Katharinathan Kalahastheeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Katharinathan village,

Thanjavur District,

Tamil Nadu 613501

Moolavar

Kalahastheeswarar

Amman

Kalahastheeswari

Introduction

Introduction
The Katharinathan Kalahastheeswarar Temple is a prominent Lord Shiva temple located in Katharinathan Village, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Kalahastheeswarar, and the goddess is Kalahastheeswari. The temple has significant historical and religious importance, with a rich connection to ancient legends and a deep spiritual significance.

Puranic Significance

The temple’s history is intertwined with a divine legend involving the seven sages—Marichi, Athri, Pulasthiyar, Brihu, Aangeerasar, Vasishtar, and Barathwajar—who were cursed and suffered from leprosy. They went in search of a cure, and their journey brought them to a forest near Iluppai and Punnai trees. Eventually, the sages discovered the Kalahastheeswarar Temple and began bathing in the temple pond and worshipping Lord Shiva for 48 days. Pleased by their devotion, Lord Kalahastheeswarar appeared before them and relieved them from their curse, restoring them to their normal forms.
This event led to the place being known as Saptha Rishi Natham, meaning “The Place of Seven Sages.” Over time, the name evolved into Kalahasthirinatham, which eventually became Kathirinatham.
The temple is also associated with the legend of Kalahastheeswarar, who is believed to offer relief to devotees from their afflictions, especially leprosy and various doshas.

Special Features

Construction and Architecture: The temple is believed to have been originally constructed by Raja Raja Chola according to his father’s wishes. The Shiva idol in the temple is 7 feet tall, and the Avudaiyar (platform) is an impressive 15 feet wide. The Cholas built the temple using bricks. In the 18th century, the Marathis renovated the temple.
The temple is known as Then Kalahasthi and is unique in several ways:
- It does not have the typical Dwajasthambam (flagpole) or Rajagopuram (temple tower), which are common in most Shiva temples.
- Unlike most temples, where Vinayaka is enshrined in the front mandapam, this temple houses a Naga Sannidhi (shrine for serpents) in place of Vinayaka.
- Dakshinamurthy, depicted with a snake in his hand, is a rare and significant feature of this temple.
- Arthanareeswarar is enshrined here instead of the usual Lingothbava. The Arthanareeswarar deity symbolizes the unity of male and female energies.
- The temple is designed in the shape of OM, a sacred syllable representing the ultimate reality in Hinduism.
- Bhairavar in this temple faces south and is believed to listen to the problems of devotees and offer relief.
- Navagrahas (nine planets) in the temple have a unique arrangement: Surya (the Sun) faces west (uncommon, as Sun typically faces east), and Chandran (the Moon) faces east.
Healing Powers:
- Arthanareeswarar is worshipped for unity in the family, and Kala Bhairavar is revered for maintaining good health.
- The temple is believed to provide remedies for Rahu-Ketu dosha, a common belief in astrology that influences personal well-being.
Historical and Royal Significance:
- The temple’s rich history is also documented in inscriptions from the Maratha King Dhukkoji I and his son Thulaja. These inscriptions, dated 28th November 1752, mention the donations made to the temple. Raya Manya Dhukkoji, another Maratha king, contributed land to the temple, as per the inscriptions.
- The temple also contains sculptures from the Raja Raja Chola period, including depictions of Vinayaka, Subramanya, Shiva, Amman, Kailasa Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswarar, Kala Bhairavar, and Nandi. These sculptures are celebrated for their intricate craftsmanship.

Location and Importance

Kathirinatham (or Katharinathan) is part of Singa Vala Nadu, an ancient region under the Chola empire. Villages like Kulichapattu, Thalavaipalayam, Marungai were part of this region and shared a close religious connection with the Punnainallur Mariyamman Temple.