Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Thirukkuvalai

Last updated

Brahmapureeswarar Temple
Tirukolili
Religion
Affiliation Hinduism
District Nagapattinam
Deity Brahmapureeswarar(Shiva)
Location
Location Thirukkuvalai
State Tamil Nadu
Country India
India Tamil Nadu location map.svg
Om symbol.svg
Location in Tamil Nadu
Geographic coordinates 10°37′N79°43′E / 10.617°N 79.717°E / 10.617; 79.717 Coordinates: 10°37′N79°43′E / 10.617°N 79.717°E / 10.617; 79.717
Architecture
Type Dravidian architecture

Brahmapureeswarar Temple or Thiurkolili is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thirukkuvalai in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Brahmapureeswarar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Vandamar Poonguzhali. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram , written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam .

Contents

There are many inscriptions associated with the temple indicating contributions from Cholas, Thanjavur Nayaks and Thanjavur Maratha kingdom. The oldest parts of the present masonry structure were built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while later expansions, are attributed to later periods, up to the Thanjavur Nayaks during the 16th century.

The temple house a five-tiered gateway tower known as gopurams . The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Brahmapureeswarar, Somaskandar and Vandamar Poonguzhali being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls and three precincts. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and five yearly festivals on its calendar. The Nelatti festival where the paddy grains are transported from the temple to Thiruvaru is the major festival in the temple. The temple is now maintained and administered by Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Legend

Image of Brahma praying to Shiva Bhairava Brahma.jpg
Image of Brahma praying to Shiva

One old man of Kundaiyur near Tirukkuvalai hearing of Sundaramurthi Nayanar's greatness was supplying him with paddy and dhol, when owing to adversity of season being unable to contribute the stipulated quantity prayed to God. Sundarar sung praying the deity here in favour of the old man and wanted to shift the paddy to Thiruvarur. Shiva was pleased by his devotion and sent the footgrains to his house in Thiruvarur. [1] As per Hindu legend, the image of Shiva, in the form of lingam was made with white sand by Brahma which gave the name Brahmapureeswarar. Navagrahas, the nine planetary deities are believed to have worshipped Shiva to absolve themselves of the sins committed. The place got the name Thirukolili from kol (planet) which got relief from sins ili. Following the legend, the images of the Navagrahas is located in a single line in the temple. [2] Thyagarajar is called Avani Vidangar and is believed to perform Bringa Natanam. During later period, the place came to be known as Thirukolili. As per another legend, during Mahabharatha, Bheema the Pandava prince was propitiated off his sins of killing Bakasura by worshipping the presiding deity. Sage Agastya was also believed to have worshipped the presiding deity. [3] The temple has various other names like Brahmapothavanam, Kathakaranyam, Pushapavanam, Thenkailai and Pandavapuram. [4]

History

There are 19 inscriptions in the temple. As per the inscription, the temple was part of Rajendra Chola Valanadu Ilayalanadu Vendalai Vellorekotram. A devotee named Irulkudian Indrapathinallur Uyyavandhan Jayathundangan commissioned the Mahamandapam and contributed to the renovation till the end of the temple. There were multiple contributions from Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan I. [5] The inscriptions refer to the presiding deity as "Thirukoili Utaya Nayanar" and Tyagesar as "Avanivitankar Tykar". [6] The northern street is referred as "Thirumaraikadan Thiruveethi". During Pandya times, there were Saivite Brahmins belonging to Kani Udayar. During the 18th regnal year of Sadayavarman Sundara Pandiyan, 800 gold coins were donated to the temple. The region was called Rajendra Chola Valanadu Vandarai Velakotram as Thirukolili. [4] The temple is now maintained and administered by Dharmapuram Adheenam, a Saivite monastic institution. [7] [8]

Processional Dance

The Thyagarajar Temple at Tiruvarur is famous for the ajapa thanam(dance without chanting), that is executed by the deity itself. According to legend, a Chola king named Mucukunta obtained a boon from Indra(a celestial deity) and wished to receive an image of Thyagaraja Swamy(presiding deity, Shiva in the temple) reposing on the chest of reclining Lord Vishnu. Indra tried to misguide the king and had six other images made, but the king chose the right image at Tiruvarur. The other six images were installed in Thirukkuvalai, Nagapattinam, Tirukarayil, Tirukolili, Thirukkuvalai and Tirumaraikadu. [9] [10] All the seven places are villages situated in the river Cauvery delta. All seven Thyagaraja images are said to dance when taken in procession (it is the bearers of the processional deity who actually dance). The temples with dance styles are regarded as Saptha Vidangam(seven dance moves) [11] and the related temples are as under: [12]

TempleVidangar TempleDance poseMeaning
Thyagarajar Temple VidhividangarAjabathaanamDance without chanting, resembling the dance of Sri Thyagaraja resting on Lord Vishnu's chest
Dharbaranyeswarar Temple NagaradangarUnmathanathaanamDance of an intoxicated person
Kayarohanaswamy Temple SundaravidangarVilathithaanamDancing like waves of sea
Kannayariamudayar Temple AdhividangarKukunathaanamDancing like a cock
Brahmapureeswarar TempleAvanividangarBrunganathaanamDancing like a bee that hovers over a flower
Vaimoornaathar Temple NallavidangarKamalanaanathaanamDance like lotus that moves in a breeze
Vedaranyeswarar Temple BhuvanivividangarHamsapthanathaanamDancing with the gait of a swan

