Thepperumanallur Sri Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Thepperumanallur Sri Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Thepperumanallur, Kumbakonam Taluk, Thanjavur District – 612 204 Phone: +91 435 246 3354 Mobile: +91 94435 27247

Deity

Sri Viswanatha Swamy Amman: Vedanta Nayaki

Introduction

• Location: Viswanatha Swamy Temple is situated in Thepperumanallur Village, on the outskirts of Kumbakonam Town, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.
• Deity: The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Vishwanatha Swamy / Naga Vishwanathar / Rudraksheswarar, and the goddess is referred to as Vedanta Nayaki.
• Historical Significance: Believed to have been constructed by Rajaraja Chola, the temple is a noted Parihara sthalam for Sani Dosham (Saturn’s affliction) and financial difficulties.
• Proximity: The temple is located near the Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple and Thiruvinnagar Uppiliappan Temple.

Puranic Significance

• The Legend of Sani and Lord Shiva:
  • According to the Sthala Puranam, Sani attempted to control Shiva for three hours but was thwarted by Mother, who protected the Lord.
  • In a fit of rage, Shiva transformed into Maha Bhairava and tore Sani into two. Eventually, Sani sought forgiveness, and Lord Shiva granted him a normal form, explaining Sani’s role in maintaining cosmic order.
• Agasthya and the Makarantha Rishi:
  • Sage Agasthya wished to see Lord Shiva but was barred due to his destined re-births. He cursed the Makarantha Rishi to become a Yazhi for blocking his path.
  • Agasthya’s eventual realisation led to the Rishi regaining his normal form after Rudraksha was used for worship, establishing the temple’s unique practices.
• Cycle of Rebirths:
  • Worship at this temple is believed to relieve devotees from the cycle of rebirth and grant them Moksha.

Special Features

• Unique Temple Architecture:
  • The temple deviates from traditional architectural norms, earning it the title “Bedham Koil” (different temple). Notably, the entrance to the main shrine is from the back.
• Rudraksha Worship:
  • The temple uniquely features Rudraksha Kavacha Alankara (decoration with Rudraksha) for Lord Shiva and uses Rudraksha for archana.
• Nandi’s Grievance:
  • Devotees can share their grievances with Nandi by speaking into his right ear, which is believed to facilitate resolution.
• Unusual Deities:
  • The temple includes various unique deities such as a single-eared Nandi, two Chandikeswaras, and two Durgas, alongside a Ganapathi with human-like features.
• Natural Phenomena:
  • The temple has witnessed miraculous events, such as a Cobra offering Vilwa leaves to Lord Shiva during a solar eclipse.
• Brahma Theertham:
  • The temple has a sacred tank called Brahma Theertham, and the Vilwa tree is the sthala vriksham (holy tree).

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thepperumanallur

Nearest Railway Station

Kumbakkonam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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