Keezh Pazhayarai Somanatha Swamy Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Keezh Pazhayarai Somanatha Swamy Temple, Keezh Pazhayarai, Patteeswaram Post, Kumbakonam Taluk, Thanjavur District – 612 703 Phone: +91 98945 69543

Diety

Somanatha Swamy Amman: Somakamalambigai.

Introduction

Somanatha Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Keezh Pazhayarai Village near Patteeswaram in Kumbakonam Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Somanatha Swamy / Somesar / Somanathar and Mother is called as Somakamalambigai. The Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as Devaram hymns sung by Appar and Sambandar had a mention about this Temple. The Temple is situated on the southern bank of T.R Pattinam River. This temple is under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Government of Tamil Nadu (HR&CE).

Puranic Significance

The temple is built by Aditya Chola (871-907 CE) along the banks of river Cauvery to commemorate his victory in the Thiruppurambiyam battle. The Temple was renovated by Chola Emperor Rajaraja Chola I. As per the paintings inside the temple, it is mentioned that Rajaraja Chola was brought up in Pazhayarai and he visited this temple every day when he was at young age. It is believed that Aadhi Sesha, Ganga and Kamdhenu’s daughter Vimali had worshipped Lord Shiva here. As per legend, Chandra married Daksha’s 27 daughters. Among his 27 wives, Chandra was especially fond of his fourth wife, Rohini, and spent most of his time with her. The other wives resented his indifference to them and complained about it to their father. This angered Daksha immediately cursed Chandra that he would gradually fade away. Chandra worshipped Lord Shiva here to get relief from Daksha curse. Lord Shiva could not reverse Daksha’s curse. However, he softened the curse for Chandra. He would face the curse for 15 days of the month and the remaining 15 days he would be growing to larger extend. Thus, the waxing & waning of the Moon (Poornima & Amavasya) was born.

Special Features

The temple is facing towards east and has three prakarams. The Somanathar temple resembles the Airavateshwarar Temple at Darasuram, and Kampaheswarar Temple at Thirubhuvanam. It has the remains of a 7-tiered Rajagopuram similar to Chidambaram and Thiruvarur Temples. Balipeedam and Nandi can be found after this dilapidated Rajagopuram. A newly built three tiered Rajagopuram can be found after crossing Nandi in the outer prakaram. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Mukha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam and Sanctum. The Sanctum is located in elevated position immediately after this newly built Rajagopuram. The Sanctum is constructed in the form of Mada Kovil as it is situated about 6 feet higher than the ground level. It is also constructed in the form of chariot pulled by elephants and horses. Presiding Deity is called as Somanatha Swamy / Somesar / Somanathar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is a Swayambhu Moorthy. Dakshinamoorthy, Arthanareeswarar, Brahma are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. The Vimana over the sanctum is of 3 tiers. It contains images of Uma Mahesvara and Gaja Samhara Moorthy.