36. KORKKAI

BRAHMA GNANA PUREESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 8kms from Kumbakonam

Shiva: Brahma Gnana Pureeswarar

Amman: Pushapambigai

Theertham: Chandra Pushkarani

Speciality:

This temple is connected to Gorakka Sidhdhar.

This temple was built by Kulothunga Chola the Third.

This temple was flourishing with 2 Praharas during the Chola period. 

In the Nandhi Mandapam there are 2 Nandhis on the same peetam one facing Shiva and the other Amman.

We can find the Adhikari Nandhi and the Sapthswara Vinayaka and Muruga.

Vinayaka and Muruga are musical idols. If you tap them we can here the Saptaswara sound.

Lord Muruga is seen with his 2 consorts. Behind Muruga we find the idol of Kiradha Murthy.

We find Chandra Pushkarani created by Chandran as a Theertham of this temple.

We find the idol of Chandra along with Bhairavar.

The Vishnu Durgai of this temple is holding Changu and Chakram (conch and the discus).

History:

Gorakka Sidhdhar came to this place for his Shiva Dharshan. At night he was lying down on a Mandap to sleep. He was with a determination that even the shadow of a women should not touch him. Suddenly he found a thin female attire touching his hands. It was the attire of some women which flew and touched him as the place was breezy. They women was unaware of it. Gorakkar suddenly woke up and felt that he had committed a great mistake. He also felt that he had sinned and that was why this had happened to him. He cut his left hand with his right one. He cut his other hand with the help of his legs. He ran to the Brahma Gnana Pureeswarar temple. He cried to the lord that he was guilty of this happening. Lord Shiva appeared before him and bestowed his hands back and praised him for his dedication and devotion. Therefore the village was called Gorakkar Kai which was later transformed to Gorkkai or Korkkai. The sidhdhar stayed here and performed pooja for many years.

Brahmapureeswarar helped Brahma to regain his wisdom and knowledge. Vishnu created 2 Asuras from his sweat drops for a certain reason. These Asuras Madhu and Kaidapan stole the Vedas from Brahma and hid it under them under the ocean. They wanted to conquer Brahma and were really for a fight. Brahma sought Vishnu's help to save him. Vishnu took Hayagreeva Avatar and fought with the Asuras and Killed them. He brought back the Vedas and gave it to Brahma. Even though Brahma acquired the Vedas back he did not regain his memory about creation. Vishnu advised him to come to this place and perform Pooja to Shiva. He said that performing Adi Pradhakshinam would help him regain his knowledge. He came with his consort Saraswathi on the Avittam day of the Aavani month as suggested by Vishnu. He performed the Adi Pradhakshinam and Poojas and worshipped Lord Shiva here. Lord Shiva restored the lost knowledge and memory of Brahma. Brahma and Saraswathi worshipped the Ambaal of this temple with fresh flowers and Garlands made of fresh scented flowers. The Ambaal was decorated with flowers always and therefore acquired the name Pushpambigai. The mother goddess was glad and she appeared along with Lord Shiva and blessed them. The Dakshinamurthy of this temple preached Pranava Mandhiram to Brahma here and thereby he regained his memory and knowledge. So the Dakshinamurthy is referred to as Upadhesha Dakshinamurthy.

Chandran worshipped this temple to protect him from Rahu and Kedhu. He created a pond named Chandra Pushkarani. Those who bath in this pond are believed to be relieved from any form of Sarpadhosha. We can find the idol of Chandran near the Bhairavar.

Since Upadesam to Brahma occurred here this place is considered to be the place where Brahmmopadesam started. The day of Aavani Avittam was considered as the day of wearing of the Sacred thread initiated from this temple.