Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam | 138th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam) |
Region | Chola Naadu - South |
Chola Naadu - South | 21st Shiva Sthalam |
Pathigam | Saint Thirugnanasambanthar |
HISTORY:
The divine cow Kamadenu
was cursed by Sage Vashistar. On the advice of Lord Brahma, she came to this
place and worshiped the lord to get rid of the curse. The name “Aavoor” is
derived from “Aa” meaning cow and “Oor” meaning village. There is a village
nearby called Govindakudi where Kamadenu is believed to have first visited the
earth. The name “Govindakudi” is derived from “Go vantha kudi” - “Go” meaning
cow, “vantha” meaning came and “kudi” meaning village.
Since the divine cow
Kamadenu worshipped Lord Shiva here, this place is called “Pasupatheeswaram”
(“Pasu” means cow and “eswaram” refers to Lord Shiva).
Adisheshan (the serpent
on whom Sri Mahavishnu rests) and Vayu (lord of the winds) fought among
themselves frequently to test their superiority. During one such struggle,
because of Vayu’s severe wind, Adhiseshan failed to hold on to the Mount Meru.
In this process, two rocks from the mountain were dislocated and fell
onto the earth - one at this place (Aavoor) and the other at Nalloor, a nearby
village. This village is called Aavoor and this temple is called
Pasupathecharam The historical names of this place are Manikoodam and Asvatha
Vanam.
Darmadhwaja:
A king by name of
Darmadhwaja visited this place, took a dip in this temple’s holy water (Brahma
Theertham) and worshiped the lord. He was then cured of his leprosy.
Two
goddesses:
There are two goddesses
here – Sri Mangalambikai and Sri Pankajavalli. It is believed that the idol of
Goddess Mangalambikai was found in this temple’s tank. The idol of Sri
Pankajavalli is the older one of the two and is the one who finds a mention in
Saint Thirugnanasambanthar’s hymn. However, Sri Mangalambikai is very famous
here.
Aavoor:
Aavoor is famous for
the 5 Bhairavars who guard this temple and its devotees. It is the only temple
which is known to have 5 Bhairavars. The temple at Thiruvisanallur has 4
Bhairavars (one for each yuga) and the temple at Sirkaazhi has 8 Bhairavars.
King
Kochengat Chola:
King Kochengat Chola
built about 70 “Madakkoils”. The distinguishing feature of a Madakkoil is that
it is not easily approachable by an elephant. He built these temples at an
elevation and there are a few steps that need to be climbed before seeing the
lord. Also, the sanctum sanctorum’s (Karpagragam) entrance is narrow such that
no elephant can enter it.
People who worshipped here:
Goddess Parvathy, Lord
Brahma, Saptharishis (Sages Atri, Bharadwaja, Gautama, Jamadagni, Kashyapa,
Vashista and Vishwamitra), Devars, Indra, Suryan, Kamadenu, Patti (daughter of Kamadenu),
Navagrahas, King Dasarath and Saint Thirugnanasambanthar have worshiped Lord
Shiva here.
SALIENT
FEATURE:
·
This temple is called "Then
Kayilayam” and it is considered to be as auspicious as Mount Kailash.
·
This temple is counted as one of the
Maadak Koils built by King Kochengat Cholan.
·
This temple is famous for its five
Bairavas and is known as "Pancha Bairava Sthalam”.
·
This east facing temple has two
corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers.
·
Lord Murugan here is seen holding a bow and
an arrow.
·
This is the birthplace of notable
poet-scholars of the Sangam era - Aavoor Kizhaar, Aavoor Moolangizhaar and
Perunthalai Sathanar.
·
There is a beautiful sculpture of
Kamadenu on the flag post (Kodimaram). In this sculpture, she can be seen pouring
her milk on a Shivalingam.
·
The idol of Lingothbhavar is very
beautiful.
·
In the main hall, there is a relief that
depicts Emperor Dasarath worshiping Lord Shiva.
TEMPLE INFORMATION:
|
Moolavar |
Sri
Pasupatheeswarar, Sri Asvaththanathar, Sri Avoor Udaiyar, Sri Pasupathi
Nathar |
|
Ambal |
Sri
Mangalambikai, Sri Pangajavalli |
|
Theertham |
Brahma,
Kamadhenu, Chandra, Agni Theertham |
|
Sthala
Vriksham |
Arasu
(peepal tree) |
BELIEF:
Worshiping the five
Bairavars here on Ashtami days is considered to be very auspicious. Devotees
can get relief from the fear of death and the fear of tantricism (black magic)
and by worshiping the lord here, strained relationships among family members
can be mended
|
Tamil Month |
English Month |
Festival Name |
|
Avani |
Aug-Sept |
Vinayakar Chaturthi |
|
Purattasi |
Sep-Oct |
Navarathri |
|
Aippasi |
Oct–Nov |
Skanda Shashti and Annabishekam |
|
Karthikai |
Nov-Dec |
Thiru Karthikai |
|
Markazhi |
Dec-Jan |
Thiruvadhirai |
|
Thai |
Jan-Feb |
Makara Sankranthi |
|
Maasi |
Feb-Mar |
Maha Shivrathri |
HOW
TO REACH:
Aavoor is situated at a
distance of about 10 kms south-west of Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam to
Mannargudi (Via Valangaiman-Govindakudi) route.
TEMPLE
ADDRESS:
Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple,
Aavoor,
Valangaimaan,
Tanjure,
Tamil Nadu - 612 701.
LOCATION:
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