Thepperumanallur Sri Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Thepperumanallur Sri Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Thepperumanallur, Kumbakonam Taluk, Thanjavur District – 612 204 Phone: +91 435 246 3354 Mobile: +91 94435 27247

Deity

Sri Viswanatha Swamy Amman: Vedanta Nayaki

Introduction

Location: Viswanatha Swamy Temple is situated in Thepperumanallur Village, on the outskirts of Kumbakonam Town, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.
Deity: The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped as Vishwanatha Swamy / Naga Vishwanathar / Rudraksheswarar, and the goddess is referred to as Vedanta Nayaki.
Historical Significance: Believed to have been constructed by Rajaraja Chola, the temple is a noted Parihara sthalam for Sani Dosham (Saturn’s affliction) and financial difficulties.
Proximity: The temple is located near the Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple and Thiruvinnagar Uppiliappan Temple.

Puranic Significance

The Legend of Sani and Lord Shiva:
- According to the Sthala Puranam, Sani attempted to control Shiva for three hours but was thwarted by Mother, who protected the Lord.
- In a fit of rage, Shiva transformed into Maha Bhairava and tore Sani into two. Eventually, Sani sought forgiveness, and Lord Shiva granted him a normal form, explaining Sani’s role in maintaining cosmic order.
Agasthya and the Makarantha Rishi:
- Sage Agasthya wished to see Lord Shiva but was barred due to his destined re-births. He cursed the Makarantha Rishi to become a Yazhi for blocking his path.
- Agasthya’s eventual realisation led to the Rishi regaining his normal form after Rudraksha was used for worship, establishing the temple’s unique practices.
Cycle of Rebirths:
- Worship at this temple is believed to relieve devotees from the cycle of rebirth and grant them Moksha.

Special Features

Unique Temple Architecture:
- The temple deviates from traditional architectural norms, earning it the title “Bedham Koil” (different temple). Notably, the entrance to the main shrine is from the back.
Rudraksha Worship:
- The temple uniquely features Rudraksha Kavacha Alankara (decoration with Rudraksha) for Lord Shiva and uses Rudraksha for archana.
Nandi’s Grievance:
- Devotees can share their grievances with Nandi by speaking into his right ear, which is believed to facilitate resolution.
Unusual Deities:
- The temple includes various unique deities such as a single-eared Nandi, two Chandikeswaras, and two Durgas, alongside a Ganapathi with human-like features.
Natural Phenomena:
- The temple has witnessed miraculous events, such as a Cobra offering Vilwa leaves to Lord Shiva during a solar eclipse.
Brahma Theertham:
- The temple has a sacred tank called Brahma Theertham, and the Vilwa tree is the sthala vriksham (holy tree).