Brahmapureeswarar Temple

The Brahmapureeswarar Temple, also known as the Thirukkuvalai Thyagaraja Temple or Thirukolili, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Thirukkuvalai Village within the Thirukkuvalai Taluk of Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity of the temple is worshipped as Brahmapureeswarar, Kolilinathar, or Kolili Natheswarar, while the goddess is known as Vandamar Poonguzhali or Brihannayaki. This temple holds a significant place as one of the Saptha Vidanga Sthalams and is recognized as one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams, which were glorified in the early mediaeval hymns of the Thevaram. Specifically, it is the 240th Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 123rd sthalam located on the southern bank of the Cauvery River in Chozha Nadu. Moreover, it is one of the 44 Paadal Petra Sthalams where the three revered saints—Thirugnanasambandar, Appar, and Sundarar—have rendered their hymns, known as Pathigams.

Timings

Morning: 07:00 AM to 11:00 AM & Evening: 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM

Entry Fee

Free of charge

The Brahmapureeswarar Temple has a rich history linked to the curse of Brahma, who was punished for lying that he had seen Lord Shiva’s thirumudi (hair). This curse impeded his creative endeavours and disrupted the functions of the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities). To atone for his actions, Brahma created a Brahma Tirtha at this temple, constructed a lingam from sand, and performed puja to rid himself of the curse. Consequently, the presiding deity of this temple became known as Brahmapureeswarar. With Brahma's penance, the Navagrahas also overcame their afflictions, leading to the name "Kolili" for this sacred place. A unique feature of this temple is that the Navagrahas are arranged in a straight line.

Sthala Puranam :

The Brahmapureeswarar Temple is one of the Saptha Vitanga Sthalams, housing one of the Maragatha Lingams that Muchukunda Chakravarti obtained after his trials with Indra. This temple is associated with the Bhringa Natanam, representing the dance of a bee hovering over flowers.

According to legend, Brahma was cursed by Lord Shiva for falsely claiming to have seen the top of the pillar of fire. As a result of this curse, he lost his role as the creator, disrupting the routine of the planets (grahas). In an attempt to seek forgiveness, Brahma dug up a sacred water body, known as the Brahma Theertham, and constructed a Lingam from sand, praying to it for pardon. His penance was successful, and the Lord was henceforth known as Brahmapureeswarar. Due to the moolavar murti being made of sand, the abhishekam (ritual bathing) is performed by covering it with a vessel called kuvalai (in Tamil), which led to the town being named Thirukuvalai. On Amavasya (new moon) days, the lingam is uniquely worshipped with sambrani deepam (benzoin).

Additionally, the Navagrahas were relieved of their doshas (afflictions) at this temple, contributing to the town's name Tirukkollili (with "Kol" in Tamil meaning planet). This temple is also recognized as a Navagraha dosha nivritti sthalam (a place to overcome the afflictions of the Navagrahas), and the Navagrahas are uniquely arranged in a line, all facing south.

Bheema, one of the Pandavas, prayed at this temple to be relieved of the Brahmahathi dosham resulting from killing Bakasuran. The sage Agastyar, along with the Pandavas and the Navagrahas, is also said to have worshipped here, and the lingam worshipped by Agastyar can be found in the prakaram (outer courtyard).

Notably, the goddess Ambal faces east in this temple, a rarity, while Vinayakar is known here as Thyaga Vinayakar.

The temple's puranam is closely intertwined with that of the nearby Sundareswarar Temple at Kundaiyur. It is said that the Lord arranged for Sundarar to receive the grains from Kundaiyur Kizhaar at Tiruvarur. This event is commemorated annually during the Sundarar Utsavam on Masi Magam.

The temple also features inscriptions dating back to the reign of Kulothunga Chola I and Sundara Pandiyan, highlighting its historical significance.

