Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu

Sthala Purana

Significance

"Pambu Puram" gradually evolved into the present name "Pamburam." Thirupampuram Temple is renowned for alleviating the effects of Rahu–Ketu doshas. According to the temple's Sthala Mahatmyam, visiting this one temple is believed to confer the spiritual benefits equivalent to worshipping at multiple other serpent-related parihara temples such as Kumbakonam, Nagore, Tirunageswaram, Srikalahasti, and Keezhaperumpallam Temple. It is believed that Rahu and Ketu, once existing as a single unified form, worshipped Shiva here by enshrining Him in their very heart. Because of this legend, the temple is regarded as a powerful centre for Rahu–Ketu parihara. Additionally, on the night of Maha Shivaratri, this temple is considered the third among the four sacred sites where Adisesha offers worship. The temple is further glorified as a place worshipped by Adisesha, Brahma, Parvati, Agastya, Daksha, and Surya. It is also known as the place where Indra was relieved of his curse, where the Ganga was absolved of sins, and where Chandra was freed from blemish—making it a temple of immense spiritual significance.

Naga Shaapa Vimochana

Once at Mount Kailasa, when Ganesha was worshipping Shiva, the serpent adorning Shiva's neck mistakenly believed that Ganesha was offering worship to it as well, and became filled with pride. Angered by this arrogance, Shiva cursed the entire serpent race to lose all their powers. As a result, Adisesha, along with Rahu, Ketu, and other serpents, were deprived of their strength and suffered greatly. Seeking relief from this curse, they prayed to Shiva, who, moved by their devotion, granted them a path to redemption. He instructed them to worship Him on the night of Maha Shivaratri at the sacred site of Thirupampuram Temple, also known as Seshapuri on earth, in order to be freed from the curse. Accordingly, under the leadership of Adisesha, the serpents worshipped at different sacred shrines during the four quarters of Shivaratri night—at Kumbakonam Nageswarar Temple in the first quarter, Tirunageswaram Temple in the second, Thirupampuram Temple in the third, and Nagore Naganathar Temple in the fourth. Through this devoted worship, they were finally relieved of the curse. The temple also houses both the main deity (Moolavar) and the festival idol (Utsavar) of Adisesha, signifying the importance of this legend.

Naga Dosha Parihara

Those who have Kala Sarpa Dosha in their horoscope, are undergoing the 18-year Rahu Dasha or the 7-year Ketu Dasha, or have Rahu or Ketu positioned in the 2nd or 8th house from the Lagna, as well as those experiencing Rahu or Ketu Bhukti, may seek relief at Thirupampuram Temple. Devotees facing issues such as marital obstacles, progeny-related doshas, delays in marriage, or recurring dreams of snakes are believed to benefit from performing remedial rituals here. By taking a sacred bath in the Adisesha Theertham and conducting parihara poojas under the guidance of the temple priests, these doshas are said to be alleviated.