Tirupperumpuliyur Vyakrapureeswarar Temple: Sage Vyaghrapada’s Sacred Abode

 

Location

• Village: Perumpuliyur (also known as Tirupperumpuliyur)
• District: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
• Nearby towns: ~5 km from Tiruvaiyaru, ~4 km west of Tiruneithaanam
• Access: Easily reachable from nearby Paadal Petra Sthalams like Tirupazhanam, Tirukandiyur, and Thingalur

Main Deities

• Presiding deity: Lord Shiva as Vyakrapureeswarar
• Consort: Goddess Parvati as Soundaryanayaki
• The name “Vyakrapureeswarar” is linked to Sage Vyaghrapada, who had tiger legs and worshipped Shiva with utmost devotion

Sub Shrines and Features

• Nataraja Shrine: Sage Vyaghrapada is believed to reside here, symbolizing his devotion to Lord Nataraja of Chidambaram
• Other shrines: While specific sub-shrines aren’t listed in detail, the temple is part of a sacred circuit and likely includes shrines for Vinayaka, Murugan, and Navagrahas typical of Shiva temples
• Temple layout: Built in traditional Dravidian style, with a sanctum, mandapams, and a prakaram

Temple Significance

• Paadal Petra Sthalam: One of the 275 sacred Shiva temples praised in the Tevaram hymns by Tirugnanasambandar, a Tamil Saivite saint
• Nava Puliyur Temples: This temple is one of the nine Puliyur temples worshipped by sages Patanjali and Vyaghrapada. Others include:
• Perumpatrapuliyur
• Thirupathiripuliyur
• Erukathampuliyur
• Omampuliyur
• Sirupuliyur
• Atthippuliyur
• Thaplampuliyur
• Kanattampuliyur
• Spiritual aura: The temple is associated with purity and devotion, especially through the legend of Vyaghrapada who used his tiger legs and nail-eyes to select the purest flowers for Shiva puja

History

• The temple dates back over a millennium, with architectural and inscriptional evidence pointing to Chola-period origins.
• It is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, sanctified by the hymns of Tirugnanasambandar, a 7th-century Saivite saint.
• The temple is part of the Nava Puliyur circuit, a group of nine temples associated with sages Vyaghrapada and Patanjali, who are said to have worshipped Lord Shiva in these sacred sites.

Legends

• The temple’s name, Vyakrapureeswarar, comes from Sage Vyaghrapada (“vyaghra” means tiger and “pada” means feet), who was blessed with tiger legs to climb trees and collect the freshest flowers for Shiva’s worship.
• It is believed that Vyaghrapada and Patanjali performed penance here to witness Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance, which ultimately occurred at Chidambaram, another temple they visited after this one.
• The temple is revered as a place where devotion and purity of worship are rewarded, reflecting the sage’s intense bhakti and the Lord’s grace.

Architecture

• The temple follows a modest Dravidian style, typical of early Chola-era shrines.
• The sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) houses Lord Vyakrapureeswarar in the form of a lingam, facing east.
• The Goddess Soundaryanayaki shrine is located in a separate sanctum, often facing south.
• The temple features a simple vimana (tower) above the sanctum and a prakaram (circumambulatory path) with a few sub-shrines.
• Though not grand in scale, the temple’s spiritual significance outweighs its architectural size, making it a cherished stop for Saivite pilgrims.

Daily Rituals

• The temple follows Shaiva Agama traditions, with standard puja routines:
• Kalasanthi (morning)
• Uchikalam (midday)
• Sayaraksha (evening)
• Arthajama (night)
• Offerings include abhishekam (ritual bathing), archana (chanting of names), and deepa aradhana (lamp waving).
• Devotees often bring fresh flowers, reflecting the legend of Sage Vyaghrapada who offered only the purest blooms to Shiva.

Major Festivals

• Mahashivaratri (Feb–Mar): Celebrated with night-long vigils, special abhishekams, and chanting of Shiva’s names.
• Tiruvadhirai (Dec–Jan): Honors Lord Nataraja’s cosmic dance; significant due to Vyaghrapada’s connection to Chidambaram.
• Other observances may include:
• Pradosham: Bi-monthly evening puja for Shiva
• Aani Thirumanjanam: Abhishekam for Nataraja
• Navaratri: Celebrations for Goddess Soundaryanayaki

Beliefs and Spiritual Significance

• Sage Vyaghrapada’s devotion is central: He worshipped Shiva with tiger-like agility and divine vision to select flawless flowers.
• The temple is part of the Nava Puliyur circuit, believed to bestow spiritual insight, purity, and liberation.
• Devotees believe that:
• Worship here removes obstacles and enhances devotional discipline.
• The temple’s energy supports penance, inner transformation, and graceful living.
• Pilgrimage to all nine Puliyur temples is said to bring moksha (liberation).

Temple Hours

• Morning: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• These timings may vary slightly on festival days or special occasions. It’s best to visit during daylight hours for darshan and exploration.

Getting Here

• Location: Perumpuliyur village, near Thillaisthanam, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu
• Nearest town: Tiruvaiyaru (~5 km away)
• By road: Accessible via Thanjavur–Kumbakonam route. Local buses and taxis are available from Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, and Tiruvaiyaru.
• By train: Nearest railway stations are Thanjavur Junction and Kumbakonam. From there, take a cab or bus.
• By air: Nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (~60 km away)

Tips

• Footwear: Leave shoes outside the temple premises as per tradition.
• Dress code: Modest attire is recommended; traditional wear preferred.
• Photography: May be restricted inside sanctum; check with temple staff.
• Best time to visit: During Mahashivaratri or Tiruvadhirai for vibrant celebrations.
• Nearby temples: Combine your visit with other Nava Puliyur temples or Paadal Petra Sthalams like Tiruvaiyaru, Tirupazhanam, and Thingalur.