Brahmapureeswarar, Therkukovil

God

Brahmapureeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Periyanayagi, facing south

Other Deities

Mahalingam, Durga, Ganesha

Brahmapureeswarar, Therkukovil is older than the nearby Enkan Temple. The temple is in the form of a Lingam. Vinayaka here is seen with the Amirtha Kalasa in his trunk. This place has also been known as Pavithra Manicka Chathurmangalam. The lord here is also called Vincharudaiyar, the place Thiruvincharudaiyar and hence some people believe that one of the Nayanmars could have sung here. It is also believed even Thirunavukkarasar could have visited though no proof exists. It is also believed that in ancient times a golden temple chariot sank in the pond nearby while running. It is also considered a Sidhar Peedam.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Brahmatheertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Brahmapureeswarar, Therkukovil belongs to the Chola period with several stone inscriptions belonging to Kulothunga Chola, Rajaraja Chola, Rajathi Raja, Karikala found here. One incomplete inscription refers to this place as Enkan.

Mythology

Brahma worshiped the lord here with his eight eyes and hence the name of the place is said to be En (eight) Kan (eye). Another version for the name Enkan is also there. Surya has worshiped here making this a Bhaskara Kshetram. Arjuna is believed to have received the Pasu Patha Asthram here. He tested it on the lord’s head and made him bleed, repented immediately and sought his apology and blessings.

Directions

Brahmapureeswarar, Therkukovil is in Enkan which is about 3 kilometers off the Kumbakonam to Thiruvarur main road in between Simizhi and Sembankudi. There are two temples here, the other Shiva Temple is more popularly known as Enkan Murugan Temple.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Thiruvarur.