Brahmapureeswarar Temple (Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple), Keezha Poongudi, Sivaganga
Brahmapureeswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Keezha Poongudi in Sivaganga District of Tamilnadu. This Temple is also known as Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. Presiding deity is called as Brahmapureeswarar and Sundareswarar. Mother is called as Vidyambikai and Meenakshi. Thala Viruksham is Kadamba Tree and Theertham of this Temple is called as Brahmma Theertham.
Legends
According to scriptures, Brahamma had five heads as and equal to Lord Shiva. Since Brhamma was also handling the Creation, He thought that he was superior to Lord Shiva. To teach him a lesson, Shiva took off one of Brahmma’s head. Having committed wrong to Shiva, Brahmma wandered to all Shiva temples for remedy including this temple. As Brahmma worshipped Shiva here, the Lord is praised as Brahmapureeswarar. Mother is praised as Brahmmavidyambikai and also as Poongudiyal. The original temple was reduced to ruins in course of time and was built completely new. Lord and Mother were named Sundareswarar and Meenakshi respectively.
Speciality
Aadam means that which existed first. Of the 27 stars, Uthiradam is the senior most star. Hence, all deities of other 26 stars perform Padapuja-worshipping the feet of Poongudiyal heading the Uthiradam star. The starrers are advised to pray here on these days. Special abisheks are performed to Lord Shiva.
Special pujas are performed to Shiva on Poornima days-full moon days. Panchamurthis are taken procession this day. Also Homas are performed early in the morning. The wedding festival is celebrated in this temple, the same day when Meenakshi Kalyanam is celebrated in Madurai. On Margazhi Tiruvadhirai day pujas are performed with heaps of flowers at night.
The Temple
This is a temple with five tier tower. The tank is opposite the temple. Lord Nataraja in a separate shrine in the temple appears ready dressing his hair for his cosmic dance performance. Pujas are performed to Lord Bhairava on Ashtami falling in new moon fortnight. Special pujas are performed to Lingodhbava behind the Shiva shrine on Karthika day and on third part of the night of Shivrathri.
Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Chithirai Tirukalyanam - wedding festival in April-May, Vaikasi Visakam in May-June, Purattasi Navarathri in September-October, Skanda Sashti and Deepavali in October-November, Abishek with conches on Karthikai Mondays in November-December, Margazhi Tiruvadhirai and Koodaravalli fasting in December-January, Thai Poosam in January-February, Masi Magam and Shivrathri in February-March and Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
Prayers
While Uthiradam starrers pray to Lord for relief from planetary afflictions, those seeking child boon and unity in family pray to Mother Ambica. Realizing their wishes, devotees perform Abishek and archanas to Lord and Mother offering Vastras. They also offer Sandhanakaapu-sandal paste.
Contact
Sri Brahmapureeswarar (Meenakshi Sundareswarar) Temple,
Keezha Poongudi – 630 552,
Sivaganga District
Mobile: +91 99436 59071, 99466 59072
Connectivity
Okkur is 13 km on the Sivaganga-Karaikudi road. Poongudi is 3 km from the road branching at Okkur. Auto facility is available. People know the temple only as Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple. Direct bus facility from Madurai (45 km) is available once in two hours. Nearest Railway Station is located at Karaikudi and Nearest Railway Station is located at Trichy.