Pasupatheeswarar Temple

Overview

The Pasupatheeswarar Temple is a sivasthalam temple. It is situated at about 3 Kms to the north-west of Pasupathi Kovil railway station which is situated on the Thanjavur - Kumbakonam section of the Southern Railway. This sivasthalam is about 16 Kms from Thanjavur. One has to travel on the Thanjavur - Kumbakonam road and get down at Pasupathikoil bus stop and go about two and a half kms. to reach the temple. Town bus facilities are available from Thanjavur.

About the Temple

The temple was subjected to successive calamities and was renovated by the King Pratapasimhan. One can find a mix of Cholas, Naicker and Maratta cultures in the temple now. After the days of kings were over, there was none to take care of the temple and its maintenance leading to its poor condition. Many beautiful sculptures had been robbed and there is no trace of them. The first corridor (prakara) was almost floored off. The Goddess and Her shrine were almost destroyed. Bats were flying.The temple is built in accordance with the Agama rules in the north eastern corner (called Eesanya corner) in the Kallar Pasupathikoil village.The 65 feet tall main tower (Rajagopuram) is very beautiful at the entrance. There are facilities to climb the tower. A Nandhi of the Chola period is on the western side under the Madakoil in a sitting form with its legs folded. Some sculptures are available here and there.

About the Deity

The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Soundaryanayaki . His consort is known as Alliangothai .

Legend and Stories

This is the fifth of seven temples (Sapthasthana sthalas) praised in the hymns of saint Tirugnanasambandar who lived in the seventh century. Thiruchakkarapalli is the first in this series. These seven temples were worshipped by the Sapthamadhas – Ariamangai,Chakkara Mangai, Shoola Mangai, Nandhi Mangai, Pasu Mangai (Pasupathi temple), Thazha Mangai and Pulla Mangai and also the Saptha Rishis (seven sages). This temple was worshipped by the Divine Cow Kamadenu. This is depicted in a sculpture.

A Chola king, Kochengat Cholan was a spider in his previous birth, spun webs on the Shivalinga and worshipped Lord Shiva. The spider spun the webs to prevent birds spitting on the Linga and falling of stale leaves in the Lord. Knowing not the Bhakthi of the spider, an elephant, also a Shiva devotee performed abishek to the Lord with water from Cauvery, thus removing the spider web. The spider entered into the ears of the elephant. Unable to bear this torture, the elephant struck the ground strongly with its tusk and died killing the spider too. Both reached the Feet of Lord Shiva simultaneously.The spider begged the Lord to grant him a royal birth and was born as Kochengat Cholan and built temple which elephants could not climb. These temples are called Mada temples. Based on this story and the services of Kochengat Cholan, these events are sculpted in the temple tower in small size. Scientifically too, these Mada Temples are considered a means to protect people of Cauvery delta villages from heavy floods

Festivals

Mahashivarathri in February-March, Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Significance

People approach this temple with prayers seeking excellence in education, prosperity and happy conclusions in marriage talks are the prayers submitted to the Lord. Devottees perform abishek with vastras to the Lord.

Nearby Place To Visit

Andalakkum Aiyan Temple
Padikasu Nathar Temple
Gajendra Varadhan Temple
Hara Shaba Vimochana Perumal Temple
Appakudathan Temple
Adhivaraha Perumal Temple

Accessibility

The temple can be reached from the Pasupathi Koil bus stop. The temple is 1 km from the road branching towards south. The closest railways are in Tanjore, and airport is in Trichy.

Temple Address

Arulmighu Pasupatheeswarar Temple,
Tiruppullamangai,
Tirukandiyur Post,
Pasupathikoil Taluk,
Thanjavur district,
PINcode - 614 206.