- Shiva
Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple
- Vilathotti,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
Sri Brahmma Pureeswarar temple is a famous shrine located at Vilathotti, in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. The temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is more than a1000 years old.
About the Temple
Lord Vinayaka here is famously called the Aabathu Katha Vinayaka meaning the Vinayaka who rescues his devotees at any time of crisis. The idol of this Vinayaka is found the left side of the Maha Mandap. This idol is quite bigger than the statues of the deity found in most temples. A Mandap and a Mahamadap are found very near to the entrance. The Lord Brahmma Pureeswara is found in the Linga form within the main Sanctum Sanctorum. Lord Maha Vishnu is also seen gracing his devotees with his consorts Rukmini and Satyabama. The shrine of Lord Vishnu is located on the left side of Mahamandap. The devotee appears as Lord Venugopala. Devotees worshipping Lord Venugopala here is said to be blessed with immense wealth and prosperity in their lives.
Mother Itsharasu Nayaki’s has a separate shrine which is built facing the east. Since the Devi is believed to shower blessings that are as sweet as sugarcane juice (Itshu in Sanskrit means sugarcane, Rasa-juice), she got the name Itsharasu Nayaki. Lord Balamuruga's shrine is found behind the main sanctum of Lord Brahmma Pureeshwara.
The place is also believed to be he one where Lord Muruga was brought up Mother Parvathi during his early days. Lord Parvathi is said to have sung melodious lullabies ( Thalatu in Tamil) for the little Lord Muruga in order to put him to sleep. This is also believed to be reason why the people living around this place do not use the cradle for 10 their babies at least for about ten days from birth. Since Lord Muruga is believed to have slept and played in the cradle here, the place was also known in the past as Valar Thottil (Thottil in Tamil means cradle). Lord Balamuruga is also considered the guardian deity of the place.
Legend and Stories
According to legends, Lord Brahmma too is said to have had five heads earlier, just like Lord Shiva. Brahmma started feeling proud of possessing 5 heads and started considering him to be superior than even Lord Vishnu and Shiva. When his pride crossed limits, Lord Shiva decided to teach him a lesson. He plucked one of His heads and deprived him of his job of Creation. Realising his mistake, Brahmma begged pardon to Lord Shiva and thus visited many Shiva temples. Since Lord Shiva was worshipped by Brahmma here, the deity is praised as Brahmma Pureeswarar. This Vilathotti temple is one among the many places that lord Brahmma prayed Lord Shiva.
This is the place where Lord Muruga is believed to have slept in a cradle as a child. As a mark of respect, people here do not use cradles for their new born babies for 10 days.
Festivals
Maha Shivrathri is the most important festival grandly in the temple which is usually celebrated in the month of February-March. The auspicious occasion of Pradosham is also observed here every month.
Significance
People usually pray the Lord here seeking to have children.
How To Reach Sri Brahmma Pureeswarar temple
Road
Vilathotti is 5 km far from Pandanallur on the Sirkali-Pandanallur route. There are number of buses running to Tiruchittrambalam from Mayiladuthurai, Manalmedu, Pandanallur, Tirupanandal and Kumbakonam. Mini buses are available from Tiruchittrambalam.
Railways
Nearest Railway station is Mayiladuthurai station.
Airport
Nearest airport is Trichy airport.
Temple Address
Sri Brahmma Pureeswarar temple,
Vilathotti, Nagapattinam.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Child boon.
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.