Sri Thiyagarajar Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Sri Thiyagaraaja Temple, Thiruvarur (post), Thiruvarur district, TamilNadu,India. PH:04366-242343

Diety

: Vanmeeka Nathar, Puttridam Kondar ( Lord Thiagarajar only)Amman:Kamalambikai, Alliam Kothai

Introduction

The temples complex occupies an area of around 33 acres with the Kamalalayam tank to its west. It houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The tallest is the eastern tower with four stories and a height of 36 meters (118 ft.). There are numerous shrines and Mandapams (halls) in the three spacious enclosures (prakaram). The two main shrines of the temple are for Vanmikinathar (Lord Siva) and Thyagarajar. Of the two, the former is the most ancient, and derives its name from the anthill (putru), which takes the place of linga in the main shrine. Appar, the 7th-century poet saint, refers to the main deity in his hymn as puttritrukondan (one who resides in the ant hill). The Sthala Vriksham (temple tree) is Pathiri (trumpet flower tree). The principles and practises of tree-worship and ophilotary are ancient bases whereupon a later date, Linga worship seems to have been established. Here all the 9 Navagrahams located towards south in straight line also located in northwest corner of 1st (prakaram). This temple holds the record of having maximum number of shrines (called sannidhis in Tamil) in India. Thala Virutcham : Pathiri tree Theertham : Kalamalalayam

Puranic Significance

Indira had to face a battle against the demons. He was able to win the war with the help of Emperor Mushukunda. As a token of his gratitude to the emperor, Indira wanted to present a gift and asked what he wanted. Mushukunda asked for theShivalinga in Indira’s possession which was worshipped by Lord Vishnu keeping it on His chest. Indira did not want to part with the Linga. He made a trick with divine sculptor Mayan making six such Lingas and presented them to the emperor. Mushukunda found them fake. With no means to convince the emperor, Indira offered the Original Shivalinga along with the six new ones too making the total to 7. The original Shiva Linga is in Tiruvarur. Other six are installed in other temples all collectively known as Saptha Vidanga Sthalas. Saptha in Sanskrit means seven. They are installed as 1) Veedhi Vidangar in Tiruvarur, 2) as Nagara Vidangar in Tirunallru, 3) as Sundara Vidangar in Nagapattinam, 4) as Avani Vidangar in Tirukuvalai, 5) as Neela Vidangar in Tiruvaimur, 6) as Bhuvani Vidangar in Vedaranyam and 7) as Adi Vidangar in Tirukaravasal. These Lingas are tiny in size and could be held in hand. These places are called Saptha Vidanga Sthalas where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Thiagarajar.

Beliefs

Devotees pray to Rahukala Durga for promotion and favourable transfers. Lord Shanmuga protects His devotees from enemies. Devotees pray to Mother Neelotpalambal and consume the nivedhana milk of the Arthajama Puja to get children. Lord Runa Vimochana Perumal relieves His devotees from debt burdens and ailments. Devotees pray to presiding deity Lord Thiagaraja for wedding, child, high ranks in education, employment opportunities, progress in trade and profession and promotion boons. Prayer to Lord Vanmeekanatha purifies the devotee of his/her sins, eliminates bad traits in him/her as arrogance etc. and grants many boons including prosperity. Students pray at the Akshara Peeta-a small mount with letters-for gaining excellence in education. Devotees pray to Lord Brahmma Nandhi behind Lord Veedi Vidanga Vinayaka and fill the tub with water seeking rain. They offer Arugu-grass to Him and feed their cows for milk yield. Mother Kamalambal grants wisdom to devotees and even dumbs become teachers to Guru Bhagwan-Jupiter. People offer milk rice nivedhana to Mother on Navami day in Purattasi (September-October) for salvation. Those suffering from fever and seeking longevity offer Pepper Rasam to Lord Juradeva. Usual commitments as feeding-Annadhanam-, distributing the nivedhana to devotees, contribution for the renovation of the temple are also followed. For total success in life, devotees perform Mukundarchana to Lord Thiagarajar which was performed by Lord Vishnu. Emperor Mushukunda also did this for success.

Special Features

Lord Shiva is a swayambumurthi in the temple. Lord Thiagaraja is praised as the Raja-King of Gods. The temple is huge in size and importance, with 9 Rajagopuras, 80 Vimanas, 12 tall walls, 13 mandaps, 15 wells of Theertha importance, 3 gardens, 3 prakaras, 365 Shiva Lingas representing the days of the year, shrines numbering above 100, 86 Vinayaka idols and temples within the temple numbering above 24. The temple is indeed great, huge, tall and a castle of Hindu Faith designed and built in stone. Those worshipping the Face Darshan of Lod Thiagaraja in Tiruvarur are advised to have His Feet darshan (Pada darshan) in Vilamal, 3 km far from this place. The 1000 pillars constructed many years back were meant to make tents (Pandal in Tamil) during festival days. Abishek is not performed to Lord Thiagaraja but to the Maragatha Linga (precious emerald Linga known as Veedhi Vidanga Linga believed to have been worshipped earlier by Indira) at 8.30 a.m., 11.00 a.m. and at 7.00 p.m. each day. After the abishek is over, the Linga would be placed in a silver box with flowers and covered by a silver vessel. This will be then locked in the presence of officials and placed on the right side of Lord Thiagaraja.

Festivals

Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January, Lord Thiagesar granting His Feet darshan – Pada Darshan; 10 day Panguni Uthiraim in March-April with the flag hoisting on the Hastha Star Day of the previous Tamil month Masi, with car festival on the 10th day with the significance of the darshan granted to sage Vyakrapada; 10 day Aadi Pooram in July-August; the Bhoodha Ganas carrying paddy bags to Saint Sundararar on Masi Magam Day in February-March; Chithiria festival in April-May are the important festivals of the temple. Besides the above, the Pradosha Puajas are devotionally performed drawing huge crowds. Deepavali, Pongal the Makar Sankranthi, Tamil and English New Year days are also observed with special pujas.