Brahmapureeswarar Temple

Overview

The Brahmapureeswarar Temple is located in Thirupattur near Trichy, India. The Temple finds mention in the hyms of the revered Saivite Saint Sundarar.

About The Temple

The entrance has a Five Level colourful raja gopuram. When one goes into the beautiful and cool Veda mandapam with the dwajasthabam one can notice Nandiswara resting under an intricate Rudhraksha Pandal, a sight not found in any other temple.The next mandapam is called Nada Mandapam wherein the seven musical pillars are present. There are seven entrances to cross over to reach the sannadhi of Sri Brahmapureeswara. He is called so since he changed the destiny of Brahma. To the left of the Nadha Mandapam, is the Brahma Sannadhi. The idol is huge- almost six feet and sitting on a lotus flower in Padmasana. Brahma is considered as the Adhidevatha of Guru Bhagavan, and therefore, here he is covered in turmeric paste. The turmeric is also given as prasadam. If one visits the temple around 7 am in the morning, one will be able to see both the Nirmalya Darshan as well as alankaram. The Stala Vruksham is Magizha maram which is about 150 years old and is found in the complex outside the temple which houses 7 out of the 12 lingams. It is believed that Sage Pathanjali often left his physical body and stayed in the astral form for many days in this magizha maram and performed penance.

About The Deity

In the form of a Swayambu (self-manifested) Lingam since Lord Shiva absolved Brahma of His sins, He is known as Brahmapureeswarar in this temple. The sanctum sanctorum of Sri Brahmapureeswarar is 300 ft from the main entrance. There are 7 entrances leading to the sanctum sanctorum, significant of the 7 days of the week Yet the sanctum is filled with natural light and the Presiding Deity can be seen clearly from the main entrance.

Lord Vinayaka

Widely revered as the Remover of Obstacles, Lord Vinayakar is traditionally worshipped at the beginning of any ritual or ceremony. There are 7 idols of Lord Vinayakar within the main Temple Complex: Sri Vinayakar at the entrance to Sri Brahmapureeswarar Shrine; Sri Sannathi Vinayakar at the entrance to the Temple complex; Sri Karpaga Vinayakar behind the Jeeva Samadhi of Maharishi Patanjali; Sri Narthana Vinayakar; Sri Vinayakar, near Sri Kala Bhairavar Shrine; Sri Vinayakar, in the Devi Brahma Sampath Gowri Shrine and Sri Vinayakar, adjacent to Sri Saptha Maataagal at Maharishi Patanjali Shrine.

12 SHIVA LINGAMS AT THE TEMPLE

Lord Brahma installed and worshipped 12 Shiva Lingams at Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple. All the 12 Shiva Lingams are within the Temple complex. The Theertham from where Lord Brahma filled water to perform puja is present in the Nandavanam (temple garden). These 12 shrines of Lord Shiva which comprise the Bramhapureeswarar Temple complex are

Sri Brahmapureeswarar - Presiding Deity
Sri Pazhamalai Nathar - Opposite Yogi Patanjali Shrine
Sri Pathala Eswarar - Near Sri Chandikeshwarar Shrine
Sri Thayumanavar - Entrance to Devi Shrine
Sri Manduga Nathar - Garden adjacent to Devi Shrine
Sri Ekambareswarar - Garden adjacent to Devi Shrine
Sri Arunachaleswarar - Garden adjacent to Devi Shrine
Sri Kailasa Nathar - Garden adjacent to Devi Shrine
Sri Jambukeshwarar - Garden adjacent to Devi Shrine
Sri Kalathi Nathar - Garden adjacent to Devi Shrine
Sri Sabthagereswarar - Garden adjacent to Devi Shrine
Sri Sudharaneswarar - Near Navagraha Shrine

DEVI BRAHMA SAMPATH GOWRI

Devi Parvathi gave back Lord Brahma all his sheen. And hence the Devi here is called Brahma Sampath Gowri. The Devi Shrine is situated adjacent to Sri Brahmapureeswarar Shrine on the way to the Nanadavanam (Temple garden). The deity of Lord Brahma is a majestic 6 feet high. It is fully decorated with Turmeric. Lord Brahma is in meditative pose sitting in Padmasana on a lotus. Lord Brahma's Shrine is situated in the inner praharam of the Temple, as one turns left before entering Sri Brahmapureeswarar Shrine.

