Tirukkaanur Sri Semmeninathar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Sri Semmeninathar Temple,Tirukkaanur,Vishnampettai Post,Via Tirukattuppalli Thanjavur District,PIN 613105

Diety

Semmeninathar Amman: Sivaloga nayagi

Introduction

Tirukkaanoor Semmeninathar Temple located at Thirukanur in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, India. The historical name of the place is Tirukanurpatti. The place is also called as Manalmedu. The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as Semmeninathar. His consort is known as Sivayoganayaki. It is one of the shrines of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams – Shiva Sthalams glorified in the early medieval Tevaram poems by Tamil Saivite Nayanars Tirugnanasambandar and Tirunavukkarasar.

Puranic Significance

This is the 110th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 56th Sthalam on the south side of river Cauvery in Chozha nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Three tier Rajagopuram is facing east. There are shrines for Arthanareeswarar, Lords Vinayaka, Brahmma, Chandikeswara, Aiyanar, Mahavishnu, Muruga with consorts Valli and Deivanai, Goddess Durga, Naalvar the Thevaram-Tiruvasagam saints, Nagar, Sun and Moon. The Gurukkal is maintaining the temple in a very good condition. The presiding deity is Suyambu. Idols of of Vishnu, Naalvar, Dharmashastha, Naagar, Chandra and Suryan are in the Artha mandapam. Ambal Sannadhi is in a separate Shrine. Kaalabairavar, Pitchadanar,Brahma, Dhakshinamoorthy and Durgai are the deities on the koshta(walls). There is a separate shrine for Vinayagar, Sri Valli Deivayanai Sametha Subramaniyar and Sandikeswarar. Artha mandapam and the Ambal temples are built at a later date.. Tamil inscriptions are found (completely painted not visible much) on the back side wall of the presiding deity. There is a three tiered Rajagopuram. There is an embedded sculpture of hare Moon and snake to represent the lunar eclipse, it is a worth while sight to spend sometime there.There is no Dhwajasthambham. The Shiva lingam here is one of the 64 Suyambu lingams. The Lord’s consort is Goddess Soundarya Nayaki and she is also known as Sivayoganayaki. The Goddess Ambal is not wearing a crown but is seen to be having Jadamudi (long braided hair). The temple’s tank is Veda theertham. This temple is believed to be over 2000 years old. This temple was actually submerged in the sands on the banks of Kollidam river. It was accidentally discovered by a shepherd. There was a single sugarcane tree at the spot where the temple was unearthed. Hence he is also known as Karumbeswarar; Karumbu meaning sugarcane in Tamil. This temple was originally built by the Pandyas and was later renovated several times by the Cholas. This temple faces east and the sun rays fall on the lingam on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th of April. These days are special days at this temple when Lord Surya is believed to come here and worship the Lord. The inner sanctum has the presiding deity in the form of Shiva Linga named as Karumbeswarar. There is a separate shrine facing the south direction dedicated to the Mother Goddess Soundara Nayaki. The sub-shrines of Ganesha and Skanda-Valli-Devasena, Nalvar, Chandikeshwarar, Nagas, Surya, Ayyanar and Chandra are found in the prakara.

Beliefs

Those facing delays in marriage, health problems, seeking child boon and for marital unity pray to Lord and Mother Goddess in the temple. Devotees perform pujas to Lord Semmeni Nathar with Vilwa leaves. Those facing delay in marriage worship the Salagrama made Mother with red flower garlands and light ghee lamps for early results. Those seeking child boon, perform abishek to Lord and Mother with Erukku flower garlands (this is a wild bush flower mostly grown on road sides). They also offer nivedhana of sweet items.