SwarnaPureeswarar temple, Arisirkaraiputhur
Location: Arisir-Karai-Puthur (Azhaga-Puthur)
Deity known as: SwarnaPureeswarar
Female Deity: Azhagambikai
Pathikam: Sambandar - 1, Sundarar - 1, Tirunavukarasar - 1
Gallery – Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Arisirkaraiputhur
How to Reach
Currently known as Azhagaputhur, this shiva temple is situated about 7 km from Kumbakonam, along the road leading to Natchiar Koyil (Thirunaraiyur). It lies very close to the main road and is easily accessible from the Azhagaputhur bus stop.
Temple Address
Azhagaputhur (Arisirkaraiputhur)
Krishnapuram
Sakkottai S.O.
Kumbakonam Taluk
Thanjavur District
Tamil Nadu – PIN 612401
Temple Hours
Morning: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Nearby Temples
| 1 | TiruNaraiyur (Siddheeswaram) – 2.5 kms | |
| 2 | Shivapuram – 3.7 kms | |
| 3 | Tiru-Kalaya-Nallur – 5 kms | |
| 4 | Tiru-Karuk-Kudi – 6.2 kms | |
| 5 | Tiru-Vanjiyam – 21.8 kms |
Location Map – Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Arisirkaraiputhur
Temple Layout
Tower and Courtyard
This temple presents a majestic appearance with a three-tiered Rajagopuram (main tower) facing west. As one enters through the gateway, a spacious courtyard unfolds. Directly aligned with the hall leading to the sanctum, one can see the Kodimara Vinayagar, the flagstaff (Dwajasthambam), the Bali Peetam (altar), and the sacred Nandi. On the right side of the courtyard is a sannidhi dedicated to Vinayaka, while on the left side stands the sannidhi of Arumukha (Murugan with six faces).
Shankha-Chakra Murugan
Arumukha (Murugan) is enshrined here in a majestic form with twelve arms, seated on his peacock mount (Mayil Vahanam). A unique feature of this depiction is that, among the six arms on the right side, the foremost hand holds a Chakra (discus), while among the six arms on the left side, the foremost hand holds a Shankha (conch). Such a rare iconographic representation of Murugan is seldom seen in temples.
Other Deities
While circumambulating the outer prakaram, on the eastern side one can find sannidhis dedicated to Gajalakshmi, Bhairavar, and the Navagrahas. Above the entrance leading to the sanctum are stucco images of Rishabharoodar (Shiva seated on the bull), flanked on either side by Vinayakar and Murugan. Proceeding through the entrance, the front hall (Mahamandapam) houses, on the left side, the sannidhi of the Goddess facing south. Further inside, in the Mahamandapam, there are sannidhis for Vinayakar, the Nalvar (the four revered Saivite saints), and Pugazhthunai Nayanar along with his consort.
Presiding Deity
The presiding deity (Moolavar) manifests in the form of a Shiva Lingam, facing west, set upon a square Aavudaiyar with a tall Bana (shaft). Daily worship is conducted thrice in accordance with traditional rituals. This sacred temple is revered as one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, having been glorified in hymns by the three great Saivite saints. The Sthala Vriksha (sacred tree) of this temple is the Vilva tree, and its sacred waters (Theerthams) are the Amirtha Pushkarani and the Arasalar River.
Sthala Purana
Pugazhthunai Nayanar – Life History
Arisirkarai Puthur, also known as Azhagaputhur, was in ancient times called Seruviliputhur. Pugazhthunai Nayanar was born in this town into a family of Shiva Vedic scholars. He devoted himself to performing daily worship to Swarnapureeswarar in strict accordance with the Shaiva Agama traditions. Even as old age took its toll on him, he never failed in his duty of bringing water daily from the Arisil river to perform abhishekam for the deity.
As if the hardships of old age were not enough, a severe famine struck the region, plunging Pugazhthunai Nayanar into poverty. Yet, he did not waver from his devotion. Even when faced with extreme hunger and the possibility of losing his life, he never once entertained the thought of abandoning his sacred temple duties.
One day, he went to the Arisil river, filled a pot with water, and returned to the temple. Weak from hunger, his legs trembled and his hands shook as he tried to lift the pot to perform abhishekam. In that fragile state, the pot slipped from his hands and fell upon the Shiva Linga's head. Believing that he had inadvertently struck the deity on the head, Pugazhthunai Nayanar was overcome with shock and fainted.
Gallery
