Sri Brahmmagnana Pureeswarar Temple – Avittam Nakshatra

Address

Sri Brahmmagnana Pureeswarar Temple, Keezha Korukkai 61- 401, Near Patteeswaram, Kumbakonam Taluk, Thanjavur district. Phone Numbers: +91 98658 04862, 94436 78579,+91-435-240 2660

Deity

Brahammagnana Pureeswarar Amman: Pushpavalli

Introduction

• Deity:
  • Lord Shiva as Gnanapureeswarar.
  • Goddess Pushpavathi.
• The temple is ancient, though worn-out, and is surrounded by a path through bushes.
• Unique Feature:
  • It houses two Nandis (bulls) before Lord Shiva and Goddess Pushpavathi, which is rare.
  • Offering cashew and groundnut garlands to the Nandis is believed to bring good fortune and remove struggles.
• Shiva’s Iconography:
  • The Shiva idol is a swayambumurthy (self-manifested).
• Importance for Avittam Nakshathra people:
  • People born under Avittam Nakshathra are advised to visit the temple, especially on their star day or birthday, or the star day in Avani (August-September), and perform a step-by-step pradakshina for positive changes in their destiny.
  • The temple is auspicious for overcoming obstacles in marriage, education, and family unity.

Puranic Significance

• Gorakka Siddha’s Story:
  • Gorakka Siddha, a revered saint, visited the temple during his pilgrimage.
  • He accidentally found a woman sleeping beside him and, in repentance, cut off his hands.
  • After worshipping Gnanapureeswarar and Pushpavalli, Lord Shiva appeared and restored his hands.
  • The place was originally known as Korakkai (after the hands being cut) and later changed to Kurukkai (short hands) and now is called Korukkai.
• Lord Brahmma’s Wisdom:
  • Lord Brahmma worshipped Lord Shiva here to regain wisdom after being unable to perform creation due to the demons Madhu and Kaidapa stealing the Vedas.
  • On Avittam star day in Avani, Brahmma regained his wisdom and resumed creation.
  • As a result, Lord Shiva is revered as Gnanapureeswarar, the bestower of wisdom.

Beliefs

• Devotee Prayers:
  • Devotees pray for children’s education, business success, mental peace, and the removal of planetary obstacles.
  • A unique practice involves performing step-by-step pradakshina while pressing the feet to leave prints in the temple soil, believed to symbolize the resolution of life’s obstacles.
  • The temple is particularly powerful for those born under Avittam Nakshathra for overcoming planetary issues, marriage obstacles, and promoting education and family harmony.

Festivals

• Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with grandeur at this temple.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

Kumbakonam

Nearest Railway Station

Kumbakonam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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