Sri Pushpavaneswarar temple is located in the village named Melai Tirupoonduruthi, in the district of Thanjavur, in the state of Tamil Nadu in South India. The primary deity of this temple is Pushpavaneswarar, Adipuranar, Poyyiliar (Lord Shiva) and his consorts are Soundaryanayaki and Azhagalamarndha Nayaki.
The holy tree of this temple is Vilwa. The holy waters of this temple are Surya theertham, Kashyapa theertham, Ganga, Cauveri and Agni theertham. The agamam or pooja of this temple is known as Kameeyam. This temple is nearly 1000-2000 years old in this region. The historical name of this place is Tirupoonduruthi.
According to the local legends, “Praised in the Thevaram hymns of Tirunavukkarasar, Arunagirinathar and Sri Ramalinga Adigal. The Lord is not visible to celestial beings, Iyakkas, Vichadharas and others easily.He is in sacred PoonduruthiUnder whose care and feet, we are. – Tirunavukkarasar.Devas, Iyakkas, Vichadaras are some group living in the upper world according to our scriptures. This is the 11th temple praised in Thevaram hymns on the south bank of the River Cauvery.”
The important festivals of this temple are Paarivettai, Sapthasthana festival, Mahashivarathri in February-March, Tiruvadhirai in December-January, Navarathri in September-October, Tirukarthikai in November-December, Skanda Sashti in October-November and Thirukalyanam-Wedding festival.
The temple’s specialty is swayambumurthy is Lord Shiva graces the devotees and pilgrims. This temple is the sixth temple of the Sapthasthana (seven sacred places). The temple time is open from 6.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m for pilgrims and devotees. It is one of the often visited temples in this area by the local people.