Swarnapureesar temple, Tiruchemponpalli
Location: Tiruchemponpalli (Sembanaar Kovil)
Deity known as: Swarnapureesar
Female Deity: Sugandha Kundhalambikai
Pathikam: Tirunavukarasar - 2, Sambandar - 1
Gallery - Swarnapureesar Temple
How to Reach
This shiva temple, popularly known as Sembonaar Kovil, is located about 10 km from Mayiladuthurai, on the route to Tarangambadi.
Temple Address
Tiruchemponpalli (Sembonaar Kovil)
Mayiladuthurai District
Tamil Nadu
Temple Hours
Morning: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Nearby Paadal Petra Sivasthalams
| 1 | Mayiladuthurai - 10 kms | |
| 2 | TiruVilanagar - 4.2 kms | |
| 3 | Tirupariyalur (Parasalur) - 3.8 kms | |
| 4 | Tiru-Nani-Palli (Panjai) - 5 kms |
The Sacred Site of Dakshayani's Penance
Daksha, the Manasaputra (mind-born son) of Brahma, gave his daughter Dakshayani in marriage to Swarnapureeswarar (Shiva). Later, driven by arrogance, Daksha conducted a grand sacrificial ritual (yaga) but deliberately failed to invite Shiva, thereby committing a grave act of disrespect.
Dakshayani's Curse
With the intention of correcting her father and guiding him toward righteousness, Dakshayani traveled to Tiruppariyalur. However, blinded by pride, Daksha openly insulted both Shiva and Shakti. Deeply angered by this humiliation, Dakshayani cursed that Daksha's sacrificial ritual be destroyed and prayed to Shiva to teach him a lesson.
Emergence of Veerabhadra
In response, Shiva manifested Veerabhadra and Bhadrakali, who destroyed the yaga and brought about the destruction of Daksha himself. To absolve herself of the sin of being the daughter of Daksha, who had committed blasphemy against Shiva, Dakshayani undertook severe penance at this place, standing amidst the five sacred fires (Panchagni).
Sugandha kundhalambikai
Pleased with her intense devotion and penance, Shiva blessed Dakshayani to reside eternally by his side as Sugandha kundhalambikai, bestowing grace upon devotees. Thus, this place is revered as the site where Dakshayani received divine grace and where Veerabhadra manifested, making it a place of profound spiritual significance.
Temple Significance
- Goddess Lakshmi worshipped the presiding deity of this temple and attained MahaVishnu as her consort. Hence, this place came to be known as Lakshmipuri.
- Indra bathed in the Surya Theertham here and worshipped the deity, through which he obtained the Vajrayudha to defeat Vritrasura. Therefore, this place is also called Indrapuri.
- Muruga worshipped the presiding deity here and destroyed the demon Taraka, due to which this place is also known as Gandhapuri.
- The presiding deity, Suvarnapureeswarar, who manifests in the form of a Shiva Linga upon a circular Avudaiyar (pedestal), was also worshipped by Maha Vishnu.
Temple Structure
This temple, renovated by Ko-chengat Chola, faces east and has an east-facing main entrance (Thiruvaayil).
Presiding Deity (Moolavar)
The presiding deity appears as a Swayambhu Linga, installed on a lotus-shaped Avudaiyar with sixteen petals below and sixteen petals above.
Goshta Deities
The Goshta deities in this temple include Indira Ganapati, Dakshinamurthy, Ardhanareeswarar, and Goddess Durga.
Maha Mandapam
The Maha Mandapam houses sannidhis for Vinayaka, the Surya—Chandra Lingas, and Subramanya. The ancient form of Shiva as Bhikshadana found here is of great antiquity.
Goddess Sannidhi
Goddess Sugandha Kundhalambikai is enshrined in a south-facing sannidhi. To the south-west of the temple complex is a separate sannidhi dedicated to the Sapta Kannikas.
Other Deities
On the western side is Sthala Vinayaka, also known as Prakasa Pillaiyar. The temple also houses sannidhis for Vanadurga, Viswanathar, Srinivasa Perumal, Shiva in the form of Sibi-kaatchi-nathar holding the deer (maan) and axe (Mazhu), Balasubramanya with four arms holding a Rudraksha garland and Shakti weapon, Gajalakshmi, Jyeshtha Devi, Veerabhadra, Surya, Bhairava, and other deities.
Special Worship
- Worship at this temple is traditionally considered an excellent remedy for Navagraha (planetary) doshas.
- Worship of Goddess Durga at this temple is considered especially powerful.
Sacred Theertham and Temple Tree
Surya Theertham
Near the temple is the temple tank known as Surya Theertham. It is believed that taking a holy dip in this theertham on the new moon day (Amavasya) in the Tamil month of Chithirai and during the month of Vaikasi absolves devotees of all sins.
Temple Tree (Sthala Vriksha)
The Vanni tree located between the sannidhi of the God and the Goddess, and the Vilva (Bilva) tree found in the northern circumambulatory path, are revered as the sacred trees of this temple.
Special Features
Worship of the Sun
From the 7th to the 18th day of the Tamil month of Chithirai, for twelve consecutive days, the rays of the rising Sun fall directly upon the presiding deity during the morning hours. This phenomenon is considered highly auspicious.
Somavara (Monday) Special
During the Tamil month of Karthigai, on all Mondays (Somavaram), 108 Sangabhishekam is performed at this temple. It is firmly believed that devotees who visit Sembonarkoil on these days and worship both the deities (somavara darshan) are blessed with all auspicious boons, including marriage blessings.
Gallery - More Temple Views