LORD SHANMUGANATHAR

Lord Shanmuganathar, popularly known as Lord Subramanya is the son of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvathi. Revered in Hindu mythology as the God of War, He sports the Vel (spear) as His Divine weapon. He is also revered as the source of all knowledge and is the dispeller of ignorance. He is the curer of all diseases. According to legends, He explained the significance of "OM", the Pranava Manthra, to His father, Lord Shiva. The Lord has two consorts, Devi Devasena and Devi Valli. Devi Valli signifies the "Earth" or the "Kriya Sakthi" while Devi Devasena signifies "Heavens" or "Ichcha Sakthi". Lord Shanmuganathar's Shrine is located near Sri Karpaga Vinayakar Shrine in the inner praharam of the Temple.

LORD DAKSHINAMURTHY

Lord Dakshinamurthy, is reverred as the ultimate Guru - the embodiment of knowledge and the destroyer of ignorance. ‘Dakshina’ in Sanskrit means south. Dakshinamurti literally means 'one who is facing south.’ Lord Dakshinamurthy is present in every Shiva temple on the southern outer wall of the santum sanctorum. Sri Dakshinamurthy is a manifestation of Lord Shiva as the Guru of all knowledge. It is the personification of Lord Shiva as the teacher of yoga, music, bestower of wisdom, and the giving the exposition on the Shastras. The Shrine of Lord Dakshinamurthy is adjacent to the Shrine of Lord Brahma in the southern praharam of the Temple.

JEEVA SAMADHI OF MAHARISHI PATANJALI

The Jeeva Samadhi of the Founder of Yoga, Maharishi Patanjali is located adjacent to the Shrine of Lord Brahma.

SRI SAPTHA MAATAGAL

Also referred to as Saptha Matrikas, they are the inherent Sakthis which resides and activates the Devas. According to Hindu mythology, when Devi Ambaal was engaged in the Sumbha Nisumbha war, the Devas decided to send their sakthis to help Devi Ambaal. Stories about Sapta Matrikas are found in the Varaha Purana, Kurma Purana and the Mahabharata. From each of six Devas, six Sakthis came out.

Lord Brahma - Brahmi
Lord Maheshvara - Maheshwari
Lord Kumara - Kaumaari
Lord Vishnu - Vaishnnavi
Lord Varaha - Vaaraahi
Lord Indra - Aindri
The seventh Sakthi was from Devi Ambaal Herself. She was known as Chaamunda. Sri Saptha Maatagal deities are near the Jeeva Samadhi of Maharishi Patanjali.

SRI GAJA LAKSHMI

Gajalakshmi is one of the manifestations of Mahalakshmi. The Devi is depicted seated on a Lotus, flanked on both sides by Gaja (elephant). Devi Gajalakshmi is the harbringer of prosperity and good luck. There is a seperate sannathi for Devi Gajalakshmi in the inner praharam of the Temple.

SRI KALA BHAIRAVAR

Lord Kala Bhairava is that manifestation of Lord Shiva who controls the growth and management of time. Whoever wants to spend or manage their time in a proper manner should pray him. Propitiating Lord Kala Bhairava will ensure protection. Lord Kala Bhairava is the protecting Deity in all Shiva temples; the Temple key is traditionally placed before Bhairava Shrine.Worship of Lord Kala Bhairava ensures removal of all black-magic effects. Lord Kala Bhairava Shrine is situated in the inner praharam, as one turns right before entering Sri Brahmapureeswarar Shrine.

