Papanasam Papanatha Swamy Temple is one of the Nava Kailasam
Temples and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Papanasanathar Temple is located at Papanasam
in Tirunelveli Distrct, Tamil Nadu. This temple is associated with Surya or
the sun god among the Navgrahas. The shrine is also known as Surya Kshetra and
Surya Kailash.
Legend has it that Shiva gave darshan by standing between
the horns of Nandi in Nataraja form to Sage Patanjali and Vyakrapatha at Papanasam
temple. This happened on the Thaipusam day.
Another legend has it that Shiva gave darshan of his divine
wedding with Goddess Parvati between the horns of Nandi to Sage Agastya and his
wife Lopamudra here. This happened on the first day of Chithirai month.
Another legend has it that Indra, the king of Devas, got redemption
of papam or sin here and therefore the name Papanasanathar.
Murtis worshipped in the Temple
Murtis worshipped in the Temple
Shiva is worshipped here as Papanasanathar and Mother
Goddess Shakti is worshipped here as Ulagammai. The Shivling is considered an
aspect of Surya, the sun god.
The temple complex also has murtis of Ganesha, Subrahmanya,
Dakshinamurti, Goddess Durga, Nataraja (in Ananda Thandava posture known here
as Punugu Sabapathy) and Navagrahas. Murti of Sage Agasthya and his wife are
also found in the shrine.
Architecture
Architecture
Located on the banks of Tamiraparani River, the architecture
of the temple is in typical Dravidian style with a seven storey gopuram and
huge granite walls. The Nataraja murti in the temple is enshrined in a hall
supported by Yali pillars.
The temple tank is known as Papanasa Theertham. Other two tanks in the temple are known as Agastya Teertham and Kalyani Teertham.
The temple tank is known as Papanasa Theertham. Other two tanks in the temple are known as Agastya Teertham and Kalyani Teertham.
Festivals
Thaipusam, Chithirai Brahmostsavam, Panguni Uthiram,
Navratri, Kanda Sashti and Shivratri are the important festivals in the temple.
Papanasam Papanatha Swamy Temple Timings
Morning Pooja and Darshan Time: 6:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Evening Pooja and Darshan Time: 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Related
Cheranmahadevi Kailasanathar Temple in Tirunelveli - Second Nava Kailasam Temple
Related
Cheranmahadevi Kailasanathar Temple in Tirunelveli - Second Nava Kailasam Temple