February 2010 - Temples of Tamilnadu

Thirupampuram Seshapureeswarar Temple

Tirupampuram is one of the Devara Stalams. The ancient name for this place is Seshapuri. Lord Shiva is known as Pambupureeswarar or Seshapureeswarar or Pamburanathar. It is believed that by visiting Thirupampuram one gets the worship benefits of visiting Thirunageswaram, Keezhaperumpallam and Kalahasthi. This is a parihara sthalam for Rahu and Kethu. All naga doshams are alleviated if one worships Lord Shiva here. Rahu and Kethu are present here as a single physical entity. The consort of Lord Shiva in this east facing temple is Vandaar Poonguzhaliammai. There are separate shrines for Aaadiseshan, Bhairavar, Bhramma, Malaiyeeswarar, Mahavishnu, Surya, and Saneeswaran. The Sthala vruksham is Vanni and the theertham is Adishesha theertham.

Thirupampuram temple. Sthala varalaru in tamil

The legend goes thus. Once, Vinayakar was paying his respects to Lord Shiva. Adhiseshan thought to himself that Vinayakar is paying respect to him also and felt proud about it. Lord Shiva got angry with Adhiseshan and cursed that all the serpents to lose their power. Ashiseshan begged forgiveness and Lord Shiva directed him to worship Him on Mahashivarathri at Seshapuri. Adhiseshan, Rahu, Kethu and all serpents worshipped Lord Shiva at Nageswarar temple in the morning, Thirunageswaram in the afternoon, Thirupampuram in the evening and Naganathan at Nagore in the night to be absolved of the effect of the curse and regained their lost power. Adhiseshan, Rahu and Kethu are believed to follow the same worship method every Mahashivarathri. There is a belief that following the same routine to worship at these four temples is of special importance.

Malayeeswarar, Seshapureeswarar Temple, Thirupampuram

Sthala Vruksham, Thirupampuram

It is said that since Adhiseshan and the serpents had worshipped at this temple, snakes are present in this temple. On Sundays, Tuesdays, Fridays the fragrance of Fragrant Screw pine or Jasmine is in the air in this temple and serpents are believed to be present within the temple premises. On 26-5-2002 a snake had shed its skin on the Shiva Lingam here like a garland. This is still preserved at the temple and can be seen at the Lord’s Sannidhi. Villagers here vouch that there has been no history of anybody being bitten by a snake in the vicinity of this village.

Rahu Moola Mantram: Aum bhram bhrim bhraum sah rahave namah.

Rahu Gayathri: om sookadhanthaya vidmahae ugra roopaya dheemahi tanno raahu: prachodayaath

Kethu Moola Mantram: Aum Hrim Krum Krura Rupine Kethave Aim Suh Svaha

Kethu Gayathri: AUM Chitravarnaya Vidhmahe, Sarparoopaya Dhimahi, Tanno Kethu Prachodayath

Other Rahu Temples:

Naganathar Temple at Thirunageswaram

Vanchinathaswamy temple at Srivanchiyam

Sri Kalahasthi in Andhra Pradesh

Nageswarar at Kunrathur near Chennai

Other Kethu Temples:

Naganathaswamy temple at Keezhperupallam

Vanchinathaswamy temple at Srivanchiyam

Srikalahasthi in Andhra Pradesh

Kukke Subramanya temple, Karnataka

Gerugambakkam near Chennai.

Temple Location:

Click here for the Map

This temple is located about 7 kms from Peralam. Peralam is on the Mayavaram – Tiruvarur Road. You can also approach this temple from the Kumbakonam Karaikal Road. While proceeding from Kumbakonam towards Karaikal about 2 Kms before reaching the Kollumangudi junction there will be a huge sign board of this temple on your right hand side. Take a right turn there and the temple is about 3 Kms from here.

Nearby Temples:

Thiruveezhimizhalai

Thilatharpanapuri Adhi Vinayakar Temple

Thirumeyachur Lalithambigai Temple

Theruzhundur

Koothanur Saraswathy Temple

Boarding & Lodging:

This is a remote village. Have your travel base as Kumbakonam.

Temple Address:

Arulmigu Seshapureeswarar Temple,

Thirupampuram,

Suraikayur Post, via Palaiyur,