Description
This temple is located in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu here Lord Shiva is unique from other temples. In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Shiva linga. It is also called as lord mullaivana nathar in the main sanctum of this temple is a self manifested lingam.There is no water abhisekam for this Lord Mullaivana Nathar as it is made up of ant hill mud. But the Lingam is merely pasted with a kind of must called punuchu in Tamil.There is a stamp of jasmine creeper which can be seen even today on the shiva lingam by which we can say that this place was jasmine garden once upon a time. Hence Lord Shiva at this place is called as Mullaivana Nathar.
History
So many historical events took placed in this temple:A yagna was done by some wicket sages in tharukavanam with evil chants and created a tiger to kill Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva killed the tiger and used it skin as his dress. The even happened in this place. This place is called by Punnahavanam, Palavanam etc. It Is said that during the forest life of pandavas, on the advice of sage Dhoumya Arjuna visit the temple and worshipped Lord Shiva and learned all kinds techniques of archery. Arjuna also went under the earth for marring uloopi.After killing Ravana Lord Sri Rama visited this temple and worshipped Lord Shiva for getting himself cleaned from the sin. Since his sins were cleared from then this place is known as papanasam. Lord Sri Rama also installed 108 lingas on a platform and worshipped them.
Importance/Significance
The Lord Shiv and goddess Garbharakshambika grace the devotees in their wedding robe and garlands. Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Brahma and Durga are in the corridor. The palm tree is called as a holy tree of this temple which is located on the bank of KUdamurutti river.The temple consists of Shivalingas which were worshipped by gods. They are so many god devotees of Lord Shiva who idols are located in this temple such as sun, moon, Nataraja Sabha, Bhairava, shrines add beauty to the temple. In this temple, Lord Vishnu, Brahma and the chiefs of eight directions are being worshipped.
Facts/Mythology
As the history of Papanasam Paalaivanathar shiva temple say that any sin can be gone when the devotees visit this temple.so many Devotees come from different parts of India to visit this place and pray for the removal of obstacles in marriage talks, for child birth, progress in education and cleaning up the sins.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
The main festival of this temple is in the month of February to march is the Maha Shiva Rathri where they will be special Pooja every day. Apart from this Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in the month of December to January. There is a festival in the month of October – November it is called Aipasi Annabishekam. This are the three festivals that are celebrated in this temple very specially.
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