Proper name Tirukolili State Tamil Nadu Architectural styles Dravidian architecture Architectural style Dravidian architecture | Country India Location Thirukkuvalai District Nagapattinam district | |
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Primary deity Brahmapureeswarar(Shiva) Similar Kannayariamudayar Temple - Thirukkarayil, Kayarohanaswami Temple - Nagapattinam, Vedaranyeswarar temple, Chakravageswarar Temple, Kodi Kuzhagar temple | ||
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.
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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 thmeselves 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(dance without chanting), that is executed by the deity itself. According to legend, a Chola king named Mucukunta obtained a boon from Indra(a celestial deity) and wished to receive an image of Thyagaraja Swamy(presiding deity, Shiva in the temple) 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(it is the bearers of the processional deity who actually dance). The temples with dance styles are regarded as Saptha Vidangam(seven dance moves) and the related temples are as under: