Thiruppandurai Sri Sivanandeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Thiruppandurai Sri Sivanandeswaar Temple, Tirupandurai, Nachiarkoil post, Kumbakonam Taluk, Thanjavur district-612 602. Phone: +91- 435-244 8138, 94436 50826.

Diety

Sivanandeswarar, Pranaveswarar, Amman : Mangalambikai

Introduction

Sivanandeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Tirupandurai in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Sivanandeswarar. His consort is known as Mangalambikai. It is one of the shrines of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams – Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Tevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Tirugnanasambandar. Saint Tirugnana Sambandar had sung the glory of Lord of the temple in his Thevaram hymns. This is the 64th Lord Shiva temple on the southern bank of Cauvery praised in Thevaram hymns. Thala Virutcham : Vanni Theertham : Mangala Theertham

Puranic Significance

Lord Brahmma, Creator of the world could not answer a question posed by Lord Muruga – the meaning of Ohm Pranava Mantra. Mocking at Him, Muruga also put him in jail. Lord Shiva condemned Muruga’s action. This resulted in the stoppage of creation. Lord Muruga simply said that Brahmma could start His work after learning the meaning of the OHM Pranava Mantra. Lord Shiva demanded Muruga to explain the meaning to Him. Lord Muruga did it perfectly as a Guru and Shiva was an obedient student then. This event took place at Swamimalai. This supremacy promotion made Lord Muruga proud. To punish Him Lord Shiva made Him dumb. Lord Muruga came to Tirupandhurai, made a Shivalinga and worshipped to regain His skills. Pleased Shiva granted the speaking skill to His divine Son. Hence, Lord is praised as Pranaveswarar – Lord of Pranava Mantra.

Beliefs

Those unable to speak, suffering from stammering bathe in the Mangala Theertham and perform abishek to Lord Muruga with honey for 48 days to gain speech skills. Devotees do the usual abishek and aaradhanas to Lord and Mother and offer vastras.

Special Features

The temple had worshipful devotees as Lord Brahmma, Mother Umadevi and Lord Muruga. The small Rajagopuram is facing east. The temple also has a flag post-Kodimaram, Nandhi and the Balipeeta. Lord Vinayaka, celebrated four saivite saints, Chola king and his queen are in the prakara. On the outer prakara also there are shrines for Vinayaka, Lord Muruga, Mother Gajalakshmi and Navagrahas the nine planets. There is an ancient idol of Lord Muruga in Shiva shrine.

Festivals

The temple celebrates Lord Muruga related festivals as Thai Poosam in Jauary-February; Vaikasi Visakam in May-June; Aipasi Skanda Sashti in October-November and Tirukarthikai in November-December.