Architecture

The temple is located 15 km away from Thiruvarur. The temple has a five tiered Rajagopuram with elevated stone walls separating the second and third precincts. The images of the presiding deity, Brahmapureswarar, in the form of Shiva lingam occupies the main sanctum facing east. The shrine of the consort of Brahmapureeswarar, Vadar Poonguzhali faces west. The third prakaram has a separate shrine for the Saivite saints. The temple has three water bodies located at various places inside the temple. [5] There is an image of Vinayagar in the third precinct who is believed to have shown the path of heaven to a king named Hemakantha, giving the name, Hemakantha Vinayagar. [3] The temple tank, Brahma Theertham, is considered sacred and is located opposite to the temple tank. The shrine of Avanivitangar in the form of Somaskanda is a shrine parallel to the sanctum and has almost the same size as the sanctum. The image of Sundarar with Paravainachiyar is located in the shrine of Somaskandar. The temple has an emerald lingam, which is located inside the sanctum. There are three images of Chandikeswara in the temple. The halls leading to the sactum has pillars with sculptures indicating various legends associated with the temple. [4]

Religious importance and worship practices

The temple is revered in the verses of Tevaram, the 7th century Saivite canonical work by the three saint poets, namely, Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar. As the temple is revered in Tevaram, it is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam , one of the 275 temples that find mention in the Saiva canon. [13]

The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Like other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Shaiva community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 6:30 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 5:00 p.m., and Ardha Jamam at 8:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), naivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Brahmapureeswarar and Poongkuzhalammai. The worship is held amidst music with nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument), religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred texts) read by priests and prostration by worshipers in front of the temple mast. There are weekly rituals like somavaram (Monday) and sukravaram (Friday), fortnightly rituals like pradosham and monthly festivals like amavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, pournami (full moon day) and sathurthi. Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month of somavaram (September – October), Thiruvadhirai during the month of Margazhi (December – January) and Annabhishekam during the Tamil month of Masi are the major festivals celebrated in the temple. The Nelatti festival where the paddy grains are transported from the temple to Thiruvaru is the major festival in the temple. [14]

Related Research Articles

Thyagaraja Temple, Tiruvarur Temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Thyagaraja Temple is a Shiva temple, located in the town of Thiruvarur in Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Puttridankondar, and is represented by the lingam. Daily poojas are offered to his idol referred to as Maragatha lingam. The main idol of worship is Lord Veedhi Vidangar (Thiyagarajar), depicted as a Somaskanda form .His consort Parvathi is depicted as Kondi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written in Tamil by saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Veerateeswarar Temple, Thiruvathigai

Thiruvathigai Veerateeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. It is situated in Thiruvathigai village which is about 2 kilometres east from the town of Panruti in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Veerattaaneswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Thiripurasundari. 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 is considered the place where the Saiva saint poet Appar (Thirunavukkarasar) converted back to Saivism, and attained final salvation.

Aiyarappar Temple

Aiyarappar temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the village of Tiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu, India. The Five Rivers are Vadavaru, Vennaaru, Vettaaru, Kudamuruttiyaaru and Kaaviriyaaru. Shiva is worshiped as Aiyarappar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Dharmasamvardhini. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Kalyanasundaresar Temple, Nallur Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Kalyanasundaresar Temple, Nallur or Thirunallur is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Nallur, in the outskirts of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Kalyansundaresar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Girisundari. 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 legend of the temple is associated with sage Agastya and Amaraneethi Nayanar, one of the 63 nayanars, the Tamil Saiva saints. The lingam in the temple is believed to change colours five times during the day time.

Anbil Sathyavaheesvarar Temple

Anbil Alanthurai Temple is a temple dedicated to Shiva, located on the banks of the Kollidam river in Anbil, a small village near Lalgudi. is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the village of Tiruchotruthurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Sathyavaheeswarar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Soundaranayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Pasupatiswarar Temple

Pasupatiswarar Temple is located in Pandanallur in the Thiruvidaimarudur taluk of Thanjavur district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshiped as Pasupatheeswarar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Mangalambika. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Thiruvisanallur Sivayoginathar Temple

Sivayoginathar Temple also known as Yoganandeswarar temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in is located in Thiruvisanallur in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Sivayoginathar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Mangala Nayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Sivagurunathaswamy Temple

Sivagurunathaswamy templeis a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the village of Aduthurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshipped as Sivagurunathaswamy, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Prabhavalli. 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.

Prananadeswarar Temple

Prananadeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thirumangalakudi in Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Prananatheswarar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Mangala Nayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Vedaranyeswarar Temple Hindu temple of Shiva in Vedaranyam, India

Vedaranyeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva, located in the town of Vedaranyam in Tamil Nadu, India. Vedaranyeswarar is revered in the 7th century Tamil Shaiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is the only temple to have found mention in all the seven Thirumurais. The temple is famed for the legend between the saints Appar and Sambandar when the former sang to open the door while the latter sang to close the door.

