Pushpavaneswarar temple

Last updated

Pushpavaneswarar temple
Thiruppuvanam (1).jpg
Religion
Affiliation Hinduism
District Sivaganga
Deity Pushpavaneswarar(Shiva) Soundaranayagi(Parvathi)
Location
Location Sivaganga
State Tamil Nadu
Country India
India Tamil Nadu location map.svg
Om symbol.svg
Location in Tamil Nadu
Geographic coordinates 9°49′37″N78°15′24″E / 9.82694°N 78.25667°E / 9.82694; 78.25667
Architecture
Type Dravidian architecture

Pushpavaneswarar temple (also called Poovananathar temple or Thirpoovanam temple) in Thirupuvanam, a town in Sivaganga district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the Cholas period in the 7th century. Shiva is worshipped as Pushpavaneswarar and his consort Parvathi as Soundaranayagi.

Contents

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 . A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple has a seven-tiered Rajagopuram, the gateway tower. The temple is located on the banks of Vaigai river.

The temple is open from 6am - 1 pm and 4 - 8:30 pm on all days. Four daily rituals and four yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Vaikasi Visagam celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May - June), Aaadi Mulaikattu festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Aadi (August - September), Navaratri during the Tamil month of Purattasi (September - October) and Aipasi Kolattam festival during the Tamil month of Aipasi (October - November are the most prominent festivals celebrated in the temple for Pushpavaneswarar being the most prominent festivals. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Legend

Image of Marudhu brothers Thiruppuvanam (10).jpg
Image of Marudhu brothers

As per Hindu legend, this is one of the 64 places where Shiva performed his Thiruvilayadal, the divine plays. A dancing girl named Ponanaial was a staunch devotee of Shiva and her only aim in life was to make an idol of Shiva made of gold. She was not able to accomplish due to lack of money. Pleased by her devotion, Shiva appeared in the form of metallurgist named Rasavathi who converted iron, bronze and aluminium to make the golden idol. Impressed by the beauty of the idol, Ponanaial pinched the cheeks of the idol, which is believed to be the mark in the idol.

The lingam in the temple is believed to have been self-manifested and was worshipped by Surya, Dharmaraja, Nala, Chandra, Thirasanan, Brahma and Vishnu. Since Shiva appeared under Parijatha tree, the presiding deity came to be known as Pushpaveneswarar. [1]

Architecture

Pushpavaneswarar temple is located in Thirupuvanam, a village located on the banks of Vaigai river, located 20 km (12 mi) from Madurai and 29 km (18 mi) from Sivaganga. The temple in its current structure built of stone was built by the Chola king Aditya I (870 - 907 CE). The temple has a seven-tiered Rajagopuram , the gateway tower that pierces the rectangular wall that houses all the shrines. The temple tank is located adjacent to the temple. The sanctum sanctorum houses one of the rare images of Pushpavaneswarar in the form of Lingam, an iconic form of Shiva with three faces, said to be of the very few in India. There is an Ardha Mandapa and a Mukha mandapa, pillared halls leading to the sanctum. The first precinct has the shrines of Vinayakar, Murugan, Durga, Dakshinamurthy and Chandikeswara. The second precinct has a hundred pillared hall. [1]

History

Festival images of the temple Thiruppuvanam (2).jpg
Festival images of the temple

The exact year of building could not be ascertained from the inscriptions, but the stone structure of Pushpavaneswarar shrine in its current form, is built during the time of Chola king Aditya I (870 - 907 CE). The inscriptions on the two sides of the Southern shrine of the temple indicate an endowment from Aditya for perpetual lighting of lamps in the temple. Theerthavari, the sacred bathing of the presiding deity during the auspicious days in the Tamil month of Puratasi (September - October). The temple has another inscription in the second precinct during the time of Uttama Chola (970-985 CE) for the maintenance and worship of Pushpavaneswarar and Varadaraja Perumal afforded to four able men. During the reign of Raja Raja Chola I (984-1015 CE), a village named Manali was gifted to the temple - the inscription indicates that the temple was built by Sembiyar Mahadevi. The structure of the Vishnu shrine is believed to have expanded during the reign of Rajendra Chola I (1012-1044). [2] It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams.

Festival

Thiruppuvanam (7).jpg

The temple follows Saivite tradition. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Shaivaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Kalasanthi at 8:30 a.m., Uchikalam at 11:30 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., and Sayarakshai between 8:00  - 8:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Pushpavaneswarar and Amirthambigai.There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. The temple is open from 6am - 12 pm and 4-8:30 pm. [3]

Vaikasi Visagam celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May - June), Aaadi Mulaikattu festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Aadi (August - September), Navaratri during the Tamil month of Purattasi (September - October) and Aipasi Kolattam festival during the Tamil month of Aipasi (October - November are the most prominent festivals celebrated in the temple. There are other common festivals like Shivaratri, Vinayaga Chaturthi, Vijayadasami and Karthigai Deepam celebrated in the temple. [3] There is a wish tree in the compound having Naga, a snake representation. Childless ladies pray for the attaining child by placing or installing the stone symbols praying Vakrakali. [4]

Religious significance

Tirugnana Sambandar, a 7th century Tamil Saivite poet, venerated Pushpavaneswarar in ten verses each in Tevaram , compiled as the First Tirumurai . Appar, a contemporary of Sambandar, also venerated Pushpavaneswarar in 10 verses in Tevaram, compiled as the Fifth Tirumurai. The temple also finds mention in the works of 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. The temple also finds mention in the 36th chapter of Thiruvilaiyadal Puranam . [3]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Swetharanyeswarar Temple</span> Navagraha temple in Tamil Nadu

Swetharanyeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thiruvenkadu, a village in Mayiladuthurai district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshiped as Swetharanyeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Brahmavidyambigai. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th-century-CE Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the nine planet elements, the Navagraha Stalas, and specifically Budha.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nageswaraswamy Temple</span> Temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Nageswaraswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India. 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. The temple is counted as the earliest of all Chola temples. Shiva in the guise of Nagaraja, the serpent king..

