Thittai Sri Vasishteswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Thittai Sri Vasishteswarar Temple, Thenkudithittai-612 206, Thanjavur district Phone: +91-4362 252 858, 94435 86453

Diety

Vashisteshwarar(Shiva), Amman: Ulaganayaki(Parvathi)

Introduction

Vasishteswarar Temple is located in the village of Thittai, 11 kilometres from the town of Thanjavur is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vasishteswarar. The temple dates from the 12th century AD and was built by the Cholas.Vasishteswarar temple[1] is situated in the village “Thittai” near Thanjavur. As the village is situated south of the Cauvery river, it is also called “Thenkudi Thittai”. The presiding deity is Swayambootheswarar and the Goddess, Ulaganayaki. As the main deity is a Swayambu Lingam he got the name “Swayambootheswarar”. The main deity is also called as Vasishteswarar as he was worshipped here by Saint Vasishtar. 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 Thirunavukkarasar. Thala Virutcham : Mullai, Ven Shenbagam, Shevvandhi Theertham : Chakkara theertham

Puranic Significance

“Thittai” – the name of the village means “Thittu” in Tamil, (i-e) a Mound. When the whole world was surrounded by water because of “Pralayam”, Brahma & Vishnu worshipped the Lord Maheshwara for protection. After wandering much for a safe place, they found this only mount, which did not drown in the Pralaya waters, where there was a Shiva Lingam. They performed Pooja to the Lingam and worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared before them and deligated their duties of Creation and Protection. It is believed that this is the only place, which was not destroyed even during Pralayam. Unlike many other temples, here the complete temple is built using the stone. Not only for the main deities, but also all other Sannidhi’s are constructed using stones, right from floors, pillars, walls and roof. A unique feature of this temple is a drop of water falls on the Lingam (Main Deity) exactly every twenty four minutes (1 Naazhigai) from the roof. But for a small hole, there is no source of water or anything, on the Vimana of the main deity. Two stones “Suryagaanthakkal” and “Chandragaanthakkal” which are placed at strategic points above the Vimana are the reasons for the droplets of water which falls on the deity. These 2 stones absorb moisture from the atmosphere, convert into 1 water droplet, performing a natural Abhishegam to the deity, every 24 minutes (1 Naazhigai), be it the day or night. A small piece of yellow cloth (Dhothi) which covers the Lingam is always wet because of this. If one can wait patiently, they can view this amazing act. That shows the scientific and architectural brilliance of our ancestors who have made this temple. The temple tank situated opposite the temple is called “Chakra Tirtham” which is believed that it was created by the Chakra from the hands of Mahavishnu. The temple is glorified by Tevaram hymns

Beliefs

Praying to Lord here relieves the devotee of any adverse aspect of planet Jupiter on him/her. They also are blessed with excellence in education with prosperity. Special pujas are offered to Planet Jupiter – Guru Bhagwan.

Special Features

Thittai in Tamil means wisdom spot. Human body has six bases-Mooladhara, Swadishtana, Manipuraka, Anagatha, Visuddhi and Aangna activating the life. Lord Muruga ensures the benefits of these Aadharas to his devotees with final benefit of enlightenment placing them ever in bliss. Lord Muruga is the Moolamurthi here with His body as Thenkudi and bliss as Thittai – Thenkudi Thittai. Sun God worships Lord Vasishteswara through his rays on Aavani 15, 16 and 17 and again on Panguni in the Utharayana half year on 25, 26 and 27 as Rising Sun. Surya Puja is performed during these days in the temple. It is a still a miracle in the temple that drops of water fall on Lord Vasishteswara every 20 minutes from the Vimana. There are five Lingas in the temple representing the Pancha Bhoodas – Earth, Space, Water, Fire and Vayu the wind. This is one of the holy places with Jupiter-Guru significance. Guru Bhagwan graces here from a separate shrine in a standing posture showing his sense of haste to rush to the rescue of His devotees. It is also said that those praying Guru Bhagwan will be blessed high eloquent and oratorical skills. Students pray here for attaining excellence in their studies.

Festivals

Chitra Pournami in the Tamil month of Chithirai (Apr-May), Vinayakar Chaturthi in the Tamil month of Aavani (Aug-Sept), Annabishekam in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct – Nov),