Tiruvaimur
Sri Vaimoornathar Temple, Tiruvaimur
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| Vaimoornathar Temple |
Sri Vaimoornathar temple is an ancient Shiva temple in Tiruvaimur,near Tiruvarur,Tamil Nadu. This is one of the padal petra sthalams and the temple is more than 1000 years old.Appar in his Thiru Kurunthogai and Thiru Gnana Sambandar in his Thirumurai have praised the Lord of Thiruvaimur.This ancient temple is believed to have been rebuilt by king Vikrama Chola.
There are many legends behind this 1000 years plus old temple, one of them is that King Musukuntha chola obtained a boon from Indra and wished to receive the idol of Somaskandar that was worshipped by Maha Vishnu. Indra had made six similar looking idols just to confuse the king, and asked the king to choose the one worshipped by Maha Vishnu among the seven idols.King Musukuntha chola chose the right idol, which is now at Tiruvarur, and a very pleased Indra gave the other six similar looking idols to the King. The other six images were installed in Thiruvaimur, Thirukkuvalai, Nagapattinam, Tirukarayil, Thirunallar, and Tirumaraikadu. These temples with dance styles are regarded as Saptha Vidangam (seven dance moves).As per legend, Thirunavukkarasar was directed by Shiva in one of his dreams to visit this temple, and Sambandar is believed to have accompanied him.
Surya is said to have worshipped Shiva here.The pushkarani (temple tank) here is named Surya Theertham.The suns rays falls into the sanctum on two days in the Tamil month of Pankuni (Phalguna - March-April)
The Temple: The main tower (Rajagopuram) has 3 tiers and is facing the east and has one praharam (corridors). The temple itself is small and in a dilapidated condition. You can see a bali peedam and a kodi maram in front of the sanctum. A small nandhi is seen facing the sanctum. There are lot of old inscriptions written in Tamil seen on the wall.
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| Ganesha on the praharam wall |
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| Ancient inscriptions on the praharam wall |
Out of eight Bhairavars (Ashta Bhairavars) we see seven of them.
Faiths & Beleifs: Devotees who participate in the special pooja and homam performed on Thei Perai Ashtami get their problems resolved.
Festivals Apart from the regular poojas, Pradosham days are celeberated in a grand manner.The 18 day Vasantotsavam in the month of Vaikasi is of great significance here.Special pooja and homam he performed on Thei Perai Ashtami.Devotees throng the temple in thousandss on the ashtami day every month. and are fed on this day after the Homam and Pooja.Temple location The temple is around 28 kms from Tiruvarur and 18 kms from Thiruthuraipoondi.
Temple Timings The temple is open from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
How to reach? Buses from Thiruthuraipoondi to Tiruvarur stops at Katchanam and from there many cabs and autos available to this place. From Thiruthuraipoondi to Nagapattinam buses,get down at Keezhaiyur. An auto from Keezhaiyur to the temple will cost around fifty rupees
Where to Stay? There are no hotels here in but there are few hotels at Tiruvarur or Thiruthuraipoondi.Other notable temples nearby: Other major Shivasthalams near Thiruvaimur are Tiruvarur, Tirukuvalai(Tirukkolili),Tirukkaaraayil and a Murugan temple Ettukkudi is located nearby.
Contact Contact : Sri Pichumani Gurukal 94880 77126.Useful data
State: Tamil Nadu
District: Tiruvarur
Famous for: Pilgrimage
Languages: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
