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Pranava Vyaghra Pureeswarar Temple

The Omampuliyur Thuyar Theertha Nathar Temple is a prominent Hindu temple located in Omampuliyur, in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India. Historically known as Umapuliyur, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Pranava Vyakrapureeswar. His consort is Poongodi Nayaki. A unique feature of this temple is that it houses Dakshinamurthy inside the sanctum, which is relatively rare. The temple is one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams, which are Shiva temples celebrated in the early medieval Tevaram hymns composed by Tamil Saivite Nayanars Thirugnanasambandar and Tirunavukkarasar. It is also one of the temples situated on the northern banks of the River Kaveri.

Timings

Morning : 6.00 AM to 12.00 AM & Evening : 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM

Entry Fee

No entry fee is charged

Sage Vyakrapada visited Omampuliyur and prayed to Lord Shiva, asking for a divine dance darshan in Chidambaram. In honour of his devotion and prayer, Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Pranava Vyakrapureeswar. The goddess is revered as Poongodi Nayaki.

A notable event associated with the temple is the story of King Sadananda, a devout Shiva worshipper, who was cured of leprosy by bathing in the holy Varadanan tank at this temple.

Another significant event highlights the temple's sanctity: two virgins from the celestial realm were transformed into a swine and a human due to a curse by Sage Durvasa. They were pursued by a tiger and sought refuge at Gowri Theertha. A woman there, while drying her hair after a bath, had a few drops of water fall on the virgins, miraculously restoring them to their original forms.


Sthala Purana :



Sage Vyakrapada came to Omapuliyur and earnestly prayed to Lord Shiva, requesting a divine dance darshan similar to that in Chidambaram. In honour of his devotion and prayer, Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Pranava Vyakrapureeswara. The goddess is revered as Poongodi.

The temple is also known for a significant event involving King Sadananda, a devout follower of Shiva, who was cured of leprosy by bathing in the sacred Varadanan tank located at the temple.

Another remarkable event highlighting the temple's sanctity involves two celestial virgins who were transformed into a swine and a human due to a curse from Sage Durvasa. They were pursued by a tiger and sought refuge at Gowri Theertha. A woman, who had just bathed in the tank and was drying her hair, accidentally let a few drops of water fall on the virgins, miraculously restoring them to their original celestial forms.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to Your Ishta Devata: Before embarking on your pilgrimage, take a moment to pray to your chosen deity for a safe and spiritually fulfilling visit to the temple.
  2. Contact the Temple Information Center: Reach out to the temple’s information centre for inquiries about the temple, including details on poojas, rituals, and other important information.
  3. Reserve Travel and Accommodation: Plan and book your travel and accommodation well in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free visit to the temple.
  4. Bath and Wear Clean Clothes: Take a bath and wear clean, appropriate clothing before entering the temple to show respect and maintain ritual purity.
  5. Concentrate on the Deity: Focus your mind and heart on the God and Goddess enshrined in the temple during your visit to enhance your spiritual experience.
  6. Maintain Silence and Recite Mantras: Observe silence inside the temple and recite your Ishta Mantra quietly to yourself to maintain a serene atmosphere and deepen your meditation.
  7. Observe Customs and Traditions: Follow the ancient customs and traditions of the temple to respect its rituals and maintain the sanctity of the space.
  8. Deposit Offerings in the Hundi: Place your offerings in the designated hundi (donation box) rather than giving them directly to temple staff.
  1. Avoid Non-Worship Visits: Do not visit the temple for purposes other than worshiping the deities to maintain the temple’s sanctity.
  2. No Smoking: Smoking is not allowed within the temple premises to ensure a clean and respectful environment.
  3. No Alcoholic Drinks: Consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the temple to maintain spiritual and ritual purity.
  4. No Non-Vegetarian Food: Avoid eating non-vegetarian food within the temple grounds as it is against temple etiquette and tradition.
  5. Avoid Mediators: Do not approach mediators for quick darshan (viewing of the deity) as it may inconvenience other devotees and disrupt the temple’s order.
  6. No Weapons: Carrying weapons inside the temple is strictly prohibited to ensure the safety and peaceful atmosphere of the sacred space.
  7. No Headgear: Remove any head coverings such as helmets, caps, turbans, and hats before entering the temple to show respect to the divine presence.

Dress Code

For Men: Men should wear a shirt and trousers, dhoti, or pyjamas with an upper cloth. Shorts, low-waist jeans, and other casual wear are not permitted.

For Women: Women should dress in a saree, half-saree with blouse, or churidar with pyjama’s and upper cloth. Mini-skirts, sleeveless tops, and other informal clothing are not allowed.

How to reach

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Best Season to visit :

The ideal time to visit this temple is during the winter season, from September to March. This period offers the most comfortable weather for pilgrimage. Visiting during these months ensures a pleasant experience.


By Road : Mayiladuthurai Old Bus Stand: The temple is 22.3 kilometres from Mayiladuthurai Old Bus Stand. It takes approximately 1 hour to reach the temple by road.

By Rail : The temple is located 24.4 kilometres from Mayiladuthurai Junction. Travel by taxi or bus to reach the temple conveniently.

By Air : The temple is 131 kilometres from Tiruchirapalli International Airport. You can reach the temple by hiring a taxi or taking a bus.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers :

  1. Kollidam River: The temple is associated with the Kollidam River, a major tributary of the Kaveri River. This sacred river is significant for its purifying qualities and is often involved in temple rituals and festivals.


Cities :

  1. Cuddalore: The temple is located in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. Cuddalore is a prominent city in the region, known for its historical temples and cultural heritage.
  2. Chidambaram: Situated nearby, Chidambaram is a major city known for its famous Nataraja Temple. It is an important pilgrimage site and cultural centre in TamilNadu.
  3. Pondicherry: A little farther from the temple, Pondicherry is a well-known city with a rich colonial history and vibrant culture. It is an important urban centre close to Cuddalore.
  4. Kumbakonam: Located further to the west, Kumbakonam is renowned for its numerous temples and is a significant pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu.