Tiruppoovanam

Tiruppoovanam is located near Madurai, which has a beautiful shrine dedicated to Poovana Nathar. This shrine is treated with great reverence and there are several legends associated with Tiruppoovanam.

Manikka Vacakar has also sung of its glories and it is even referred to as Dakshina Kailasam and a reference of this temple is also found in Tiruvilayadal puranam. The Shivaganga royal family manages the temple.

The Legend
Surya is said to have worshipped Somaskandar here. A devotee of Lord Shiva, Sambandar, upon viewing each grain of sand as a Shivalingam refused to set foot in the temple for the fear of trampling on them; Shiva is said to have caused the Nandi to move aside, to allow him to have a Darisanam of the shrine.

According to another popular belief Lord Shiva is said to have transformed iron into gold and blessed a devotee by name Ponnaiyal, and the image made by her for the temple is known as "Azhagiya Natha". Kali, Brahma, Vishnu and Lakshmi are said to have worshipped Shiva here. King Nala is also said to have visited this shrine.

About The Temple
The temple at Tiruppoovanam is built covering an area of about 3 acres. There are separated entrances to the Shiva and Ambal shrines in this temple. The main Gopuram rises to a height of 75 feet. Several of the tanks here are considered to be sacred. Natarajar's tandavam here is known as "Brahma Tandavam".

Festivities
The annual Brahmotsavam falls in the month of Panguni (March-April). Other festivals here include Aadi Pooram, Navaratri, Arudra Darisanam, Kartikai Deepam and the Kolattam festival in the month of Aippasi (October-November).

HOW TO GET THERE

Tourists can access Tiruppoovanam from Madurai, which is well connected by air, rail and road.

WHERE TO STAY

Accommodation is available at the economic and luxurious hotels, lodges, devasthanam cottages and choultries in Madurai.