Thirumoolanadar Temple, Poovalur

Saivite Temples, Thiruchirapalli District

God

Thirumoolanadar (also Gnapureeswarar), Swayambulingam facing east

Goddess

Kunguma Sundari, facing south

Other Deities

Narthanaganapathi, Dakshinamurthy, 63 Nayanmars, Mahalingam, Vellai Vinayakar, Ganesha, Subramania, Gajalakshmi, Mahalakshmi, Durga, Annamalaiyar, Navagraha

Thirumoolanadar Temple, Poovalur East facing with three tier Rajagopuram. There is a sub-shrine for Vinayakar. Muruga is seen with 12 hands sitting on his Peacock.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Panguni Theertham

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

History

Arunagirinadar (15th century CE) has sung in praise of Lord Muruga here.

Mythology

Rathi got back Manmadha (Cupid) by worshiping Shiva here. Manmadha sent a flower arrow upon Lord Shiva and hence the place is called Poo (flower) valur. It is also known as Manmadhapuram. Saptharishis are believed to have worshiped Shiva here and gained knowledge and so the lord is also called Gnanapureeswarar. Brahma, Indra, Manamadha, Agni and Chandra are believed to have worshiped here.

Directions

Thirumoolanadar Temple, Poovalur is about 4 kilometers on the Lalgudi-Ariyalur road.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Lalgudi.

Saivite Temples

Thirumoolanadar, Poovalur