| Description:
This Shivastalam with a number of colorful legends is located in proximity to Tiruppurampayam, 16 km north west of Kumbhakonam, 2.5km west
of Vijayamangai. It is on the southern banks of the river Kollidam. It
is considered to be the 48th in the series of Tevara Stalams in
the Chola kingdom located north of the river Kaveri. Legends:
A hunter is said to have unknowingly worshipped Shiva with vilva leaves on the night of
Shivaratri; the same legend is associated with Omampuliyur.
The Sapta Matas are said to have worshipped Dakshinamurthy here. There is also an image of
Veenadhara Dakshinamurthy here. The Vedas in the form of Vilva leaves are also said to
have worshipped Shiva here.
There are no regular Dwarapalakas here, as according to legend they were sent to
protect the devout hunter mentioned above. Bhramma and Vishnu are believed to be the
Dwarapalakas here, and there are festival images for both. The Nandi faces the entrance
portraying his attempt to subdue Yama who had come to bring the hunter's life to an end.
This temple covers an area of about an acre. Images portarying
the legend associated with the hunter are seen in the temple. The Ambal shrine is said to
be of great significance. The original temple of brick and mortar dating back to
the Pallava period was renovated later by Kulottunga Cholan in the 11th century.
Sambandar is said to have visited Vijayamangai
before visiting Vaikavur.
Festivals: Two worship services are offered each day, Sivaratri
is celebrated in great splendor here as in Sree Sailam,
Sree Kalahasti and Gokarnam. |
