Puvananathaeshwarar Temple

Overview : Thirupuvanam Arulmigu Poovananathaswami is a Lord Shiva temple.Situated on the banks of river Vaigai, it is believed that Lord Shiva executed here his 36th divine sport. This temple is tenth in the list of 14 holy temples of Pandya region. Hymns of Thirunavukkarasar, Gnanasambandar, Sundarar, Karuvur Thevar and Manickavasagar are filled with praises of this temple. At the first look it reminds you of a 20th century configuration but a walk through the praharas reveals its history dating to 7th century CE. At the entrance an incomplete mandapam along with a minor shrine for Madapuram Kali Amman is present.The temple consists of a shatanga vimana besides a square shaped sanctum. At the front, mahamandapam ,an artha mandapam and muhamandapam is seen. 3 praharas are also found in addition to separate shrine on the right side of the main shrine for Goddess Minammai alias Soundara Nayaki. C. Santhalingam, retired archaeological officer arguments that the temple comprises of about 15 to 20 loose sculptures and broken inscriptions. The most primitive inscription found here belongs to 10 CE , the period of Sadayan Maran ,early Pandya King. The engraving denotes a gift of 75 sheep contributed to the temple for upholding perpetual lamps. Numerous renovations have taken place in this 1300 year old temple. During the last century, Nattukottai Chettiars restored the temple. Sculptures of King Thirumalai Naicker, his wife besides his brother Muthiyala Naicken are found in the muhamandapam of the temple. It hints to renovation works take on by them too. Legend/Story : As per the 64 divine sports of Lord Shiva ,Thiruvilayadalpuraman , Ponanaial ,a dancing girl was a faithful devotee of Lord Poovananathaswami. She had a single objective in life to make a golden idol of Lord Shiva and execute puja. But due to lack of money,she was unable to do so. Impressed by her devoutness, Lord Shiva appeared as a metallurgist (Rasavathi) and transformed all metals in her assets iron, bronze and aluminium into a golden statue of Shiva. Awestruck by the exquisiteness of the idol, Ponanaial pinched the cheeks of Lord Shiva. The pinch mark is still seen today in the golden statue. Ponanaial got a place at the front mandap.Conferring to mythological history, lingam at the temple arose on its own beneath the shades of a parijatha tree. As per the beliefs heavenly personalities like Chandra, Surya, Thiranasanan, Nalan, Dharumanjan, Brahma and Thirumal worshipped the suyambulinga here.