- September 28, 2025
Last updated on September 22, 2025
| Sivasthalam | Arulmigu Pasupatheeswarar Temple |
|---|---|
| Moolavar | Lord Pasupatheeswarar (Swayambu Lingam) |
| Goddess | Mangalaambikai & Pankajavalli |
| Sacred Tree | Peepal Tree (Arasa Maram) |
| Theerthams | Brahma Theertham, Kamadhenu Theertham (Thenutheetham), Chandra Theertham, Agni Theertham, and Poigai River |
| Puranic Name | Aswathavanam, Manikkoodam (Avoor Pasupatheeswaram) |
| Location | Avoor (Govindakudi), Valangaiman Taluk |
| District | Thanjavur |
Thennādudaiya Sivanē Pōtri
Ennāttavarkkum Iraivā Pōtri
Avoor Pasupatheeswarar Temple, also known as Pasupatheeswaram, is one of the Pancha Bhairava Sthalams – the five temples where Bhairavas stand facing Lord Shiva. It is also one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams praised in the Thevaram hymns by Saint Thirugnanasambandar. Situated on the southern banks of the river Cauvery, this temple is the 21st temple in the Cauvery Thenkarai Temples List.
Once, there was a dispute between Adisesha (the serpent deity) and Vayu Bhagavan (the Wind God) about who was stronger. Adisesha wrapped himself around Mount Kailash tightly with his thousand hoods. Vayu blew fiercely as Sanda Maarutha, making the mountain tremble. The frightened Devas prayed to Lord Shiva, who asked Adisesha to loosen his grip slightly. At that moment, Vayu lifted two mountain peaks – one fell here at Avoor, and the other at Thirunallur – sanctifying both places.
Here, Lord Pasupatheeswarar blesses devotees as a Swayambu Lingam (self-manifested Lingam).
Sage Vasishta once cursed Kamadhenu (the divine cow). To be relieved from the curse, Kamadhenu came to this place, installed a Shiva Lingam, and performed abhishekam with milk. Pleased, Lord Shiva removed her curse. Because cows worshipped Him here, the Lord is called Pasupatheeswarar (“Lord of the Cows”). You can still see a beautiful sculpture of Kamadhenu pouring milk on the Lingam on the temple flag mast.
This temple is a Mada Kovil (raised structure) built by King Kochengat Chozhan, one of the 63 Nayanmars.
Inside the Maha Mandapam, there are two shrines for the Goddess, both facing south:
Sacred Tree: Peepal Tree (Arasa Maram)
Sacred Theerthams: Brahma Theertham, Kamadhenu Theertham, Chandra Theertham, Agni Theertham, and Poigai River. Bathing in Brahma Theertham is believed to cure skin diseases.
Pithru Dosha Nivaranam: Clears ancestral curses and brings progress in family life
Rare Pancha Bhairava Sthalam: All five Bhairavas facing Shiva in one place – very auspicious
Paadal Petra Sthalam: Praised in Thirugnanasambandar’s hymns, each verse ending with “Avoor Pasupatheeswaram Paadu Naave”
Other Benefits:
Historical Importance
Avoor was an important town during the Chola period. Inscriptions refer to the temple as “Avoor Koottathu Pasupatheeswaram Udayar.” Avoor is also the birthplace of Sangam-era poets like Avoor Kizhar, Avoor Moolangkizhar, and the renowned author of Manimekalai, Sathanar.
Avoor is located about 12 km from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam–Thanjavur road via Govindakudi and Melathur.
This temple is a powerful parihara sthalam (remedial temple) for those suffering from Pithru Dosham, marriage delays, or negative energies. A visit to this temple is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.
Arulmigu Pasupatheeswarar Temple,
Avoor, Valangaiman Taluk,
Thanjavur District – 612701
📞 +91 94863 03484
