Thirukokarnam Sri Kokarneswarar Brahadambal Temple- Pudukkottai

lightuptemple October 14, 2021September 12, 20240

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.