Tirupperunturai

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The Tirupperunturai திருபெருந்துறை, now known as Avadaiyarkoil, is a Shiva Temple closely associated with the Tamil Saint Manikkavasagar, situated near Aranthangi in Puddukkottai District in Tamilnadu. Here only the Lord Shiva Came in the form of Nambimaar Brahmin[1] and blessed Manikkavasagar.[2] It is also known as Kokozhi, sivapuram,AkashaKailasham, Vadavoor, ChaturVedamangalam, Aadi Kailasam in Sangam literature.

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[edit] Temple

The vast temple here is said to have been built by none other than the Saint Poet Manikkavasagar - The author of works such as Tiruvasakam, Tiruvempaavai, Tirukkovaiyaar, Tiruppalliezhuchi etc.The sacred book of Saivism, Tiruvasakam of Manikkavasagar originated from this shrine Many renovations have been carried out here over a period of time, and much of the current structure dates back to the 15th century.

[edit] The Legend of Avadaiyarkoil

The presiding deity here, is Athmanathar; there is no Sivalingam to represent the deity. Only the pedestal, Aavudaiyaar is located in the sanctum, hence the name Avadaiyarkoil.only Siva temple where Lord Siva is not worshipped in the form of Linga.His consort Siva Yoga Nayaki is also worshipped in the iconless form. This is one of three temples were vedic rituals are performed others being Chidhambaram,Tiruvanaikoil. AvudaiyarKoil is the second temple to Chidambaram where Aruvam (அருவம்.. அதாவது உருவமற்ற கடவுள் நிலை)is worshipped. Here in this temple there is no Nandi.

[edit] Temple Architecture

The Avadaiyarkoil, covering an area of over 10 acres, faces south. This temple has been constructed in such a manner that the setting rays of the sun, strike the sanctum, despite the fact that the innermost sanctum is cloistered within three circumambulatory paths.

The exquisite stone work in this temple could be mistaken for woodwork. The thousand pillared hall has several delicately crafted pillars. Noteworthy examples include depictions of the Oordhwa Tandavam of Shiva, Kaaraikkaal Ammaiyaar, Dhanurdhara Subramanya and so on.

[edit] Six Sabha and Deva Rahasyam

Atheetha Sabha - as it has six Sabhas i.e. the Kanaka Sabha, Chit Sabha, Sat Sabha, Aananda Sabha, Ratna Sabha and Deva Sabha in comparison to the five at Chidambaram. It is believed that Manikkavasagar himself built these six sabhas, and covered each of them with 21600 plates of copper. As Like Chidhambara ragasiyam, this temple is famous for the Devaragasiyam. Which is shown by the priests here Nambimaar.

[edit] Temple Daily rituals

The temple rituals are performed hereditarily by the Nambimaar– a class of Vaideeka Brahmins , who legands say Nambimaar are descendants of Saint Rowshayadana who originated from Agni, And they had been taught vedas by the Deity Athmanathar himself.

Nambimaar are supposed to be 301 priests including the Deity, so they are called asMunnothioruvar.These Nambimaar follow the Vedic rituals , unlike the Sivachariyars or Adhisaivars – who follow the agamic rituals for the worship of Lord Shiva .

Worship or Pooja is done 6 times in a day .

Temple is Administrated by Tiruvvadurai Adinam

[edit] Festivals

The annual festivals celebrated here are Aani Tirumanjanam and Maargazhi Tiruvaadirai as in Chidambaram.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Smith, David (2003). The Dance of Siva: Religion, Art and Poetry in South India. Cambridge University Press, p. 230. ISBN 0521528658. Retrieved on 2008-06-01. 
  2. ^ Das, Sisir Kumar; Akademi, Sahitya (1991). A History of Indian Literature. Sahitya Akademi, p. 574. ISBN 8172010060. Retrieved on 2008-06-01.