Administration History :

The temple was originally constructed as a Mada Kovil by Ko Chenkat Chozhan and later rebuilt in stone by the Chozhas before being expanded by the Pandyas and Vijayanagara Nayakas. Inscriptions from the Chola and Pandya periods record significant endowments and renovations. The temple has been under the administrative control of the Dharmapura Adheenam in modern times. It underwent a major Maha Kumbhabhishekam in 1999. The temple remains a significant religious and historical site, preserved under current management.

Do's and Don'ts

Do Involve the Community: Engage local residents in preservation efforts to foster a sense of ownership and commitment to the temple.
Do Maintain Regular Inspections: Conduct periodic assessments of the temple’s structure and surroundings to identify any necessary repairs or maintenance.
Do Use Authentic Materials: When restoring or renovating, use traditional and locally sourced materials that match the original construction to maintain historical accuracy.
Do Document Changes: Keep detailed records of maintenance, repairs, and changes made to the temple. This documentation can be vital for future restoration efforts.
Do Promote Educational Programs: Organise workshops, lectures, and cultural events to educate the community about the temple's significance and the importance of preservation.
Do Ensure Accessibility: Make the temple accessible to all visitors, including those with disabilities, to encourage wider community participation.
Do Implement Sustainable Practices: Use eco-friendly materials and practices in temple management and operations to promote environmental sustainability.
Do Seek Professional Help: Engage conservation experts for significant restoration projects to ensure that work is done correctly and respectfully.

Don’t Alter Original Structures: Avoid making changes that could compromise the temple’s historical integrity or architectural style.
Don’t Ignore Maintenance Needs: Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to significant deterioration, making future repairs more challenging and expensive.
Don’t Use Harmful Chemicals: Refrain from using abrasive or toxic cleaning products that could damage the temple’s surfaces or artwork.
Don’t Disregard Cultural Practices: Respect the religious and cultural significance of the temple and the rituals practised within it. Changes should be made thoughtfully and with consideration of community sentiments.
Don’t Allow Unauthorised Access: Prevent vandalism or damage by restricting access to sensitive areas of the temple, especially during maintenance or restoration work.
Don’t Neglect Documentation: Failing to document historical details, renovations, and repairs can lead to a loss of valuable information about the temple’s heritage.
Don’t Forget to Promote Awareness: Avoid keeping the temple’s significance a secret; instead, promote awareness through community outreach and education.
Don’t Underestimate Funding Needs: Do not overlook the financial resources required for maintenance and restoration. Plan and budget accordingly to ensure ongoing preservation efforts.

Dress Code

For Men : Men should wear traditional attire such as dhotis or kurtas, preferably in plain or light colours. It is important to maintain a neat appearance by avoiding shorts and sleeveless shirts.

For Women : Women are encouraged to wear sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts, preferably in modest and simple designs. Avoiding revealing clothing and opting for attire that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended.

How to reach

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By Air: The nearest airport is Trichy Airport, located approximately 142 Kms from the temple.

By Rail: The closest railway station Thiruvarur Junction Railway Station is 23.9 Kms away.

By Road: The temple is about 25.3 kilometres from Thiruvarur.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

Chandramouli River: Flowing near the temple, this river plays a significant role in the local ecosystem and is often associated with various rituals.
Indra Theertham: Situated to the south of the temple, this sacred water body is considered important for ritual baths.
Agastya Theertham: Located to the west of the temple, this theertham is also significant for worship and is tied to local legends.
Chandra Nadhi: Flowing close to the temple, this river is integral to the water supply and rituals performed at the temple.
Sakthi Theertham: Found within the Parvati shrine in the form of a well, this theertham is important for spiritual practices.

Cities:

Thiruvarur: The nearest city, known for its rich cultural heritage and numerous temples, including the famous Thyagaraja Swamy Temple.
Kumbakonam: Located nearby, this city is famous for its many temples and is a hub for religious tourism in TamilNadu.
Thanjavur: A historical city known for its magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple and rich Chola heritage, situated within a reasonable distance from the temple.
Nagapattinam: While a bit further away, this coastal town is historically significant and known for its temples and connection to various river systems.
Tiruvarur District: The temple is part of this district, which encompasses several towns and villages, contributing to the region's spiritual landscape.