Narubunatha Swamy Temple

Aliza Rizwan

Narubunatha Swamy Temple

The Narubunatha Swamy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Thirupudaimaruthur, Tamil Nadu. Situated at the confluence of the Gadana River and Thamirabarani River, this temple is one of the oldest in the Tirunelveli region. Also referred to as the Thirupudaimaruthur Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and boasts a history spanning over 1200 years. The temple was initially constructed in 650 BCE by the King of Madurai, Maravarman, along with his son. Subsequently, the Pandiyas, Vijayanagara Kings, and Kalakkad Kings contributed to the temple's expansion and development.

Narubunatha Swamy Temple | Source: Tripadvisor.com

The temple complex covers an area of approximately 6 acres, with compound walls measuring 575 feet in length. Its east-facing five-tier tower (Raja Gopuram) is a stunning architectural masterpiece adorned with figures from Hindu mythology. There is also a temple wall without a tower (mottai gopuram) standing in front of the tower, which suggests that it was initially planned but not constructed.

The Narubunatha Swamy Temple in Thirupudaimaruthur is situated on the right bank of the Tamiraparani River, in Pappakudi Taluk, Tirunelveli District.

This glorious temple showcases four important styles of temple architecture, namely Pandaya, Chera, Chola, and Vijayanagara. It holds a history of over 1200 years and features the Arjuna tree (Marudha Maram) as its sthala vriksham, making it one of the three sacred temples with this unique attribute. The other two temples are Srisailam in Andhra Pradesh and Thiruvidaimarudhur near Kumbakonam. The temple's history dates back to when Goddess Saraswathi Lakshmi and Bhoomadevi worshipped Lord Shiva at this location, and Goddess Saraswathi took refuge in the Marutha Maram. When Manu, the son of Brahma, attempted to destroy the tree, Lord Shiva intervened and stopped him, making Manu the god of that region.

Popularly known as Sivasailam Temple, this temple is situated on the banks of the river Gadana and is a 500-year-old Saivite temple. It is one of the famous Shiva temples near Tirunelveli that is devoted to Lord Sivasailanathar and Goddess Parvati. There are numerous stone carvings and inscriptions carved out on the pillars of the temple and gopuram, which are five stories high. The prominent festivals celebrated here are Poosam, Theppotsavam, and Rathotsavam. The festivals are celebrated

to mark the offering of her son Murugan or Kartikeya by goddess Parvati to vanquish the evil Surapadman and his brothers and free the world from their wrath.

The devotees seek blessings from Lord Narubunatha for various purposes, including overcoming obstacles in marriage proposals, protection from evil influences on children, healing from prolonged illnesses, resolving family issues, seeking prosperity, excelling in academics, and thriving in business. Special abhisheka with silk clothing and other pujas are performed by devotees to fulfil their prayers. Offerings of saris and bangles are made to the Mother, and sweet porridge is offered as Nivedhana. The temple is also visited by those seeking cures for ailments.

The sanctum sanctorum houses a massive Shiva lingam, recognised as Pudaar Jeeneshwarar or Narumbunathar. The Shiva lingam slightly tilts to the left and bears marks of scratches made by deer and a sickle cut. According to legend, during the rule of Maravarman, the region was his domain. Venturing into this area dense with Marudha trees for a hunt, the king pursued a deer that sought refuge in a tree's hollow. The king commanded the tree be felled to retrieve the deer. Unexpectedly, blood emerged from the tree, revealing a Shiva lingam with a mark on its head from the instrument's blow. A voice was heard, affirming that Shiva had manifested through the deer. Following divine guidance, the king constructed the temple at the designated site.

The name Thirupudaimaruthur originates from the belief that God appeared from the truth of Marudam. The temple, also known as Thirupudaimaruthur Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is more than 1200 years old. It was initially constructed by King Maravarman of Madurai and his son around 650 BCE. Over the years, it was expanded by the Pandiyas, Vijayanagara Kings, and Kalakkad Kings.