Tirupuranathar Thenmalai

Tirupuranathar, Thenmalai

Saivite Temples - Tirunelveli District

God

Tirupuranathar, facing west

Goddess

Sivaparipoorani Ambal, facing west

Other Deities

Azhagiya Vinayakar, Pazhaniandavar, Navagraha, Saneeswaran, Muruga with consorts, Kala Bhairava, Kanni Vinayakar. Sanctum Niches – Dakshinamurthy, Durga, Chandikeswari. Amman Shrine – Chandikeswari

Tirupuranathar Thenmalai is a small west-facing temple situated in a single prakaram. The entrance is through a gateway in the west. The temple is situated at the base of a hill and has a Girivala Path (about 3.5 kilometers) around to circumambulate the hill. Tirupuranathar Thenmalai is one of the Pancha Bootha (5 Elements) Temples in the region representing Vaayu (Air). The others are Sankarankovil (Land), Devadanam, Virudunagar District (Sky), Mathyasthanadar, Dharugapuram (Water), Karivalamvandanallur (Fire).

Holy Water (Theertham) – Well inside temple and Thenmalai Lake in front

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vilwam (Aegle marmelos)

History

Tirupuranathar Thenmalai is an ancient temple as is evident from the numerous inscriptions found around the sanctums of the main deity and goddess. The details of the inscriptions are not available as of now.

Legend

Lord Shiva is believed to have come to destroy the three tyrannical sons of a King called Dharuga, who were tormenting the people. They had built forts of Gold, Silver, and Iron each to protect themselves. The lord with the assistance of Sage Agastya vanquished them and made them submit to him, thus earning the name of Tiru Pura Nadar (vanquisher of three). Upon the request of all to remain here to protect them forever the lord took abode at Tirupuranathar Thenmalai. Over time the lingam disappeared into the earth and was later discovered by a Palayakkarar (Poligar King) when a huge wind took in dust and leaves from all around into the spot where the lingam was buried. He then built the temple and owed all his victories to the Lord. The tradition of praying to the Lord here at Tirupuranathar Thenmalai before taking up conquests was followed by his successors too.

Directions

Tirupuranathar Thenmalai is about 8.5 kilometers east of Sivagiri. Sivagiri is about 48 kilometers north of Tenkasi in the Rajapalayam road after crossing Vasudevanallur.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest are Sankarankovil, Tenkasi, and Rajapalayam depending on your travel plan.

Saivite Temples

Tamilnadu Temples