Srivanchiyam Sri Vanchinatha Swami (Leo) Simha Rasi Temple, Thiruvarur

Address

Srivanchiyam Sri Vanchinatha Swami (Leo) Simha Rasi Temple, Srivanchiyam, Thiruvarur District – 610 110 Phone: +91 4366 291 305 / 228 305 Mobile: +91 94424 03926 / 98421 81507 / 94880 03071

Diety

Vanchinadeswarar Amman: Mangala Nayaki, Vazha Vandha Nayaki

Introduction

Vanchinadha Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Srivanchiyam in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. The Sri Vanchinadha Swamy temple is at the centre of the village. Presiding Deity is called as Vanchilingeswarar / Vanchinathar / Vanchinadheswarar. Mother is called as Mangala Nayagi / Maruvar Kuzhali / Vaazha Vandha Nayaki. There are many temples in South India for the Gods of the Hindu pantheon. But there are hardly any for Yama — the God of Death. However, he is enshrined and given preference in daily worship at Srivanchiyam. The entire temple complex has a strong granite structure signifying the Chozha construction. The Temple is believed to be 1500 years old Shiva temple. The Temple is considered to be on par with Kasi. Six places on the banks of the river Cauvery are said to be the most sacred and equivalent to Varanasi: The temple is (Leo) Simha Rasi Parikara Sthalam.

Puranic Significance

Yama the God of Death felt very sad that he was assigned the job of taking the life of people while there are many jobs of happy nature. He went to Tiruvarur and spoke his sorrow to Lord. Lord Shiva directed him to go to Sri Vanchiam and pray there. Yama performed penance. Pleased with his penance, Lord Vanchinadheswarar appeared before him on the Masi month Bharani Star day in February-March and asked what he wished. Yama said that he had been assigned the job of taking the life of people thus incurring their hatred and harsh criticism and he was suffering the Brahmmahati dosha caused by his job duty. Lord Shiva assured him saying that in future, people would attribute the cause of death due to diseases, age and accidents and they would not blame him. Lord also instructed Yama that he should permit only those who are less sinners and they should not have rebirth. Lord also emphasized that Yama should make their end peaceful. He also granted him the status of Kshetra Palaka and the devotees would worship him first and then only the Lord. Accordingly, the first puja is dedicated to Yama only in this temple each day.

Beliefs

Those born of Magam, Pooram, Sadayam and Bharani Stars and belonging to Aries (Mesha), Aquarius (Kumba) and Leo (Simha) Rasis or Lagna pray here for any adverse planetary problems faced by them. Also, those who had lost jobs, aspiring promotions and transfers, separated couples for re-union pray here on Karthika Sundays after a bath in Gupta Ganga in November-December. Realizing their wishes, devotees perform Abishekams and Aaradhanas to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.

Special Features

Sign No: 5 Type: Fire Lord: Sun English Name: Leo Sanskrit Name: Simha Meaning of Sanskrit Name: The Lion The people born under this Rasi have a kingly personality, magnanimity and lion hearted nature. Martial nature may create some situations. The person will be honoured and capable of guiding and inspiring others.

Festivals

As a tradition, Theerthavari is performed only on the final day of Brahmmotsavam in Shiva temples. Here it is performed on the second day in the temple tank itself during the Masi Magam festivals in February-March. Lord Vanchinathaswami comes in procession on the Ema Vahan. On the final day, pujas are dedicated to Lord Muruga. Theerthavari is celebrated on Karthikai Sundays too in November-December. A 10 day festival is also celebrated following Aadi Pooram in July-August. Special Aradhanas and abisheks are performed on Sundays.