SRI CHANDIKESHWARAR

Sri Chandikeshwarar, known for his devotion to Lord Shiva is believed to be the Chief of the Ghanas, guarding the abode of Lord Shiva. It is a ritual to clap both hands gently in front of the Saint’s Shrine to attract his attention. There are two beliefs for this ritual. a. It is believed that Sri Chandikeswarar forever lives in a state of deep meditation, not realizing who comes to the temple. He is the one who keeps records of our visits to the temple, and hence, we should clap our hands or snap our fingers outside his shrine, so that he realizes our presence. b. Another belief is to show Him that one’s hands are 'clean' and that one is not taking anything out of the Temple! 'Siva Sothu Kulanasam'. Even a speck of dust should not be taken out from a Shiva Temple.

LORD SURYA

The Sun is the source of life, light, and all energy in the cosmos. In Hinduism, the Sun is worshipped as Lord Surya. The Sun God is the source of life, and He is worshipped as ‘Pranadhata’ the life-giver. ‘Surya Namaskaar’, Salutations to Sun, is one of the most ancient systems of Indian exercise. It is the art of solar vitalization through a combination of 12 different postures. Lord Surya Shrine is situated in the inner praharam of the Temple, as one turns right before entering Sri Brahmapureeswarar Shrine.

NAVAGRAHAS

The Navagrahas play an important role in Hindu religion. They are considered to be the Cosmic influences on the lives of every living being on Earth. And hence they are supposed to have a significant impact on the lives of every living being. Hindus worship the Navagrahas for peace and harmony, for removal of obstacles and, for success in all their efforts. The Navagrahas are found in every Shiva Temple. The Navagraha Shrine is situated just before the entrance to the Nandavanam (Temple Gardens) in the first praharam of the Temple.

Legend and Stories

Mythological references recount Lord Brahma’s overwhelming pride as the Creator of the Universe. Lord Brahma felt that He was prevailing than Lord Shiva – since He had the supremacy of creation. This sense of pride provoked Lord Shiva, who destroyed Lord Brahma’s Fifth Head, and also cursed Him that He would lose His power of creation. After losing his fifth head and all his powers, Lord Brahma realized his mistake since his privileged duty of creation was affected and so worshipped Lord Shiva at various places. During the course of His pilgrimage, Lord Brahma visited Thirupattur and worshipped Lord Shiva with a Shiva Lingam under a Magizha tree with water from the nearby tank, now called Brahma Theertham. He also installed 12 lingams around in this place and worshipped Shiva for a long time. Being moved by Lord Brahma's prayers, Lord Shiva, on Devi Parvathy’s appeal, gave Him darshan under the Magizha tree and liberated Him from His curse, so that He could start His privileged duty of Creation again. Hence Lord Shiva is called Sri Brahmapureeswarar here. Also Devi Parvathi gave back Lord Brahma all His sheen and that’s why the Devi called Brahma Sampath Gowri. Lord Shiva also blessed Lord Brahma that He would have a separate shrine at this temple. He also advised Lord Brahma that since Brahma himself had His destiny rewritten here; He should rewrite the destiny of His devotees visiting this temple. Since the fate of Lord Brahma, the Creator, Himself was changed by Lord Shiva at Thirupattur, one can expect a turning point in life by praying at this temple.

The Legendary Connection between Sri Bitchandarkoil, Thirukandiyur, Tirupattur

Mythological references interpret that Lord Brahma considered Himself as overwhelming and dominating amongst the Hindu Trinity of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva; since He was the Creator of the Universe. This demonstration of pride provoked Lord Shiva, who cut off Lord Brahma’s 5th head and also cursed Him to wander in the Bhoolokha (Earth).

Sri Bhikshandar Kovil

Having cut off Lord Brahma’s 5th head, Lord Shiva got the Brahmaharthi Dhosham, and the plucked head of Brahma stuck to his palm. Lord Shiva started out on a pilgrimage to liberate Himself from the curse by begging for food with Lord Brahma’s skull as the begging vessel. But whatever food was put into the vessel immediately disappeared. It was at Bitchandar Koil; that Lord Perumal requested Devi Lakshmi, as Poornavalli Thayar to offer food to Lord Shiva. Devi Lakshmi filled the vessel with food to end Lord Shiva’s hunger.

