Shri Atmanadeshwarar Temple at Thiruvalampozhil

This temple is located on Thanjavur-Thirukattupalli route and is at a distance of 17 kms from Thanjavur (via Kandiyur). It is about 5 kms from Thirukandiyur and about 1 km from Thirupoonthuruthi. This is a Padal Pethra sthalam on the southern bank of Kaveri revered by shaiva saint Appar. Hence this temple must have existed even before the 7th century. During Chola king’s period this was reconstructed as a stone temple. There are a number of stone inscriptions but most of them are damaged. 

Moolavar: Shri Athmanadeshwarar, Shri Vadamulanathar, Shri Vadamuleshwarar, Shri Vada Aranyeshwarar
Devi: Shri Dnyanambika
Kshetra vruksha: Banyan Tree (does not exist), Bilva
Sacred Teertha: River Kaveri
Puranik Name: Valampuzhil (Alampuzhil)
Present name: Thirvalampuzhil

Kshetra Purana:

According to purana, Ashta Vasus are the attendants of Lord Indra. Later they became attendants for Lord Vishnu. They are believed to be eight aspects of nature. There are different explanations in puranas about Ashta Vasus. But generally the explanation in Mahabharata is accepted. In Ramayana they are described as children of Sage Kashyap whereas in Mahabharata they are described as sons of Lord Brahma or Lord Manu. They were cursed by Sage Vasishtha to be born on the earth for ill treating the celestial cow Kamadhenu. When they pleaded for pardon the sage said that Ganga will be their mother and she will help them to regain their original form except Bibasan who was the main culprit. He is believed to have been born as Bhishma. Lord Indra had a curse when he took bath in white lotus pond at this place he was relieved of the curse. At this temple shaiva saint Sundarar was informed about Nandi’s marriage. According to Purana, shaiva saint Appar joined the palanquin bearers and carried Sambandhar when the palanquin came near this place. Only when the procession reached Thirupoonthuruti Sambandhar came to know of the role played by Appar. He offered his apologies and later together they visited a few temples. 

Those who worshiped at this place:
Sage Kashyap, Ashta Vasus, Shaiva saint Appar, Lord Indra

Special features:

1. At this temple Ashta Vasus have worshiped Lord Shiva. 

2. There is no idol of Lord Bhairav as Lord Shiva takes role of Lord Bhairav

3. Lord Dakshinamurti is Medha Dakshinamurti

4. This is a parihar sthala for Magha nakshatra

About temple:

The sanctum sanctorum consists of sanctum, antarala, ardha mandap. This is a west facing temple with a five tiered Rajagopuram. There is no dhwaja stambha. Balipeeth and Nandi are in front of the sanctum sanctorum. There are dwarapalas at the entrance of the sanctum. The shiva linga is a swayambhoo linga and is comparatively large in size. In this temple there is no separate shrine for Lord Bhairav as Lord Shiva takes the role of Lord Bhairav. 

Koshtha murtis are: Lord Vinayaka, Lord Dakshinamurti as Medha Dakshinamurti, Lord Brahma and Goddess Durga. There is only one parikrama and most of the shrines are located in Parikrama. 

The shrines and idols in parikrama: Lord Subramanya with Valli and Deivanai, Lord Ganesha, Panchabhuta lingas, Lord Kashi Vishwanath with Goddess Vishalakshi, Navagraha, Shaiva Saint Nalvar, Lord Nataraja, Mool Vinayaka, Lord Chandikeshwarar, shaiva saint Appar

Ambal is in a separate shrine facing the south direction. As Ambika imparts dnyan, she is known as Dnyanambika. She is in a standing posture. Goddess Durga is considered as very powerful at this place, as she bestows boons to her devotees. 

Prayers:

1. Devotees pray at this temple for removal of marriage obstacles for child boon for excellence in knowledge and education.

2. This is a parihara sthala for Magha nakshatra. 

3. There is belief that worshiping at this temple for consecutive 11 ashtamis / pradosha / Mondays will remove all doshas due to planetary positions.

4. Worshiping Lord Shiva, Goddess Ambika and Pancha lingas for eight successive full moon days will grant child boon. 

Poojas:

Special poojas are conducted to Goddess Durga on Tuesdays and Fridays. Regular Pradosha poojas and other daily rituals. 

Some Important festivals:

Aavani (Aug-Sept): Mula nakshatra
Purattasi (Sept-Oct): Navaratri, skanda shasthi
Aippasi (Oct-Nov): Annabhishek
Karthigai (Nov-Dec): Karthigai Mondays
Margazhi (Dec-Jan): Thiruvithairai
Maasi (Feb-Mar): Shivaratari

Timing: 7 am to 11 am, 5 pm to 7 pm

Since the priest comes from Thirupoonthuruthi for performing pujas it is better to check up the timing before proceeding to darshan or puja at +91-4365284573, +91-4365322290

Address: Shri Atmanadeshwarar Temple at post Thiruvalampozhil via Thirukandiyur, Taluka Thiruvaiyaru, District Thanjavur, TN

Courtesy: Various websites and blogs