Pancha Bairava Sannidhi is a speciality at the temple
Parikara Sthalam for Pithru and Drishti Dosham
Located 15kms South West of Kumbakonam on the Melattur/Thittai Highway is the huge Chozha Period Pasupatheeswarar temple in Avoor, a temple praised by Thiru Gnana Sambandhar and one of the 70 Mada Koils of Ko Chenganan Chozha. One is welcomed by a big tower on the Eastern side.
The Name
Since Kamadhenu performed pooja for Lord Shiva at this temple and he provided darshan to the sacred cow, he came to be referred to as ‘Pasupatheeswarar’
Legend
King Dasaratha came here and finding only the idol of Lord Shiva, he installed the idol of Pankaja Valli and performed pooja invoking the blessings of both. On the Eastern wall opposite the Pankaja Valli Sannidhi, one finds the sculpture of King Dasaratha offering his prayers to Lord Shiva.
An invisible voice indicated to him the location of ‘Pancha Bairava’ idols hidden beneath. Dasaratha located these unique idols and installed the idols of Pancha Bairava opposite the Pankaja Valli Sannidhi. This is a Parikara Sthalam for Pithru Dosham and Drishti Dosham. It is believed one would be liberated from these after offering sincere prayers to the Pancha Bairava.
Sambandhar’s Praise
In each of his praise, Thiru Gnana Sambandhar refers to this place as ‘Avoor Pasupatheeswaram’. He also showers verses of praise on Pankaja Valli. He refers to the palace like mansions that were seen in the Mada Streets of Pasupatheeswaram. Sambandhar talks about the sacred cows that were always seen at the temple here.
Mada Koil
This is one of the 70 Mada Temples built by Ko Chenganan Chozhan and one finds steep steps leading up to the Sannidhi of Lord Shiva making it difficult for elephant to make an entry here. Another of the Mada Koil at Thiru Nallur (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2015/04/thiru-nallur-sundareswarar-temple.html) is just 6kms North of here.
Festivals
On each of the four Sundays of Karthigai, Lord Pasupatheeswarar goes out on a street procession and Theerthavari is performed.
Lord goes out on a street procession on Thei Pirai (immediately after the full moon day) on the Ashtami day every month with Homam, Abhishekam and Anna Dhanam being a special feature on that day.
Brahmotsavam?
In centuries gone by, Brahmotsavam was celebrated in a grand manner with Lord Shiva going out on street processions in majestic vahanas each day. However most of the vahanas have been damaged and only the Rishaba, Horse and Peacock Vahana are in shape currently. But similar to the Thiru Nallur temple, Brahmotsavam here too has not taken place for over half a century and the festivals that were once the pride of this temple, have lost its grandeur.
While this is a HR & CE managed temple, there is just one priest to take care of the entire temple. Mahalingam Gurkkal, who hails from Mannargudi, has been here for over three decades taking care of the pooja, almost on his own.
Lord Muruga with a bow and arrow
Seeking a handsome boy, King Dasaratha invoked the blessings of Lord Muruga at this temple.
It is believed that Rama was born subsequent to the prayers offered by Dasaratha here. Hence in memory of this event, Lord Subramanya is seen in a unique posture with a bow and arrow in hand.
Quick Facts
Moolavar: Pasupatheeswarar
Goddess : Mangalambigai and Pankaja Valli ( Separate Sannidhis)
Saint Poet: Thiru Gnana Sambandhar
The temple is open between 630am and 12noon and 4pm and 830pm
Contact : Mahalingam Gurukkal @ 94863 03484
How to reach
Avoor is located on the Kumbakonam/Patteeswara – Melattur/Thittai Highway. Buses / Mini Buses ply every 15minutes from Kumbakonam bus stand and Patteswaram to Avoor via Govindakudy (Bus Numbers: 52/67/11/72/25/8)
Direct buses (484 and 48) also ply from Thanjavur via Thiru Karugavur.
One can also reach the temple from Papanasam ( 9kms) and Sundara Perumal Koil (5kms)
Auto from Patteeswaram Durgai Temple will cost Rs. 100.
The ancient Kalinga Narathana temple at Oothukadu (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2010/05/kalinga-narthana-temple-oothukadu.html) is about 2kms from here