| Description:
This Shivastalam is located at a distance of 6 km from Nannilam
and is known primarily for the manifestation of Shiva as Chandrasekharar. (The
image above is that of Chandrasekharar at Tiruvallam).
There are 3 different shrines referred to as Vardhamaneswaram, Bhuteswaram,
Bhavishyeswaram. Tiruppugalur is considered to be the 74th in the series of Tevara Stalams in
the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri. Appar is said to have spent his last years here, dedicating his life
to the upkeep of this temple, and the Appar Peruvizha which lasts for a period of 10 days,
celebrates these events. Shiva is also said to have blessed Sundarar with material wealth
to enable him to conduct the Pankuni Uthiram festival at Tiruvarur.
Legends: Agni is said to have worshipped Shiva here; and was blessed
with a vision of Chandrasekharar. The demon Banasuran is said to have attempted to carry
away the Shivalingam from here. Shiva is said to have blessed Bhumidevi & Satyashada
rishi with a vision of the Cosmic Dance.
The Temple: This large temple with a 5 tiered Rajagopuram & 2
prakarams is surrounded by a moat. The 100 pillared hall here deserves mention.
Inscriptions from Kulottungan's time are seen here. The festival image that adorns
this shrine is an interesting one with 3 feet and seven arms. The 100 pillared
hall serves as the Appar Mandapam.
There is a stone image of Chandrasekharar in in a mandapam near the Agni Theertham, The
festival image of Chandrasekharar occupies the position reserved for Somaskandar. The
image of Agni in front of Chandrasekharar is of great beauty.There are several shrines
within this temple and several legends associated with each. Vishnu is believed to have
manifested himself as the Vanni maram here.
Festivals: Six worship services are offered each day. The Appar
festival is celebrated in the month of Chittirai, witnesses the singing of the Tamil
Tevaram hymns. |