Pushpavananathar Temple, Tiruppoonturutti Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Pushpavananathar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the village of Tiruppoonturutti near Tiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Aiyarappar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Soundaranayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Odhanavaneswarar Temple, Tiruchotruturai Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Odhanavaneswarar Temple, Tiruchotruturai is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the village of Tiruchotruthurai, Tamil Nadu, India. The Five Rivers are Vadavaru, Vennaaru, Vettaaru, Kudamuruttiyaaru and Kaaviriyaaru. Shiva is worshiped as Odhanavaneswarar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Annapoorani. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Tirunallar Dharbaranyeswarar Temple

Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple or Dharbaranyeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thirukoodalaiyathoor, a village in Cuddalore district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. located in Tirunallar in Karaikal district of Pondicherry, India. Shiva is worshipped as Dharbaranyeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Praneswari Amman. 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 is counted as one of the nine temples in the Navagraha, the nine planetary deities. It is famous for shani, the planet Saturn.

Kannayariamudayar Temple, Thirukkarayil Hindu temple

Kannayariamudayar Temple, Thirukarayil is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thirukkuvalai in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the Cholas period in the 8th century. Shiva is worshipped as Brahmapureeswarar and his consort Parvathi as Meenkashi Ambal.

Padikasu Nathar Temple

Padikasu Nathar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Azhagaputhur, a village in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Padikasunathar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Soundaranayagi. 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 8th century Saiva saint poet Sundarar has sung praise about the temple in his works.

Kachabeswarar temple, Thirukachur

Kachabeswarar Temple, Thirukachur is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thirukachur, a village in Kanchipuram district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Kachabeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Antanatchi and Kanniyumaiyal. 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 is counted as a twin temple along with Marundeeswarar Temple located in the same village.

Agnipureeswarar Temple, Thirupugalur

Agnipureeswarar Temple in Thirupugalur, a village in Nagapattinam district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Constructed in the Tamil style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the Cholas period in the 10th century. Shiva is worshipped as Agnipureeswarar and his consort Parvathi as Karundar Kuzhali. The temple is believed to be the place where Saiva saint Appar is believed to have attained salvation.

Bhaktajaneswarar Temple Temple in India

Bhaktajaneswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Poondi, a village in Viluppuram district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Bhaktajaneswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Manonmani Amman. The temple is located on the Panruti - Kedilam road. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple is closely associated with Sundarar, who is believed to have attained grace at this place.

Thirukumaresar temple

Thirukumaresar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thirukoodalaiyathoor, a village in Cuddalore district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Thirukumaresar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Verumulai Amman. 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 is also the birthplace of Saiva saint Tirunilakanta Nayanar

Kabartheeswarar Temple Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Kabardeeswarar temple is a Hindu temple situated in the village of Thiruvalanchuzhi near Swamimalai in Kumbakonam taluk of Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Kabardeeswarar and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Brihannayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

References

  1. ↑ Ayyar, P. V. Jagadisa (1993). South Indian Shrines: Illustrated (2nd ed.). New Delhi: Asian Educational Service. pp. 244, 370. ISBN   81-206-0151-3.
  2. ↑ V., Meena (1974). Temples in South India (1st ed.). Kanniyakumari: Harikumar Arts. p. 36.
  3. 1 2 Nagercoil, Krishnan. Siva Sthalangal 108. Chennai: Narmada Publication. pp. 72–5.
  4. 1 2 3 கைலாஷி. திருப்பாத தரிசனம் (சப்த விடங்கத் தலங்களின் பத்தியுலா ). pp. 331–3.
  5. 1 2 "Thirukolili". Dharmapuram Adheenam. 2012. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  6. ↑ R., Dr. Vijayalakshmy (2001). An introduction to religion and Philosophy - Tévarám and Tivviyappirapantam (1st ed.). Chennai: International Institute of Tamil Studies. pp. 254–5.
  7. ↑ "Thirukoil - Temple list of Tamil Nadu" (PDF). Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department, Government of Tamil Nadu. p. 244.
  8. ↑ A., Subramanian (1974). "The Thyagaraja Svamin Temple At Tirukkuvalai—A Study". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. Indian History Congress. 35: 442–449. JSTOR   44138813.
  9. ↑ Pillai, J.M. Somanasundaram (1994). The great temple at Tanjore. Tamil University, Thanjavur. p. 9.
  10. ↑ Glimpses of the history of Karaikkal.Saroja Sundararajan
  11. ↑ The Journal of the Music Academy, Madras: Volumes 33-34 .Music Academy (Madras, India) - 1962
  12. ↑ Nityasumaṅgalī: devadasi tradition in South India .P.146. Saskia C. Kersenboom-Story
  13. ↑ "campantar tEvAram -2" (PDF). projectmadurai.org. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 July 2011. Retrieved 16 July 2011.
  14. ↑ "Sri Brahmapureeswarar temple". Dinamalar. 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.