Gnanapureeswarar Temple, Thirumakkottai, Thiruvarur
Gnanapureeswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva
located at Thirumakkottai Village in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu.
Presiding Deity is called as Gnanapureeswarar / Meignanamudaiyar. Mother is
called Periyanayagi Amman. Lord of this temple is Swayambu Moorthy. The place
was once a forest of Parijatha trees which is endemic flower plants
having sweet-smelling. Hence this place is called as Parijatha Vanam.
It is believed that Sage Vasishtar worshipped Shiva here.
This village is related to history of Ramayana. History says, Sri Rama visited this village to meet
his guru (master) Rishi Vasishtar while travelling to Lanka to get Sita back. Gnanapureeswaram,
Parijatha Vanam, Thirumeignanapuram are the historical names of this place. The
temple has 3 praharams. The temple was believed to be built by the Chola King
Kiruthasekaran. He kept Thirumakkottai as his capital.
The famous of this temple is the deity is surrounded by
16 Vinayagar (Pillaiyar) in different locations and positions. This is only one
places in the world such a divine setup established. Chola, Pandiya and Vijayanagara
inscriptions can be seen in this temple. Theertham of this Temple is Gnana
Theertham and a dip in this Theertham will cure 'Ven Kushtam' i.e. white leprosy.
Sthala Vriksham is Parijatham.
The Temple is located at about 15 Kms to the south of
Mannargudi, 25 Kms to the north east of Pattukottai, 43 Kms from Thiruvarur, 28
Kms from Thiruthuraipoondi and 107 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Station is
located at Mannargudi and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.
