Sri Piravi Marundeeswarar Temple
Sri Piravi Marundeeswarar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple located in the heart of Thiruthuraipoondi in Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Piravi Marundeeswarar, also known as Bhava Aushadheeswarar, while Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Periyanayaki Amman, also known as Bruhan Nayaki and Theerthavalli.
The temple is particularly famous as the Parigara Sthalam for Ashwini (Ashwathi) Nakshatra, the first of the 27 Nakshatras. The temple tradition associates Ashwini with healing and the divine physicians, the Ashwini Kumaras.
| Moolavar | Piravi Marundeeswarar |
|---|---|
| Goddess | Brihannayaki |
| Tradition | Shaivam |
| Nakshatra | Ashwini |
| Theertham | Brahma Theertham |
| Timings | 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Best Time to Visit
The best month to visit is Chithirai (Mid-April to Mid-May). During this month, the grand annual festival takes place, and the day of the Ashwini Nakshatra in Chithirai is especially powerful, marking the day Lord Shiva gave darshan to Brahma. Winter months (November to February) are also ideal for pleasant weather.
For Ashwini Nakshatra Pariharam, the most important factor is not the month but your Janma Nakshatra day – Ashwini.
Why this temple is a Parigara Sthalam
This temple is an exclusive and powerful Parigara Sthalam for those born under the Ashwini Nakshatra. Ashwini is the star associated with medical sciences, and it is believed that the Ashwini Devathas (the celestial twin doctors) and medical deities worship the Lord here daily. Hence, it is the ultimate temple for curing chronic illnesses and gaining a disease-free life.
Who should worship?
- Individuals born under the Ashwini Nakshatra.
- People undergoing Ketu Mahadasa or Ketu Bhukti, as Ketu is the planetary lord.
- Those seeking the healing blessings of the Ashwini Kumaras (physicians of the Gods).
- People suffering from chronic illnesses, seeking quick recovery, or facing sudden accidents.
Mantra & Slokam
Om Shwetha Varnaayai Vidhmahe · Sudhaakaraayai Dheemahi · Tanno Ashvinau Prachodayaat
Sthala Puranam (Legend)
One of the principal Sthala Puranam stories of this temple concerns a demon woman named Jallikai, who was a sincere devotee of Lord Shiva. Her husband Virupaksha was cruel and had the habit of killing travellers and consuming human flesh.
According to the traditional story, a Brahmin boy was travelling to the Ganga to perform the annual rites for his deceased father. Virupaksha attempted to consume the boy. Jallikai tried to stop him and warned him of the consequences, but he ignored her and swallowed the boy. Virupaksha subsequently died.
Jallikai, despite her husband's cruel nature, could not bear to live without him. She came to Lord Shiva at Thiruthuraipoondi and prayed for her husband's life. She also prayed that he should be transformed from his cruel nature and become compassionate.
Moved by her devotion, Goddess Periyanayaki appeared and restored both Virupaksha and the Brahmin boy to life. The legend is one of the reasons the Lord here is associated with healing, restoration and the removal of suffering.
Another important tradition concerns nine sages—Agastya, Vamadeva, Kashyapa, Atri, Bharadvaja, Gautama, Vishwamitra, Jamadagni and Vasishta. They are said to have created separate sacred water sources, installed Shiva Lingams and performed severe penance here for a thousand years.
Pleased with their penance, Lord Shiva appeared before them and performed the Ananda Tandava, granting them liberation from rebirth. Tradition further says that devotees who worship Lord Nataraja here after bathing in the sacred waters on Chitra Pournami may receive His blessings for spiritual liberation.
Parigaram (Remedy)
1. Ashwini Nakshatra Worship
People born under Ashwini Nakshatra may visit the temple particularly on their Janma Nakshatra day and worship Piravi Marundeeswarar and Periyanayaki Amman.
2. Special Abhishekam
Special Abhishekam to Lord Piravi Marundeeswarar is traditionally performed for Ashwini natives seeking relief from Nakshatra-related difficulties and health-related prayers.
3. Dhanvantari / Healing Worship
Some traditional accounts associate Ashwini natives with Dhanvantari Homa and healing-related worship at this temple. Such rituals should be arranged through the temple priest rather than assumed to be available every day.
4. Marriage and Child Blessing
Devotees also pray here for removal of marriage obstacles and child blessing, particularly those born under Ashwini Nakshatra.
5. Gajasamhara Murti Worship
Worshipping Gajasamhara Murti on Amavasya and Pournami is traditionally believed to help remove fear and arrogance and strengthen mental courage.
What to do when you visit
Gajasamhara Murthy Shrine: Do not miss the exquisite idol of Lord Shiva in the form of Gajasamhara Murthy, which is a key highlight of this temple.
Ashwini Worship: Pay respects at the main sanctum knowing you are in the presence of the ultimate divine physician.
Explore Shrines: Visit the separate east-facing shrine of Goddess Brihannayaki, which has its own 3-tier Rajagopuram.
Before You Visit
Location: The temple is situated right in the center of Thiruthuraipoondi town, making it very accessible.
Preparation: If you plan to do the Dhanvantari Homam for health remedies, contact the temple authorities a few days in advance to arrange the priests and materials.
Special Rituals / Abhishekam
Special Homams (fire rituals) dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari (the God of Ayurveda) are a hallmark here. Extensive Abhishekam is performed to Lord Piravi Marundeeswarar to extract the "medical energy" of the deity, and the prasadam is considered literal medicine for chronic ailments.
Festivals
The biggest celebration is the Chithirai Brahmotsavam (April-May). Mahashivaratri (Feb-Mar) and Navaratri (Sep-Oct) are also celebrated grandly. Monthly Pournami and Amavasya draw large crowds to the Gajasamhara Murthy.
Gallery
How to Reach
From Thiruvarur: Thiruthuraipoondi is approximately 30 km from Thiruvarur. The temple is located in the central part of Thiruthuraipoondi town.
Route: Thiruvarur → Thiruthuraipoondi → Piravi Marundeeswarar Temple
By Bus: Thiruthuraipoondi is well connected by buses from Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur and other towns. The temple is located within the town, making it relatively convenient to reach from the bus stand.
By Train: Thiruthuraipoondi has its own railway connectivity, making rail travel another option for visitors.
By Air: The practical nearest major airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport. From the airport, continue by road towards Thiruvarur and then Thiruthuraipoondi.
Location Map
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Jyotishacharya S. Sermaraj M.B.A. · HinduPanchangam.in · 30 Aug 2026