Saturday, January 28, 2017

Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Therku Poigainallur, Nagapattinam

Swarnapureeswarar Temple, Therku Poigainallur, Nagapattinam
Swarnapureeswarar Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva located at Therku Poigainallur Village in Nagapattinam District of Tamilnadu. Presiding Deity is called as Lord Swarnapureeswarar and Mother is called as Periyanaki. Goddess Chelliamman graces as the guardian deity. A Swayambu Lord Muruga idol with Valli and Deivanai is in the temple.

Legends
Swayambu Idols:
The traders in Nagapattinam desired to build a temple for Chelliamman in a place that was a forest area. They made the idols ready. While digging the foundation for the temple in Therku Poigainallur, they found the idols of Lord, Muruga, Valli, Deivanai and other sub – deity idols. When they axed a tree near the present Ambica shrine, they found Goddess idol from the tree hole along with other idols also. They installed their own – made idols within the temple and other ones outside the temple. They named the Lord Swarnapureeswarar and Mother Periyanaki. Goddess Chelliamman graces as the guardian deity.
Belief of Snake guarding the Temple:
As the temple is in a forest area, it is believed that a snake guards the temple.  Devotees believe that a snake is lying in front of the temple and it disappears when it hears the bell sound when the priest opens the doors.  Hence, those afflicted with Rahu-Ketu aspects, worship Mother and believe that they will be married with a suitable match soon.
The Temple
Presiding Deity is called as Lord Swarnapureeswarar and Mother is called as Periyanaki. Goddess Chelliamman graces as the guardian deity. A Swayambu Lord Muruga idol with Valli and Deivanai is in the temple. There are shrines for Lord Vinayaka, Lord Muruga with Valli and Deivanai and the guardian deity Chelliamman. The idols of Lord Muruga and his consorts Valli and Deivanai are the ones found from the ground. These idols are installed in the sanctum sanctorum on the left hand side. 

Pujas are regularly performed for Lord Muruga. Lord Muruga has six faces. As a Swayambu, he graces the devotees with boons of their wish. With a view to ensure communal harmony among people of all religions, Chelliamman is taken in procession in Vailankanni and Nagai Bazaar. People of all religions pray to Mother Chelliamman for profitable progress in trade, fishing, prevention of diseases and prosperity. 

Temple Opening Time
The temple is open from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Festivals
Fire pit walking festival takes place on Vaikasi Visakam star day in May-June. The Lord comes in procession on Shivrathri day.
Prayers
Women pray to Mother Chelliamman seeking wedding boon while others pray for relief from Rahu-Ketu (serpent planets) adverse aspects of the planets. On realizing their wishes, devotees offer Mangal Sutra to Goddess and light lamps made of rice flour paste made with ghee called Mavilakku.
Contact
Swarnapureeswarar Temple,
Therku Poigainallur,
Nagapattinam District
Mobile: +91 99422 67660 / 95785 72989
Connectivity
Paravai bus stop is 7 km from Nagapattinam on the Vailankanni route. Therku Poigai Nallur is 2 km from the Paravai branch road. Auto facility is available.  Nearest Railway Station is located at Nagapattinam and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.