Ranganathapuram Thiruvaneswarar Shiva Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Ranganathapuram Thiruvaneswarar Shiva Temple, Thanjavur

Ranganathapuram, Budalur circle,

Thanjavur District,

Tamil Nadu 613104

Moolavar

Thiruvaneswarar Shiva 

Amman

Kamakshi

Introduction

• Ranganathapuram Thiruvaneswarar Temple is a Shiva temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Thiruvaneswarar) and Mother Kamakshi, located in Ranganathapuram village, Budalur circle, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.
• The temple is situated 17 km west of Tiruvaiyaru.
• The temple was built by Kochchenganan Cholan and is believed to have been constructed over 1800 years ago.

Puranic Significance:

• The temple is also referred to as Yaanikattu Koil or Ampuratathi Koil.
• The Mada Kovil design was pioneered by Kochengatchozhan, which features raised platforms and narrow entrances that prevent elephants from entering. The first Mada Kovil was in Thiruvanaikovil, and this temple is the second to follow this design.
• The temple has historical significance during the 14th century, when Mohammadean armies attacked Trichy and surrounding areas. To protect the idols of Sri Rangam and Thiruvanaikovil, they were brought to this temple and hidden here. As a result, the village became known as Ranganathapuram or Gajaranyam (another name for Thiruvanaikovil).
• When the Pandyas defeated the invaders and re-captured Sri Rangam, the idols were returned to their original temples.
• The temple’s construction is unique because while the main shrine faces east, the entrance is from the west. A three-tiered gopuram is situated on the northern entrance, with a temple tank opposite it. The temple mandapam is accessible via steps on the southern side.

Kala Bhairava Connection:

• The temple has a significant connection to Kala Bhairava, the authority for time. Kala Bhairava is believed to have created the seven days under the Pooratadhi star, which he took on an elephant. This event is said to have occurred in this temple.
• The main shrine is built on a structure resembling an elephant, leading to the Lord being called Gaja Arohana Eswarar (One who sits on the elephant). Uniquely, the Lord’s vahanam (vehicle) here is an elephant instead of the usual bull.
• The Vimanam above the shrine is called Gaja Kataksha Vimanam.

Elephant and Indra Connection:

• There is another elephant-related legend tied to this temple: Indra’s elephant, Iravatham, was meditating at the temple. When Indra couldn’t rouse the elephant, he threw his Vajrayudham (weapon) at it. The weapon struck the ground, creating a spring, which is known as Vajra Theertham (the temple tank).
• There is also a well called Indra Koopam (Indra well), believed to have been dug by Indra himself. Regretting his actions, Indra sought mercy from the Lord, who pardoned him and granted Iravatham’s wishes.
• It is believed that people born under the Pooratadhi star can have their wishes fulfilled if they offer prayers on their star birthday or on the Pooratadhi star of any month. Devotees also believe that offering clothes in seven colors to the poor grants peace of mind.

Special Features:

• The Moolasthanam (main sanctum) faces east, and the Lingam is a Swayambumurthy (self-manifested). The Lord is called Thiruvaneswarar and by other names like Gajaranyeswarar, Aneswarar, Karivananathar, and Anaikaraperumanar.
• Mother Kamakshi is depicted in a standing posture facing south, with four hands, holding a lotus flower in two hands and showing the Varada (blessing) and Abhaya (fearless) gestures in the other two hands.
• The prakarams (outer courtyards) house several shrines including:
  • Valampuri Vinayakar (Lord Ganesha, believed to have been installed during the Pallava period).
  • Murugan with Valli and Devasena.
  • Durga, Gajalakshmi, Mahalakshmi, Brahma, Chandikeswarar, and the Navagrahams (nine planets).
• A small mandapam was constructed to commemorate the stay of Kanchi Mahaperiyal, who meditated here for a week.

Century/Period

1800 years ago

Nearest Bus Station

Ranganathapuram

Nearest Railway Station

Thanjavur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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