Sri Sakshinatheswarar Temple Temple / Sri Satchinatheswarar Temple / அருள்மிகு சாட்சிநாதேஸ்வரர் திருக்கோயில், திருப்புறம்பியம். Thirupurambiyam, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

This is the 100^th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 46^th  Sthalam on the north side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu, on the banks of Manniyaru. This is one of the 24 important temples of Dakshinamurthy temple, one of the 44 Paadal Petra Shiva Temples where Moovar has sung and the 64^th Thiruvilaiyadal of Lord Shiva took place. This place was called Thirupurambiyam, Kalyanamaanagar and Punnaahavanam during ancient times.

In Periya Puranam, Sekkizhar records that Thirugnanasambandar came to this temple after the darshan of Lord Shiva of Thiruvaikavur.

புறம்பயத்து இறைவரை வணங்கிப் போற்றி செய்

திறம்புரி நீர்மையில் பதிகச் செந்தமிழ்

நிறம்பயில் இசையுடன் பாடி நீடிய

அறம்தரு கொள்கையார் அமர்ந்து மேவினார்

Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal, Sundarar and Vallalar have sung hymns praising Lord Shiva of this temple. 

மறம்பய மலைந்தவர் மதிர்பரி சறுத்தனை

நிறம்பசுமை செம்மையொடு இசைந்துனது நீர்மை

திறம்பயன் உறும்பொருள் தெரிந்துணரு நால்வர்க்கு

அறம்பயன் உரைத்தனை புறம்பயம் அமர்ந்தோய்

...... திருஞானசம்பந்தர்

கொடிமாட நீள்தெருவு கூடல் கோட்டூர்

        கொடுங்கோளூர் தம்வளவி கண்டியூரும்

நடமாடு நன்மருங்கல் வைகி நாளும்

        நலமாகு மொற்றியூ ரொற்றி யாகப்

படுமாலை வண்டறையும் பழனம் பாசூர்

        பழையாறும் பாற்குளமுங் கைவிட் டிந்நாள்

பொடியேறு மேனியராய்ப் பூதஞ் சூழப்

        புறம்பயம்நம் மூரென்று போயினாரே

....... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்

அங்கம் ஓதியோர் ஆறை மேற்றளி

        நின்றும் போந்துவந்து இன்னம்பர்த்

தங்கி னோமையும் இன்னதென்றிலர்

        ஈச னார்எழு நெஞ்சமே

கங்குல் ஏமங்கள் கொண்டு தேவர்கள்

        ஏத்தி வானவர் தாந்தொழும்

பொங்கு மால்விடை ஏறிசெல்வப்

        புறம்ப யந்தொழப் போதுமே

....... சுந்தரர்

                                                                                --“முன்அம்பு

மாற்கும் புறம்பியலா வாய்மையருள் செய்யவுளம்

ஏற்கும் புறம்பியம் வாழென் உயிரே

........ திரு அருட்பா

Moolavar  : Sri Sakshinatheswarar, Sri Saksheeswarar,

                  Sri Punnaivana nathar

Consort    : Sri Ishuvaani, Sri Karumbadu Solliayammai

Some of the important features of this temple are.....

The temple faces east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram and Balipeedam Rishabam and a Dwajasthambam after the Rajagopuram. A mandapa with a second level 3 tier Rajagopuram is at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum. Ambal Sannidhi is in between the two Rajagopurams. Moolavar is of Swayambhu, only thaila kappu/ oil bathe will be done. In koshtam Nardhana Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Sattainathar, Lingothbavar and Durgai. Pichadanar, Veena Dakshinamurthy, Rishabanthigar, Gangalar, Natarajar ( Damaged ), Vinayagar, Agasthiyar, are in the Koshtam. 

In praharam Chandikeswarar,  Vinayagar, Murugan with his consorts, Gajalakshmi, Somaskandar, Natarajar, Pralayam katha Vinayagar, Nalvar, Dhandapani, Mukkan Ganapathy, Pancha Shiva Lingas, Pradikshanathar ( Pichadanar ...?), Jaya Durgai, Ashtabhuja Durgai, Kala Bhairava, Suryan, Chandran, Navagrahas. Shiva Lingas worshipped by, Agasthiyar Pulathiyar, Sanakar, Sananthanar, Sanathanar, Sanathkumarar and Vishwamitra.

