Tirukkaanur Sri Semmeninathar Temple, Thanjavur

Address

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

Deity

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

Temple Significance

• This is the 110th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 56th Sthalam on the south side of River Cauvery in Chozha Nadu.
• The temple has been praised in hymns by the revered Moovar – Appar, Sundarar, and Sambandar.

Architecture & Structure

• The temple features a three-tier Rajagopuram facing east.
• No Dhwajasthambham (flagstaff).
• Veda Theertham is the temple’s sacred tank.
• Tamil inscriptions are found on the back wall of the presiding deity’s sanctum, though they are partially obscured by paint.

Main Deities

• Presiding Deity: Karumbeswarar (Shiva Lingam – One of the 64 Suyambu Lingams).
• Goddess Consort:Soundarya Nayaki (Sivayoganayaki).
  • She is depicted with Jadamudi (braided hair) instead of a crown.
  • She has a separate shrine facing south.

Sub-Shrines & Deities

• In the Artha Mandapam:
  • Vishnu, Naalvar, Dharmashastha, Naagar, Chandra (Moon), Surya (Sun).
• On the Koshta (walls) Shrines:
  • Kaalabhairavar, Pitchadanar, Brahma, Dakshinamurthy, Durga.
• Additional Shrines in the Temple Premises:
  • Arthanareeswarar, Vinayaka, Brahmma, Chandikeswara, Ayyanar, Muruga with Valli & Deivanai, Goddess Durga, Naalvar (Thevaram-Tiruvasagam saints), Chandikeshwarar, Nagas, Surya, Chandra.

Historical & Mythological Significance

• The temple is believed to be over 2000 years old.
• It was once submerged in the sands on the banks of the Kollidam River.
• A shepherd accidentally discovered the temple, where a single sugarcane plant was growing. Hence, Lord Shiva is known as Karumbeswarar (Karumbu means sugarcane in Tamil).
• The temple was originally built by the Pandyas and later renovated by the Cholas.

Unique Features

• Lunar Eclipse Representation:
  • A fascinating sculpture of a hare, Moon, and snake, symbolizing a lunar eclipse, can be seen in the temple.
• Solar Phenomenon:
  • On April 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, the sun rays fall directly on the Shiva Lingam.
  • These days are considered sacred, as Lord Surya is believed to worship Lord Shiva at this temple.

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.

Festivals

Maha Sivarathri, Chithirai Festival, etc

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000

Managed By

HRCE

Nearest Bus Station

Trichy

Nearest Railway Station

Trichy

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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