Thirukokarnam Sri Kokarneswarar Brahadambal Temple- Pudukkottai

Address

Thirukokarnam Sri Kokarneswarar Brahadambal Temple- Palaniappa Nagar, Thirukkokarnam, Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu 622005 Phone:+91-4322-221084 Mobile: 9486185259

Deity

Sri Kokarneswarar Amman: Sri Brahadambal

Introduction

• Location: Thirukokarnam, Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Proximity: Approximately 5 km from Pudukkottai.
• Type: Rock-cut cave temple.
• Historical Period: Mahendravarma Pallava period.
• Deities:
  • Presiding Deity: Gokarneshwarar.
  • Consort: Brahadambal.
• Local Names: Brahadambal Temple, Arakasu Amman Temple.
• Significance: Main deity of the Tondaiman kings.

Puranic Significance:

• Temple Structure:
  • Orientation: East-facing, excavated on the southern slope of a low hill.
  • Sanctum: Monolithic Shiva linga.
  • Adjacent Figures: Ganesha (right), Shiva as Gangadhara (left).
  • Mandapams: Chola and Pandya era (11th-13th century AD).
  • Upper Tier Shrines: Subrahmanya, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Annapurani, Rudrakshalingam, Brahma, Jvarahareshwarar, Bhairava, Surya, Shaivite saints.
• Legend:
  • Kamadhenu Story:
    • Kamadhenu, a celestial cow, was banished from heaven for arriving late at Indra’s court.
    • She sought refuge with sage Kapila at this location and worshipped a Siva lingam with Ganga water.
    • To make up for her past sins, she performed daily worship, carrying sacred water in her ear.
    • A tiger (Siva) threatened her path; after her worship, the deity revealed himself and took Kamadhenu to heaven.
    • Hoof Print Legend: A cleft on the lingam is believed to be a hoof print left by the cow.

Special Features:

• Temple Type: Cave temple (Kudavarai temple).
• Araikasu Amman Shrine:
  • Purpose: Devotees place jaggery here to find misplaced or lost items.
  • Belief: The prayer is believed to be effective.

Festivals:

• Mahashivrathri: Major festival celebrated at the temple.

Century/Period/Age

7th century AD.

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Pudukkottai

Nearest Railway Station

Pudukkottai

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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