Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Thirukkuvalai


Brahmapureeswarar Temple or Tiurkolili is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thirukkuvalai in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is revered by the hymns of 7th century Tamil saivite poets, Appar, Sundarar and Campantar and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Legend

One old man of Kundaiyur near Tirukkuvalai hearing of Sundaramurthi Nayanar's greatness was supplying him with paddy and dhol, when owing to adversity of season being unable to contribute the stipulated quantity prayed to God. Sundarar sung praying the deity here in favour of the old man. As per Hindu legend, the image of Shiva, in the form of lingam was made with white sand by Brahma. Navagrahas, the nine planetary deities are believed to have worshipped Shiva to absolve themselves of the sins committed. Thyagarajar is called Avani Vidangar and is believed to perform Bringa Natanam.

Processional Dance

The Thyagarajar Temple at Tiruvarur is famous for the ajapa thanam, that is executed by the deity itself. According to legend, a Chola king named Mucukunta obtained a boon from Indra and wished to receive an image of Thyagaraja Swamy reposing on the chest of reclining Lord Vishnu. Indra tried to misguide the king and had six other images made, but the king chose the right image at Tiruvarur. The other six images were installed in Thirukkuvalai, Nagapattinam, Tirukarayil, Tirukolili, Thirukkuvalai and Tirumaraikadu. All the seven places are villages situated in the river Cauvery delta. All seven Thyagaraja images are said to dance when taken in procession. The temples with dance styles are regarded as Saptha Vidangam and the related temples are as under:
TempleVidangar TempleDance poseMeaning
Thyagarajar TempleVidhividangarAjabathaanamDance without chanting, resembling the dance of Sri Thyagaraja resting on Lord Vishnu's chest
Dharbaranyeswarar TempleNagaradangarUnmathanathaanamDance of an intoxicated person
Kayarohanaswamy TempleSundaravidangarVilathithaanamDancing like waves of sea
Kannayariamudayar TempleAdhividangarKukunathaanamDancing like a cock
Brahmapureeswarar TempleAvanividangarBrunganathaanamDancing like a bee that hovers over a flower
Vaimoornaathar TempleNallavidangarKamalanaanathaanamDance like lotus that moves in a breeze
Vedaranyeswarar TempleBhuvanivividangarHamsapthanathaanamDancing with the gait of a swan