- Shiva
Sri Dharmapureeswarar Temple
- Pazhaiyarai Vadatali,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
The Sri Dharmapureeswarar Temple is located at Pazhayarai and is dedicated to God Shiva. This temple is considered to be the 24th in the series of the Tevara sthalams of the Chola Kingdom on the southern banks of the river Cauvery.
About the Temple
This temple is built at an elevation by Ko Chenkann Cholan. A lot of inscriptions and old structures are present in the premises of the temple. This place where the temple exists was once a capital of the Pallavas. After that it had also become the capital of the Cholas, later on when Thanjavur became the capital of the Cholas, they still used to live here. Raja Raja Chola 1 is known to have been raised at this very place. This place just disappeared from the big names and was almost like it did not exist. In the later part of the Chola period that is during the 12th and 13th centuries, this place came back to prominence. This area was the hub of Tamil culture with a lot of temples being built here. Some of the temples here include Darasuram, Tribhuvanam, Sattimuttam, Patteeswaram and Kumbhakonam.
About the Deity
The chief deity in this temple is called Pazhaiyarai. His consort is known as Dharampueeswarar. Other deities include Vinayagar, Bairavar, Chanddeswara, Sodasa Lingam, Durgai and navagraham
Legend and Stories
This temple is dated back as a monument of the 12th century and is known to have been initiated by Vikrama Cholan and was completed by Rajaraja II. The outer wall of this temple has the ruins of a 7 floored gopuram. The inner prakaram of the temple is quite huge in size and encloses and area of over 50000 sq. ft. There is a Tiruchutrumaaligai in the inner prakaram as well. The backside niche of the sanctum is being covered by Ardhanareeswarar. The ratha mandapam in the temple is just in front of the sanctum sanctorum and has life life images of elephants and horses.
Festivals
The main festivals that are celebrated in this temple include: Karthigai, Somavaram, Shivarathri, Chitrai and Rohini.
Accessibility
Road
To reach the temple via road, the best way is to access the buses from Kumbakonam bus station i.e. 6 km away from the temple or take mini buses from Darasuram which is 3 km far.
Railways
The Darasuram railway station is quite near to the temple.
Airport
The nearest airport from the temple is located at Trichy.
Temple Address
Sri Dharmapureeswarar Temple,
Vallalar Temple,
Patteeswaram (Po.),
Kumbakonam (Taluk),
Tanjore - 612 703.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.