Sirkazhi

Sri Sattainathar Temple - Sirkazhi

Sattainathar temple or Bhramapureeswarar temple is an ancient Shiva temple located in Sirkazhi, Tamil Nadu.This is one of the Padal Petra Sthalams.The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva literary work Thevaram.

According to legend, during one of the biggest deluges that submerged the earth, Shiva is said to have carried the 64 arts on a big ark (boat or Thoni in Tamil). The presiding deity Shiva called "Thoniappar".The Hindu god Brahma is believed to have worshiped Shiva here, hence the name "Bhramapureeswarar".

Lord Brahmma was feeling arrogant that he was greatest among the Tri Murthis. Lord Shiva made him forget the Pranava Mantra to teach Him a lesson. Brahmma worshipped Lord Shiva here and got his memory restored. Hence the place is known as Brahmmapuram and Shiva is known as Brhamapureeswarar.

This here where child Gnana Sambandar is believed to have been fed milk by Parvathi on the banks of the temple tank. The child thus blessed by none other than mother Parvathi, became one of the most revered Saiva poets in South India, who composed Thevaram, a Saiva literature on Shiva.

The Temple: Sirkali Bhramapureeswarar temple has three tiered structre and has three different Shiva sannidhis. The Bhramapureeswarar shrine is housed in the lower level. The second tier has Periyanakar with Periyanayaki on a big boat like structure , hence the name Thoniappar. Sattainathar or Vatukanathar is also housed here.Lord Shiva as Bhairavar (Sattanathar) is at the upper level. There are 22 Theerthams associated with this shrine.

The temple entrance has a big gopuram (Rajagopuram with 7 tiers.) The temple has 3 vast praharams (courtyards) with high compound walls.

There is a separate sannidhi for Gnana Sambandar depicting the miracle of Parvathi suckling the infant Sambandar when he was crying of hunger.

Festivals  The pooja rituals are performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 5:30 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 8:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 9:00 p.m.There are weekly rituals such as somavaram and sukravaram, fortnightly rituals of pradosham pooja and monthly festivals like kiruthigai, pournami (full moon day) and sathurthi.

Temple location The temple is in the heart of Sirkali town and is easily reachable.

Temple Timings The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

How to reach?

This is well connected by rail,road and plenty of buses ply from Chennai,Chidambaram,Nagpattinam,Mayavaram.

Where to Stay? There are a few budget hotels and semi-deluxe hotels in this town.
Other interesting places around Sirkali Vaitheeswaran Koil,Chidambaram temple Kazheesirama Vinnagaram or Thiru Vikra Perumal , abode of Vishnu and one of 108 divya sthalams,which is in Sirkali itself are places one must visit.

Contact The Executive Officer,
Brahmpureeswarar temple complex,
Sirkazhi


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