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.