Thiruvamur Pasupatheeswarar Temple (Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) Sthalam), Cuddalore

Address

Thiruvamur, Thirukovilur via, Panruti,

Cuddalore District – 607 106

Phone: +91 41442 247 707 / 239 6333

Moolavar

Pasupatheeswarar

Amman

Thirupurasundari

Introduction

The Pasupatheeswarar Temple, located in Thiruvamur Village near Panruti in the Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu, India, is an ancient and revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Pasupatheeswarar Temple is situated in Thiruvamur Village, near Panruti, in the Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the northern banks of the Kedilam River. Thiruvamur is also known as the Avathara Sthalam (birthplace) of Thirunavukkarasar, who is also known as Appar.

Puranic Significance

Presiding Deities:

Lord Pasupatheeswarar: The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva, known as Pasupatheeswarar. He is enshrined in the sanctum in the form of a Lingam, facing east. It is important to note that the Lord is considered a Swayambu Moorthy, which means a self-manifested or naturally occurring deity.
Goddess Thirupurasundari: The mother goddess in the temple is called Thirupurasundari, and her shrine faces south.

Historical Significance:

The Pasupatheeswarar Temple is believed to be around 2000 years old, and it holds historical and religious significance.
The temple was renovated during the reign of Kulothunga Chola III, indicating its continued importance and patronage over the centuries.

Association with Thirunavukkarasar (Appar):

Thirunavukkarasar, commonly known as Appar, was a prominent Nayanar saint and poet. His Avathara Sthalam, the place of his birth, is Thiruvamur. A statue of Thirunavukkarasar can be found in the temple in a standing posture, worshipping Lord Pasupatheeswarar.

The Pasupatheeswarar Temple serves as a center of spiritual solace and is closely linked to the life and devotion of Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), one of the revered Nayanar saints. It remains a cherished and historically significant place of worship for devotees seeking divine blessings and guidance.

Beliefs

Devotees’ Prayers and Beliefs:

Devotees visit the Pasupatheeswarar Temple to seek blessings and solutions to various life challenges. Common reasons for prayer include seeking relief from marriage obstacles, fertility blessings, recovery from illnesses, and success in business endeavors.
Devotees believe that worshipping Appar, who stands as a testament to devotion and education, can lead to mental peace and success in educational pursuits.

Special Features

Other Deity Shrines: The temple complex also includes shrines for Thirunavukkarasar’s sister Thilagavathy, his father Pugazhanar, and his mother Mathini. In addition to these, the temple houses shrines dedicated to various deities, including Mahalakshmi, Sidhi Vinayakar, Chandra (the Moon God), Surya (the Sun God), Dakshinamurthy, Lakshminarayana Perumal (Lord Vishnu), Brahma, Chandikeswarar, Durga, the Navagrahas (nine celestial deities), and Srivelamuktheeswarar.

Temple Features:

The temple is east-facing and holds spiritual and historical significance as the birthplace of Thirunavukkarasar.
The temple’s Sthala Vriksham (sacred tree) is Kondrai, which plays a role in temple rituals and festivals.
The temple’s sacred water body, associated with rituals and purification, is the Kedilam.