72. SALIPERI

BRAHMAPUREESWARAR TEMPLE

Distance: 4kms from Nannilam

Shiva: Brahmapureeswarar

Amman: Mangalambigai

Sthala Viruksham: Purasai tree (Palasa tree)

Theertham: Brahma Theertham

Speciality:

Shiva faces east and amman faces south.

Amman here is called Mangalambigai who bestows the devotees with all boons and therefore people who worship here get relieved from Pithru Saabam, the curses which had been extended from their poorva jenmas, hurdles and marriage, enmity, jealously, separations from their loved ones and so on. 

This temple is situated amidst temples like Thiruvarur, Nannilam and Shrivanjiam.

Al the Parivara and Praha deities found normally are found here also.

Lord Shiva here is a 8 striped Linga (ettu pattai lingam) which denotes Sky, Air, Fire, Water, Land, Surya, Chandra and Aanma. Therefore worshipping Brhmapureeswarar would bless everyone with health wealth and mental peace.

History:

As everybody knows a story that Brahma lied that he saw the top of head of Lord Shiva he was cursed that he would not have any temples. Brahma was sad. He came to this place which was full of Purasai trees. He stayed here, created a pond which was later called by his name as Brahma Theertham. He used the water to bath and for Shiva pooja. After a few years Lord Shiva appeared before him and told him that even though he would not have many separate temples he would be a part of the Koshta deities in the Shiva temple. Brahmins could only perform pooja or penance. Brahma would be the main reason for a Brahmin to attain Brahmachariya and he would be the first for all rituals. Brahma meaning first and Aacharya meaning Guru.Even a temple Utsavam is referred as Brahmotsavam. This credit was given to Brahma in this temple. Therefore Shiva here was known as Brahmapureeswarar. 

Lord Shiva killed Jalandaran in Virkudi (place close to Saliperi) with his Chakrayudha. Brindha, Jalandaran's wife, was a very pious and a moral women. Jalandaran could not attain moksha as Brindha's devotion and morality stop him from attaining death. He was in a position between life and death. So, Mahavishnu cunningly took away his life and allowed him to attain Moksha. Brindha cursed Mahvishnu as he separated her husband from her leaving her alone. She cursed him that he sould suffer the pain of separation as she had. Therefore Mahavishnu had to take the Avatar of Rama and get separated from his wife due to curse. In Rama Avatar during the period of exile  (vana vasa) Sita was taken away by Ravana and Rama suffered due to the separation of Sita. He was experiencing the difficulties as cursed by Brindha. When he was in search of Sita he happened to reach this place. He was very frustrated when he reached here. He found Brahmapureeswarar temple here and he worshipped him. He stayed here for a certain period of time and by Bathing in the Brahma theertham and worshipping Brahmapureeswarar he got relieved from frustration and his inner heart was cleared and he attained mental peace. Lord Shiva appeared before him and told him that the curse would be relieved and he would be united with Sita soon. Lord Shiva said that He would accompany Rama in the form of Hanuman and help him and also be the main cause to attain his wife Sita. 'Salippu' in tamil means frustration and 'Eri' means burn. Since Lord Shiva burnt the frustration of Rama the place was called as Salippu Eri which ahs been trasformed to Salipperi. There is a place called Pathiniyalpuram very close to Saliperi meaning a residing place of a moral and pious women. This was the place where Brindha, Jalandaran's wife, worshipped Lord Shiva. Apart from Brahmapureeswarar the Linga installed and worshipped by Rama and the Linga which was worshipped by Hanuman was also seen here.

Mr. Srinivasan would help us for the Dharshan even if the temple is closed. He is ready to help us at any time and his contact number - 9787730982.

SHIVA WORSHIPPED BY RAMA AND HANUMAN