Sri Pushpambikai Sametha Brahammagnana Pureeswarar temple at Kurakkai – An Avittam Star Temple

Next in the list is Avittam Nakshathira. People who are born on Shravishta or Avittam nakshathira are generally well to do and they are majestic in look and self-confident. The temple that is dedicated to this star is Sri Pushpambikai Sametha Brahammagnana Pureeswarar temple. This temple is located in a place called Keezha Kurakkai in Thanjavur Dist. It is about 4km away from the famous Mahamagam Tank. This temple was built during the reign of the King Kulothunga Chola III.

As per the Sthala Purana, there were two demons named Madhu and Kaidapa and they snatched the Vedas from Lord Brahmma and hid them under the sea. Lord Brahmma then sought the help of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu then took the Avatar of Hayagriva, killed the asuras and handed back the Vedas to Lord Brahmma. Though he got back his Vedas, Lord Brahmma could not regain his memory about the creation and the knowledge of the Vedas. So Lord Brahmma approached Lord Vishnu again. Lord Vishnu suggested Him to go to Shiva Temple in KeezhaKurakkai, bath in the Chandra Pushkarni and perform ‘Adi Pradakshina’ (go around the temple step by step) and worship Lord Shiva. So Brahmma came to this temple along with Goddess Saraswathi and worshipped Lord Shiva. Being pleased by His prayers, Lord Shiva restored the lost memory and the knowledge to Brahmma. This event happened on the Avittam Star day in the month of Avani. Hence Lord Shiva is known as Brahmma Pureeshwarar or Brahmmagnana Pureeshwarar. Since this day (Avittam star day in the month of Avani) is the day of Brahmmopadesam, the ceremony of changing the sacred Thread (Poonal)  every year is performed on this day.  Moreover, this temple is considered auspicious for conducting the sacred thread ceremony (Upanayanam) for young Brahmin boys.

Also, there is an interesting reason behind why this place is called Kurakkai. It is said that there lived a Siddhar named Korakka Siddhar who was on his pilgrimage to Shiva Temples. On the way to this temple, he stayed in a Mutt where many devotees were also staying. While he woke up at midnight, he was shocked to see a woman sleeping by his side and her saree on his hands. Without hesitating for a moment, he chopped off his hands with the axe that he was carrying to clear the plants and the weeds on his way. Then he went to Brahammagnana Pureeswarar temple and stayed there for many days. He used to take bath in the temple pond named Chandra Pushkarni every day and sing hymns in praise of the Lord and the Goddess Pushpambikai. Being pleased with the devotion and the prayers of Korakka Siddhar, the Lord made his hands grow back. That’s the reason why this place is called Kurakkai (Kura – Short, Kai – hand).

So, this temple is considered auspicious for people who are born on Avittam Nakshathira. Since Lord Brahmma regained his lost memory and knowledge by praying Lord Shiva in this temple, it is strongly believed that the children who need improvement in their memory and studies, can excel in their academics by offering their prayers to the God here. They do their prayers by offering a garland made of Cashew Nuts to the Lord. Cashew Nut is the only fruit that has its seed outside. This indicates Gnana or knowledge. And so it is believed that by offering the garland of cashew to the Lord, the children would gain wisdom and knowledge.

The Goddess here is known as Pushpambikai or Pushpavalli. It is said that Lord Brahmma and the Goddess Saraswathi worshipped the Goddess with the fresh and fragrant flowers. Pleased with their devotion and the prayers, Goddess appeared along with Lord Shiva while granting the boon to Lord Brahmma. Hence is known by the name Pushpambikai (Pushpa – Flower).

The unique feature of this temple is the Nandi Mandapam. It has 2 Nandis placed side by side each facing the shrines of Lord Brahmmapureeshwarar and Goddess Pushpambikai respectively. It is said that girls who are seeking better marriage life and the couple seeking harmony and peace in their family offer their prayers to this double Nandi. It is believed that by offering a garland of groundnuts to both the Nandis during Pradosha time will have their wishes fulfilled. Groundnuts always grow in bunches and so it is believed that by offering them to Nandis will always keep the couples and families together.

Another unique feature of this temple is the idol of Vishnu Durga. The idol looks so beautiful with Chakra and Conch (Sangu) in each of Her hands. Many unmarried girls would offer the garland of turmeric sticks to this Goddess on Tuesdays and Fridays. By doing this, it is strongly believed that they would get a good marriage proposal.

Moreover, Chandra is said to have worshipped Lord Brahmmapureeswarar in this temple to protect himself from Ragu and Ketu. It is believed that he created the Chandra Pushkarni to perform Abishekam to the Lord.

Apart from all these significances, the temple also has the idols of Adikara Nandi, Lord Muruga with His consorts, Kradha Moorthy, Ardanareeshwarar and Saptha Swara Ganesha (tapping the idol from head to tail with a coin would produce Saptha Swaras !!).

The Brahmmapureeshwarar Temple is considered as very auspicious for the people who are born on Avittam Nakshathira. They are advised to worship the Lord and the Goddess wholeheartedly to get rid of the ill-effects of planetary positions, removal of any obstacles in marriage, getting good education and unity in the family.

Though this was once a mythologically big temple with Seven Prakaras, the present state of this temple is in a very pathetic and broken-down state!! 🙁 Even the famous Chandra Pushkarni has now turned into a place for the dump and the temple is really at the mercy of donation to repair.