Sri Hari Theertheswarar (Arangulanathar) Temple – Pooram Nakshatra

Address

Sri Hari Theertheswarar (Arangulanathar) Temple, Thiruvarankulam, Alangudi Taluk, Pudukkottai District – 622 303 Phone: +91 4322 221 084 Mobile: +91 98651 56430 / 90478 19574 / 99652 11768

Deity

Hari Theertheswarar (Tiruvarankula Nathar) Amman: Brihannayaki – (Perianayaki)

Introduction

• Dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Thiruvarankulam, Alangudi Taluk, Pudukottai District, Tamil Nadu.
• Presiding deity: Hari Theertheswarar (Arangulanathar).
• Consort: Brahadhambal (Periya Nayagi).
• Known as Kulothunga Chozheeswaram in ancient times.
• Temple linked to the Pooram Nakshatra (star), attracting devotees born under this star.

Puranic Significance

• Chola King Kalmashapadan, distressed over being childless, sought Sage Agasthya’s advice.
• The sage directed him to worship the Shivalinga at Tiruvarankulam.
• The Shivalinga was discovered at a spot where puja materials frequently fell.
• The Shivalinga was unearthed after the king dug the location, but the act caused the earth to bleed.
• Lord Shiva appeared with Mother Parvathi in their wedding form and blessed the king with a son.
• Temple believed to have been built from the proceeds of a golden palm tree that once bore golden fruits.

Unique Features

• The temple is associated with Pooram Nakshatra and its characteristics of discipline, courage, and sharp thinking.
• Worship here is believed to relieve problems faced by Pooram starrers and other devotees.
• Seven sacred theerthas (springs) related to Pooram Nakshatra:
  • Shiva Theertha, Naga Theertha, Gnanabrahmma Theertha, Indira Theertha, Sri Theertha, Skanda Theertha, and Guru Theertha.

Devotional Beliefs

• Pooram Nakshatra-born devotees visit the temple for relief from challenges, happy weddings, child blessings, and education progress.
• Special prayers for mental well-being and relief from planetary effects are conducted at the Sri Chakra in Ambika’s shrine.
• Devotees perform abishekams to Lord Shiva and Goddess Brahadhambal and offer Vastras.
• The temple has a tradition where devotees adopt children here.

Festivals

• Vaikasi Visakam (May–June).
• Aadi Pooram (10 days) including the car festival and Amman Thirukalyanam (July–August).
• Maha Shivaratri (February–March).
• Margazhi Thiruvadhirai (December–January).
• Tirukarthikai (November–December).

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

Thiruvarankulam

Nearest Railway Station

Pudukkottai

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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