Thiruppamiyam Sri Sakshinatheswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Thiruppamiyam Sri Sakshinatheswarar Temple, Thiruppambham Post Kumbakonam Circle Thanjavur District PIN – 612303 PH:9444626632

Diety

Sakshinatheswarar(Shiva) Amman: Ikshuvani

Introduction

Sakshinatheswarar Temple or Thiruppurambiyam Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thiruppurambiyam, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshipped as Sakshinathar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Ikshuvani. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.The temple complex covers two acres and is located close to the Sarangapani temple. It houses two gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the western tower, with five stories and a height of 72 feet (22 m). The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Sakshinathar, Ishuvani and Dakshinamurthy being the most prominent.The present masonry structure was built during the Nayak during the 16th century. In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Madurai Adheenam. Thala Virutcham : Punnai Theertham : Brahmma theertham

Puranic Significance

Thiruppurambiyam was the fierce battlefield in the 9th century deciding the bright future of Cholas. Chola king Aditya I built a temple in sweet remembrance of the turn of the tide in his favour and named it Aditeswaram. The present name of the presiding deity is Sakshinathar and the consort, Kuraivialla Azhagi(beauty unsurpassed). The sanctum of the consort was built by Rajaraja Chola I. The sanctum wall contains beautiful sculptures of Parivara devatas(other deities of Siva temple). Lord Ganesa, the elephant god is performed honey ablution on the day of Vinayagar Chaturthi and all honey passed is absorbed.The temple is counted as one of the temples built on the northern banks of River Kaveri.An inscription on the west wall of the central shrine from the period of Gandaraditya Chola indicates a gift of 2 ma of land to the temple by Savandi Kumaran, Madevan of Idayarkudi, a local chieftian of Innambarnadu As per Hindu legend, Shiva descended to give evidence (Sakshi in Tamil) for a Chettiar lady and hence the presiding deity came to be known as Sakshinathar. Vannimaram, a tree also gave evidence in the same case. The legend is documented both in Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam and the legend of the temple. As per another legend, the place was not affected by the great deluge (puram) and remained beyond it (puram), which is locally called Thirupurambiyam. Once, Shiva appeared as Dakshinamurthy when a farmer carrying log of wood worshipped Shiva in this place. The shrine of Dakshinamurthy outside the gateway tower is believed to be the place where Shiva appeared. As per another legend, there was a king named Ariduvssan who was cursed by sage Durvasa. He worshipped Shiva at this place to relieve himself off the curse.

Beliefs

Devotees pray for successful conclusion in marriage talks, child boon and progress in education. Sooner their prayers are granted, devotees perform abishek with Vastras to the Lord and Mother.

Special Features

Srikakambhigai shrine is situated in the form of a child in the form of Arumukham. This is the only bamboo balm for the Mother. This is a place of mourning. Four, Dakshinamurthi and Durga shrines are here. Piramadithiram (Thirukkulam), Saptaakagarakupam (Seven Seas). Sakshinatheswarar Temple is dedicated to Shiva and is located in Thirupurambiyam, a village in the South Indian stae of Tamil Nadu. The nearest railway station is in Kumbakonam, about 8 kilometres from the place. The nearest airport is in Trichy. Thirupurambiyam is situated in 5km from the Kumbakonam – Swamimalai main road. The temple has a 5-tier Rajagopuram and an outer prakaram(closed precincts of a temple). The sanctum of Sakshinatheswarar is in the second precinct and the shrine of Amman is located perpendicular to the Swami shrine. The shrine is Nandi is located in front of Swami, with the Palipeeda and Dwajasthambam located right behind the Nandi. There is a Nataraja hall and a yagasalai. There are separate shrines for Natarajar, Somaskanda, Karpaga Vinayagar and Navagrahas. There are separate shrines for Nalvar, Dakshinamurthy, Nrithivu Nayakkar, Arthanariswarar, Mahalakshmi, Arumugam, Brahma, Durga and Chandikeswarar. There are four water bodies associated with the temple.

Festivals

10 day Masi Magam festival and Mahasivarathri in FebruaryMarch, Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January and Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November are the festivals celebrated in the temple.