Dhenupureeswarar Temple – Patteeswaram

Travel for 8 km from Kumbakonam, to reach the sacred town of Patteeswaramt, which is famed for its Sri Durga Shrine and a Shiva Temple called Sri Dhenupureeswarar aka Thenupureeswarar Temple. Dhenupureeswarar Temple is a huge temple worshipping god Shiva. The temple holds 5 tall gopurams and 3 prakarams. The main deity Thenupureeswarar sits in the sanctum sanctorum in the central mandapam of the first prakarams. Also are the shrines for Chandikeswarar, Natarajar and Sun god and goddess Sri Gnanambikai. The temple holds many religious stories behind its existence. Visit the temple to hear some. The main attraction of the temple is the idol of Goddess Durga, which is believed to be brought by Cholas. The goddess is seen as a guardian deity of this temple.  Goddess Durga poses seating on a lion and with her foot on the demon, Mahishasura, having eight hands with each one holding the conch, discus, bow, arrow, sword, shield and a parrot. The temple also holds a sacred well called Koti Theertham, which is believed to have been created by Lord Rama. Festivals- The temple commences annual ten-day festival in Margazhi (December-January), Vaikasi Festival (May-June), Navarathri and Muthu Pandal Festival (June-July).