Sorimuthu Ayyanar Temple - Papanasam | சொரிமுத்து அய்யனார் கோவில் பாபநாசம் | Tirunelveli

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*Sorimuthu Ayyanar Temple - Papanasam*
*சோரிமுத்து அய்யனார் கோவில் பாபநாசம்* | Tirunelveli
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Arulmigu Sorimuthu Ayyanar Temple is located between Papanasam and Karaiyar Dam, on the banks of the River Tamaravaruni in Ambasamudram Taluk, Nellai District. It is recognized as one of the primary Aiyappan Temples in South India. The main deity worshipped here is Mahalinga Swamy, alongside Muthianar and his two consorts, Poorna and Pushkala. Muthianar is revered as a protector of love, supported by his lieutenants including Sangili Bhootham, Thoosi Madan, Thulasi Madan, Pechi, Isakki, and Pattavarayan. The name 'Pon Soriyum Muthian' signifies the god who brings abundant rainfall to the land.

Many families consider Sorimuthu Ayyanar their family deity, particularly those seeking blessings for children or relief from negative influences. Devotees often visit for support in legal matters, and to pray for better milk production from their cows. Offerings of bronze bells are made to Boothathar in the temple.

As an important Aiyappan Temple, devotees on their way to Sabarimala begin their pilgrimage here by wearing the mala. The temple is surrounded by the serene Pothigai hills, and unique customs, such as offering slippers to the deity Valai Pagadai, are observed here. Regular rituals such as abhisheka and archana are also performed, along with community feeding (Annadhanam).

The temple’s pristine waters, though only knee-deep, flow with calming freshness, making a dip in them soothing after trekking through the forest. Lord Dharma Sastha, revered as Ayyappan in the Pandala king's palace, is worshipped here as it is believed to be where he learned martial arts as a young lad.

Due to significant events in his life, other Aiyappan temples were established in Kulathupuzha, Ariangavu, and Achankoil, with Sabarimala serving as the final destination after an interlude. The temple also houses shrines for Mahalingam, Sori Muthu Ayyanar, Sangili Bhodathar, Brahmma Rakshasi, Thalavai Madan, Thoosi Madan, Pattavarayar, Sage Agasthya, Sudalai Madan, Irulappan, Irudan, and Karadi Madasami, among guardian deities.

Devotees undertaking the Sabarimala pilgrimage visit this temple first to wear the mala-chain. On Aadi Amavasya, devotees walk over the Pookuzhi fire pit as a form of penance. Lord Dharma Sastha is depicted with his left leg bent, his right leg hanging down slightly to the left, alongside the Saptha Kannikas (seven maidens).

For those unaware of their family deity, this temple is a place to inquire. It features Nandhi the bull and horses as vahanas, with Lord Bhairava gracing the front mandap, accompanied by his dog vahan.

A notable legend recounts Muthupattan, a Brahmin who fell in love with two girls from different communities. After his sacrifice in battle to protect cattle, a sanctuary was erected for him, Pattavarayan, where he appears with his wives, Bommakka and Thimmakka. Despite his Brahmin status, he learned shoemaking on his father-in-law's advice, and devotees now tie slippers at the shrine. Remarkably, when devotees return the following year, they find that the slippers are worn but not by anyone else, believed to be a miracle of the temple.

The temple is located in a sparse wilderness region, yet the local villagers frequently come to pray for the well-being of their cattle.

*Temple Timing:* 05:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:30 PM to 09:00 PM
*Distance from Thirunelveli:* 59 Kms