Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple - Tirupattur, Tiruchirappalli - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings
Photo Credit: Flickr
#4 of 21 Places to Visit in Tiruchirappalli
Distance (From Tiruchirappalli Junction): 35 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 2 Hours
Place Location: Close To Siruganur Between Samayapuram - Perambalu
Transportation Options: Bus / Cab
Travel Tips: This place can be visited from Samayapuram (16 km)
About Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple
At a distance of 35 km from Trichy, the Brahmapureeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located in Tirupattur near Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of a Swayambu Lingam. He is called Brahmapureeswarar since he changed the destiny of Brahma. Although primarily a Shiva temple, it maintains a close association with Lord Brahma. This is the only Brahman Sthalam in the region, and among the must-visit places as part of the Trichy heritage packages. Devotees believe that by seeking blessings at the Brahmapureeswarar Temple, individuals can transform their destinies. The temple is under the administration of The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, Government of Tamil Nadu.
History of Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple
The Temple is estimated to be around 1500 years old, and it appears to predate the Thanjavur Big Temple. It is recognized as a Thevara Vaippu Sthalam, as it is mentioned in the Devaram hymns composed by Appar and Sundarar. Numerous inscriptions within the temple acknowledge the contributions of various devotees and dynasties, including Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan I. Aside from the principal Shiva shrine, much of the temple remained in a state of neglect until 1998. With the support of funding and community efforts, the temple regained its prominence in 1999. Currently, it is maintained and overseen by Dharmapuram Adheenam, a Saivite monastic organization.
Mythology of Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple
According to mythology, Lord Brahma once became exceedingly proud of his status as the creator of the universe. He believed himself to be more powerful than Lord Shiva due to his creative abilities. In response to Brahma's arrogance, Lord Shiva became enraged and severed Brahma's fifth head, cursing him that he would lose his powers of creation. Following the loss of his fifth head and his role in creation, Brahma realized his mistake. He worshipped Shiva at various places to be relieved from the curse. To express his devotion, Lord Brahma established 12 lingams around the Brahmapureeswarar site and engaged in prolonged worship of Shiva. Moved by Brahma's sincere prayers, Lord Shiva appeared to him beneath the Magizha tree, lifting the curse and granting Brahma a separate shrine within the temple. Additionally, Shiva advised Brahma that, having had his own destiny rewritten at this sacred site, he should assist his devotees in rewriting their destinies as well.
Architecture of Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple
This temple exemplifies Dravidian architecture and features a five-tiered Raja Gopuram oriented towards the east. The main deities worshipped here are Brahmapureeswarar, represented as a Swayambu Lingam, and Devi Brahma Sampath Gowri. The temple comprises seven enclosures that lead to the sanctum. Notably, during the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April), for a duration of three days, sunlight illuminates the presiding deity directly, a remarkable phenomenon as the sun's rays traverse the seven entrances to reach the lingam. Additionally, there is a seperate shrine dedicated to Brahma, whose idol is depicted in a meditative posture, seated in Padmasana on a lotus and adorned with turmeric. The temple complex also houses the Jeeva Samadhi of Yogi Patanjali, the esteemed author of the Yoga Sutras.
Furthermore, the temple includes various sannidhis for deities such as Ganesha, Murugan, Saptha Kannikas, Gajalakshmi, and the Navagrahas. Within the temple grounds, there are twelve Shiva Lingams that were installed and revered by Lord Brahma. These lingams include Sri Brahmapureeswarar, the principal deity, as well as Sri Pazhamalai Nathar, Sri Pathala Eswarar, Sri Thayumanavar, Sri Manduga Nathar, Sri Ekambareswarar, Sri Arunachaleswarar, Sri Kailasa Nathar, Sri Jambukeshwarar, Sri Kalathi Nathar, Sri Sabthagereswarar, and Sri Sudharaneswarar. Most of these lingams are located in separate shrines around the Brahma Theertham, the sacred pond from which Brahma sourced water for his puja to Lord Shiva.
Additionally, there exists another temple known as the Varadharaja Perumal temple, located approximately 2 kilometers from the Brahmapureeswarar temple.
Festivals of Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple
The Brahmotsavam Festival, celebrated in the Tamil month of Chittirai (April-May), stands as the principal festival of the Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple. During this time, the temple comes to life during the festival with vibrant processions, music, dance, and intricate rituals. This festival marks a period when the divine energy of Lord Shiva permeates the atmosphere, fostering joy and devotion among the devotees. Other significant celebrations at the temple include Maha Shivaratri, Karthigai, Navarathri, and Vinayaka Chathurthi, all observed with great enthusiasm and grandeur. Additionally, Mondays and Thursdays are particularly auspicious days for devotees seeking darshan of Lord Shiva, and Brahma.
Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple
Visitors to Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple are expected to dress modestly and respectfully, typically with conservative clothing covering shoulders and knees. Male devotees are encouraged to don a dhoti, shirt, pajama, or a combination of pants and a shirt, while female visitors should opt for saris, salwar kameez, or long skirts paired with blouses and a dupatta.
Access to the sanctum sanctorum of the Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple is generally limited to Hindus, as it serves as a place of worship for the Hindu community. However, they are permitted to admire the temple's architecture from the exterior.
Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple Timings
Monday: 7 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday: 7 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Wednesday: 7 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Thursday: 7 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Friday: 7 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Saturday: 7 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Sunday: 7 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple Entry Fee
General Entry is Free
Special Darshan available for Rs. 100
Best Time to Visit Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple
The ideal time to visit the Brahmapureeswarar Temple is during the cooler months from October to March when the climate is agreeable and suitable for exploration. For an enriched spiritual and cultural experience, the most favorable time to visit is during the Brahmostavam festival that is celebrated during the month of April/May when the temple is filled with vibrant activities.
How to Reach Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple
Sri Brahmapureeswarar Temple is located 35 Km from Trichy which is well-connected by flight, train, and bus with all the major towns, and cities of Tamil Nadu. Government and private bus services are available to reach the temple from Trichy. Besides, one can also hire a cab to reach the Tirupattur from Trichy.