Thiruchitrambalam Yama Dharmaraja Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Thiruchitrambalam Yama Dharmaraja Temple, Thiruchitrambalam, Pattukkottai Taluk, Thanjavur District – 614628 Phone: +91- 98943 2443

Deity

Yama Dharmaraja

Introduction

The Yama Dharmaraja Temple, located in Thiruchitrambalam in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, is a unique shrine dedicated to Yama, the God of Death and Justice. Situated 36 km from Thanjavur on the Pattukkottai route, the temple holds significant religious and mythological importance. The nearest railway stations are Pattukkottai and Thanjavur, while the nearest airport is at Trichy.

Puranic Significance

The temple’s origin is linked to the mythological story of Manmatha (Cupid) provoking Lord Shiva during His meditation. When Shiva opened His eyes in fury, He reduced Manmatha to ashes. At the plea of Manmatha’s wife Rathi and the intervention of Yama, Manmatha was later restored to life near this site. In gratitude, Yama built this temple.

The presiding deity, Yama Dharmaraja, is depicted with a royal appearance, sitting majestically on his buffalo vehicle. He holds a rope, palm leaves, and a club, symbolizing his duties as the divine executor of justice. His assistants, Chitra Gupta and the messenger Kalan, are also enshrined here.

Lord Shiva blessed Yama to continue his role as the god of destruction, and the nearby Puradhana Vaneswarar Temple is associated with this event. Other deities in the shrine include Pambatti Siddhar, Aiyanar, and his consorts Poorana and Pushkala.

Beliefs

Devotees visit this temple with prayers for:

Longevity of life
Recovery of lost possessions (by writing grievances and tying them to the trident in a practice called Padi Kattudhal)
Justice, especially for those wronged or cheated

Special pujas such as the Ayul Vruddhi Homa (prayer for longevity) are performed during the Ema Kanda time (1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.) on Saturdays. The association of Saturn (Shani) with longevity makes Saturdays particularly significant for worship here.

Special Features

The temple is believed to be 500 years old.
Yama Dharmaraja is depicted with a twisted moustache, a royal demeanor, and symbols of justice in his hands.
During the Aadi festival, Yama is dressed as a king, symbolizing him embarking on a royal hunt.
To temper Yama’s fiery nature, Lord Raja Ganapathy is enshrined in front of the temple, and Lord Baladhandayuthapani is installed behind it.
Women avoid bathing in the temple’s Theertha (holy water), fearing Yama’s justice may manifest in unforeseen ways.