Adhimooleswarar Temple, Tiruppaatrurai – A Paadal Petra Sthalam on the Banks of Cauvery

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Location

This ancient temple is located in Tirupalathurai, near Paneyapuram, in Trichy District, Tamil Nadu. It sits on the northern bank of the River Cauvery, and is easily accessible from Tiruchirapalli city.

Presiding Deities & Sub Shrines

  • Main Deity: Lord Shiva as Adhimooleswarar, enshrined in the form of a swayambhu lingam (self-manifested).
  • Consort: Goddess Nithyakalyani, enshrined in a separate south-facing shrine.
  • Sub Shrines & Sculptures:
    • Dakshinamurthy in a rare veena-holding form
    • Bhikshatana, Durga, Chandikeswarar, and Vishnu
    • Ganesha, Murugan, Navagrahas, and Nandi in the mandapa
    • A unique Raja Sabha (Court Hall) in the arthamandapa

Temple Significance

  • This temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, glorified in the Tevaram hymns by Saivite saint Tirugnanasambandar.
  • The temple’s legend speaks of a Chola king who discovered the divine presence of Shiva in an anthill that oozed milk—leading to the temple’s founding.
  • The name Pattrurai is derived from “Paal” (milk) + “Thurai” (place).
  • During Purattasi and Panguni, the sun’s rays fall directly on the lingam, a rare architectural alignment.
  • Musicians often worship Veena Dakshinamurthy here for blessings in their art.
  • Devotees pray for marriage blessings, child boon, and removal of obstacles.

History & Legends

  • This temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, praised in the Tevaram hymns by saint Tirugnanasambandar, dating back to the 7th century CE.
  • The region was historically known as Tirupalathurai, located on the northern bank of the River Cauvery, a sacred zone for Shaivite worship.
  • According to legend, a Chola king, while hunting, shot an arrow into a bush where a white bird had hidden. Instead of the bird, he struck an anthill that began oozing milk. That night, Lord Shiva appeared in his dream, revealing His presence in the anthill and instructing the king to build a temple there.
  • The name Pattrurai is derived from “Paal” (milk) + “Thurai” (place), commemorating this divine event.

Architectural Highlights

  • The temple follows Dravidian architecture, with two prakarams and a five-tiered Raja Gopuram.
  • The sanctum sanctorum houses Lord Adhimooleswarar as a swayambhu lingam, facing east.
  • The south-facing shrine of Goddess Nithyakalyani stands in graceful posture within the inner mandapa.
  • Unique sculptures include:
    • Veena-holding Dakshinamurthy, depicted without disciples—a rare form worshipped by musicians.
    • Bhikshatana, Durga, Chandikeswarar, and even Vishnu, carved into the sanctum walls.
  • The Raja Sabha (Court Hall) in the arthamandapa adds regal elegance to the temple’s layout.
  • During Purattasi and Panguni, the sun’s rays fall directly on the lingam, showcasing precise astronomical alignment.

Daily Rituals

The temple follows traditional Shaiva Agama practices, with six daily poojas performed at prescribed times:

  • Ushathkalam – Early morning abhishekam and archanai
  • Kalasanthi – Morning deepa aradhana
  • Uchikalam – Midday offerings
  • Sayarakshai – Evening pooja
  • Irandamkalam – Post-sunset rituals
  • Arthajamam – Night closure rituals

Each ritual includes abhishekam, archanai, naivedyam, and deepa aradhana to Lord Adhimooleswarar and Goddess Nithyakalyani.

Festivals

1. Maha Shivaratri (Feb–Mar)

  • Night-long worship with special abhishekams and chanting of Rudram and Shiva Sahasranamam.
  • Devotees observe fasting and stay awake in prayer.

2. Tirukarthikai (Nov–Dec)

  • Celebrated with rows of oil lamps (deepam) lit across the temple premises.
  • Symbolizes the light of Shiva dispelling darkness.

3. Margazhi Tiruvadirai (Dec–Jan)

  • Marks the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva as Nataraja.
  • Special abhishekam and Arudra Darshan are performed.

4. Brahmotsavam

  • The temple’s prime annual festival, featuring processions, vahana utsavams, and cultural performances.
  • Devotees gather in large numbers to witness the grandeur.

Beliefs & Devotional Significance

  • Marriage Blessings: Devotees pray here to remove obstacles in marriage proposals and for harmonious unions.
  • Child Boon: Special poojas with yellow cloth offerings are performed by couples seeking children, especially on Poornima (Full Moon) days.
  • Musical Blessings: Musicians worship Veena Dakshinamurthy, a rare form of Shiva, for artistic excellence and spiritual inspiration.
  • Sun Worship Alignment: During Purattasi (Sep–Oct) and Panguni (Mar–Apr), the sun’s rays fall directly on the lingam, symbolizing divine illumination.

Temple Timings

Rituals & Darshan

Time Slot

Morning Poojas

07:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Evening Poojas

4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • The temple conducts six daily rituals, including abhishekam, archanai, and deepa aradhana.

Getting Here

  • By Road:
    Located near Tiruvanaikkaval, the temple is about 15 km from Tiruchirapalli (Trichy).
    You can reach via Panayur route, with local buses and autos available.
  • By Rail:
    Nearest station: Tiruchirapalli Junction (TPJ). From there, take a taxi or local transport to Tiruppaatrurai.
  • By Air:
    Nearest airport: Tiruchirapalli International Airport, approx. 20 km away.

Tips

  • Dress Code: Traditional attire is preferred—men in dhoti, women in saree or salwar.
  • Photography: Restricted inside sanctum; permitted in outer prakarams.
  • Best Time to Visit: During Purattasi, Panguni, or Brahmotsavam for vibrant rituals and spiritual ambiance.
  • Nearby Attractions: Combine your visit with Jambukeswarar Temple and Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple for a full Trichy pilgrimage circuit.

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