Thirunaraiyur Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Thirunaraiyur Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Thanjavur

Thirunariyur, Natchiarkoil,

Kumbakonam Taluk, Thanjavur District,

Tamil Nadu 612602

Phone: +91 435 247 6411 / 247 6157

Moolavar

Ramanatha Swamy

Amman

Parvathavarthini.

Introduction

The Ramanatha Swamy Temple is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Thirunaraiyur, near Nachiyar Koil, in Kumbakonam Taluk, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity, Ramanathaswamy, is worshipped alongside Goddess Parvathavarthini. The temple is situated on the southern banks of the Arasalaru River and lies between the Thirunaraiyur Siddhanatheswarar Temple and the Nachiyar Koil Thirunaraiyur Nambi Temple. The temple is maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Tamil Nadu.

Puranic Significance

1. Sani Dosha Nivarthi Sthalam:
   • The temple is a renowned site for alleviating the effects of Sani Dosha (Saturn affliction).
   • According to legend, King Dasaratha, the father of Lord Rama, learned from Sage Vasishta that Saturn’s transit to the Rohini star would result in catastrophic famine and drought.
   • Dasaratha, driven by his concern for humanity, confronted Lord Saneeswarar (Saturn). Though impressed by Dasaratha’s valor, Saneeswarar advised the king to bathe in the temple’s sacred tank.
   • After performing penance at Thirunaraiyur, Dasaratha’s prayers were answered, and the devastating effects of Saturn were averted.
   • This temple is unique as it is the only shrine where Saneeswarar is depicted with his wives (Mandhi Devi and Jyeshta Devi) and sons (Mandhi and Kuligan).
2. Worship by Lord Rama:
   • During their journey back to Ayodhya from Lanka, Lord Rama and Anjaneya worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple.

Beliefs

• The temple is considered equivalent to Rameswaram, making it a sacred alternative for devotees unable to visit Rameswaram. Offerings to Lord Ramanatha Swamy here are believed to hold the same spiritual merit.

Special Features

• The temple is over 1,500 years old and faces east, with an entrance marked by an archway.
• Temple Layout:
  • The sanctum houses Lord Ramanathaswamy in the form of a Shiva Lingam, facing east.
  • During April, the rays of the Sun and Moon directly fall on the Shiva Lingam.
  • Around the sanctum, the Koshta idols include Brahma, Durga, Medha Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, and Nardana Ganapathy.
  • A shrine for King Dasaratha, depicted in a worshipping posture, is present within the temple premises.
• Mother Parvathavarthini resides in a separate shrine facing south.
• Mangala Saneeswarar Shrine:
  • This is the temple’s most distinctive feature, housing Lord Saneeswarar with his wives and sons.
  • The shrine has a separate Dhwaja Sthambam (flagpole), Balipeedam, and a mount with a crow in front of it.
  • The temple is popularly referred to as the Mangala Saneeswarar Temple.
• Other Shrines:
  • Navagraha Shrine: The Sun is depicted at the center with his consorts, Usha Devi and Prathyusha Devi, surrounded by other planets.
  • Shrines for Gajalakshmi, Hanumantha Lingam, Anantha Ganapathy, Mahalakshmi, Subramanya with Valli and Devasena, Nagas, Bhairava, and Surya are present.
• Sthala Vriksham: Erukku Plant
• Theertham: Rama Theertham

Festivals

Major festivals celebrated at the temple include:

• Chitirai Brahmotsavam
• Margazhi Thiruvadhirai
• Karthigai Deepam
• Pradosham
• Somavaram
• Gurupeyarchi
• Sanipeyarchi
• All Saturdays and Sundays

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/10/ramanatha-swamy-temple-thirunaraiyur-thanjavur.html

Century/Period

1500 Years Old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Nachiyar Kovil  

Nearest Railway Station

Kumbakonam Station

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple