Thirukameswarar Ponnur

Thirukameswarar, Ponnur

Saivite Temples, Thiruvannamalai District

God

Thirukameswarar, facing east (also called Parasureswara)

Goddess

Santhanayaki (also called Kameswari), facing south

Other Deities

Bala Vinayaka, Bala Murugan, Naalvar, Karthikeya, Kala Bhairava, Vanni Marathu Vinayakar, Perumal, Chamundi Amman, Thalavinayakar, Jeshta Devi. Sanctum Niches – Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Lingotbavar, Brahma, Chandikeswara, Durga

Thirukameswarar Ponnur is an east-facing temple with an entrance from the south. A temple pond is inside the campus in the southeast corner. A Perumal temple comes first as you enter the campus. Both temples are adjoining each other. This is considered a Vaippu Sthalam mentioned in a Thevaram hymn of Sundarar. The lingam is 4 feet tall and is made of a shining stone that reflects light. The place is also called Thamaniapathi. An 800-year-old stone Yantra has been installed before the idol of the Goddess.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Temple Pond (Brahma Theertham)

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Sarakondrai (Indian Laburnum – Cassia fistula)

History

Thirukameswarar Ponnur is a Pallava era temple. Inscriptions belong to Kulothunga Chola, Vijayanagar Kings and Sundara Pandian are present here. Sambuvarayar Chieftains are also said to have contributed to the renovation. The Lord’s name is mentioned as Thiru Brahmeesa Udayar in an inscription. He is also called Parasara Easwaramudaya Nainar. Sundarar (7th Century CE) has mentioned this temple as Thamaniapathi in his Theveram Hymns.

Legend

Brahma is believed to have worshiped the Lord here at Thirukameswarar Ponnur. Thamania Pathi refers to Brahma who is also called Ponnan (Thamani) and hence the name and the village is also called Ponnur. The place is also called Swarnapuri and Brahmapuri. Sage Veda Vyasa’s father Sage Parasura has worshiped the Lingam here giving its another name Parasureswarar.

Directions

Thirukameswarar Ponnur is 10 kilometers southwest of Vandavasi and can be reached from both Chetpet Road and Thellar, Tindivanam Roads. A Perumal temple is also on the same campus.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest for food would be Vandavasi.

Saivite Temples

Tamilnadu Temples