| Description:
This Shivastalam is located 5 km south east of Kumbhakonam. Sivapuram is
considered to be the 67th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola
kingdom located south of the river Kaveri. Legend has
it that Vishnu in his Varaaha Avataram (Boar) worshipped Shiva here; carvings of the
Stalapuranam are seen in the temple. This legend is similar to that at Aradaipperumpaazhi (Haridwaramangalam) and Avalivanallur. .Bhrama is said to have worshipped Shiva here
before he undertook his task of creation. Legend has it that Kubhera
worshipped Shiva here and hence the name Kubherapuri.
It is believed that there is a
Shivalingam under the earth within this temple and that
Tirugnanasambandar, cognizant of this, and out of respect refused to
set his foot in the temple premises, but circumambulated the temple
through the ritual angapradakshinam.
The temple occupies an area of about 1.3
acres and has a 5 tiered Rajagopuram. The internal prakaram has a 3
tiered Gopura entrance; there are shrines to Subramanya and Gajalakshmi
and others. There is also a sculptured image of the stalapuranam
depicting Varahamurthy worshipping Shiva with flowers. The Bhairava
shrine is considered to be of significance here; two worship services
are offered to Bhairavar.
Four worship
services are offered each day. The annual festival is celebrated in the month of Kartikai.
Sivaratri and Navaratri are the other festivals celebrated here. |
