Lord Shiva graces facing west, a tradition different from general system. That Lord Shiva is a Gajasamhara Murthy is an added importance and reputation of the temple.
Ashwini Kumaras
Sri Piravi Marundeeswarar Temple, Tiruthuraipoondi-617 713, Tiruvarur district.
Phone: +91 4369 222 392, 94438 85316, 91502 73747
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.
Chithirai festival in April-May is grandly celebrated in the temple followed by Navarathri in September–October and Tiruvadhirai in December–January.
Jallika, a demon was a staunch Shiva devotee. She was good in nature. Her husband Virupakshan was cruel and preferred human flesh for his food. A young boy was proceeding to Ganga to perform shrarda to his parents. When Virupaksha rushed to devour the boy, Jallika prevented him saying that killing and eating Brahmins would turn into a poison and kill him. The demon husband pushed her aside and devoured the Brahmin boy and died instantaneously.
Jallika rushed to Lord Shiva in Tiruthuraipoondi and cried saying that her husband was truly wicked and begged the Lord to give him back to her as she could not live without him. Moved by her prayers, Mother Periyanayaki appeared before her and restored both the Brahmin boy and her demon husband to life. The boy asked the Mother what prompted Her to restore his life, Mother said that Her grace would always rain on those who respectfully perform shrardha to ancestors and that She would grant the souls total salvation and place them in Heaven. She told Jallika that she would not let any woman be deprived of her Mangalsutra wishing the welfare of the husband however wicked he was and promised to change him.
Ashwini star has medical powers. According to ancient philosophy, birth by itself is an illness. Piravi (birth) Marundeeswarar helps devotees from the cycle of births and deaths and offers total salvation to Jeevatmas. Those born of Ashwini star naturally have the power of resistance from illnesses. In order to sustain that gift, they are advised to visit this temple and perform Dhanvantri Homa and Saneeswara Homa and worship planet Mars.
