Sathanur Kasi Viswanathar Temple- Thanjavur

Address

Sathanur, Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk,

Thanjavur District,

Tamil Nadu– 612 101

Mobile: +91 96984 07067

Moolavar

Kasi Viswanathar

Amman

Visalakshi.

Introduction

The Kasi Viswanathar Temple, located in Sathanur Village near Aduthurai Town in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The presiding deity, Kasi Viswanathar, is revered along with Mother Visalakshi. The temple holds a special significance as it is also associated with the life and work of Siddhar Thirumoolar, one of the 18 Tamil Siddhars and the author of the Thirumandiram. Situated on the southern bank of the Veera Cholan River, the temple is not only a sacred site but also a place of historical and spiritual importance.

Puranic Significance:

Thirumoolar: Thirumoolar, originally known as Sundaranathar, was a Tamil Shaivite mystic and a prominent figure in the Shaiva Siddhanta tradition. His most significant work, the Thirumandiram, consists of over 3000 verses and is one of the primary texts of Tamil Shaivism. He is believed to have lived for seven Yugams and is revered as one of the 63 Nayanmars. According to legend, Thirumoolar, a Yogi from Madurai, traveled to Mount Kailasha, where he was initiated by Lord Shiva’s chief attendant, Nandi. After receiving knowledge, Thirumoolar journeyed southward to meet his sage friend Agasthya and eventually arrived in the Kaveri Delta. While passing through Sathanur, he performed a miraculous act of entering the body of a dead cowherd named Moolan, bringing him back to life. This event marked the conversion of Moolan into Thirumoolar, who went on to compose the Thirumandiram. This place is revered as the Avathara Sthalam, where Moolan was transformed into the revered Thirumoolar.

Sathanur: Sathanur was once a prominent village, with Thiruvavaduthurai being part of it. Over time, Thiruvavaduthurai gained more prominence, and Sathanur became less significant. Despite this, Sathanur retains its sacred connection to Thirumoolar’s life and spiritual transformation.

Beliefs:

Devotees believe that worshiping at the Kasi Viswanathar Temple helps in curing diseases and bestowing peace and prosperity. The temple is regarded as a place of healing and spiritual solace.

Special Features:

The temple is approximately 1800 years old and is a small structure facing east. It features an entrance arch adorned with stucco images of Lord Shiva and Parvathy, with two Nandis flanking them. The temple has a Maha Mandapam and a Sanctum, with Nandi and Balipeedam facing the sanctum. Lord Murugan and Vinayaga have shrines at the entrance. The presiding deity, Kasi Viswanathar, is enshrined in the form of a Lingam in the sanctum. The goddess, Visalakshi, is enshrined in a separate south-facing shrine.

Festivals:

The temple celebrates major Shiva-related festivals with devotion, including Maha Shivaratri and the monthly Pradosham. These festivals are celebrated with grandeur, drawing devotees from far and wide.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2020/08/kasiviswanathar-temple-sathanur-thanjavur.html