Sattainathar Temple, also known as Brahmapureeswarar or Thoniappar Temple, is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Sirkazhi, Tamil Nadu. The temple, celebrated in the hymns of Thevaram and designated as Paadal Petra Sthalam, showcases three levels of Shiva shrines, each depicting a unique form of the deity. This ancient temple is renowned for its impressive architecture and spiritual significance, attracting countless devotees each year to its hallowed grounds.
The temple complex features three main shrines across three stories: the Bhramapureeswarar shrine on the ground level, accompanied by Ambal Thiripurasundari, the Periyanakar and Thoniappar shrine at the second level, and Sattainathar at the top. The three forms of Shiva—Bhrammapureeswarar (Shivalingam), Toniappar (Uma Maheswarar), and Sattainathar (Bhairavar)—are venerated here. In addition to the shrines, 22 sacred water bodies surround the temple, believed to possess divine attributes.
Historically, Sirkazhi was known by twelve different names, including Brahmapuram, Kazhumalam, and Thonipuram. According to legend, Shiva protected the 64 arts on a raft during a great deluge, giving him the name Thoniappar ("the one who carried the raft") and the temple the name Thonipuram. It is also believed that the god Brahma worshipped Shiva here, leading to the name Bhramapureeswarar. This holy site is steeped in Saiva lore, including stories of Sambandar, the revered 7th-century Saiva poet-saint.
The temple, maintained by Dharmapuram Adheenam, features vast courtyards and towering gopurams. The intricate architectural work includes seven-tiered gopurams and large prakarams (enclosures) with high walls. Many elements date back to the 10th and 11th centuries, with notable additions by Chola kings like Kulothunga Chola I and Kulothunga Chola III. Inside, devotees encounter Parvati’s Sthira Sundari shrine and other sanctums, emphasizing the temple’s historical and devotional importance.