Thirukandiyur

However, Lord Brahma’s skull was still stuck to Lord Shiva’s palm. At the behest of Vishnu, Shiva bathed at Thirukandiyur and prayed to Goddess Kamalavalli and Lord Vishnu. It was at Thirukandiyur that Lord Shiva finally attained salvation and got rid of the stuck head. The water tank in the Temple is hence referred to as Kapaala Theertham.

Tirupattur

Having lost His 5th Head, and His powers, Lord Brahma started out on a pilgrimage of Lord Shiva Temples. During the course of His pilgrimage, Lord Brahma visited Thirupattur and worshipped Lord Shiva with a Shiva Lingam under a Magizha tree with water from the nearby tank, now called Brahma Theertham. He also installed 12 lingams around in this place and worshipped Shiva for a long time. Being moved by Lord Brahma's prayers, Lord Shiva, on Devi Parvathy’s appeal, gave Him darshan under the Magizha tree and liberated Him from His curse, so that He could start His privileged duty of Creation again. Hence Lord Shiva is called Sri Brahmapureeswarar here. Having set out on a long pilgrimage, Lord Brahma had lost his complexion and good appearance. Devi Parvathi blessed Lord Brahma, and gave Him back all His sheen. Hence the Devi is venerated as Devi Brahma Sampath Gowri - The one who gave Lord Brahma's wealth back. Since the fate of Lord Brahma, the Creator, Himself was changed by Lord Shiva at Thirupattur, one can expect a turning point in life by praying at this temple. In brief, Sri Bhikshandar Kovil is where Lord Shiva’s hunger ended; Sri Thirukandiyur Temple is where Lord Shiva was relieved of His curse; and Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple is where Lord Brahma was relieved of His curse.

Festivals

Pradosh

Pradosh is observed in the evening twilight on the 13th day (Trayodashi tithi ) of each lunar fortnight. It is the worship of Lord Shiva for the fulfillment of our desires. The basic disciplines to be observed on this day are:

• Ahimasa (non-injury)
• Satya (speaking the truth)
• Brahmacarya (continence)
• Daya (compassion)
• Ksama (forgiveness)
• Anasuyata (absence of jealousy).
• Pradosh on a Monday is known as Som Pradosh or Chandra Pradosh. Pradosh on a Saturday is known as Shani Pradosh. Som Pradosh and Shani Pradosh are considered as highly auspicious.

Tamil New Year - 1st day of Tamil Month of Chitrai

Chitrai is the 1st month in the Tamil calendar. And the Tamil Panchang marks this day as the beginning of a new year. Events at the temple include: reading of the new year Panchangam, special Abhishekam and the distribution of Buttermilk and Paanagam to the devotees.

Tamil Month of Aadi - Pooram Nakshatram

This day marks the first major event at the Temple. Special Abhiskhekam is performed for Devi Brahma Sampath Gowri. Germinated Whole Green Gram is distributed as prasaadam to the devotees.

Tamil Month of Aavani - Vinayaka Chathurthi

Vinayaka Chathurthi marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha, who is widely worshiped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good fortune. This festival is celebrated on the 4th day of the waxing moon.

Tamil Month of Puratasi - Navarathri Festival

The word Navaratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit, nava meaning nine and ratri meaning nights. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshipped.Throughout the 10 day Navarathri festival, special Abhishekams are perfomed for Devi Brahma Sampath Gowri. And special Alangarams are also done for all the 10 days.Alangaram refers to the adornment of deities in Hindu temples. The three important things needed for an Alangaram are silk clothing, jewellery and flowers.

Tamil Month of Aippassi - Pournami

Pournami is the Full Moon Night of every month and is considered most auspicious in Lord Shiva temples. Annabhishekam is performed for Lord Brahmapureeswarar. Abhishekam is a process of bathing the deity. Annabhishekam means covering the Shiva Lingam with cooked rice. It is believed that performing Annabhishekam to Lord Shiva on this day frees one of all their problems.

