Sri Dharmapureeswarar Temple

Overview

The temple is located at Darmapuram in Karaikkal, Pondicherry, India. Now the place is known as Koilpatthu. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Tevaram poems by Tamil Saivite [[Nayanars}Nayanar]] Tirugnanasambandar. This sivasthalam temple is located at a distance of about 4 Kms. from Karaikal town towards Tirunallaru. Another paadal petra sthalam Tiruthelicheri is located nearby.

About the Temple

Story goes that the temple is closely linked with the life of a Shiva devotee Neelakanda Yazhpana Nayanar of Erukathampuliyur. Yazh is a musical instrument as Veena or violin. Panas are a community engaged in music profession. Neelakanda Yazhpanar and his wife Madangashoolamani joined Saint Tirugnana Samabandar in his pilgrimages. Panar would set the hymns of Sambandar to music in his yazh. As Panar mastered the art of composing, a sense of pride rose in his mind. Lord Shiva wanted to correct him.When they reached this place, Sambandar sang his hymns as he did in all Shiva temples. But Panar was not able to set it in his yazh despite all efforts. In frustration, Panar decided to break the yazh and end himself. Lord Shiva intervened in time, got the yazh from Panar, set the hymns to music and also danced to the song. Panar shed his pride. Based on this event, Lord is named Yazh Moori Nathar. Lord Shiva always appears in the sanctum sanctorum with silver cover. When Lord Shiva set the hymns of Sambandar, Ambica sang so sweetly in a voice as if mixed in honey (Thene in Tamil) and nectar, hence is praised as Thene Amirthavalli. (Amirtham-Nectar). Those aspiring a sweet voice, worship Ambica with special Pujas and vastra. Those aspiring to master music, worship Lord Shiva and Lord Dakshinamurthy. When Lord Shiva played the Yazh, the nightingales joined the performance with Him as described by Saint Sambandar in the hymn. Guru Puaja for Sambandar is celebrated on the Vaikasi Moola star day when Lord comes in procession granting darshan to the saint. There is a spring in the prakara created by Darma tasting so sweet.Consuming the water of the spring relieves the devotee of all sins, it is believed. Three tier Rajagopura-main tower is facing east. Lord Karpaga Vinayaka graces the devotees.

About the Deity

The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Yazh Moori Nathar. His consort is known as Thenamirthavalli.

Legend and Stories

Lord Shiva punished Yama the God of Death when he came to take the life of Rishi Markandeya in Tirukadayur and dismissed him from the job. As there were no deaths at all on earth, the burden of Bhoodevi increased which she could not bear due to the effect of Lord’s action against Yama, she implored the Lord to reinstate Yama to keep the birth-death ratio in order. Lord Shiva directed Yama to perform penance and worship him to get his job back. Yama came to this place, created a spring, and performed penance. Lord Shiva granted darshan to Yama and said that the job would come back to him at the appropriate time. As prayed by Yama, Lord stayed here to grace his devotees.

Festivals

Vaikasi festival in May-June, Shivrathri in February-March and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Significance

Devotees perform Homas for longevity seeking the blessings of Lord.Those facing Puthra doshas – problems to children’s welfare and in wedding matters perform abishek to Mother Durga on Uthrada star days. Devotees perform abishek and archanas to Lord and Mother offering vastras.

Nearby Place To Visit

Lakshmi Hayagrivar Temple
Pancha Nadeeswarar Temple
Sundareshwarar Temple
Parvatheeswarar Temple
Sengazhuneer Amman Temple
Prithiyangara Devi Temple

Accessibility

The temple is 4 km far from Karaikal bus stand. Bus facility is not available. Autos charge Rs. 60 to and fro. The closest railway station is in Karaikal, and airport is in Chennai.

Temple Address

Sri Yazhmoorinathar Devasthanam,
Darumapuram-609 602,
Puducherry.