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thiruvisanallur Sivayoginathar Temple</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vanchinadha Swamy Temple</span> Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Vanchinadha Swamy temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Srivanchiyam, Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Vanchinadha Swamy, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Mangalambigai Amman. 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Masilamaniswara Temple, Thirumullaivoyal</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu

The Masilamaniswara Temple, Thirumullaivoyal or Masilamaniswara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thirumullaivoyal in the Chennai-Avadi road, India. The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Tevaram and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Sundarar, Ramalinga Swamigal and Arunagirinathar. His consort Parvati is depicted as Piraisoodi Amman. The presiding deity 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nadutariappar Temple, Kanrappur</span> Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Nadutariappar Temple, Kanrappur is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located at Kanrappur near Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Appar and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vedapuriswarar Temple, Thiruvedhikudi</span> Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Vedapuriswarar Temple, Thiruvedhikudi or Vazhaimadunathar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thiruvedhikudi near Tiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu, India. 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. The temple is counted as the earliest of all Chola temples.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pasupatheeswarar Temple, Aavoor</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Pasupatheeswarar Temple, Avoor or Avoor Pasupatheeswaram is a Hindu temple dedicated to Hindu god Shiva, located in the village Avoor, located 12 km south of South Indian town, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is one of the 70 madakoil built by 2nd century Chola king, Kochengat Chola. The temple is known for the Panchabairavar, the five images of Bhairavar. The temple is revered in the verses of Tevaram, the 7th century Tamil Saiva canon by Tirugnana Sambandar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kodi Kuzhagar Temple</span> Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Kuzhagar Temple or Kodi Kuzhagar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located in the town of Kodikkarai in Tamil Nadu, India. Kuzhagar 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiruvetkalam Pasupatheswarar Temple</span> Hindu temple of Shiva in Chidambaram, India

Tiruvetkalam Pasupatheswarar Temple is a Hindu temple of the god Shiva located at Chidambaram in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshipped as Pasupatheswarar, along with His consort known as Satgunambal and Nalla Nayaki. The temple is located inside the Annamalai University complex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sivapuri Uchinathar Temple</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Sivapuri Uchinathar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Sivapuri in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. The place is also known as Thirunelvayil. The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Uchinathar. His consort is known as Uchinayagi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tirukkazhippalai Palvannanathar Temple</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Tirukkazhippalai Palvannanathar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Sivapuri in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity is Shiva in the form of Palvannanathar and his consort is known as Vedanayaki. 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chandramouleeswar Temple, Thiruvakkarai</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Chandramowleeswarar Temple, Thiruvakkarai in Thiruvakkarai, a village in Villupuram district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Constructed in the Tamilian style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the Cholas period in the 10th century. The temple has received gracious endowments from the Chola queen Sembiyan Mahadevi. Shiva is worshipped as Chandramowleeswarar and his consort Parvathi as Amirthambigai.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kripapureeswarar Temple</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Kripapureeswarar Temple in Thiruvennainallur, a panchayat town in Villupuram district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. 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, the saivite saint of the 8th century, who started composing his Tirumurai starting with "Pitha Piraisudi" verse in this temple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Veerateeswarar Temple, Thirukovilur</span> Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Veerateeswarar Temple in Tirukoilur, a panchayat town in Kallakurichi district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the Cholas period in the 10th century. Shiva is worshipped as Veerateeswarar and his consort Parvathi as Periyanayagi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marundeeswarar Temple, T. Edayar</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Marundeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in T. Edaiyar, a village in Viluppuram district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Marundeeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Balambigai. The temple is located on the Southern banks of Thenpennai River on the Thirukoilur - Thiruvennainallur 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaseeswarar Temple</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Vaseeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thirupasoor, a village in Tiruvallur district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshiped as Vaseeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Pasupathinayagi. The temple is located on the Southern banks of Poondi reservoir on the Thiruvallur - Thiruthani road, 5 km (3.1 mi) away from the town. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th-century CE Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Agnipureeswarar Temple, Thirupugalur</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vadukeeswarar temple</span> Hindu temple in Puducherry, India

Vadukeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thiruvandarkoil, a village in Pondicherry - Villupuram highway in Pondicherry in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshiped as Vadukeeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Thiripura Sundari. The temple is located on the Chennai - Villupuram highway. 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arasaleeswarar temple</span> Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Arasaleeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Olindiyampattu, a village in Villupuram district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Arasaleeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Periyanaayagi. 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.

References

  1. 1 2 S.S., Kavitha (4 September 2013). "Namma Madurai: The Lord of Thirupuvanam". The Hindu . Retrieved 4 November 2018.
  2. ↑ "Of quiet waters and the whirr of wings". The Hindu. 23 June 2015. Retrieved 8 November 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 "Sri Pushpavaneshwar temple". Dinamalar. 2014. Retrieved 31 May 2014.
  4. ↑ Neuenhofer, Neuenhofer (2012). Ayyanar And Mariamman, Folk Deities In South India. Christa Neuenhofer. p. 103.
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.