Gokarnesvarar
Temple, Thirukokarnam, Pudukottai
Gokarnesvarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thirukokarnam, an outskirt of Pudukottai Town in Pudukottai District of Tamil Nadu. This rock cut cave temple is considered as one of the oldest temples in South India, with its history dating back to early 7th century CE and still in use. Presiding Deity is called as Gokarnesvarar and Mother is called as Brahadambal / Araikasu Amman.
The goddess Brahadambal was the tutelary deity of the Pudukkottai Thondaiman rulers. Mother is given more prominence in this temple. Hence, the temple complex is also called as Brahadambal Temple / Araikasu Amman Temple. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns had a mention about this Temple.
Legends
For brief details, please
refer below link;
https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/09/gokarnesvarar-temple-thirukokarnam-legends.html
History
The temple is believed to be built in 7th century CE by Pallava King Mahendravarman I based on architectural style. The temple was extensively renovated by Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagara Kings, Nayaks and Thondaiman Rulers. The goddess Brahadambal was the tutelary deity of the Pudukkottai Thondaiman rulers. They proudly called themselves as servant of Brahadambal. The Thondaiman rulers minted coins featuring the portrait of Brahadambal. Sadashiva Brahmendral was also said to have visited this temple. The former Thondaiman ruler of Pudukottai State is the trustee of this temple.
The
Temple
For brief details, please
refer below link;
https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/09/gokarnesvarar-temple-thirukokarnam-temple.html
Temple
Opening Time
The temple remains open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and
4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
10 day Chithirai festival with flag hoisting in
April-May, 11 day Aadi Poosam in July-August, 10 day Navaratri festival in
Purattasi-September-October with Bow festival on the 10th day,
Vinayaka Chathurthi, 10 day Thaipoosam in January-February, Skanda Sashti in
October-November, Karthikai Lamp festival in November-December, Margazhi
Thiruvadhirai Arudhra Darshan in December-January, Fridays in Thai month
(January February), Masi Magam in February-March, Panguni Uthiram in
March-April are the festival grandly celebrated in the temple. Also, monthly
New Moon, Full Moon and Pradoshas are also observed here.
Literary
Mention
The Temple is considered as Thevara
Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Appar had a mention about
this Temple. The Temple is mentioned in 6th Thirumurai in 7th
Patikam in 11th Song. The Temple is mentioned as Vekuleecharam in
Devaram hymns.
தேனார் புனற்கெடில வீரட்டமுந்
திருச்செம்பொன் பள்ளிதிருப் பூவணமும்
வானோர் வணங்கும் மணஞ்சேரியும்
மதிலுஞ்சை மாகாளம் வாரணாசி
ஏனோர்க ளேத்தும் வெகுளீச்சரம்
இலங்கார் பருப்பதத்தோ டேணார்சோலைக்
கானார் மயிலார் கருமாரியுங்
கறைமிடற்றார் தம்முடைய காப்புக்களே
Prayers
Devotees believe that a prayer to Lord Shiva of this temple
liberates them from sins and curses. If anything is misplaced or lost, devotees
place a little jaggery in Araikasu Amman / Brahadambal shrine praying for the
recovery of the article lost. It is believed that the prayer does not fail. Also,
those expecting to be married and seeking child boon pray in the temple. Devotees
perform abishek in Milk with sugar and also with Turmeric and cosmetic powders.
The nivedhana offered to the deity are given as Prasad to the devotees. They
also undertake mass feeding.
Contact
Gokarnesvarar Temple,
Thirukokarnam – 622 005
Pudukkottai District
Phone: +91 4322 221 084
Mobile: +91 94861 85259
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about
3 Kms from Pudukottai Bus Stand, 3 Kms from Pudukottai Railway Station,
4 Kms from Pudukottai Old Bus Stand and 44 Kms from Trichy Airport. Thirukokarnam is situated on the
outskirts of Pudukottai town. Pudukkottai is
well connected to major cities of Tamilnadu via
rail and road links. Bus facilities are available conveniently.