Omampuliyur Kshetra

Omampuliyur Kshetra dedicated to Lord Shiva is located about an hour’s drive (45 km) from the temple-town of Kumbhakonam in Tamil Nadu.  This is one among the five Puliyur Kshetras in Tamil Nadu. The other four are, Perumpatrapuliyur, Perumpuliyur, Erukkattampuliyur, and Tiruppathiripuliyur. This is also popular as Dakshinamurthy Kshetra or Gurumurthy Kshetra or Pranava Vyaghrapureeswarar Kshetra. Puranas mention that Lord Shiva as Dakshinamurthy gave lessons to Parvati about Pranava Mantra, beginning with Beejaksharas Aum and Aam. Hence the name Puliyur came to be called Om Am Puliyur. It is stated in the sacred scriptures that Sage Vyaghrapada worshipped here. Godess Parvati is fondly called Pushpalatambika. Lord Dakshinamurthi has been installed in a Mantap. An image of Sarasvati which is rare in Shaiva Kshetra, can be seen here. This is said to have been worshipped by the goddess Parvati before the learning. This Kshetra is considered ideal to begin the studies. Devotees born under the Revati star visit this Kshetra to take up Parihara Puja.