Pulipurakovil

Madurantakam Saivite Temples

God

Vyagrapureeswarar, facing east

Goddess

Balagujambal, facing south

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Murugan, Surya, Moovar, Naagar, Adishankara, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu, Brahma, Vishnu Durgai, Bhairava, Umamaheswarar

Pulipurakovil is an ancient east facing temple which apparently has not been renovated scientifically and several valuable inscriptions being lost. See the photo below where a new wall is connecting to the ancient pillar mindlessly. Nevertheless the beauty of the carvings, sculptures and pillars are striking. A 3 tier Rajagopuram is at the east. The sanctum sanctorum is in the form of Gajaprastam. The main deity has a large base, a smaller upper portion and is a Swayambu with the markings of tiger claws on it. The temple is situated on the banks of the Paalar River and is a beautiful location. The temples worshiped by the tiger legged Sage Vyagrapadar are 9 (Nava Puleeswaram) including Thirupulivanam (Uthiramerur), Pulipakkam (Chengalpet), Omampuliyur (near Chidambaram), Pulivalam (Thiruvarur), Thaplampuliyur (Thiruvarur), Perumpuliyur (Thanjavur), Vilamar (Thiruvarur), Vyagrapadar, Vadapazhani (Chennai) and Pulipurakovil.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Palar

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

History

Stone inscriptions in Pulipurakovil mention that Rajanarayana Sambuvarayan, a local king contributed a portion of tax money collected to maintenance of this temple. The temple should have been in existence from much before.

Mythology

Sage Vyagrapadar is believed to have worshiped the lord here.

Directions

While going from Chengalpet towards Madurantakam take a left at the Padalam (Pazhayanur) junction which is 6 kilometers after crossing Paalar River. Drive on for about 6 kilometers to reach Pulipurakovil.

Stay and Food

None locally. There are a lot of coffee houses and few good restaurants on the highway.

Saivite Temples

Kancheepuram Temples

Tamilnadu Temples