Piravi Maruntheeswarar Temple, Thiruthuraipoondi – The
Temple
This west facing Temple is adorned at the entrance with
a five-tier Raja Gopuram. The temple is referred to Periya Koil. The temple is
not exactly a Saptha Vidangam but Thyagaraja sannidhi and a Maragatha lingam
are present here. Presiding Deity is called as Bava Aushadheeswarar / Piravi
Maruntheeswarar and is facing west a tradition different from general system.
Lord Shiva is the Gajasamahara Murthy (killing a demon
in the form of an elephant) and is an added importance and reputation of the
temple. Lord destroys meaningless fear in the minds of his devotees. He also
destroys arrogance and pride in men and women. The consort of the Lord is
called Brahannayaki. She is also called Thirthavalli in affectionate terms.
The shrine of Goddess Brahannayaki faces east. On the
southern side of the Sanctum is an east facing shrine for Theertha Vidanga
Thyagaraja. Facing the Goddess’ shrine is Mangalya Theertham and on its eastern
bank is a shrine for Vedaranyeswarar which was worshipped by Sage Agasthya. Like
in Thiruvarur Temple, “Panchamukha Vadyam”, an ancient instrument can be found in
this Temple also.
Brahma Theertham is located in front of the Temple is so
holy that it has 16 Ghats each on all its four sides totaling 64 which is
said to be the abode of all Holy Theerthams. Sthala Vriksham is Vilvam. Shrines
for Varasiddhi Vinayaka, Tirthavitalla Vinayakar, Narada Vinayakar, Subramaniyar
along with his consort Valli and Deivanai and Gaja Samhara moorthy can be seen
in this temple.
