Sri Brahmmapureeswarar Temple

Overview

The Keezha Poongudi, Brahmmapureeswarar temple is located in Keezha Poongudi, Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Brahmmapureeswarar and Amman (Thayar) is Brahma Vidyambikai (Meenakshi. This temple is a Star Temple.

About the Temple

The meaning of the word Aadam is that which existed first. Of the 27 stars, Uthiradam is the senior-most. Hence, all deities of the other 26 stars perform Padapuja-worshipping the feet of Poongudiyal heading the Uthiradam star. People are advised to pray here on these days. Special abisheks are done for Lord Shiva. Special pujas are done for Lord Shiva on Poornima or full moon days. Panchamurthis are taken on a procession on this day. Homas are also performed early in the morning. The wedding festival is celebrated in this temple, on the day when the Meenakshi Kalyanam is celebrated in Madurai. On Margazhi Tiruvadhirai day, pujas are done with heaps of flowers at night. This is a temple with a five-tier tower. The tank is opposite the temple. Lord Nataraja graces people from a separate shrine, as though he is positioning himself to get ready for a dance, and has dressed his hair accordingly. Pujas are offered to Lord Bhairava on Ashtami day, falling in the new moon fortnight. Special pujas are performed to the Lingodhbava behind the Shiva shrine on Karthika day and on third part of the night of Shivrathri.

About The Deity

The presiding deity is Brahmmapureeswarar. He is called as Sri Akashapureeswarar. His consort is known as Brahma Vidyambikai (Meenakshi) .

Legend and Stories

According to legend, Brahma had five heads and was equal to Lord Shiva. Since Brahma handled creation, he thought he was superior to Brahma, and so to teach Him a lesson, Lord Shiva took off one of Brahma’s head. Having committed wrong to Lord Shiva, Brahma wandered to all the Shiva temples, seeking a remedy. He also came to this temple. As Brahma worshipped Shiva at this temple, the Lord had begun to be praised as Brahmapureeswara. His consort is praised as Brahmmavidyambikai and also as Poongudiyal. The original temple was reduced to ruins in course of time and was built completely anew. Lord and Mother were named Sundareswarar and Meenakshi respectively.

Festivals

Chithirai Tirukalayanam-wedding festival in April-May, Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Purattasi Navarathri in September-October, Skanda Sashti and Deepavali in October-November, Abishek with conches on Karthikai Mondays in November-December, Margazhi Tiruvadhirai and Koodaravalli fasting in December-January, Thai Poosam in January-February, Masi Magam and Shivrathri in February-March and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Thanks Giving

Realizing their wishes, devotees perform Abishek and archanas to Lord and Mother offering Vastras. They also offer Sandanakappu-sandal paste.

Significance

While Uthiradam starrers pray to Lord for relief from planetary afflictions, those seeking child boon and unity in family pray to Mother Ambica.

Nearby Place To Visit

Sundararaja Perumal Temple
Thanthondreeswarar Temple
Aatkondanathar Temple
Suganthavaneswarar Temple
Veerasekarar Temple
Desikanathar Temple

Accessibility

Road

Okkur is situated at about 13 km on the Sivaganga-Karaikudi road. Poongudi is 3 km from the road branching at Okkur. Auto facility is available. People know the temple only as Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple. Direct bus facilities ply from Madurai once in two hours. The closest railways are in Karaikudi and the closest airport is in Trichy.

Temple Address

Sri Brahmmapureeswarar (Meenakshi Sundareswarar) Temple,
Keezha Poongudi , Sivaganga district, Pincode – 630 552.