Thirurvaiyur Sri Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumaal Temple, Thanjavur

Deity: Hara Shaba Vimochana Perumal,  Amman: kamalavalli
Temple Address: Thirurvaiyur Sri Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumaal Temple (divya desham-15) National Highway 226 Extension, Kandiyur,  Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu 613202 . Phone Numbers: +91- 93446 08150.
Open between: 06:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 AM to 08:30 AM

Introduction

Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal Temple in Thirukandiyur, a village in the outskirts of Thiruvayaru in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Hara Saabha Vimochana and his consort Lakshmi as Kamalavalli. The temple is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century AD, with later contributions from Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaks. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and its bodies of water. The temple has a 5-tiered rajagopuram, the temple’s gateway tower. Theertham : Kabala Moksha Pushkarini Agamam / Pooja : Vaikanasam

Puranic Significance

Puranic Significance

The Appakkudathaan Perumal Temple has deep puranic connections and several legends linked to its significance. It is believed that the temple has been in existence since the Medieval Chola period in the late 8th century AD, with continued patronage from the Vijayanagar kings and the Madurai Nayaks. Over time, the temple underwent renovations, including those in 1984 under Sri Thirukudanthai Vedanta Ramanuja Mahadesikan and further work in 2003 by his successor, Sri Rangaramanuja Mahadesikan. These renovations included restoring the gateway tower and the shrines of Hara Saabha Vimocahana and Kamalavalli.

Legends and Stories

Several significant puranic and mythological events are associated with the temple:

1. The Curse and Redemption of Brahma’s Head:
   • According to the Brahmanda Purana, the story begins with Brahma, the god of creation, who originally had five heads. However, due to a misunderstanding, Parvati, the wife of Shiva, accidentally worshipped Brahma instead of her husband. In a fit of rage, Shiva severed one of Brahma’s heads, which then became stuck to Shiva’s hand due to Brahma’s curse.
   • To rid himself of the sin, Shiva worshipped Vishnu at Thirukarambanur in the form of Bhikshatana (the beggar form), where a part of his sin was alleviated. The rest of Shiva’s sin was removed when he visited Vishnu at Thirukandiyur and bathed in the temple tank, Kamala Pushkarani.
   • Because Vishnu relieved Shiva’s sin (called Hara Saabha Vimochana), this temple became known as the Hara Saabha Vimochana Temple. The tank near the temple came to be known as Kapala Theertham (Kapala meaning “skull”), marking the spot where Shiva’s sin was cleansed.
2. The Role of Goddess Lakshmi:
   • Another legend suggests that Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, requested Shiva to cut off one of Brahma’s heads. She felt that Vishnu would give all his attention and affection to Brahma, which caused her distress. In response, Shiva severed one of Brahma’s heads. This mythological act reflects a deeper connection between the deities, with the temple symbolizing their interactions.
3. Expiations by Sage Bhrigu, King Mahabali, and Chandra:
   • Sage Bhrigu, known for his test to determine the superiority of the Trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva), once kicked Vishnu on the chest in anger. To atone for his sin, he came to this temple and worshipped Vishnu.
   • King Mahabali, a prominent figure in Hindu mythology, and the moon-god Chandra also sought atonement for their sins by worshipping Vishnu at this temple.
   • Chandra, who had seduced his guru’s wife, partially absolved himself of his transgression by worshipping at the temple, contributing to its significance as a place of purification.

Beliefs

This is the sacred place that relieved Lord Shiva Himself of His doshas. Hence, every dosha faced by devotees will disappear if they pray to Perumal here

Special Features

Hara Saabha Vimocchana Perumal Temple is located in Thirukandiyur, a village located between Thiruvayyaru and Thanjavur, in between the rivers Cauvery and Kudamaurutti. he temple has a three-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower) and an adjoining granite wall that surrounds the temple. The temple occupies an area of 1 acre (0.0040 km2) and is located in the between the rivers Kudamurutti and Vennar. The temple is located 2 km (1.2 mi) away from Thiruvayaru in Thanjavur district. The temple has two precincts and the main gateway faces the east. The central shrine houses the image of Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal in standing posture. The sanctum is approached through two halls, namely, the Garuda Mandapam and the Maha Mandapam. Kapala Moksha Pushkarani, located on the west side of the temple is the major water body associated with the temple, while the Mahabali Theertham is located opposite to it. The shrine of the consort of Hara Saabha Vimochana, Kamalavalli or Kamala Nachiyar, is located in the first precinct. The second precinct houses the shrines for Narasimha, Sudarsana, Andal, Azhwars and Vedanta Desika

Festivals

Panguni Brahmmotsavam in March-April; Aipasi Pavithra Utsav in October-November; Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January and Karthikai Deepam in November-December are the festivals celebrated in the temple

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Saints and Singers

Thirumangaiyalwar

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Best Time

கோயில்திறந்திருக்கும்நேரம் : 08.00to12.00; 16.00to20.00

Accommodation

Thanjavur

Consecration (Kumbhishekam)

The last renovation work was completed in 2003 by Srirangaramanuja Mahadesikan

Nearest Bus Station

Thirurvaiyur

Nearest Railway Station

Thanjavur

Nearest Airport

Thanjavur

Location on Map

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