Thirupurambayam

Padal Petra Sthalam, Thanjavur District

God

Saatchinadeswarar (also Saatcheeswarar, Punnaivana Nadar), facing east

Goddess

Karumbanna Solli (also Ikshuvani), facing east

Other Deities

Ganesha, Muruga, Navagraha, Nagar, 63 Nayanmar, Lingams, Dakshinamurthy, Sattainadar, Guhambigai, Pralayankatha Vinayagar

Thirupurambayam is a large and ancient temple which features majorly in the life of Raja Raja Chola. The entrance is through a large 5 tier Rajagopuram followed by 2 Prakarams. There is a large temple tank and Dakshinamurthy shrine is found on the southern banks of this tank.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Brahmatheertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Punnai (Calophyllum inophyllum)

History

Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar and Sundarar (7th century – 8th century CE) have visited and rendered Thevaram Hymns for the lord here at Thirupurambayam. Aditha Chola is believed to have converted Thirupurambayam temple to granite stone after a victory in 800CE. The great ‘Battle of Thirupurambayam’ happened here (c 879 CE) in which the Pallavas with the support of the Ganga king Prithvipathi and Aditya Chola defeated the Pandyas. As Prithvipathi was killed in the battle the gains went largely to the Cholas and this became the beginning of the great period of the Chola Dynasty.

Legend

The Lingam, a Vilwa tree and the well here at Thirupurambayam are believed to have given witness in favor of a woman whose marriage was performed by Thirugnanasambandar.

Directions

Thirupurambayam is about 9.5 kilometers north west of Kumbakonam near the banks of the Kollidam River

Stay and Food

None locally except tea shops. Closest is Kumbakonam.

Padal Petra Sthalams