Utthama Chozhapuram Karapuranathar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple situated on the western bank of river Thirumanimutharu in Uthamacholapuram, Salem, Tamilnadu State. The meaning of Karapuranathar is Karai means Riverbank, Puram means place and Nather means Lord in the Tamil Language. This Temple is one of the Marriage Parihara Sthalams in Tamilnadu.
The main Deity is Karabureswarar and is said to have emerged Suyambu. The linga is in a tilted position to one side. The temple is said to be over 1200 years old. The Rajagopuram was constructed during the Chola period but was not completed
The famous Tamil poet Avvaiyar is believed to have presided over the wedding of Angavai and Sangavai, the two daughters of King Pari, widely covered in Tamil history. In fact, there is a life-size statue of Avvaiyar placed at the entrance to the temple.
There is epigraphic evidence of the presence of the three kings in this temple visiting for worship. The place where Chola stayed is called Uthamacholapuram, like that of Pandya as Veerapandi and that of Chera as Servarayanmalai. Statues of the three Tamil Kings Chola, Chera and Pandya are positioned at the entrance of the temple.
The name of Karapuranathar finds mention in the hymns of Tirugnanasambandar, Tirumoolar and Arunagirinathar.
This is one of the five temples with Swayambu lingams on the banks of the Manimuthar river that were worshipped by Beema.
The other four Lord Shiva temples worshipped by Beema and Pandavas, on the banks of Manimuthar river are:
- Sri Sugavaneswarar Swamy Temple
- Pillur Veeratteswarar Temple
- Paramathi Beemeswarar Temple
- Paramathi Velur Nan Sei Idayaru Eyilinathar Temple
Once, Gunaseelam, a boy wanted to worship Lord Shiva by putting a garland on Lord Shiva. But the Shiva Lingam was too big for his size, he could not put it to Lord Shiva. He prayed and cried for his inability to offer garlands to Lord Shiva. The merciful Lord Shiva lowered his head to accept the garland offered by the boy. Even to this day, the Lingam can be found in a tilted position to confirm this story. Therefore, Lord Shiva was also called Mudisaithanathar.
The temple is noted for festivals in all the 12 months of the year, Sukra (Venus) worship, Pradosham and Chandi Homam. Devotees visit this temple in seek of child boon, removal of obstacles in marriage alliances, progress in education and protection from enemies.
Uthamasozhapuram Karapuranathar Temple Timings:
Morning: 6.00 AM to 11.00 AM
Evening: 4.00 PM to 8.00 PM
Karapuranathar Temple History:
Karadushana, brother of Ravana performed penance on Lord Shiva and was about to fall in the fire. Lord stopped him and granted his darshan. The Lord is named Karapuranathar after this incident.
The place is known as Karapura in Dredhayuga and Cholapuri in Kaliyuga according to Uthamacholapuram Karapuanathar Puranam. There is no information about the author of this text.
According to this book, the devotee could gain all the benefits in this birth and attain Moksha (salvation) with his worship in this temple alone without going to other temples, as Sun, Moon and the celestial beings surrender at the feet of Karapuranathar.
Utthama Chozhapuram Karapuranathar Temple Address:
Sri Karapuranathar Temple,
Uthamacholapuram,
Salem District,
Tamilnadu – 636010.