There are two Ambal temples. Sri Guhambigai Ambal holding Sri Murugan in the hip idol made of wax is in a separate mandapam. Apart from Ambal Karumbanna Sollammai, there is a separate Sannidhi for Guhambiga.  

Guru Dakshinamurthy is in a separate temple called Aram Uraitha Nayanar. This temple is on the right side before the main Rajagopuram, on the banks of Temple Tank. This is one of the 24 Dakshinamurthy temples considered to be auspicious.

Pralayam kaththa Vinayagar is special in this temple, made up of Chippi, Kilinjal, and sea foam. Honey Abhishekam is performed once a year on Vinayaka Chathurthi day. All the honey will be absorbed in the idol itself. 

Nalvar

Suryan and Chandran

Durgai & Chandikeswara

Bairavar

Dwarapalakas

ARCHITECTURE

The temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antaral, ardha mandapam and maha mandam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a lotus petals platform / upanam, padabandha adhistanam with jagathy, vrudha kumudam, Kapotam, prativari. The Bhitti starts with vedikai. The pilasters are Vishnu kantha pilasters with square bases, kalasam, kudam, lotus petals mandi, palakai and Vettu pothyal. The prastaram consists of Valapi, kapotam and Viyyalavari. The temple was constructed with stone from Adhistanam to Prastaram. The Vimanam above the bhumi Desam was constructed with bricks. The Vimanam consists of a tala, greevam and Dravida sigaram. Stucco images of Shiva, Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma are in the Tala and Greeva koshtams.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

This place Thirupurambiyam was historically important since, a war which changed the history of Chozhas, took place. Pallava King Abarajitha Varman, Aditya Chozha and Ganga King Pritvipati-I joined together and fought against Pandya King Varaguna Pandian-II ( 885 CE ). In the war, Varaguna Pandya-II was defeated and the Ganga king was killed. Even though Abarajitha Varman won the war, the highly benefited person was Aditha Chozha, who recovered back the Chozha country. As per Uthayenthira Cheppedu Ganga King Pritvipati was killed in the war with Varaguna Pandian.

Since Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple, the original brick temple might have existed before the 7^th Century. The temple was constructed with stone during the Chozha period and further extended by Vijayanagaras. There are 73 stone inscriptions recorded from this temple. The inscriptions belong to Rajakesarivarman, Kulothunga Chozha, Parantaka Chozha, Kandaradithan, Aditha Chozha, Vikrama Chozha, Rajarajan-III, Rajendran-III and Vijayanagara King Virupakshi Rayar.

During Varaguna Pandya Rule ( 885 CE )  this temple was constructed with brick and the same was reconstructed with Stone during Chozha King Adhitya Chozha-I,      

As per the inscriptions, This place was under  Rajendra Simha Valanattu Andatrru Kootram and Lord Shiva was called Adithechuwarar, hence it is believed that the temple might have been rebuilt with stone by Aditha Chozha. The Other names are Thirupurambaya mudaya Mahadevar, and Thirupurambiyamudaya Aadheeththeeswaram udaya Nayanar

(See the Annual Reports on South Indian Epigraphy for the year 1897, No. 323-357; year 1932, No. 146-151. See also South Indian Inscriptions, Vol. VI, 18-32. See also) and ( See South Indian Inscriptions, Vol. I, 381.). All the inscriptions recorded belong to Chozha period. Most of the inscriptions record the endowment of perpetual lamps, poojas, Naivedyam for which donations of Lands, Gold, Lamps, Cows and Sheep ( 90 per lamp ) & ( Sava Moova peradu ) are made to the temple. 

 

Rajakesari Varman period inscription records that jewels and silver vessels are made from the Temple’s treasury fund. 

Rajendra Chozha period inscription records the endowment of  10 lamps for which gold was donated.

