Pateeswaram

Thenupuriswarar and Durga Devi - Patteeswaram

Durgai -(file picture)

Thenupuriswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the village of Patteeswaram, around 6 kms from Kumbakonam, Tamilnadu. Though the main deity is Shiva, Durga devi is famous here and devotees throng to get her blessings.The temple has been praised by the hymns of Tirugnana Sambandar and is classified under 'Paadal Petra Sthalam'.

As per the legend, Tamil poet and saint Thiru Gnana Sambandar came to Thirusattimutram with other saints for worshipping. Then he travelled towards Patteeswaram. Since it was peak of summer causing oppressive heat waves, the child saint Sambandar became very tired. Lord Shiva sent his 'bhooda ganas'(servants) to decorate the streets with beautiful pandal (canopy) laced with pearls. Sambandar enjoyed the shade offered. It is said that in order to give Sambandar a view of the main sannithi (Sanctum sanctorum) from outside, Shiva ordered the Nandi to shift position. That is why we can see the Nandi placed a little away and not in direct line of the sannithi.The Lord is revered by the hymns of Thirugnana Sambandar.

It is also said that Sri Rama did a penance here and was relieved of Sayagathi dosham for killing Vaali. Goddess parvathi performed penance here.Sage Viswamitra became a Brahma rishi in this place.

Markandeya is said to have worshipped here.

Temple entrance

The temple is a magnificent sight with five beautiful gopurams and three prakarams. Pattisvara or Thenupureeswarar, the presiding deity is in the form of Linga, in the first prakaram. In the northern part Goddess Gnanambigai(Parvathi) has a separate shrine. Lord Ganapathy is represented at three different places in three different forms Anugai Pillayar, Madhavarna Pillayar and Swarna Vinayagar. An idol of Parvathi doing penance is seen inside the temple. Other deities like Sapthamatha, Mahalakshmi, Renukadevi, Navagraha, Surya, Chandra and Bhairavahave small sannithis in the inner parts of the temple. All the Navagrahas here face the Sun.

The shrine of Sri Durga Devi is very powerful and popular here. The Durga here is said to be a Shanta swarupini (very soft in look and grace) . Sitting on a Lion, with a foot on the head of Demon Mahishasura, the Goddess appears in a Tribanga pose (tri-bent pose) with eight hands, three eyes and jewels in her ears.Usually in other Durga temples, the Lion of Kali would be looking on the right side. But the Lion here faces the left side. In her hands, the Goddess holds, a conch, a wheel,a bow, arrow, sword, shield and a parrot.

Shops selling lemon garlands

Persons affected with Raaghu and Kethu doshas worship here during Raaghu kalam as it is beleived at that time both Raaghu and Kethu come here to worship Durga. Garlands made of lemons is said to please the Goddess. Parents pray here for suitable bride / groom for their children here and their prayers are always answered.

Festivals

Tuesdays,Fridays,Sundays, full moon day and new moon day, Ashtami and Navami are crowded here. Apart from festivals to Shiva like Arudra Darshan and Sivarathiri, nine days navarathiri festival is celeberated in a grand manner. To commomorate the incident of Pearl canopy that was built for Gnana sambandar, a festival called Muthu pandal is celeberated during the Tamil month Ani ( June-July)

Temple Timings It is normally open from 5 am – 12:00pm and 4.30pm- 8:00pm. During the month Aadi ( July- Aug) the temple opens at 4:00 am

How to reach?

The temple is located 6 Kms from Kumbakonam. Plenty of local buses,cabs and auto rickshaws are available from Kumbakonam.

Where to Stay?There are plenty of budget and semi deluxe hotels are in Kumbakonam.
Where to Eat?There are many good restaurants in Kumbakonam
Places nearby Kumbakonam is a place with many famous temples

Contact The Executive Officer,
Arulmigu Thenupureeswarar Temple,
Patteswaram - 612 703,
Tamilnadu,India.
Phone - 0435 - 2416976

Useful data
State: Tamil Nadu
District: Kumbakonam
Famous for: Pilgrimage
Languages: English,Tamil
Best Season: Throughout the year. Summer( from May to July) could be very hot and dry when the mercury shoots to 40 degree celsius.
Weather: Summer 33-42°C, Winter 16-28°C
Altitude: Sea level