Brahmapureeswarar temple,Tirukkadavur Mayanam
Location
Tiru-Kadavur-Mayanam
Deity
Brahmapureeswarar
Female Deity
Nimalakuchambikai
Pathikam
Tirunavukarasar - 1, Sambandar - 1, Sundarar - 1
Gallery - Brahmapureeswarar Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is located about 2 km from the eastern entrance of Tiru-kadavur. Tiru-kadavur can be conveniently reached from Sirkazhi as well as Mayiladuthurai.
Temple Address
Thirumeignanam
Thirukkadaiyur Post
Mayiladuthurai Taluk
Mayiladuthurai District
PIN – 609311
Temple Hours
Morning : 6:00 - 12:00
Evening : 4:00 - 8:00
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
The Five Mayanam Temples
Mayanam
Five temples are collectively known as the "Mayanam" Sthalams. These are Kachi Mayanam (Kanchipuram), Kasi Mayanam, Kaazhi Mayanam (Sirkazhi), Nallur Mayanam, and Kadavur Mayanam. The term Mayanam refers to a cremation ground and is associated with the divine act of Shiva dissolving Brahma at the end of a cosmic cycle (pralaya). These temples commemorate this profound aspect of Shiva's role as the supreme power who brings creation to its close before the commencement of a new cycle of existence.
Cosmic Dissolution of Brahma
According to legend, at the end of a Brahma Kalpa, after the passage of countless yugas, Shiva brought the cycle of creation to a close by burning Brahma Deva and dissolving him into the cosmic void. Tiru-Kadaiyur Mayanam is revered as the place where this divine event is believed to have occurred. Following Brahma's dissolution, the Devas assembled here and earnestly prayed to Shiva, beseeching Him to restore Brahma so that the process of creation could continue. Moved by their prayers, Shiva granted their request, thereby reaffirming His role as the supreme source of both dissolution and renewal in the cosmic cycle.
Resurrection and Divine Knowledge
Moved by the earnest prayers of the Devas, Shiva restored Brahma to life and bestowed upon him the supreme wisdom of Shiva Jnana, imparting the divine knowledge necessary for the continuation of creation. Having received this profound spiritual realization , Brahma regained his role as the creator of the universe. In remembrance of this divine event, the place came to be known as Tiru-Mei-Gyanam, meaning "the sacred abode where true spiritual wisdom was attained."
Hymns of the Three Nayanmars
Tiru-Kadaiyur Mayanam holds distinguished place among the Shiva temples, as it has been glorified in the Thevaram hymns of all three principal Saiva Nayanmars—Tirugyana Sambandar, Appar (Tirunavukkarasar), and Sundarar. The temple's inclusion in the devotional compositions of this revered trio underscores its great spiritual significance and long-standing prominence in the Saivite tradition.
Temple Architecture
West-Facing Orientation
Architecturally, this temple is one among the rare Shiva temples oriented towards the west. The western gateway opens into a spacious outer prakaram, and standing before the three-tiered inner gopuram are the Dwajasthambam, Nandi, and Balipeetam.
Main Sanctum - Brahmapureeswarar
Passing through the inner gopuram gateway, one reaches the west-facing sanctum of the presiding deity Brahmapureeswarar. To the north of the sanctum is the sannidhi of Singara Velar, oriented towards the south. A unique feature of this Singara Velar is that He is depicted holding a bow and arrow and is adorned with footwear, an uncommon iconographic representation.
Sri Pillai Perumal Sannidhi
Along the southern side of the western corridor is the sannidhi of Mahavishnu, worshipped here as Sri Pillai Perumal, portrayed in a standing posture holding the Conch and Chakra.
Goddess Nirmalakuchambikai
In the south-western corner of the outer prakaram, Goddess Nirmalakuchambikai is enshrined in a separate east-facing sannidhi, where She graciously bestows Her blessings upon devotees who seek Her divine grace and protection.
Brahma Theertham - The Sacred Well
Sacred Waters for Abhishekam
To the south of the temple lies the Brahma Theertham. Nearby is a well whose water is used exclusively for the abhishekam of Amritaghateswarar at Tiru-Kadaiyur. According to tradition, after Shiva blessed Markandeya with eternal youth at the age of sixteen, the devoted sage wished to continue performing Shiva Puja. To facilitate his worship, Shiva is believed to have invoked the sacred waters of the River Ganga and caused them to manifest in this well. Owing to this divine association, the well is regarded as highly sacred, and its waters continue to be used for the ritual worship of the presiding deity.
Legend of King Bakuleya
According to temple tradition, a king named Bakuleya desired to perform abhishekam for all the deities using the water of Brahma Theertham. As part of this undertaking, he first poured the holy water over Brahmapureeswarar, intending to subsequently use it for the worship of other deities as well. At that moment, the crown of the Shiva Lingam is believed to have cracked open, signifying the Deity's divine manifestation and unique sanctity. Devotees believe that this sacred mark remains visible on the Lingam even today, serving as a lasting reminder of this remarkable event.
Annual Sacred Bath
The waters of the River Ganga manifested in Brahma Theertham on a day marked by the Ashwini star in the Tamil month of Panguni. This auspicious occasion continues to be commemorated annually with great devotion. On this day, large numbers of devotees gather at the temple to take a bath in the waters, believing that it bestows spiritual merit, purification, and the blessings of Shiva. The Sthala Vriksham (sacred temple tree) of this temple is the Kondrai (Cassia fistula), commonly known as the Golden Shower Tree.
Gallery - Brahmapureeswarar Temple