Kandaraditha Chozha’s wife, Sembiyan Mahadevi, gave a gift of silver kalasa to Lord Shiva’s thirumanjanam / sacred bath. During Aditha Chozha-II, period records the endowment of Nandavanam for which 6 ma land was gifted by Irumudi Chozha Perumpadai.

Rajaraja-I’s 19th-year reign inscription records the endowment of burning two perpetual lamps for Natarajar Sannadhi by the Queen, for which land was donated.

Vanavan Moovenda Velaan established the Ashta Parivara sannadhis and gave donations for the daily worship. Kulothunga-I donated Land for the Panguni and Thiruvettai festivals. Mudikonda Chozha Pallavarayan Muththirathu Adigal donated for the daily worship. 

Kulothunga-III’s period inscription records the endowment of Thirumanjanam / Sacred bath for Moolavar, Natarajar & Sivakami, Vinayagar, Aram Payantha Vinayagar on every New moon day, for which land was donated. The Same King’s other inscription records that Veethividanga Vizhupparayan and his brother Akila Nayaka Vizhupparaiyan established the Aram Uraiththa Nayanar near first Gopura, Lords of Thiruvalanchuzhi and Putridamkondar in the first prahara and land was donated for the daily worship.  Rajaraja-III, period inscription records that Kundavai nallur Sabhai gave donations to this temple.

Rajendra Chozha-I’s 16^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning 5 lamps during, Sirukalai ( early morning ), Uchcha kala by Venkadan Kudithangi of Nerkuppai, for the same 50 kasus was deposited in the Pandaram / Treasury. Sankarapadiyars, who received the same from Devakanmis agreed to supply one ulakku oil daily. The same people also received 15 Kasus, which was deposited by Paachcha Naattan for 5 Night lamps and agreed to supply one ulakku oil to the temple. The inscription mentions the Sankarapadiyars are from Parambil Viraiyaakkalip Peruntheru.  ( The Following inscriptions are from தமிழ்நாட்டுகல்வெட்டுக்கள் –VI, கும்பகோணம் வட்டக் கல்வெட்டுக்கள் ). 

Rajakesarivarman’s 7^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a lamp by Savaanthi Kumaran for the same land was gifted and the same was received by the Devakamis. The periphery limits of the land are also given.

Rajendra Chozha-I’s  23^rd year ( 1035 CE ) inscription records the endowment of Prambil Nagarathavars worship and Thirupani by a Lady who worked in Lankeswara Kulakala TherinjaveLam Group ( a division of the army soldiers ), for the same she had gifted Kasu and land. She also gifted Adalvallan / Natarajar and Uma Parameswari idols/images for the same land was gifted to the temple.  

Rajaraja Chozha-I’s 25^th reign year ( 1010 CE ) inscription records the endowment of burning perpetual lamps by Olipakai Pasuvathi, wife of Velalan Yosanaipadiyudaiyan Aranathi manni, who lived in Pirambil Nagaram. For the same, she had gifted half of the expenditure and the balance half has to be received from her Children.

Rajaraja Chozha-I’s 3^rd reign year ( 988 CE ) inscription records the gift of Velli Kalasam / Silver Kalasa to thirumanjam, by Chembian Mahadevi, in favour of her son Uthama Chozha. Its weight is recorded in 3 methods.

1. பொதுவான நிறை         140 முக்கழஞ்சே முக்காலே இரண்டு மஞ்சாடி.
2. விரையாக்கலி என்னும் துலாக்கோல் நிறை : பதின்மூன்றே மூன்….. பலம் பதின் கலஞ்சே கால்.
3. இவ்வூர்க்கல்லால் நிறை: நூற்று நாற்பதின் கலஞ்சு முக்காலே மூன்று மஞ்சாடி.

Rajaraja Chozha-I's 10^th reign year inscription records the installation of 8 Parivara devathas and for burning sandhi lamp, “Pathumapathu” gold was gifted to this temple. The inscription also records that the burning of laps should be done with the income from 10 ma pon and the income above the burning lamp has to be deposited in the Pandaram / treasury.  