Tamil month of Karthigai

Shank Abhishekam is performed for Lord Brahmapureeswarar on every Monday of the Karthigai month. Karthigai Deepam, the festival of lights is celebrated on the Full Moon day of the month of Karthigai. The Lord is taken around the Temple praharam in a chariot.

Tamil month of Maasi - Maha Shivarathri

Mahashivarathri, the Great Night of Lord Shiva is celebrated from the 13th night (Trayodashi tithi ) to the 14th day of the Tamil month of Maasi.Lord Shiva is considered the Adi (first) Guru from whom the yogic tradition originates. According to tradition, the planetary positions on this night are such that there is a powerful natural upsurge of energy in the human system Special Abshishekam is perfomed to Lord Brahmapureeswarar on 4 occasions throughout the day.

Tamil month of Panguni

The ten day Brahmotsavam festival is celebrated during this month. On Puram Nakshatram day of Panguni month, Lord Brahmapureeswarar is taken around the Temple praharam in a chariot.

Temple Timings

The temple is open from 07:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm.

Thursday

The temple is open from 05:30 am to 01:00 pm and from 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm.

Poojas

Per day there is Four Times Pooja in this temple.

S.no	Pooja Name	Timing
1.	Kalashanthi Pooja	08:30 am to 09:30 am
2.	Uchala Kala Pooja	11:30 am to 12:00 pm
3.	Sayaratchai Pooja	06:00 pm to 06:30 pm
4.	Ardhajama Pooja	07:30 pm to 08:00 pm

Abhishekam to Lord Brahma

Sunday - Saturday Abhishekam will be at the time at 08.00 A.M except Thursday.

Abhishekam on thursday will be conducted at 06.00 A.M

The above-indicated time schedule is subject to changes during festivals and other special occasions. During the festival occasions the darshan time is reduced in order to performing the special poojas

Pooja Fee

S.no	Pooja Name	Amount
1.	Archanai Ticket 1(nos)	Rs 5.00
2.	Abisheka Ticket 1(nos)	Rs 3000.00
3.	Annadhanam Donation Ticket	Rs 50.00,Rs 100.00, Rs 250.00

Rare facts

Sunlight falls directly on the Presiding Deity three days in a year - on the 15th, 16th and 17th day of the Tamil month of Panguni.

Significance

Worshipping this Brahma, wil change the destiny of the worshipper for the beter. But not everyone will be lucky enough to come here. Only if their destiny allows can it happen. Mythlogical references relate that Lord Shiva blessed Lord Brahma, that every devotee who visits this Temple, and has Darshan of Lord Brahma would see their wishes fulfilled.

Places to Visit Nearby

• Arulmigu Samayapuram Mariamman Temple
• Arulmigu saptharisheeswara Temple
• Arulmigu Thayumana Swamy Temple Tiruchirappalli
• Arulmigu Vekkalaimman Temple,Woraiyur
• Arulmigu Gneelivaneswarar Temple
• Sri Ranganathar Swamy Temple
• Gunaseelam – Lord Prasanna Venkatachalapathy, Musiri Road
• Kallanai Dam
• Mukkombu(Upper Anaicut)
• Sri Jambukeshwarar Temple Thiruvanaikovil

Accessibility

Air

The Nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport which is a National and International Airport. Air India, Air India Express and have regular flights connecting Chennai and Trichy.

Rail

Trichy is well connected by rail. Being centrally located, almost all trains to the southern region of the state pass through Trichy.

Road

There are a number of Government Transport Corporation Buses, and also a host of private luxury bus operators from Chennai to Trichy.The distance is 320 Kms, and the travel time is approx 6 hours. The entire stretch is a Tolled 4 Lane National Highway No.45.

Address

Brahmapureeswarar Temple
Siruganur,
Thirupattur,
Tamil Nadu -621105