About trip

About Temple:This temple is 1000-2000 years old temple. Lord Shiva in the temple is Swayambu. While Lord Vishnu honors the devotees with Discus and Conch in the temples, here Lord Muruga blesses the devotees with the Chakra (disc) and the Sangu (shell). This is the birthplace of Pugazh Thunai Nayanar, one of the famous 63 Nayanmars.

• Moolavar : Padikasu Nathar(Sornapureeswarar)
• Urchavar : Somaskandar
• Amman / Thayar : Azhagammai
• Thala Virutcham : Vilwa
• Theertham : Amirtha Pushkarini
• Agamam / Pooja : Shivagama
• Old year : 1000-2000 years old
• Historical Name : Arisilkaraipudur
• Location : Aalagaputhur,Thanjavur,Tamil Nadu

History:

• The main deity in this temple is Sornapureeswarar or Swarnapureeswarar and his consort in this temple is Alagaammai. Lord Shiva in the temple is a swayambumurthy. 
• Here Lord Muruga blesses the devotees with the disc and the shell. Sthalavruksham is vilva. The temple has three levels. Rajagopuram Lord Shiva planned to put an end to the growing atrocities of the demons, send Lord Muruga to destroy them. 
• When Muruga started walking, Shiva and Devas gave her many powerful weapons. Lord Vishnu gave his record and conch. With all these weapons, Muruga destroyed the demons.
•  Then Lord Muruga appears here with Discus and Conch.This is the birth place of Pugazh Thunai Nayanar, one among the celebrated 63 Nayanmars,he carry water for the abishek of Lord Shiva, though very poor, he was determined to continue his puja to Lord. 
• The place came under drought and a severe famine gripped the place. Pugazh Thunai Nayanar was not disheartened and continued his service to Lord. 
• Due to starvation and age, he was too weak and tired to carry the abishek water and fell fainted on the Shivalinga with the abishek water one day. Lord appeared in his dream and asked what he wished. 
• Nayanar begged the Lord to help him continue his Shiva puja and protect the people from famine. Lord promised to give him one coin every day to help the people and continue the puja.With the assistance of Lord, Pugazhthunai Nayanar continued his pujas. 
• After long years of services to Lord and the people, he attained salvation in this place. Lord made him one among the celebrated Nayanars.The preist performed ‘Paddikassu pooja’ here, devotees beleive that performing this ritual will bring proserity. 
• Images of Surya and Chandra are seen at the Rajagopura entrance. The shrine to Shanmukhar is highly revered and it is believed that worshippers are cured of poisonous bites.
•  Other Shrines in this temple are Gajalakshmi, Bhairavar and the Navagrahas, Pugazhtunai Nayanar and others.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Thanjavur Sightseeing

Morning pick up from Theni. Proceed towards Thanjavur. Hotel Check in. Brahadeshwara Temple. Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Siva Ganga Garden. Vijayanagar Fort. Come back to Hotel. Overnight stay at Thanjavur.

Day 2 - Thanjavur Sightseeing

Morning Breakfast at Hotel. Bangaru Kamakshi Temple. Schwartz church. Swami Malai temple. Come back to Hotel. Overnight stay at Thanjavur.

Day 3 - Thanjavur Sightseeing

Morning Breakfast at Hotel. Check out from Hotel. To visit Sarasvati Mahal. Thanjavur Maratha Palace. Sri Padikasu Nathar Temple - Azhagaputhur Then proceed towards Theni. Finally drop at Theni.