Rajaraja Chozha-I’s 12^th reign year ( 997 CE ) inscription records the endowment of Thirupallithamam / Garland by Kalakudiyan Velaan.

Rajarajan-III’s 8+1 reign year ( 1225 CE ) inscription records that, it was found out that the accountants ( கணக்கு காணியுடையார்கள்  ) working with the temple, used the temple’s money for their purpose. The inscription also mentions that there are separate Accountants for Shiva Temple, Ambal / Thirukamakottamudaya Periya Nachiyar Temple, and Parivara Sannidhis. These Accountants sold their Lands as Chandeswara Peruvilai to 40000 kasus and deposited them in the pandaram / treasury.

Rajaraja Chozha-I’s 9^th reign year ( 994 CE ) inscription records that, a higher Government official called Vanavan Mooventha Velaan inspected the accounts from the King’s 2^nd reign year to 9^th reign year. He ordered to make gold Pattam – 3, a Gold flower, and a plate for water Naivedyam from the excess Gold after the expenses available in the Pandaram. The weights are also recorded in the inscription.

Rajakesari Varman ( Adhita Chozha )’s 5^th reign year ( 876 CE ), inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Kuvathi Manradi alias Nattu Vidanga Perumanradi. For the same 90 Goats/ewes are gifted to the temple. In that 12 Goats died. To Compensate another Mandradi had supplied 12 Goats. After receiving the Goats two people agreed to supply ghee to burn half a lamp each.

சாட்சிநாதர் கோயில் - கருவறையின் தென்புறச் சுவர்.

திருப்புறம்பியமுடையார்க் கோயிலில் திருநொந்தாவிளக்கு ஒன்று எரிப்பதற்காக குவாத்திலிருக்கும் மன்றாடியான நாட்டு விடங்கப் பெருமன்றாடி கொடையளித்திருந்த 90 ஆடுகளில் 12 ஆடுகள் இறந்துவிட்டமையில் அதற்குப் பதிலாக 12 ஆடுகளை மற்றோர் மன்றாடி ஈடு செய்திருக்கிறார். இந்த ஒரு நொந்தா விளக்கினை அரை விளக்குகள் வீதம் இருவர் பொறுப்பேற்றுக் கொண்டு நெய்யளக்க உடன்பட்ட செய்தியைக் கூறுகிறது இக்கல்வெட்டு. 

Vijayanagara king’s period inscription mentions the Masi Maha celebrations. It is understood from the inscriptions that  Andarkadiyar Paranar Mutt and Dhamodara Vinnagaram ( A Vishnu Temple ) existed during the Vijayanagara period.

Ref

1. South Indian Inscriptions Volume Volume. VI, Nos. 18-32.

2. Annual Reports on South Indian Epigraphy for the year 1897, Nos. 323-357; year 1932, No. 146-151. 

3. தமிழ்நாட்டுக்கல்வெட்டுக்கள் தொகுதி-VI, கும்பகோணம் வட்டக் கல்வெட்டுகள். 

The temple is under the administrative control of Thirugnanasambandar Swamikal Adheenam, Madurai. The last Kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 18^th March 2016.

LEGENDS

STHALA PURANA - Thiruvilayadal Puranam

The sthala purana is based on the 64 Thiruvilayadal Puranam of Lord Shiva of Madurai. As Per sthala Purana, a Merchant of Poompuhar lived with his wife. After a long year due to the grace of  Lord Shiva, they had a female Child. He wishes to give his daughter to marry his sister’s son at Madurai and he told this to everybody in the village and neighbours. When she attained the marriageable age the Merchant died suddenly after a brief illness and his wife took sati. Their daughter has become an orphan and the neighbours arrange for the last rites and send a message to the Merchant's sister, son ie son–in–law at Madurai.

