Swarnapureesar temple, Tiruchemponpalli
Location
Tiruchemponpalli (Sembanaar Kovil)
Deity
Swarnapureesar
Female Deity
Sugandha Kundhalambikai
Pathikam
Tirunavukarasar - 2, Sambandar - 1
Gallery - Swarnapureesar Temple
How to Reach
This shiva temple, popularly known as Sembonaar Kovil, is located about 10 km from Mayiladuthurai, on the route to Tarangambadi.
Temple Address
Sembanarkoil
Sembanarkoil Post
Tharangambadi Taluk
Mayiladuthurai District
PIN – 609309
Temple Hours
Morning : 7:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening : 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
The Sacred Site of Dakshayani's Penance
Dakshayani's Curse
Daksha, the Manasaputra (mind-born son) of Brahma, gave his daughter Dakshayani in marriage to Shiva, who is worshipped here as Swarnapureeswarar. Over time, however, Daksha became consumed by arrogance. He organized a grand sacrificial ritual (yaga) but deliberately chose not to invite his son-in-law, thereby showing great disrespect to Shiva. Hoping to counsel her father and guide him back to the path of righteousness, Dakshayani came to Tiruppariyalur. Instead of receiving her with affection, Daksha openly insulted both Shiva and Shakti. Unable to bear this humiliation, Dakshayani cursed that the sacrificial ritual should be destroyed and prayed to Shiva to humble Daksha's pride.
Emergence of Veerabhadra
In response, Shiva manifested Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali, who destroyed the yaga and brought about the destruction of Daksha himself. To absolve herself of the sin of being the daughter of Daksha, who had committed blasphemy against Shiva, Dakshayani undertook severe penance at this place, standing amidst the five sacred fires (Panchagni).
Sugandha kundhalambikai
Pleased with her intense devotion and penance, Shiva blessed Dakshayani to reside eternally by his side as Sugandha kundhalambikai, bestowing grace upon devotees. Thus, this place is revered as the site where Dakshayani received divine grace and where Veerabhadra manifested, making it a place of profound spiritual significance.
Temple Significance
- Goddess Lakshmi worshipped the presiding deity of this temple and was blessed to attain Maha Vishnu as Her divine consort. In remembrance of this sacred event, the place came to be known as Lakshmipuri.
- After bathing in the sacred Surya Theertham and offering worship to the deityd here, Indra received the Vajrayudha, which enabled him to defeat the demon Vritrasura. For this reason, the temple is also revered as Indrapuri.
- Muruga worshipped the presiding deity at this temple before destroying the demon Tarakasura. Owing to this divine episode, the place is also celebrated as Gandhapuri.
- The presiding deity, Suvarnapureeswarar, manifests as a Shiva Lingam enshrined on a circular Avudaiyar (pedestal) and was worshipped by Maha Vishnu.
Temple Structure
Presiding Deity (Moolavar)
This east-facing temple, renovated by Ko-chengat Chola, has an imposing east-facing Thiruvaayil (main entrance). The presiding deity manifests as a Swayambhu (self-manifested) Shiva Lingam, enshrined on a unique lotus-shaped Avudaiyar adorned with sixteen petals below and sixteen petals above.
Goshta Deities
The Goshta deities enshrined around the sanctum are Indira Ganapati, Dakshinamurthy, Ardhanareeswarar, and Goddess Durga. The Maha Mandapam houses sannidhis for Vinayaka, the Surya and Chandra Lingas, and Subramanya. It also preserves an ancient and remarkable image of Shiva in His Bhikshadana form, which is revered for its antiquity.
Goddess Sannidhi
Goddess Sugandha Kundhalambikai is enshrined in a south-facing sannidhi. To the south-west of the temple complex is a separate sannidhi dedicated to the Sapta Kannikas.
Other Deities
On the western side of the temple is the sannidhi of Sthala Vinayaka, who is worshipped as Prakasa Pillaiyar. The temple also has separate sannidhis for Vanadurga, Viswanathar, Srinivasa Perumal, Sibi Kaatchi Nathar, where Lord Shiva appears holding the deer (maan) and axe (mazhu), Balasubramanya with four divine arms bearing a Rudraksha garland and the Shakti weapon, Gajalakshmi, Jyeshtha Devi, Veerabhadra, Surya, Bhairava, and several other deities. Worship at this temple is traditionally believed to be an effective remedy for Navagraha (planetary) doshas. Devotees also offer special prayers to Goddess Durga here, whose worship is considered especially powerful and highly beneficial.
Sacred Theertham and Temple Tree
Surya Theertham
Located near the temple is the sacred Surya Theertham. According to temple tradition, devotees who take a holy dip in this theertham on Chithirai Amavasya (the new moon day in the Tamil month of Chithirai) or during the month of Vaikasi are believed to be cleansed of their sins and blessed with spiritual merit.
Temple Tree (Sthala Vriksha)
The temple has two sacred Sthala Vrukshams. The Vanni tree, situated between the sannidhis of the Lord and the Goddess, and the Vilva (Bilva) tree in the northern prakaram are both held in great reverence by devotees.
Special Features
From the 7th to the 18th day of the Tamil month of Chithirai, the rays of the rising Sun fall directly upon the presiding deity during the morning hours for twelve consecutive days, a remarkable phenomenon regarded as highly auspicious. Another important observance at the temple takes place during the Tamil month of Karthigai, when 108 Sangabhishekams are performed on every Monday (Somavaram). Devotees believe that worshipping both the presiding deity and the Goddess on these Mondays (Somavara Darshan) bestows all auspicious blessings, especially those related to marriage.
Gallery - More Temple Views
