Naalur Mayanam (Thirumeignanam) Sri Gnanaparameswarar Swamy Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Naalur Mayanam (Thirumeignanam) Sri Gnanaparameswarar Swamy Temple, Thiru Naalur Mayaanam (Thirumeignanam), Inchikollai Via, Thirucherai Post, Kumbakonam Taluk, Tanjure District, Tamil Nadu – 612 605.

Deity

Gnanaparameshwarar, Amman: Gnanambigai

Introduction

Thirumeignanam Gnanaparameswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Thirumeignanam in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is dedicated to Shiva, as the moolavar presiding deity, in his manifestation as Gnanaparameswarar. His consort, Parvati, is known as Gnanambikai. The place is also known as Tirunallur Mayaanam. Theertham (Holy water) Gnana Theertham Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree) Vilvam tree

Puranic Significance

Historical Background:
- Originally built in the early Chola period
- Later reconstructed using granite by Aditya Chola-I
- Contains 23 stone inscriptions dating back to the reign of Paranthaka Chola-I and other Chola kings
Historical Names of the Place:
- Chaturvedi Mangalam
- Thirumayanam
- Thirumeignanam
Administrative Control:
- Managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department of Tamil Nadu Government
The Four “Mayaanam” (Burial Ground) Temples:
1. Kachi Mayaanam – Kanchipuram
2. Veezhi Mayaanam – Thiruvizhimizhalai
3. Kazhi Mayaanam – Sirkazhi
4. Naalur Mayaanam – This temple
Divine Worship & Significance:
- It is believed that Lord Mahavishnu, Brahma, the Four Vedas, Aapasthamba Maharishi, and Saint Thirugnanasambanthar worshipped Lord Shiva here.
- The Sanskrit name “Chaturvedi Mangalam” means “land of the four Vedas”, indicating that the four Vedas personified and worshipped Shiva at this temple.
- In Tamil, this place is called “Naal Vediyur” (“Naal” means four), emphasizing its strong connection to the Vedas.
- Devotees believe that worshiping Lord Shiva here grants them deep knowledge of the Vedas and spiritual wisdom.

Beliefs

Devotees pray to the lord here for removal of obstacles from their marriage proposals. They also pray to the lord such that they may be blessed with success in their educational pursuits and prosperity in their lives.

Special Features

Shrines and Idols in the Temple:
- Main Deities:
  - Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy
- Other Shrines and Idols in the Hall and Corridors:
  - Vinayagar
  - Murugan
  - Nagars (Serpent deities)
  - Chandikeswarar (Two idols)
  - Dakshinamurthy (Two idols)
  - Athma Lingam
  - Saneeswarar
  - Bhairavar
  - Suryan
  - Navagraham
Dedicated Shrine for Saint Thirugnanasambanthar:
- Located in the main hall
- Recognizes his devotion and contributions to the temple
Shivalingams in the Corridor:
- Sri Amirthakadeswarar
- Sri Sattanathar
- Sri Ekambareswarar
- Sri Veezhiazhagar
Idols in the Koshtam (Sanctum Surrounding Area):
- Vinayakar
- Pitchandavar
- Natarajar
- Karaikkal Ammaiyar
- Dakshinamurthy
- Mahavishnu
- Brahma
- Vishnu Durgai
Unique Snake Presence in the Sanctum:
- It is believed that a snake occasionally appears in the temple and wraps itself around the head of the Shivalingam.
- Saint Thirugnanasambanthar’s Hymn describes this divine occurrence:
  - “Paaloorum malai paampum panimadhiyum…..”
  - Meaning: The Lord here is seen with a great serpent.
Spiritual Significance as per Saint Thirugnanasambanthar:
- Worshiping Lord Shiva in this temple:
  - Frees devotees from past sins.
  - Liberates them from the cycle of birth and death.
  - Grants them a place in the divine abode of Lord Shiva.
Architectural Features:
- The Sanctum Sanctorum is square-shaped.
- The Vimanam (tower above the sanctum) is hemispherical in design.

Festivals

Some of the important festivals celebrated in this temple are – Vinayakar Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (Aug-Sept), Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct–Nov) and Shivrathri in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar).