Shivapuranathar temple, Shivapuram
Location: Shivapuram
Deity known as: ShivapuraNathar, Brahmapuri Nayakar
Female Deity: Singara-Valli, Periya-Nayaki
Pathikam: Tirunavukarasar - 1, Sambandar - 3
Gallery – Sivapuranathar Temple, Sivapuram
How to Reach
This Shiva temples is located about 7 km from Kumbakonam. Take the Kumbakonam–Tiruvarur road, and at Sakkottai, turn onto the branch road. Continue for about 3 km to reach this temple.
Temple Address
Shivapuram
Sakkottai S.O.
Kumbakonam Taluk
Thanjavur District
Tamil Nadu – PIN 612401
Temple Hours
Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Nearby Temples
| 1 | TiruNaraiyur – 5.4 kms | |
| 2 | Arisir-Karai-Puthur – 3.7 kms | |
| 3 | Tiru-Kalaya-Nallur – 4.2 kms | |
| 4 | Tiru-Karuk-Kudi – 5.4 kms |
Location Map – Shivapuranathar Temple, Shivapuram
The Layout
Towers and Enclosures
This temple holds the unique distinction of being the only temple revered by the name “Shivapuram,” derived directly from Shiva Himself. The temple faces east and is architecturally distinguished by a five-tiered Raja Gopuram and two concentric prakarams (enclosures). Upon entering through the main gateway, one reaches the second prakaram, where the flagstaff (Dwajasthambam) and the sannidhi of Kodimara Vinayakar are situated. On the right side of this enclosure, the sannidhi of Bhairava is positioned facing south. Proceeding further through the three-tiered inner gopuram leads to the first prakaram. Within this inner gateway, on the interior walls, the sculpted forms of Surya and Chandra are placed facing the sanctum, adding to the temple's spiritual and symbolic significance.
The Sanctum
From the inner gateway, the enclosure leading to the sanctum comes into view. The presiding deity in the garbhagriha manifests as a self-originated (Swayambhu) Shiva Lingam, facing east. The Lingam is imposing in form and slightly larger in size, and is believed to have been worshipped by Mahavishnu. A distinctive feature of this sannidhi is the solar alignment observed during the Tamil month of Chithirai, when, on the 4th, 5th, and 6th days, the Sun's rays fall directly upon the deity. In the Goshta niches are the deities Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhava, Brahma, and Durga. Adjacent to the sannidhis of Dakshinamurthy, a sculptural panel on the wall depicts the sthala puranam—illustrating MahaVishnu, in the form of a white boar, worshipping Shiva.
Nataraja
The Nataraja of this temple is renowned for its exceptional beauty. This very idol was once illicitly smuggled to the United States, but was subsequently traced and repatriated to India through the concerted efforts of the Government. In the interest of security, the original image is now preserved in a protected vault at the Tiruvarur temple. Presently, worship is offered to a substitute image of Nataraja with Sivakami installed in the temple. Opposite the Nataraja sannidhis is the Nalvar sannidhi—dedicated to the four principal Nayanmars—where Paravaiyar is also enshrined. In addition, the sannidhi of the Goddess is located in the front mandapam, facing south.
Bhairava – Significance
The Bhairava enshrined in the outer prakaram is revered as a deity of special significance. It is customary to perform abhishekam to Him during the Kalasanthi and Arthajama rituals, adorn Him with a ‘vada malai’, and offer curd rice and ‘kadalai urundai’ as nivedanam. Devotees also undertake anga pradakshinam to the deity, a practice traditionally believed to bring success in legal matters and relief from chronic ailments. Bathing in the Chandra Theertham, situated opposite the temple, during the Tamil month of Karthigai is considered particularly auspicious.
Prominent Worship
Kubera
Kubera, Ravana, and Agni are all believed to have worshipped the deity of this sacred site. According to the sthala puranam, Kubera once incurred the curse of Nandi and consequently lost his divine status. He was then born on earth as a king named Dhanapathi, and by worshipping the presiding deity at this temple, he was blessed and regained his lost position.
Tirupugazh Sthalam
Arunagirinathar has composed a song on the Muruga of this temple in his Tiruppugazh. In his sannidhi, Muruga is enshrined in a standing posture with one face and four divine arms, accompanied by his two consorts and his peacock mount. A unique and rare feature of this iconography is that both consorts are depicted wearing footwear.
Anga Pradakshina
It is believed that a Shiva Lingam lies buried beneath the ground of this temple. Owing to this sacred belief, Tirugyana Sambandar is said to have feared even stepping on the soil and therefore worshipped the deity by performing anga pradakshinam (prostrating and rolling around the temple). Later, he went beyond the village boundaries and, from that spot itself, composed and sang hymns (pathigam) in praise of the presiding deity. This temple is regarded as unique among Shiva temples for its traditional association with the practice of anga pradakshinam.
Gallery
