Naganathar Swamy Temple

1. Pamani Naganathar Temple, located in Pamani, Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as Naganathar. 
2. His consort, Parvati, is worshipped as Amirtha Nayaki. 
3. This temple is renowned as the Sarpa Pureeswarar Temple and holds historical importance as one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, celebrated in the Thevaram poems by the Tamil Saivite Nayanar Thirugnana Sambandar. 
4. Historically, it was known as Padhalecharam during Thirugnanasambandar's time and later referred to as "Pampani" during Sundarar's era, eventually becoming known as Pamani. 
5. The temple features a mango tree as its sacred tree (Thala Virutcham) and includes several sacred water bodies, such as Naga Theertham and Rudra Theertham. 
6. As the 221st Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam on the southern side of the Kaveri River and the 104th Sthalam in Chozha Nadu, the Pamani Naganathar Temple attracts devotees and visitors, embodying rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE:

1. A contest arose between Adisesha and Vayu Bhagwan about their prowess. Adisesha pressed the Meru Mount with its head and coiled it around.  
2. Vayu could not move the mount and thus was defeated.  
3. Vayu with all his fury controlled the air which led to suffocation of all beings threatening their lives.  
4. As requested by Devas, the contest took place again.  
5. Devas slightly reduced the power of Adisesha.  
6. Three of his heads became weak.  
7. Vayu broke three peaks.  
8. Saddened by its defeat, Adisesha, for mental peace, came to this place, made a Shiva Linga of ant-hill sand and worshipped the Lord.  
9. The Linga is in the form of an ant-hill.

Tiru Padaleswaram: The Sacred Abode of Adisesha

Origin of the Name

As the Divine Serpent Adisesha came to earth from the world below-Padala Loka-to worship Lord Naganathar, the place was named Tiru Padaleswaram.

The Shrine of Adisesha

There is a shrine for Adisesha with a human face and a snake body. Adisesha is the head of the eight Nagas: Anandhan, Vasuki, Dakshan, Karkodakan, Sangabalan, Kulikan, Padman, and Mahapadman, as well as the planets Rahu and Ketu. It is the staunch faith of the devotees that they would be relieved of all adverse aspects of snake planets if they worship Adisesha by lighting ghee lamps.

The Exception of Abishek

It is noteworthy that no abishek is performed on Lingas made of sand, but the one made of ant-hill sand by Adisesha is an exception.

Sani Parihara Sthalam: Relief from Saturn's Influence

Grace of Lord Bhairava and Saturn

The place and temple are also noted for relief from Saturn problems, as Lord Bhairava and Saturn together grace the devotees.

The Curse of the Disciples

Disciples of Lord Dakshinamurthy

The disciples of Lord Dakshinamurthy once went to Vaikundam for darshan of Lord Vishnu, but they were denied admission by the Dwarapalakas (the securities). In their frustration, the disciple sages cursed the securities, thus incurring a dosha for being rash. They worshipped Pamani Naganathar and Simha Dakshinamurthy to get relieved of the doshas.

Worship for Zodiac Signs

All those belonging to Leo, Kumba, Cancer, Sagittarius, Aries, and Scorpio signs are advised to worship Simha Dakshinamurthy to realise a peaceful and happy life.

Chevvai Parihara Sthalam: A Universal Refuge

Importance for All Planets

As Adisesha himself sought this place to worship Lord Naganathar, the temple is considered important for all, including those under the influence of planet Mars and all other planets.

The Contest of Powers: Adisesha vs. Vayu

The Legendary Contest

A contest arose between Adisesha and Vayu Bhagwan regarding their prowess. Adisesha pressed down on Meru Mount with its head and coiled it around. Vayu could not move the mount and thus was defeated. Vayu, with all his fury, controlled the air, leading to the suffocation of all beings and threatening their lives.

Divine Intervention

As requested by the Devas, the contest took place again. The Devas slightly reduced the power of Adisesha, weakening three of his heads. Vayu then broke three peaks. Saddened by his defeat, Adisesha sought mental peace and came to this place, where he made a Shiva Linga of ant-hill sand and worshipped the Lord. The Linga is in the form of an ant-hill.

Adishesha’s Transformation

Adishesha emerged from Paadhalam as Dhanajayamunivar and worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple.

Sukala Munivar’s Devotion

Worship by Saints

Sukala Munivar also worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple, further establishing its significance.

Faith and Practices

The Power of Ghee Lamps

It is the staunch faith of devotees that they would be relieved of all adverse aspects of snake planets if they worship Adisesha by lighting ghee lamps.

ADMINISTRATION:



The Pamani Naganathar Temple in Thiruvarur is typically administered by a local temple trust or committee. In Tamil Nadu, many temples, including this one, may fall under the purview of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) Department of the Tamil Nadu government. This department is responsible for the administration of Hindu temples and charitable institutions across the state.