Bhuminathaswamy Temple, Thiruchuli, Aruppukkottai,
Virudhunagar
Bhuminathaswamy
Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Thiruchuli near Aruppukkottai
in Virudhunagar District of Tamilnadu. Thiruchuli is a village about 15
kilometers to the east of Aruppukkottai, 40 km east of Virudhunagar and 45 km south of Madurai. This shrine is regarded as the 12th of the Tevara Stalams in the Pandya region of Tamilnadu. The temple was
earlier maintained by the rulers of Ramanathapuram district. The temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims
throughout the year who come here to seek blessings of the Lord.
It is
considered to be a very holy place, in large part because it is the birthplace
of Sri Ramana Maharishi, held by many to be the most revered Indian saint of the 20th century. Thiruchuli is located on the
western bank of the Gundar. Presiding Deity is called as Bhoominathar and
Goddess as Thunaimalai Amman. The temple has undergone extensive renovations
and the present complex accommodates a number of shrines built over time within
the high boundary walls constructed during the reign of Muthuramalinga Sethupathi.
Swami Vivekananda stayed three days in this temple due to the flood of Gundar River
during his yatra.
Legends
For
brief details, please refer below link;
The
Temple
The
Temple spans an area of about 45,000 square feet (4,200 m2). There are
several shrines and Theerthams within this temple complex and around it. The
Shiva and Ambal shrines both face the East. The presiding deity lord Shiva is
called as Thirumeni Nathar, Bhoominathar and the Ambal his consort mother
Parvathy is called as Tunaimaalainayaki. The Kauvaikkadal tank within the
temple, with a central mandapam is a beautiful one. Mention must be made of the
Pralaya Vitankar and the Palani Andavar shrines in this temple. The sthala Vriksham
is Punnai and the Theertham is Kauvaikkadal theertham. Lord Shiva is a swayambumurthy
in the temple.
The Ramanathapuram rulers have traditionally maintained this temple. The
temple is surrounded by four car streets facing east. After worshipping Lord
Vinayaka at the entrance, then we have Mother’s shrine opposite to the
entrance. On the right is the shrine of Lord with Kauvaikkadal Theertham
opposite. The Asthana Mandapam is nearby. The flag post -Kodimaram,
Nandhi and the Bali peeta are at the Kambathadi Mandapam. Lords Vinayaka and
Muruga grace the devotees from both sides of the entrance. The Rajagopuram
of Lord Shiva Shrine is of a seven tier structure.
After
worshipping Lord Adhikara Nandhi Deva, the devotee reaches a peeta with six
legs, Aarukaal Peeta. The epigraphic details of the temple are in this
place. Sabha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam and Andharala Mandapam are also
nearby. Presiding deity Lord Thirumeni Nathar graces then from the sanctum
sanctorum. Sun is on the eastern side, Saptha Madhas and 63 Nayanmars are
on the south of the prakaram. On the southwest side of the prakara is Lord
Vinayaka.
On the
west are Lords Somaskanda, Viswanatha with Mother Visalakshi, Chuzhigai
Govindar and Lord Muruga on the northwest. Chandikeswara shrine is on the
north side. Lord Nataraja is on the northeast. Lord Kalabhairava and
Sun are on the east. In the goshta wall of Lord’s sanctum are Lord Dakshinamurthi
on the south, Lingodhbava in the west and Mother Durga in the north. The
Artha Mandapam and the Palli Arai - privacy room are near the Mother’s sanctum.
This is one of the temples under Sethu Samasthanam.
Presiding
deity is also called as Thirumeni Nathar/ Chuzhikesar/ Pralaya Vidangar/ Thanunathar/
Thirumanakolanathar/ Kalyana Sundarar/ Bhuvaneswarar/ Boominatha Swamy. Mother is also called as Swarnamalai/ Thunaimalaiyammai/
Sahayavalli/ Muthumalaiyudaiammai/ Manikkamalai.
Temple
Opening Time
This
temple remains open from 5.00 AM to 12.00 PM in the morning and 4.00 PM to 8.00
PM in the evenings.
Festivals
Thiruchuzhial
Temple celebrates many festivals on a grand scale. The grand Bhrammotsavam
takes place in the Tamil month of Panguni. Of the festivals celebrated here
mention must be made of the Palani Andavar festival in Thai and The Amman Tapas
festival is celebrated in the month of Aadi.
Purattasi
Navarathri in September-October; Aavani Moolam in August-September; Chithirai
Vishu the Tamil New Year day falling almost on April 14; Mondays of Karthikai
in November-December; Aadi Tapasu in July-August; Thaipoosam in
January-February and Panguni Brahmotsavam with Wedding festival and car
festival in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Singers
Sundarar composed
the Thevaram Pathigam here. Saint Sundarar had sung the glory of Lord of
the temple in his Thevaram hymns. This is the 12th Lord Shiva temple in
the Pandya region praised in Thevaram hymns.
Prayers
Those
facing delays in marriage, pray to Lord and Mother in their wedding posture.
Realizing their wishes, devotees perform abishek and archanas to Lord and
Mother.
Contact
Sri
Thirumeni Nathar Temple,
Thiruchuzhi
Post, Virudhunagar District
Phone: +91 – 4566 – 282
644
Connectivity
Thiruchuli is
a village about 15 kms to the east of Aruppukkottai, 40 kms east of Virudhunagar and 45 kms
south of Madurai in Tamilnadu. This Temple is well connected with all modes of
transport. Thiruchuzhi is on the
Virudhunagar - Manamadurai rail line. The temple is 1 km south of the railway
station. Bus facilities are also available from Madurai, Virudhunagar, and
Aruppukkottai. The temple is located near the bus stand. Nearest Airport
is located at Madurai.
