Piravi Marundeeswarar Temple – An Exclusive Temple for the Ashwini Starers

We all know that we do have separate temples dedicated to each of the 12 Rasi (Zodiac signs) and 27 Nakshathira (Birth Stars). We have already seen about the temples dedicated to Aayilyam and Poosam Nakshathira in my previous blogs. Now we will see the temples that are dedicated to each of the other 25 Nakshatras one by one. Here, in this blog, we will see the temple that is auspicious for Ashwini Star Devotees.

Bruhan Nayaki Sametha Piravi Marundeeswarar temple is considered to be the exclusive one for Ashwini starers. The temple is located in Thiruthuraipoondi near Thiruvarur District. The unique feature of this temple is that Lord Shiva is facing the west which is rare and it is very different from the normal tradition. According to Hindu Philosophy, birth itself is considered as an illness. Piravi means Birth. Marundu means Medicine. Hence the Lord “Piravi Marundeeshwarar” is the one who acts as a medicine for getting relieved from the cycle of birth and death (i.e.) attaining Moksha.

As per the Sthala Purana, there was a demon named Jallika. Though she was a demon, she had noble characters and she was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. But her husband, Virubakshan was a demon by body and soul. Jallika tried to change him as a good human being. But he did not listen to any of her advice. He even had a practice of eating the human flesh. Once a Brahmin boy was walking towards the river Ganga to perform Shrardha (annual ritual) for his late father. Virubakshan tried to eat that Brahmin boy. Jallika tried to convince her husband for not eating the human flesh. But he ignored her advice and gobbled the Brahmin Boy. As a result, Virubakshan died immediately.Immediately, Jallika came to Thiruthuraipoondi and worshiped Lord Shiva and the Goddess Parvathi for bringing her husband back to life.

Being pleased by her prayers, the Goddess Bruhan Nayaki appeared before her and gave life to both the Demon Virubakshan and the Brahmin Boy. She not only gave life to the Demon but also changed him to a Kind Hearted Person. She also promised long life for Virubakshan. Then the boy asked the Goddess about the reason why she gave back his life. Goddess Bruhan Nayaki answered that she will always protect the person who remembers to perform the ancestral ceremonies with dedication and devotion. Also, the Lord Shiva promised to give Moksha (free from birth and death cycles) to the Brahmin Boy’s father.

Another unique feature of this temple is that Lord Shiva here is known as Gajasamharamurthy. As per the temple history, the sages in the Tharukavanam were very proud that Lord Shiva got His power only through the benefits of their Yagas. Lord Shiva wanted to teach them a lesson. So he took the disguise of a beggar and came to that place. He was looking very handsome. The sages were impressed by his looks and they started following him madly. Meanwhile, Lord Vishnu too took the form of an exceptionally beautiful lady. The sages again started following her madly. After some time, they realized that they have been fooled by Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. So they grew angry and decided to destroy both of them with the help of a Demon Elephant. Lord Shiva killed the demon elephant. He not only killed the Elephant, but also the Pride of the sages. Hence Lord Shiva is known by the name Gajasamharamurthy (Gaja – Elephant; Samhara – Kill). Then the sages begged His (Lord Shiva) Pardon. It is believed that the Lord here in this temple would destroy the Pride, jealousy, and arrogance from the heart of the people who worship him.

As I mentioned above, this is one of the special temples for Ashwini Starers. People who are born in Ashwini Nakshathira naturally have the power of resistance from the illnesses. So it is highly advised to visit this temple for retaining that gift. They also pray here for getting relieved from the adverse planetary effects. It is believed that by worshipping the Lord on a Full Moon or a New Moon day would help them in getting rid of unnecessary fear from the mind and illness. Women offer special prayers here for the well-being and long life of their husbands. They do Abishekam and offer clothes to the Lord and the Goddess as a token of Thanks!

Stay tuned for my next Blog to know about the special temple for Bharani Starers !!