Varthamaaneswarar temple, Tiruppugalur Varthamaaneecharam
Location
Tiru-Pugalur Vartha-Maanee-Charam
Deity
Varthamaaneswarar
Female Deity
Manonmani
Pathikam
Sambandar - 1
How to Reach
This shiva temple is located within the Tiru-Pugalur Agneeswarar Temple complex, near the sannidhi of Konapiran. It is situated about 11 km from Nannilam and 22 km from Tiruvarur, with regular bus services available from Nannilam, Sannanallur, and Tiruvarur. The temple can also be reached from Peralam via Poonthottam, Ambar Maakaalam, and Ambar, and is about 13 km from the Peralam bus stand. The Tiru-Pugalur temple complex is approximately 33 km from Mayiladuthurai, 20 km from Karaikal, and 18 km from Tiruvarur.
Temple Address
Tiruppugalur Agneeswarar Temple Complex
Tiruppugalur Post
Via Thirukkannapuram
Nagapattinam Taluk
Nagapattinam District
PIN – 609704
Temple Hours
Morning : 6:00 - 12:00
Evening : 4:30 - 9:00
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
Temple Layout
Within the Agneeswarar Temple at Tiruppugalur, lies another Paadal Petra Sthalam known as Tiru-Pugalur Varthamaneeswaram. This sannidhi is situated to the right of the main sanctum of Agneeswarar, where the presiding deity is worshipped as Varthamaneeswarar. Upon entering this enclosure, devotees can first have darshan of the sannidhi of Muruga Nayanar on the left. This temple was glorified only by Tirugnanasambandar, and an inscription of his Thevaram hymn is displayed within the shrine. The Shiva Lingam of Varthamaneeswarar is beautifully sculpted, while Goddess Manonmani graces a small yet elegant separate sannidhi. However, both the sannidhis of the God and the Goddess remain dimly lit, making it difficult for devotees to have a clear darshan. Improved lighting arrangements by the temple administration would greatly enhance the worship experience.
Temple Highlights
Thevaram Hymn Sung Only by Tirugnanasambandar
Although the main Agneeswarar Temple at Tiru-Pugalur was glorified in the Thevaram hymns by all three principal Saivite saints—Tirunavukkarasar (Appar), Tirugyanasambandar, and Sundarar—the shrine of Tiru-Pugalur Varthamaneeswaram, situated within the same temple complex, was praised exclusively by Tirugyanasambandar. His hymn on Varthamaneeswaram is included in the Second Thirumurai.
Muruga Nayanar’s Devotional Service
In the 3rd and 5th verses of his Thevaram hymn, Tirugnanasambandar pays tribute to Muruga Nayanar, one of the revered 63 Nayanmars. Sambandar records that Muruga Nayanar was born in this place and lovingly rendered Pushpa Kainkaryam (flower service) to Varthamaneeswarar by offering fresh flowers three times every day.