The ancient and wonderful Sri Vaneswarar Temple, which is also famously known as Sri Puradhana Vaneswarar Temple in Thiruchitrambalam, is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva. It is situated a few kilometres away from Pattukkottai, on the Pattukkottai–Arantangi road in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur District. It is a historic shrine sung by the Nayanar saint Sundarar. It is one of the shrines of the Vaippu Sthalams sung by the Tamil Saivite Nayanar Sundarar. The temple is located on the Pattukkottai–Arantangi road, at a distance of 15 km from Pattukkottai and 34 km from Arantangi.

The Vinayaka of this temple is known as Poovilungi Vinayaka, and this temple Vinayaka is believed to swallow the flowers. The presiding deity in the garbhagriha, represented by the lingam, is known as Puradhana Vaneswarar. The Devi, the consort, is known as Periyanayaki. A murti of Bhagwan Ganesh is present in the shrine of Periyanayaki Devi.

Devotees from all parts of Tamil Nadu visit this temple Vinayaka in order to seek blessings for fulfillment of their wishes, such as finding a suitable job, good health, marriage proposals, etc. There are two ponds found near the temple. Inscriptions of the Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagar periods are found in this temple. The main gopura is facing a big pond called ‘Kaasaan Kulam’. According to popular legend, the spot was chosen by Bhagwan Shiva for meditation. Manmatha, the Hindu Cupid, tried to interrupt his meditation and was burnt to ashes. Manmatha was later revived at Thiruchittrambalam. The place is commemorated with the Yama Dharmaraja Temple.

The Mahasivaratri festival is held in this temple. In ancient times, a float festival was held every year in this temple. At that time, the main deity Puradhanavaneswarar would be kept on the float.

The temple features architectural inscriptions from the Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagara periods.

(Featured Image Source: Dinamalar)