Thiruvaiyaru Sri Abhishtavaradha Ganapathi Temple - Thanjavur

Address

Thiruvaiyaru Sri Abhishtavaradha Ganapathi Temple – Thanjavur

Thiruvaiyaru,

Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu 613204

Moolavar

Sri Abhishtavaradha Ganapathi

Introduction

Abhishtavaradha Ganapathi Temple is situated on the banks of the river Kaveri, 13 km from Thanjavur, Thiruvaaiyaru has an old Shiva temple dedicated to Panchanatheeswar. Though pilgrims flock to this temple throughout the year, Thiruvaiyaru is more renowned for its association with Saint Thyagaraja, who, along with Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Sastri, comprises the Trinity of Carnatic music.

Thiruvaiyaru means Five Rivers around the city. The Five Rivers are Arisilaaru, Vennaaru, Vettaaru, Kudamuruttiyaaru and Kaaviriyaaru.. On the National highway from Thanjavur. Near the Shiva temple is the one-roomed house where Thyagaraja composed some of his greatest works. On the banks of the river is the samadhi of the saint composer and it is here that the greatest music festival in the country takes place annually. The temple for Sri Abhishta Varada Maha Ganapathy, who is popularly known as Kariya Sidhi Vinayagar, is situated at Tiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur.

Puranic Significance

The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. The temple has separate shrines for Lord Abishta Maha Ganapathy, Lord Vishwanatha, his consort Visalakshi, Goddess Durga and Lord Anjaneya. There is also a shrine for Appar Swamigal.

Abishta Maha Ganapathy:
Devotees speak of the immense of the moolavar deity in granting their wishes and hence the name `Abishta’ Maha Ganapathy. The temple for Sri Abhishta Varada Maha Ganapathy, who is popularly known as Kariya Sidhi Vinayagar.

According to puranic scriptures, Saint Appar:
Triggered by a deep-rooted urge and a desire to have a `Kailasa Darshan’ of Lord Kailasanatha together with Goddess Uma Maheswari, notwithstanding his old age, Appar had undertaken a long pilgrimage on foot. Moved by his ardent devotion, Lord Kailasanatha said he should take a holy dip in a river flowing at the foothills of the Himalayas whereby his dream would come true. The saint followed the instructions and went to the Abhishtavaradha Ganapathy temple at Tiruvaiyaru where he had darshan of Lord Kailasanatha with his consort Uma Maheswari in their entire splendor on the sacred Rishaba.

Temple tank (pond):
The temple tank came to be known as Apparkulam which in due course became Uppankulam.

Beliefs

The obstacles for the conduct of marriage or any other deed, it is believed, can be overcome with his blessings. A visit to this temple and the recital of the `Kariya Siddhi Malai’ will usher in benefits and prosperity to an ardent devotee.

Special Features

The word Tiruvaiyaru is associated with saint Tyagaraja. Tiruvaiyaru is also considered on par with Kailasa, abode of Siva. Also is it equal to Kasi or Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

Festivals

Chitra Poornima in April-May; Vaikasi Visakam in May-June; Aadi Pooram in July-August; Vinayaka Chathurthi in August-September; Navarathri in September-October; Maha Shivrathri in February-March.