Sri Hari Theertheswarar Temple

Overview

The Shri Hari Theertheswarar temple is among the 27 star temples. Lord Hari Theertheswarar graces devotees with his consort Mother Perinayaki. This temple is notorious and is visited by all people around Pudukkottai. The lord faces east and the Goddess faces south.

About the Temple

Lord Hari Theertheswarar is worshipped as the family deity of people residing in places around 150 kilo meter of the temple. It is said that the Mother Goddess was born to one belonging to Kattudayan Chettiar lineage. Based on this belief, women of this community regard Lord Shiva as their son-in-law and worship Him covering their head with Sari – Mukkadu. Poora Theertham is a spring in the world of Agni. There are Shiva theertha, Naga theertha, Gnanabrahmma theertha, Indira theertha, Sri theertha, Skanda theertha and Guru theertha – seven theerthas in the Poora star region. The temple is dedicated to Pooram star. Those born in this star are advised to visit the temple as often as they could, on their annual star day, monthly star days, wedding days and Aadi Pooram day.

About the Deity

The presiding deity is Shiva (Swayambumurthi ), and is seen gracing the temple, facing the east. He is called Sri Hari Theertheswarar. His consort is known as Goddess Brihannayaki – (Perianayaki). Mother Perianayaki graces with four hands facing south.

Legend and Stories

Chola King Kalmashapadan was annoyed as he did not have progeny even after many years of marriage. He felt that he would have none to continue his services to Lord. He appealed to Sage Agasthya who advised him to go to Tiruvarankulam and worship the Shivalinga. The king came to this place but could not find the Shivalinga and sought the help of shepherds. They told him that people carrying puja materials through this way fall down at a particular spot. The king dug the spot when the earth began to bleed. The Shivalinga was there. The king attempted to kill himself for injuring the Lord. Lord appeared, prevented the king from the attempt and offered darshan with Mother Parvathi in His wedding form. The temple was built here then. The event took place on a Pooram star day. He was also gifted with a male child.

There was a golden palm tree on the outer corridor of the temple yielding golden fruits. It is said that the temple was built with the sale proceeds of the golden fruit. Now, the tree is not there. There is a pillar now. The temple was built before the 12th century and renovated by Cholas and Pandyas. As the holy spring came from the head of Hara, it is called Hara theertham. The place came to be known as Tiru Haran Kulam-Tiruvarnkulam. Hara-Shiva.

Festivals

Aadi Pooram-Amman Tirukalyanam (wedding) in July-August, Maha Shivrathri in February-March, Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January, Tirukarthikai in November-December and Vaikasi Visakam in May-June are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Significance

Pooram starrers worship in the temples seeking relief from problems they face. Also child boon seekers, those affected by mental disorders and other planetary effects pray the Sri Chakra in the Ambica shrine.

Nearby Place To Visit

Malaikottai Uchipillayar Temple
Adhimooleswarar Temple
Paraithurainathar Temple
Mattrurai Varadeswarar Temple
Nallandavar Temple
Aamra Vaneswarar Temple

Accessibility

Tiruvarankulam is 7 km far from Pudukottai on the Pattukkottai road. The closest railway station is in Pudukkottai, and airport is in Trichy, Madurai.

Temple Address

Sri Hari Theertheswarar Temple,
Tiruvarankulam ,
Pudukkottai district,
Pincode -622 303.