Thirubhuvanam Kampahareswarar Temple
Thirubhuvanam, also spelled as Tirubhuvanam, is a town located in the Thanjavur district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its famous Shiva temple, the Kampahareswarar Temple, which is a significant religious and architectural landmark in the region.’
Image Attribution: @Meenakshi Adiyen from Facebook
Kampahareswarar:
At the heart of Thirubhuvanam Temple stands Lord Shiva, venerated in the form of Kampahareswarar, a name signifying “the Lord who quelled quakes.” This sacred shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva as its principal deity, making it a significant destination for Shiva devotees. In this form, Lord Shiva is depicted with a human body, the head of a lion, and the wings of a bird. The deity is believed to possess extraordinary powers and is known for dispelling negative forces and obstacles
Architectural Grandeur:
The The temple adheres to the Dravidian architectural style. It features a towering vimana that stands in stark contrast to the Rajagopura. The sanctum sanctorum’s gopuram soars to a height of 130 feet and showcases a wealth of exquisitely crafted sculptures. The temple complex comprises two gopuras, two enclosures, an inner sanctum, artha mandapa, maha mandapa, and mukha mandapa. The inner sanctum takes the form of a square-shaped structure.
The Vimana, adorned with six bases, is adorned with intricate sculptures depicting scenes from the puranas. Notably, the front section of the temple is designed to resemble a chariot, soaring to an impressive height of 120 feet. The chariot’s walls, as well as the temple, are adorned with depictions of scenes from the Ramayana.
Unique Inscriptions:
The temple features inscriptions that provide historical and cultural insights into the Chola period. These inscriptions contain valuable information about the temple’s construction, its administration, and the contributions made by Chola kings.
Brihadeeswarar Connection:
The Thirubhuvanam Temple is often associated with the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. It is said that the construction of the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also a Chola marvel, was supervised by the architect Kunjara Mallan Raja Raja Perunthachan, who hailed from Thirubhuvanam. This connection adds to the temple’s historical significance.
Spiritual Significance:
Devotees believe that worshipping at this temple can bring protection from earthquakes and other natural disasters. It is a place where people seek solace and pray for the well-being of their families.
The temple is revered for its association with Lord Sarabeswarar, who is considered the guardian and protector against evil forces, black magic, and other malevolent influences. Devotees visit this temple to seek the deity’s blessings for protection and well-being.
Festivals :
The temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year. Maha Shivaratri, Arudra Darshanam, and Thai Poosam are some of the important festivals observed with great enthusiasm by devotees.
Visiting Hours of Thirubhuvanam Temple:
The Thirubhuvanam Temple welcomes visitors between 6 AM and 12:30 PM, and again from 4 PM to 9 PM.
How to reach Thirubhuvanam Temple:
By Road:
- Thirubhuvanam is well-connected by road. You can use private or public transportation to reach the temple.
- If you are coming from nearby towns or cities, you can hire a taxi or use local bus services to reach Thirubhuvanam.
- Major highways and well-maintained roads provide access to Thirubhuvanam.
By Train:
- The nearest major railway station is the Thanjavur Junction, which is well-connected to various parts of Tamil Nadu and other states.
- From Thanjavur Junction, you can hire a taxi or take a local train to reach Thirubhuvanam, which is approximately 40 kilometers away.
By Air:
- The nearest major airport is the Trichy International Airport (Tiruchirappalli International Airport), which is located about 75 kilometers away from Thirubhuvanam.
- After arriving at the Trichy Airport, you can hire a taxi or use other local transportation options to reach Thirubhuvanam.