Sathanur Siddheswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Sathanur, Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk,

Thanjavur District,

Tamil Nadu– 612 101

Mobile: +91 96984 07067

Moolavar

Siddheswarar

Amman

Anandha Gowri

Introduction

Siddheswarar Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Sathanur Village near Aduthurai Town in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Siddheswarar, and the divine consort is Anandha Gowri. This temple holds a significant place in Tamil spiritual tradition, as Sathanur is considered the Avathara Sthalam (birthplace) of Siddhar Thirumoolar, one of the 18 Tamil Siddhars and the author of the sacred Tamil text Thirumandiram. The temple is situated on the southern banks of the Veera Cholan River.

Puranic Significance

Thirumoolar

Thirumoolar, originally known as Sundaranathar, is a Tamil Shaivite mystic and one of the 63 Nayanmars. He is also part of the 18 Tamil Siddhars, renowned for composing the Thirumandiram, a sacred text of over 3000 verses forming part of the Tamil Shaiva Siddhanta.

Early Life and Journey: Born in Then Madurai (modern-day Madurai), he traveled to Mount Kailash, where Lord Shiva’s attendant Nandi initiated him into deep spiritual knowledge. He was later directed to spread Shaiva philosophy in South India.
Transformation in Sathanur: On his journey, Thirumoolar witnessed cows mourning their herder, Moolan, who had died. Out of compassion, he used his yogic powers to enter Moolan’s body (Parakaya Pravesam). This miraculous event led to him being revered as a great saint in the region.
Creation of Thirumandiram: Following Lord Shiva’s divine instruction, Thirumoolar meditated under a peepul tree in nearby Thiruvavaduthurai and composed Thirumandiram, encompassing Shaivite philosophy and guidelines for righteous living in simple Tamil.

Sathanur is thus celebrated as the spiritual epicenter where the transformation and teachings of Thirumoolar unfolded.

Sathanur

Sathanur, once a prominent village, included the area now known as Thiruvavaduthurai. Over time, Thiruvavaduthurai gained prominence, but Sathanur remains a significant site of spiritual heritage due to its association with Thirumoolar.

Special Features

Age and Structure: The temple is believed to be over 1800 years old. It faces east with an unfinished gopuram and is situated on a raised platform.
Sanctum: The presiding deity, Siddheswarar, is enshrined in the form of a tall Lingam on a square Avudaiyar, facing east.
Shrines:
- The goddess Anandha Gowri resides in a separate south-facing shrine.
- Shrines dedicated to Vinayaga, Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Nataraja with Shivagama Sundari, Arumugam, Durga, Dakshinamoorthy, and Utsava Idols are found within the temple premises.
Sacred Tank: The temple’s theertham, known as Siddhamrutha Theertham, is located on the northern side.