Arulmigu Brahmapureeswarar Tirukoil

Overview

The temple devoted to God Shiva is located at 5 km east from poonthottam railway station, is also known as Ambal,one can reach the temple via buses.

About the temple

God Brahmma is said to have worshipped in this temple.There is a temple tank named Annamam poigai,in which God Brahmma took dip to dispose his sins in carnation of Somasimara nayanar tooks place at this temple.Inscriptions of chola period can seen at this sanctuary.

About the Deity

The presiding deities in this shrine are Maarapureeswarar, Brahmapureeswararand and Ambareesar besides Goddesses Vantamar Poonkuzhali, Sukantha Kunthalaampikai and Poonkuzhalammai.Punnai or the mast wood tree is considered sacred .The holy water is present in Indra Thirtham, Choola Thirtham, Brahma Thirtham and Annamaam Poykai.

Legend/Story

Once Vishnu and Brahma had an argue that who was Brahman or the Absolute Truth.So Shiva transformed into a gigantic fire pillar saying those who could view the foot or head of the pillar would be confirmed as the Cosmic One. Vishnu became a Boar and began to find the pillars foot while Bramha became a swan and flew off to discover the head. Vishnu acknowledged failure while Bramha lied that he saw the head and was cursed to turn into a swan.He begged for forgiveness on which Shiva suggested him to go to Punnakavanam and meditate.Brahma reached there and after creating the pond , used its water for abishekam.After many years his curse was cleaned and turned back to his original form.This whole incident is celebrated as Maasi Maham every year.Sage Dhurvasa and Madalolas wicked sons were Ampara and Aampara.Both of them quarreled for Kali when she as a maiden came to the earth.At Ampakarathur one died while Ampara was killed by Kali.To get rid of this killing sin Kali adored the Lord at Thirumaakaalam and recieved His blessings.Devas were scared of demon Samkaaraseelan and reached here. Kaala Bhairava was sent by Shiva to kill the demon and safeguard the devas.For years a Brahmin Vimalan worshipped here Lord Shiva who granted him several boons in addition to bringing the Ganges.Sage Viswamithra cursed Manmatha making his all arrows powerless. Brahmahatthi sin was incurred by King Nandkoopan as mistook a sage with a tiger because of his tiger's hide and killed him.After worshipping Lord Shiva here, he was relieved from the sin.In his previous life as a spider he had worshipped Jambukeswarar at Tiruvanaikkaa living below the white plum tree.He took birth among the 63 Nayanmars.

Festivals

Maasi Maham, Maha Sivarathiri, Markazhi Tiruvathirai, Aippaci Annabishekam

Significance

Here Lord Brahmapureeswarar appears as a self-manifested deity. In the sanctum sanctorum, behind the swayambu murthi Brahmapureeswarar, we can have the darshan of Lord Somaskanda.

Accessibility

The temple is located at 5 km east from poonthottam railway station.

Address

Arulmigu Brahmapureeswarar Tirukkoil,
Ampal P.O. Via Poonthottam,
Nannilam Taluk,
Thanjavur District – 609 503