Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated in Avoor village, and it is located a few kilometres far away from the Temple town Kumbakonam. The temple is believed to have been built by the Chola king, Kochengat Chola, who is also a great Nayanmar Saint, during 2nd Century AD. This temple is praised in the Shaivite Holy Text, Tevaram, by the great Nayanmar Saint Sri Thirugnana Sambandar, who resembles like our beloved Lord Muruga.
In this temple, we can find various wall inscriptions which add more beauty to this temple, and we have to praise the ancient Cholas for building such a wonderful temple for Lord Shiva. This temple was later renovated and repaired by the Thanjavur Nayak kings during the 16th century AD. The temple is good in art and architecture. Though the temple contains numerous shrines, but the chief deities Padikasunathar and Soundaranayagi are considered to be most important. The temple follows four daily rituals from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m, and festivals like Shivratri and Thiruvadhirai are being celebrated grandly.
Lord Pasupatheeswarar denotes the God of cows. Since Lord Shiva had dwelled on the body of the holy cow Kamadenu due to its prayers, and since he had shown his divine appearance on this sacred place to the holy cow, he came to be known as Lord Pasupatheeswarar. The great Siddha and Nayanmar Saint Tirumular visited this temple, and also sung 3000 verses in praise of Lord Shiva, which is popularly known as Thirumandiram. Lord Pasupatheeswarar was worshipped by the Devas, Saptarishis, Indra, Vayu, Surya, Chandra and Navagrahas.
This is the place where the blessed devotees of Shiva lives and this is the place which gives salvation to the Shiva devotees.
At this place, once the celestial Devas, including Lord Vishnu and Brahma were performed Yagna to please Lord Shiva. The place was once surrounded by beautiful gardens, palaces and the names of Shiva were frequently recited.
Let us bow our hands before Lord Pasupatheeswarar and let us march towards the holy place Sri Pasupatheeswaram, which I have visited during August 2022.
“OM SRI PASUPATHEESWARAYA NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR