Thirunaraiyur Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Thirunariyur, Natchiarkoil,

Kumbakonam Taluk, Thanjavur District,

Tamil Nadu 612602

Phone: +91 435 247 6411 / 247 6157

Moolavar

Ramanatha Swamy

Amman

Parvathavarthini.

Introduction

Ramanatha Swamy Temple is a dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Thirunaraiyur in the outskirts of Nachiyar Koil in Kumbakonam Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Ramanathaswamy and Mother is called as Parvathavarthini. The Temple is situated on the southern banks of Arasalaru River. This temple lies between Thirunaraiyur Siddhanatheswarar Temple and the Nachiyar Koil Thirunaraiyur Nambi Temple. This temple is under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Government of Tamil Nadu.

Puranic Significance

Sani Dosha Nivarthi Sthalam:

The legend goes that King Dasaratha, father of Lord Rama, was once ruling the entire world. Saturn was to make its transit to Rohini star after Kiruthigai. King Dasaratha was informed by sage Vasishta that this transit by Saturn to Rohini would be devastating for the whole world as it would be punctuated with famine and drought causing immense hardship to all the living beings. He asked Dasaratha to prevent it. Dasaratha instantaneously set out on his chariot and arrived at the star, Rohini. He saw Saturn moving in his golden chariot in the direction of Rohini and tried to stop Saneeswaran by force. Saneeswaran, though impressed with the King’s valour said that just his looks can destroy anybody. However, king Dasaratha could not be harmed because of the powers that he had accumulated through severe penance. Dasaratha requested Saneeswaran to spare Bhooma Devi and all the creatures living on it. Lord Saneeswaran was pleased by the King’s concern for his people. He asked Dasaratha to go to Thirunaraiyur and have a bath at the temple tank to have his wish fulfilled. King Dasaratha did accordingly and Saneeswaran gave a darshan to Dasaratha and agreed to his prayer. This Temple is a Sani Dosha Nivarthi sthalam. This is the only place where he is present with his wives Mandhi Devi and Jyeshta Devi and two sons Mandhi and Kuligan

People worshipped Lord Shiva here:

Lord Rama and Anjaneya, during their return from Lanka to Ayodhya worshipped Shiva here.

Beliefs

The temple is considered as equivalent to Rameswaram. Devotees, who are unable to visit Rameswaram, make their offerings to the Lord Ramanatha Swamy here.

Special Features

The Temple is believed to be more than 1500 years old. The Temple isfacing towards east with an entrance arch. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum immediately after the entrance. Presiding Deity is called as Ramanathaswamy and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. The rays of the Sun and the Moon fall directly on the Shiva Lingam in the month of April.

Brahma, Durga, Medha Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava and Nardana Ganapathy are the Koshta idols located around the sanctum walls. There is a shrine of Dasaratha in worshipping posture can be seen in the temple premises. Chandikeswarar Shrine can be seen in his usual location. Mother is called as Parvathavarthini. She is housed in a separate shrine facing south.

There is a shrine for Lord Saneeswarar called Mangala Saneeswarar, can be seen in the temple premises. He is present with his two wives Mandha Devi and Jyeshta Devi and two sons, Maanthi and Kuligan. This is the only place where Lord Saneeswarar is present with his whole family. Though it is a sub shrine, this shrine has separate Dhwaja Sthambam, Balipeedam and the crow mount in front of it.

This temple is popularly called as Mangala Saneeswarar Temple after this shrine. There is a separate shrine for Navagrahas with the Sun at the centre with his two Consorts, Usha Devi and Prathyusha Devi. The other planets are found around the sun.

There are shrines for Gajalakshmi, Hanumantha Lingam, Anantha Ganapathy, Mahalakshmi, Subramaniya with his consorts, Valli & Devasena, Gajalakshmi, Hanumantha Lingam, Nagas, Bhairava and Surya in the temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Erukku Plant. Theertham associated with this Temple is called as Rama Theertham.

Festivals

Chitirai Brahmotsavam, Margazhi Thiruvadhirai, Karthigai Deepam, Pradoshams, Somavaram, Gurupeyarchi, Sanipeyarchi and all Saturdays & Sundays are the festivals celebrated here.

References

https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2021/10/ramanatha-swamy-temple-thirunaraiyur-thanjavur.html