Thirupuvanam Sri Pushpavaneswarar Temple, Sivaganga

Address

Sri Pushpavaneswarar Temple, Tirupuvanam – 623 611, Sivaganga District, Phone: +91 4575 265 082 / 265 084 Mobile: +91 – 94435 01761, (P.RAMESH PATTAR+91 8667438294/ Watsapp number 9962726070)

Deity

Poovananathar, Pushpavaneswarar Amman: Soundara nayagi

Introduction

Pushpavaneswarar temple (also called Poovananathar temple or Thirpoovanam temple) in Thirupuvanam, a village in Sivaganga district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the Cholas period in the 7th century. Shiva is worshipped as Pushpavaneswarar and his consort Parvathi as Soundaranayagi. 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 seven-tiered Rajagopuram, the gateway tower. The temple is located on the banks of Vaigai river. Thala Virutcham : Jack tree Theertham : Vaigai, Manikarnikai Agamam / Pooja : Pujas are performed

Puranic Significance

As per Hindu legend, this is one of the 64 places where Shiva performed his Thiruvilayadal, the divine plays. A dancing girl named Ponanaial was a staunch devotee of Shiva and her only aim in life was to make an idol of Shiva made of gold. She was not able to accomplish due to lack of money. Pleased by her devotion, Shiva appeared in the form of metallurgist named Rasavathi who converted iron, bronze and aluminium to make the golden idol. Impressed by the beauty of the idol, Ponanaial pinched the cheeks of the idol, which is believed to be the mark in the idol. The lingam in the temple is believed to have been self-manifested and was worshipped by Surya, Dharmaraja, Nala, Chandra, Thirasanan, Brahma and Vishnu. Since Shiva appeared under Parijatha tree, the presiding deity came to be known as Pushpaveneswarar. There lived in Tirupuvanam a dancer woman Ponnaiyal by name. As a staunch devotee, she spent all her earnings from the dancing programmes in feeding Shiva devotees. She had a desire to sculpt Lord Poovananathar in pure gold. To fulfill her desire, Lord came in the guise of a siddha and advised her to melt all the brass, lead and copper articles in the house at night which will turn into gold. The dancer followed the advice of the Siddha and her joy knew no bounds to see adequate gold to make the idol of the Lord. With the gold she got through the alchemy miracle, the dancer made out a beautiful idol of the Lord and in her ecstasy, she embraced the idol and kissed it on the cheek. The nail symbol of Ponnaiyal is visible on the procession deity

Beliefs

Devotees seek happy results in marriage talks, child boon, good education etc.

Special Features

Lord Shiva graces as a Swaymbumurthy. The 36th chapter in the epic Tiruvilayadal Puranam relates to this temple about the alchemy miracle. The place is also known by other names as Pushpavanakasi, Pithurmokshapuram, Bhaskarapuram, Lakshmipuram, Brahmmapuram and Rasavadhapuram. Lord Pushpavaneswarar with His consort Soundaryanayaki had played many miracles. As this is a place with fragrant gardens.

Festivals

Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Aadi Mulaikottu in July-August, Navarathri in September-October, Aipasi Kolattam in OctoberNovember, Great Deepa in Karthikai (November-December), Margazhi Arudra Darshan in December-January, Masi Shivrathri in February-March, 10 day Panguni Utsav in MarchApril are the festivals celebrated in the temple.