Pushpavana Nathar Temple, Tiru-Poonthuruthi
Location
Tiru-Poonthuruthi
Deity
Pushpavana Nathar
Female Deity
Soundarya Nayaki
Pathikam
Tirunavukkarasar - 3
Gallery – Pushpavana Nathar Temple, TiruPoonthuruthi
How to Reach
Tiruppoonturuthi is located about 3 kilometers west of Tirukkandiyur and less than 2 kilometers from the celebrated Paadal Petra Sivasthalam of Tiruvalampozhil. Situated close to the historic town of Tiruvaiyaru, the temple enjoys good connectivity through regular local bus services, making it a convenient destination for devotees and pilgrims exploring the sacred Shiva temples of the region.
Temple Address
Thiruppoonturuthi
Thiruppoonturuthi Post
Via Kandiyur
Tiruvaiyaru Taluk
Thanjavur District
PIN – 613103
Temple Hours
Morning : 6:00 - 12:00
Evening : 4:00 - 8:00
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
Temple Glory
The Layout
Tirupoonthuruthy derives its name from its distinctive location between the rivers Cauvery and Kudamurutti, as settlements situated amidst river branches are traditionally known as “Thuruthy.” The village is divided into two sections, Mela-Poonthuruthy and Keezha-Poonthuruthy, with the temple situated in Mela-Poonthuruthy. The temple is entered through an imposing five-tiered east-facing Rajagopuram that leads into the Pancha Murthy Mandapam. At this entrance, there is no flagstaff, although a Balipeetam and a Nandi are present. Interestingly, the Nandi is positioned slightly away from the central axis of the sanctum and at a lower level. In the outer prakaram, the south-facing sannidhi of the Goddess is located to the right. Proceeding through the second gateway, devotees enter the Vasantha Mandapam, where another Dwajasthambam, Balipeetam, and a second Nandi can be seen, with the Nandi once again placed slightly off-center. This unusual arrangement is linked to a cherished temple legend. It is believed that the presiding deity instructed Nandi to move aside so that Tirugnanasambandar, who hesitated to step onto the temple grounds out of reverence after Tirunavukkarasar had sanctified them through his sacred Uzhavara Pani, could have an unobstructed view of the deity from outside the temple.
Sanctum & Surrounding Shrines
The inner precincts of the temple are rich in architectural and spiritual significance. Within the inner prakaram are the Somaskanda Mandapam and the Nataraja Sabha, while separate sannidhis for Vinayaka, the Sapta Matrikas, and the four principal Nayanmars further enhance its sacred atmosphere. On either side of the main sanctum stand the South Kailasa and North Kailasa sannidhis. Beyond the Maha Mandapam and Artha Mandapam lies the sanctum of Pushpavana Nathar. The temple is also renowned for its remarkable Goshta sculptures, which include Veena-dhara Dakshinamurthy, Ardhanareeswara, Durga in a penitent posture, Tirunavukkarasar seated in deep meditation, and Sundarar accompanied by his consorts Paravai Nachiyar and Sangili Nachiyar. Adding to the temple’s spiritual and artistic heritage are the images of Poonduruthi Kadavanambi and an ancient idol preserved within the Goddess’s sannidhi.
Temple Puranic History
Saptha Sthanam Legacy
Poonthuruthy is revered as the sixth of the Saptha Sthanam temples associated with Thiruvaiyaru and is celebrated for its rich spiritual heritage. According to the temple legend, Sage Kashyapa brought the holy waters of the Ganges and consecrated the temple well, using them for the abhishekam of the presiding deity. The temple also houses Muruga, praised by Arunagirinathar in his Thiruppukazh, who appears here with one face, four arms, and his two consorts, facing east. Outside the temple stands a historic Thirumadam established by Tirunavukkarasar (Appar), where he is believed to have stayed and composed several Thandakam and Kurunthogai pathigams. The site is further sanctified by the memorable meeting of Appar and Tirugnanasambandar: Appar humbly carried the younger saint’s palanquin, and when Sambandar realized this, he immediately descended to honor Appar. Their mutual reverence and the time they spent together in the Madam remain enduring symbols of devotion, humility, and spiritual unity, adding a profound emotional depth to the temple’s legacy.
Pathigam Glory
Tirunavukkarasar, also known as Appar, composed three specific hymns dedicated to the presiding deity of Tirupoonthuruthy and an additional fifteen general hymns during his stay at this sacred site. One of his most notable compositions begins with "Nilladha Neer Sadai Mel Nirpithanai", where he eloquently reflects on the profound blessings he received upon beholding the deity at this temple. Among his works, the hymn Angamalai stands out for its poetic beauty and depth. In it, Appar emphasizes that every part of the human body—head, ears, eyes, nose, tongue, legs, hands, and chest—is purposefully created to praise the divine.
Gallery – Pushpavana Nathar Temple, TiruPoonthuruthi
