Sri Skandapuranam extols the virtue of Konerirajapuram, the abode of Sri Dehasundari sameda Sri Umamaheswara. The Sanskrit text has been translated into Tamil and Sri Bhumikshetra Mahatmiyam (Tirunalla Thalavaralaru) gives extensive details about the place and the deity. The format is a dialogue between Sanatkumara and Nandikeswara. The place has been eulogised by Tirugnanasambandar and Appar, whose verses are included. The slim volume contains the five-stanza (Pancharatna) sloka with which Bhumidevi worshipped Siva.
The tale of Mahavishnu as Varaha retrieving the Earth that demons had pushed to the bottom of the sea is well-known. The sthalapuranam picks up the thread here. Mahavishnu advises a thankful Bhumidevi to offer worship to Siva to grant her stability. Following His directions, she proceeds and stops where she finds a beautiful tank (Brahmatirtham) beside an Aswatha tree. Recognising it to be her final destination, she establishes a Lingam. Her effort is blessed by the entire pantheon of gods and in no time Visvakarma creates a beautiful temple. And Bhumidevi worships Siva, who grants her unshakeable strength and stability.
The Tamil translation of S. Janaki gives a vivid picture of the Kshetram, Tirtham and Murtham and a pilgrim is sure to mark Konerirajapuram as the next halt on his itinerary.
According to historical accounts, the present day temple that houses the biggest Nataraja bronze was built by Sembian Madevi, grandmother of Raja Raja Chola. The queen, however, did not raise a rajagopuram. ANS Charitable Trust has now embarked on the task of building one. The five-tier edifice will come up under the supervision of Muthiah Sthapati. The plan includes renovating Brahma Tirtham and building a guest house for pilgrims.
Also, the Trust desires to develop the place on the lines of Kasi, Gaya, Haridwar and Rameswaram, where last rites are performed. The aim is to facilitate the uninterrupted conduct of pujas and festivals and maintenance with a corpus fund. The estimate runs into crores of rupees and the organisers hope to complete the work with the help of philanthropists and perform consecration in 2015. For details contact S. Gnanasekaran, founder trustee, at 09840154416.
