Thiruvaiyaru Sri Abhishtavaradha Ganapathi Temple - Thanjavur

Address

Thiruvaiyaru Sri Abhishtavaradha Ganapathi Temple – Thanjavur

Thiruvaiyaru,

Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu 613204

Moolavar

Sri Abhishtavaradha Ganapathi

Introduction

Location: Situated in Thiruvaiyaru, 13 km from Thanjavur, on the banks of the Kaveri River, Tamil Nadu.

Association with Saint Thyagaraja: Thiruvaiyaru is famous for its connection to Saint Thyagaraja, one of the Trinity of Carnatic music, alongside Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Sastri. The Thyagaraja Aradhana festival is held annually at his samadhi in Thiruvaiyaru.

Temple Significance: The Abhishtavaradha Ganapathi Temple is over 1000 years old, with separate shrines for several deities, including:

Abhishta Maha Ganapathy (Kariya Sidhi Vinayagar), known for granting the wishes of devotees.
Lord Vishwanatha, Visalakshi, Goddess Durga, Lord Anjaneya, and Appar Swamigal.

Puranic Legend: The temple is linked with Saint Appar’s pilgrimage for Kailasa Darshan, where he had a divine vision of Lord Kailasanatha and Goddess Uma Maheswari.

Temple Tank: The temple has a sacred tank called Apparkulam, later known as Uppankulam.

Beliefs: The temple is believed to help remove obstacles in life, especially in marriage and other significant events, through the blessings of Lord Ganapathy. The Kariya Siddhi Malai is recited for prosperity and success.

Thiruvaiyaru’s Significance: Thiruvaiyaru is considered as sacred as Kailasa (Lord Shiva’s abode) and Kasi (Varanasi).

Festivals: Key festivals include: