Important Festivals At Poompuhar Pallavaneeswarar Sivan Temple And Various Gods And Goddesses Worshipped
Festivals and Significance of Poompuhar Pallavaneeswarar Sivan Temple
Poompuhar Sri Pallavaneeswarar Sivan Temple, located in the ancient town of Poompuhar in Tamil Nadu, is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, Shiva is venerated as Sri Pallavaneeswarar or Sri Pallavanathar, and Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Sri Soundarya Nayagi. This temple is unique as its grand Brahmotsavam is not celebrated for Lord Shiva but for Saint Pattinathar, an ardent devotee of the Lord. This festival, known as "Adiyaar Utsavam," honors the saint’s devotion and spiritual legacy.
Major Festivals Celebrated at the Temple
Vaikasi Visakam (May-June) The festival of Vaikasi Visakam, dedicated to Lord Murugan, is observed with great devotion. This occasion marks the birth star of Lord Muruga, and the temple conducts special poojas and processions, drawing a large number of devotees.
Pattinathar Vizha (Aadi Month - July-August) The grand festival dedicated to Saint Pattinathar is a 12-day celebration. The 10th day of the festival holds special importance, as it commemorates the event of Lord Shiva granting salvation to Saint Pattinathar. This day sees an elaborate procession and religious discourses, emphasizing spiritual enlightenment and renunciation.
Unique Features of the Temple
The Shivling enshrined here is exceptionally large and exudes a majestic presence, attracting devotees who seek Lord Shiva’s divine blessings.
The Natarajar Sabha in the temple is similar to the one in the famous Chidambaram temple, highlighting its architectural and spiritual significance.
The Navagraha idols, unlike in most temples, face westward toward Lord Shiva, signifying their subservience to his supreme power.
Other Shrines Within the Temple
Apart from the main sanctum dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the temple houses shrines for various deities including Adhikara Nandhi, Lord Vinayakar, Lord Murugan with his consorts (without his peacock), Lord Natarajar with Sivakami, and several Shiva Lingams such as Suryeswarar, Sundareswarar, and Agasthiyeswarar. Additionally, deities like Gajalakshmi, Saneeswarar, Surya, Chandra, Bhairava, and Chandikeswarar are also enshrined here. The temple also has koshtam idols of Narthana Vinayakar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, and Durga.
Goddess Sampapathi Amman Temple
A separate temple for Goddess Sampapathi Amman exists within the premises, which is believed to have been worshipped by Kannaki, Madhavi, and Manimekalai, characters from the Sangam epic Silapathikaram. This adds to the temple’s historical and literary significance.
Shrine of Saint Pattinathar
A dedicated shrine for Saint Pattinathar within the temple depicts him in a worshiping posture, symbolizing his ultimate surrender to Lord Shiva. His life and teachings serve as an inspiration for seekers of spiritual wisdom.
The Poompuhar Pallavaneeswarar Sivan Temple stands as a sacred center of devotion, spirituality, and history. The unique festivals, especially the Pattinathar Vizha, showcase the temple’s emphasis on devotion and salvation. With its rich heritage, divine ambiance, and historical significance, this temple continues to attract countless devotees seeking divine grace and enlightenment.