| Description:
This shrine is located at a distance of 18km from Kutralam on the Mayiladuturai
Kumbhakonam railroad, and at a distance of 30 km from Chidambaram.
The Dakshinamurthy shrine is of significance here. This shrine is also one of the five
Puliyurs associated with Vyagrapadar. It is considered to be the
31st in the series of the Tevara Stalams located in Chola Nadu
north of the river Kaveri. Legends: Shiva Dakshinamurthy is
said to have revealed the Pranva Upadesam to Parvati, and hence the name
Pranavavyagrapuram. The name Omaampuliyur is said to have been derived from this legend
(Om Aam Puliyur).
A hunter who climbed the vilva tree as he was pursued by a tiger attained salvation
here. Vyagrapadar (the saint with tiger's claws and feet) is said to have worshipped here,
as in Perumpuliyur, Erukkattampuliyur,
Paatirippuliyur and Perumpatrappuliyur
(Chidambaram).
The Temple: This temple with a three tiered Rajagopuram faces the
east. Images illustrating the stala puraanam of this temple are seen in the front
mandapam. One of these depicts Shiva blessing Vishnu with the Chakrayudam while the other
depicts five of the Puliyurs.
A stone image of Nataraja is seen on the niche reserved for Dakshinamurthy in the
sanctum, while Dakshinamurthy occupies the grand Sabha, usually set for Natarajar.
Shiva here is also known as Pranava Vyagrapureeswarar. Inscriptions in this temple
speak of endowments made by Kopperunchingan of the later Pallavas (1257 CE).
Festivals: Four worship services are offered each day, and Thai
Poosam, Maasi Magam, Navaratri and Sivaratri are the annual festivals celebrated here. |
