Ranganathapuram Thiruvaneswarar Shiva Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Ranganathapuram Thiruvaneswarar Shiva Temple, Thanjavur

Ranganathapuram, Budalur circle,

Thanjavur District,

Tamil Nadu 613104

Moolavar

Thiruvaneswarar Shiva

Amman

Kamakshi

Introduction

Ranganathapuram Thiruvaneswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in the Ranganathapuram village, Budalur circle, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. Ranganathapuram is 17 km west of Tiruvaiyaru. This Shiva Temple is built by Kochchenganan Cholan. This temple is believed to have been constructed at least around 1800 years ago.. Here the Presiding deity is called as Thiruvaneswarar and Mother is called as Kamakshi.

Puranic Significance

Thiruvaneswarar Koil, also known as Yaanikattu Koil or Ampuratathi Koil. The Mada Kovil’s constructed by Kochengatchozhan (temples with raised platforms and narrow entrances where elephants cannot enter). The first such temple is the one in Thiruvanaikovil and this is the second to be constructed. This temple is believed to have been constructed at least around 1800 years ago. .

During the 14th century, Trichy and its adjoining areas were attacked by Mohammadean armies. In order to save the main idols of Sri Rangam and Thiruvanaikovil, they were brought to this village and hidden in this temple. Hence this place came to be called Ranganathapuram or Gajaranyam (Anaika, another name for Thiruvanaikovil). Later when the Pandyas defeated the invading armies and re-captured Sri Rangam, the idols were returned to their respective temples. The construction of this temple is slightly different from the other temples. While the main shrine faces east, the entrance to the temple is allowed through the western entrance. The small three tiered gopuram is on the Northern entrance. The temple tank is opposite this entrance. The temple mandapam could be approached through the steps on the southern side.

Among the Bhairavas, Kala Bhairava is the authority for time. He created seven days under the Pooratadhi star and took them on an elephant. This event is believed to have taken place here. The main shrine is constructed on a structure which resembles an elephant. Hence the Lord is also called Gaja Arohana Eswarar (One who sits on the elephant). Incidentally in this temple, the main vahanam of the Lord is elephant and not the bull. The Vimanam above the shrine is called Gaja Kataksha Vimanam.

Apart from Kochengatchozhan, there is another elephant connection to this temple. Indra’s elephant Iravatham was doing intense meditation in this temple. Indra came in search of his elephant and after a long search, he located his elephant here. As Iravatham was in deep meditation, it did not hear Indra’s commands. The irritated Indra threw his weapon Vajrayudham on the elephant. The Lord came to its rescue and instead of hurting it, it fell on the ground. As it pierced the earth, a spring came up and it is called Vajra Theertham. This is the temple tank now. In addition, there is a well called Indra Koopam (Indra well) inside the temple, believed to have been dug by Indra himself. Realising his mistake, Indra sought the Lord’s mercy. The merciful Lord pardoned Indra and granted the wishes of Iravatham. This had happened on the Pooratadhi star (Poorva Proshtapatha). Indra requested that those who are born under this star may be granted their wishes if they offer prayers here on their star birthday or Pooratadhi star of any month. There is a belief that by offering clothes in seven colours (perhaps to denote the seven days of the week) to the poor, the devotee gets peace of mind.

Special Features

The Moolasthanam faces east and the Lingam is a Swayambumurthy. He is Thiruvaneswarar and also called by other names such as Gajaranyeswarar, Aneswarar, Karivananathar and Anaikaraperumanar. Mother Kamakshi is in standing position facing south. She is having four hands, holding lotus flower in two hands and offering Varada and Abhaya Hastha posture in the other two hands.

The prakaram contains the shrines of Valampuri Vinayakar ( this Lord is believed to have been installed during Pallava period and it looks as if Vinayaka is resting His left hand on the ground so as to get up!), Murugan with Valli and Devasena, Durga, Gajalakshmi, Mahalakshmi, Brahma, Chandikeswarar and Navagrahams. Few decades ago, Kanchi Mahaperiyal stayed here for one week and observed meditation. A small mandapam is constructed in this temple to commemorate this event.