The
Visit to this Sri Bhairaveshwarar Temple at Cholapuram was a part of Rajendra
Chozha War Trophy Trail, a Heritage walk organised by the Kumbakonam Vattara
Varalatru Aayvu Sangam - கும்பகோணம் வட்டார வரலாற்று ஆய்வு சங்கம்
on
28th and 29th September 2024. This Sri Bairaveshwarar
Temple is one of the three Shiva temples built in a straight line (South to
North), in Chozhapuram Village, during the Chozha period.
Moolavar : Sri Bairaveswarar
Consort : Sri Bairaveswari
Some
of the salient features of this temple are….
The
temple is facing east with Rishabam and balipeedam in the mukha mandapam. The
Mukha mandapam may be accessed through 8 steps (believed to be the steps to get
rid of ashta tharithiram/poverty. Vinayagar, Sri Valli Devasena Subramaniar
and Stucco Dwaraplakas are at the entrance of ardha mandapam. Moolavar in the
sanctum Sanctorum is on a Square avudayar. In Koshtam Vinayagar, Natarajar,
Gangalar, Murugan, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Ashta Bhuja Durgai,
Ardhanareeswarar, and Gangadharar with Ambal.
Ambal
is in a separate temple facing South. Ambal is in standing posture with abhaya
varada hastam.
In
praharam, 5 Shiva Lingas with Rishabam, in which two are without avudayar.
ARCHITECTURE
The
whole temple was built with stone from upanam to greevam. The temple consists
of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and mukha mandapam. The sanctum
sanctorum is on a raised Upanam, and prati bandha Adhistanam with Jagathy,
Vrudha kumudam, and prativari. The Bhitti starts with vedikai. The Pilasters are
of brahma kantha pilasters with kalasam, kudam, mandi, palakai and Vettu
pothyal.
The
prastaram consists of valapi with bhuta ganas, kapotam with nasi kuds, and
viyyalavari. The vimanam over the prastaram is of 1 tala (total two talas,
which includes adhi talam), greevam and a Dravida Vimanam, Shiva,
Dakshinamurthy, Maha Vishnu and Brahma are in the tala, and greeva koshtam. Maha
nasis are on the 4 cardinal directions and alpa nasis are in between maha
nasis.
HISTORY
AND INSCRIPTIONS
There
is no inscription available in this temple to prove its antiquity. However, based on
the iconography of the Deva Koshta sculptures,
experts are of the opinion that the temple might have been built during
Rajendra Chozha-I’s period.
LEGENDS
There
are 8 steps covered with brass plate on the right side of the mukha mandapam.
It is believed that climbing through this 8 steps and worship Sri
Bairaveshwarar will get rid of 8 Dharitharas (Poverty). A plaque contains the
sloka of Agasthiyar to be chanted is kept near the steps.
அட்டகந்த எட்டுசந்த
முஃடமேய நிட்டமாம்
எட்டு துறை படி
தந்த பைரவா பைரவா
தொட்டு வந்த காக்குமே
காகுமே – பைரவம்
கிட்ட நின்று காக்குமே, காக்குமே, காக்குமே!!!
POOJAS
AND CELEBRATIONS
Oru
kala pooja is conducted in the morning, pradosham and Maha Shivaratri are
conducted.
TEMPLE
TIMINGS
Since
oru kala Pooja is conducted, the opening and closing times are unpredictable.
CONTACT
DETAILS
The
Gurukkal Karthi may be contacted on his mobile number +919994558854 for further
details.
HOW
TO REACH
The
temple at Cholapuram just the back side of Janani Medical Shop, can be accessed
through a lane between two houses.
This
place Cholapuram is on Kumbakonam to Chennai Road, 6.5 KM from Thirupanandal, 12.5
KM from Kumbakonam, and 35 KM from Mayiladuthurai.
Nearest
Railway Station is Kumbakonam.
LOCATION
OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
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