Tiruvaimur Sri Voimoornathar Temple, Nagapattinam

Address

Tiruvaimur Sri Voimoornathar Temple, Tiruvaimur, Thiruvarur Taluk, Nagapattinam district, Tamil nadu. PH:9786244876

Deity

Voimoornathar Amman: Shiroba vasani

Introduction

Vaimoornathar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Tiruvaimur in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is revered in the hymns of 7th century Tamil saivite poets, Appar and Campantar and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The presiding deity is Vaimoornathar (Lord Siva) is believed to have been worshipped by Surya(Sun god). Lord Siva appeared in the dreams of Appar, the 7th century nayanar and Tamil saivite poet and ordered him to make to Tiruvaimur. After making his visits to Tirupazhanam, Tiruvalanchuzhi, Tirunallur and Kumbakonam arrived at the temple here on the day of Tirvathirai for temple festivities. Sambandar also followed him and both these poets revered the Lord here with their hymns. Thyagarajar is called Neela Vidangar and is believed to perform Kamala Natanam. Thala Virutcham : Jack tree Theertham : Sooriya Thirtham

Puranic Significance

• Vitanka Form of Lord Shiva:
  • Lord Shiva’s Vitanka form is His divine celestial form.
  • He wished to have this form on earth as well.
• Lord Indra’s Request:
  • Indra requested the Vitanka Lingam for worship.
  • Shiva warned that this Lingam could not be worshipped in Indraloka, as it was a realm of pleasures.
  • Despite this, Indra insisted and was granted the Lingam.
• Lord Shiva’s Desire for Earthly Worship:
  • Shiva wanted the Vitanka Lingam to be placed in a human-inhabited region for proper worship.
• Emperor Muchukunda’s Hunting & Repentance:
  • The emperor was hunting on a Shivaratri night near the Kaveri River.
  • He met sages heading to Vilvaaranya Kshetram for Shivaratri worship.
  • Learning that hunting on Shivaratri is forbidden, he abandoned his royal attire, took an ascetic form, and followed the sages.
• Retrieving the Vitanka Lingam:
  • Shiva appeared before Muchukunda, who repented for his actions.
  • He instructed the emperor to retrieve the Vitanka Lingam from Indra and install it on earth.
  • At the same time, Indra needed help defeating the demon Vaalaasuran.
  • Indra offered gifts to anyone who could kill Vaalaasuran, including:
    • His elephant Iravatham
    • His white umbrella
    • Any gift requested
• Muchukunda’s Cunning Strategy:
  • Muchukunda killed Vaalaasuran and demanded the Vitanka Lingam as his reward.
  • He feared Indra might deceive him by giving a replica.
  • He prayed to Lord Shiva to show him the true Vitanka form.
• Divine Revelation & Establishment of the Temple:
  • Shiva manifested as a flood of divine light, witnessed by Muchukunda, sages, and celestial beings.
  • The emperor, overwhelmed with devotion, requested Shiva to remain in both Indraloka and earth.
  • Lord Shiva accepted and stayed in this sacred place, leading to the establishment of the temple.

Beliefs

The devotees pray to the Lord of this place to steer clear of the impediments for marriage, to be excellent in studies and to boost up wealth conditions. On fulfillment of prayers the devotees perform abhishekam and offer new clothes to both the Lord and Ambal.

Special Features

There is a pond opposite to the temple. On its banks is Lord Vinayaka. The three-tier Rajagopuram is seen east facing. On the outer circle are the sanctum of Naalvar and Bhairavar and in the inner circle are Vinayaka, Subrahmanya with His Spouses Valli and Deivanai, and Mahalakshmi. There is the court of Lord Nataraja Who appears in a beautiful icon. In this place, the nine planets are in a row. On the southern side to the Prime Deity is the sanctum of Thiagarajar-Neelavitankar, and on the northern side appears Vedaranyeswarar. Many inscriptions scattered around reveal the fact that the temple had been built up in the ancient times by the Pallava and Chola kings.

Festivals

Sivarathiri, Aippasi annabhishekam, Markali Tiruvathirai, and Brahmotsavam is celebrated in Vaikaasi Visaakam. The usual festivals are conducted. Pooja is offered to Lord Bhairavar in Ashtami. On the first day of the Aippasi month special abhishekam is peformed for Lord Thiagarajar.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thiruvarur

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvarur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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