The Merchant’s son-in-law, who was married already, on hearing his uncle and aunt’s death, came to Poompuhar with his relatives. He took the Merchant’s daughter along with the wealth to Madurai. When his relatives were travelling in front, the Merchant’s son-in-law and his daughter followed. They stayed that night in a temple with a Shiva Linga, under a Vanni Tree and a Well amid a forest. When they were in sleep a snake bit the Merchant's Son-in-law and died. She cried and prayed to Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva in the form of an old man appeared and with the ash from the Madapalli and the holy water was sprinkled on the Merchant's Son-in-law and he came alive. When they were asked to marry, they hesitated to marry without the presence of their relatives. The Old man persuaded both and they got married in the presence of the Shiva Linga, Vanni Tree, well and the Old man considered him as friend, relative and neighbour.

கன்னியை யீன்ற ஞான்றே யுனைக் கென்றுன் காதன் மாமன்

உன்னிய துறவினுள்ளார் அறிவரே யுனக்கீதன்றி

வன்னியும் கிணறு  மிந்தலிங்கமும் தறுகன் மைந்தா

இந்திவை வதுவை செய்தியெம் முறை கடவா தென்றார்

.... திருவிளையாடல் புராணம் ( வ.சோதி உரையாசிரியர் )  

After they reached, Madurai they had a child also. There  was a conflict and quarrel between Merchant's son-in-law’s elder wife and the younger wife erupted. This case was posted in the Village Sabha and asked the younger wife to prove that their marriage was legal. She said that the witnesses were the Vanni Tee, The well and the old man. The sabha laughed at her and posted the case the next day. On that Night, Lord Shiva appeared in her dream and told her that Vanni Tree and the Well would come and stay near the Compound wall of Sri Meenakshi Temple, as a witness. After seeing the Witness the Village sabha, praised for her for Bhakthi towards Lord Shiva. The Merchant’s son-in-law with his wives and children lived happily. Even now there is no well and Sthala Vruksham in this temple since they went to Madurai as witness. It is believed that Lord Shiva’s 64^th Thiruvilayadal has happened at this place.  Hence Lord Shiva is called Sakshinathar.

In one legend one of the temple servants went to see her lover alone. When she was crossing the river, the boatman snatched her jewels and koorai ( ?), killed and threw her into the river.  Before crossing the river he also fell into the river and died.  Based on this legend, Sundarar also sang in the hymns.

  

குற்றொ ருவரைக் கூறை கொண்டு

கொலைகள் சூழ்ந்த களவெலாஞ்

செற்றொ ருவரைச் செய்த தீமைக

இம்மை யேவருந் திண்ணமே`` 

It is believed that Suryan worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple. On the 3^rd to 5^th of Tamil Month Panguni ( March – April ) Sunrays fall on Moolavar.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from Regular Poojas, special poojas are conducted on Vinayagar Chathurthi in the month Avani ( Aug – Sep ), Navaratri in the month Purattasi (Sep-Oct), Annabhishekam in the month Aippasi ( Oct – Nov ), Thiru Karthigai in the month Karthigai ( Nov – Dec ), Thiruvathirai in the month Margazhi ( Dec–Jan ), Maha Sankranthi in the month Thai ( Jan – Feb ),  Masi Maham and Maha Shivaratri in the month Masi ( Feb – March ) and Pradosham.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open between 08.00 hrs to 12.00 Hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS :

Mobile numbers +919444626632, +91 99523 23429 and Landline +91 435 245 9519 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH 

On Kumbakonam to Thiruvaiyaru road take diversion at Puliyancheri – Thirupurambiyam – 3 km from Innambur.

Town bus is available from Kumbakonam.

The temple is 11 KM from Kumbakonam, 44 KM from Mayiladuthurai, 40 KM from Thanjavur and 289 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway Station is Kumbakonam.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Shankha Nidhi

Padma Nidhi

Rama with Hanuman

Enhancing beauty

Gajendra Moksham

Gajendra Moksham

Murugan

Rama-Sita- Lakshmana

Pichadanar - Gangalar - Natarajar

Vinayagar- Agasthiyar - Ardhanareeswarar

Ganga Visarjanar - Pichadanar- Bairavar

The story of Chandikeswara

Chandesa anugraha murthy 

Churning milk ocean 

Maybe the original Chandikeswarar 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA---