Friday, March 10, 2017

Papanasanathar Temple, Papanasam, Thirunelveli

Papanasanathar Temple, Papanasam, Thirunelveli
Papanasanathar Temple is located in Papanasam Town in Thirunelveli district in the South Indian state of Tamilnadu, is dedicated to Hindu god Shiva. It is located 52 Kms from Thirunelveli. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple has three precincts. Shiva is worshipped as Papanasanathar and his consort Parvathi as Ulagammai. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines. The temple has a seven-tiered gateway tower. The temple was originally built by Chandrakula Pandya, with further additions by the Vijayanagar and Nayak kings during the 16th century.





The temple has artistic sculptures representative of Nayak art. The temple is open from 6am - 1 pm and 4-8:30 pm on all days except during festival days when it is open the full day. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple, of which the Brahmotsavam festival during the Tamil months of Chittirai (April - May) and Thaipoosam during Thai (January - February) being the most prominent. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu.





The presiding deity here is Papanasa Swamy or Papavinaseswarar, the redeemer of sins. Parvati Devi is worshiped as Goddess Ulagammai. Papanasar is mainly known for his healing powers where he seems to be the medicine for any diseases in the world. He has the power to cure any diseases for his disciples who really have the love and affection on him. This Papanasar temple is first among the Nava Kailayams and it is dedicated to Surya (The Sun). The Temple is Parihara Sthalam for Simha Rasi.





The body of Lord Papanasar is wholly and naturally made of Rudraksha who is also known as Rudrakshanathar. The old name of Papanasar is Vairaja Lingam. The Temple is also revered in Arunagirinathar’s Thiruppugazh. The Temple is located right on the banks of the river Tamirabarani which is flowing in full swing due to its proximity from its origin. It is one of Devara Vaippu Sthalam temples (referred by Appar). Manickavasagar has also praised the deity through his verses in Tiruvasagam.





Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
The exact history of the temple could not be ascertained, but it is originally believed to have been built by the Pandya king, Chandra Kula Pandya, who ruled over the regions of Madurai. He built the central shrine and vimana of the temple. Veerappa Nayaka (1609 - 23 AD), a ruler of Madurai Nayak dynasty built the Yagasala, Dwajasthambam (flag staff) and Nataraja hall. In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu.


The Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 6.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
For brief details, please refer below link;
Prayers
The turmeric water used for the abishek of Mother Ulagammai is consumed by women in small quantity for a happy wedding and child boon. Women also believe that this would increase the longevity of their Mangal Sutra. Devotees perform abishek to Lord Shiva and Mother Ulagammai and offer vastras.
Contact
Sri Papanasanathar Temple,
Papanasam, Thirunelveli – 627425
Phone: +914634 293757 / 223 268
Mobile: +91 9894176671
Connectivity
Papanasanathar Temple is around 52 Kms from Thirunelveli, 16 Kms from Ambasamudram, 34 Kms from Tenkasi, 215 Kms from Madurai and 140 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is located at Ambasamudram and Nearest Airport is located at Madurai and Thiruvananthapuram.