Thirubuvanam Kampaheswarar Temple- Thanjavur

Address

Thirubuvanam Kampaheswarar Temple- Thirubuvanam, Thanjavur Tamil Nadu 612103

Deity

Kampaheswarar(Shiva) Amman: Dharma Samvardhini (Durga)

Introduction

• Location: Thirubuvanam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India, on the Mayiladuthurai-Kumbakonam road.
• Deity: Dedicated to Shiva, worshiped as “Kampahareswarar,” who removed the quaking (Kampa) of a king haunted by a Brahmarakshasa.
• Significance: Considered the last of the four masterpieces built during the Medieval Chola era. It features a shrine for Sharabha, a mythological beast with parts of lion and bird, symbolizing immense power.

Puranic Significance:

• Legend of King Varaguna Pandian:
  • The king, afflicted with Brahmamati dosha (sin of murder), was tormented by a spirit. He sought refuge in Tiruvidaimarudur and later at Tirupuvanam, where Shiva, as Kampahareswarar, relieved him of his trembling fear.
• Lord Sarabeswara:
  • Represents a synthesis of powers from Shiva, Vishnu, Pratyangaradevi, and Durga (Sulini Durga).
  • In mythological lore, Shiva took the form of Sarabeswara to neutralize the demon blood in Lord Narasimha, preventing wicked souls from being born on Earth.
• Temple Architecture:
  • Built by Kulothunga Chola III, resembling the architectural style of the Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, and Airavatesvara Temple.
  • The temple features a high vimana (shrine over the sanctum) that is unusually tall compared to the gateway tower, a distinct feature of Chola architecture.

Beliefs:

• Worship Benefits:
  • Lord Sarabeswara: Offers relief from illnesses, worries, court matters, adverse planetary effects, and hidden threats. Worship can also aid in achieving personal goals, job promotions, wise children, and freedom from debt.
  • Lord Kambakareswarar: Provides relief from neurological issues, fear, and ailments, and ensures longevity and mental growth.
  • Mother Ambica: Grants freedom from sin, unity among couples, and children.
• Devotional Practices:
  • Sahasranama Archanas: Chanting 1000 names of the deity.
  • Abishek: Performed with curd, milk, oil, and other substances for various benefits.
  • Offerings: Includes red flowers, fragrant leaves, and vastras.

Special Features:

• Architectural Style:
  • The temple follows Tamilian Dravidian architecture.
  • The vimana is notably tall, a distinctive feature among Tamil temples.
  • Rajagopuram: Five-tiered pyramidal tower, originally from Kulothunga’s era.
  • Metal Icon of Sarabeswara: Features fine artistic work within the sanctum.

Festivals:

• Utsav:
  • Celebrated on the Sunday following the Brammotsavam with a single-day archana throughout the night and a procession in a silver car.
• Special Pujas:
  • Conducted on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Ashtami, and Pradosha days.
  • Navaratri and Shivrathri: Major annual festivals with special rituals.
  • Monthly Poornima Procession and celebrations for Tamil and English New Year, Pongal, and Karthika star day.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious Endowment Board. (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thirubuvanam

Nearest Railway Station

Thirubuvanam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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