhuvanai Town near Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.
• Presiding deity: Kampaheswarar / Kampahareswarar / Nadukkam Theertha Nayagan.
• Mother Goddess: Dharmasamvardhini / Aram Valartha Nayaki.
• The temple is also known as Sarabeswarar Temple.
• The architecture resembles other Chola temples such as Brihadeeswarar Temple, Airavatesvara Temple, and Gangai Konda Cholapuram.
• It is a Thevara Vaippu Sthalam, mentioned in Devaram hymns sung by Appar.

Puranic Significance

• Built by Kulottunga Chola III (1176–1218 AD) to commemorate his North Indian campaign victory.
• The temple’s inscriptions reveal its connection with other famous temples, such as the Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram.
• The temple has several inscriptions detailing its construction and contributions.
• A legend tells of Pandyan King Varaguna being relieved of the Brahmmahathi Dosham (curse of killing a Brahmin) by Lord Shiva here.
• Kampaheswarar (Nadukkam Theertha Nayakan) saved the king from trembling, leading to the deity’s name.

Beliefs

• Worshiping Lord Kampahareswarar helps cure neurological disorders, fear, and promotes longevity.
• Mother Ambika blesses couples with unity and child boon, and absolves devotees of sins.
• Lord Sarabeswarar aids in resolving marriage obstacles, illness, job promotions, debt recovery, and protection from evil forces.
• Special poojas like Sahasranama archana, Saraba Yajnas, and abishekams with curd and milk are common for blessings.
• Rahukalam pooja on Sundays is believed to bring success.

Special Features

• Temple faces east with a 7-tiered Rajagopuram and spans 5.5 acres.
• Unique for its tall Vimana (126 feet), larger than the gateway tower.
• Lord Sarabeswarar, in a special shrine, is depicted with three legs, four arms, and suppressing Narasimha.
• Sarabeswarar Shrine is considered the first and largest shrine for this deity.
• Mother Dharmasamvardhini blesses devotees with protection and fertility.
• The temple houses shrines for Sapta Matrikas, Lord Murugan, Nataraja, and other deities.
• The temple is known for intricate sculptures and depictions from Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Festivals

• Panguni Brahmotsavam (18 days) in March-April with Saraba Utsav.
• Margazhi Thiruvadhirai, Karthigai Deepam, Puratasi Navaratri, and Masi Shivrathri are major festivals.
• Special poojas for Lord Sarabeswarar on Sundays and Pradosham days.
• Other festivals include Sankatahara Chathurthi, Tamil and English New Year, and Pongal with special rituals.

Century/Period/Age

13th century.

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thirubuvanam

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvidaimaruthur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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