The
place where Indra performed pooja to secure the Vajra Yudha
One of the Veerateswarar Temples
Located
just under 10kms from Mayiladuthurai on the Thiru Kadaiyur highway is the
ancient Swarnapureeswarar temple in Sembanar Koil, one that has been praised by
Thiru Gnana Sambanthar and Thirunavukkarasarar
Thiru
Gnana Sambanthar in his praise of the Lord of Sembanar Koil says that those who
offer their sincere prayers will be kept away from miseries of life. He also
describes the fiery features of the Lord.
This
is one of the Veerateswarar temples (https://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2019/12/thiru-vathigai-veerateswarar.html).
On
the pillars of the temple are several sculptures including those of a King, his
wife, his ministers and of Bikshandar. There are still a number of inscriptions
inside the temple dating back a 1000 years.
It
was here at this place that Indra performed pooja invoking the blessings of
Lord Shiva to secure the dreaded Vajra Yudha in a bid to demolish Vridasura. It
was also here that Muruga invoked the Lord’s blessings in his endeavour to kill
Tharakasura.
Brahmma’s
son Daksha failed to invite Lord Shiva to a yagna. An angry Shiva presented
Veerabadrar to nullify the yagna. Dakshayani, the daughter of Daksha undertook
penance to seek the blessings of Shiva and an apology on behalf of her father.
Sage
Agastya, Indra, Brahmma, Surya and Chandra performed pooja at this place.
Lord
Swarnapureeswarar is seen in an East facing posture while Ambal is seen facing the
West.
Festivals
Chitrai
Festival- Sun’s rays fall on the Lord for 10 days from the 7th day
There
was a grand Brahmotsavam that took place in Aani once upon a time. But over a
period of time, this had come to a halt, though to this day, we find a number
of vahanas inside the temple.
Abhishekam
for Sugantha Ambikambal on Aadi Pooram
Theerthavari
on Thai Poosam
One
day procession in Navarathri
How to reach
One
can board the bus towards Thiru Kadaiyur/ Karaikal. The temple is a few minutes
away from the Sembanar Koil bus stand. An auto from Mayiladurthurai will cost
Rs. 250.
The
temple is open from 730am to 12noon and from 430pm to 830pm.
Another Veerateswarar Temple is at Thiru Kurukkai near Mayiladuthurai
No comments:
Post a Comment