This is a shiva temple at Thirumeyidnyanam. This is the fifth mayanam sthalam. At present this place is known as Thirunallur Mayanam. During puranic days this place was known as Chaturvedi Mangalam.
This is about 16 kilometers from Kumbhakonam on Kumbhakonam-Kudavasal route (via Thirucherrai). This is on the southern bank of river Kaveri. This is one of the Padal Pethra Sthalam. Lord Shiva of this temple was revered in sacred hymns by shaiva saint Sambandhar.
Mulavar: Dnyanaparameshwarar, Sri Mayanathu Parameshwarar, Sri Mayanathu Mulathanathu Peruman
Devi: Dnyanambika, Periyanayaki
Sacred Teertha: Dnyanateertha, Chandra Teertha
Sacred Vruksha: Palash, Bilva
Puranik Name: Thiru mayanam, Thiru Nallur Mayanam, Nathur
Present Name: Thirumeyidnyanam
District: Tanjavur, Tamil Nadu
The temple has no rajagopuram. The present temple structure is about 1500 years old. The temple was originally built by Chola king using stone. The temple is east facing. It has a beautiful entrance on which we find sculpture of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The latest structure was built by Aditya Chola I. There are 23 stone inscriptions in the temple which give the detail history of the temple. Shiva linga is a swayambhu linga. According to the local people, a serpent is seen coiled around the shiva linga even now. Sambandhar has also mentioned this event in his sacred hymn. This temple is Madakovil style i.e. built in such a way that elephants cannot enter. The sanctum sanctorum vimanam has a gaja prushtha shape. The sanctum sanctorum itself is square shape with a rounded shikhar. The pillars which are circular have beautiful scupltures.
Deities and other shrines in the temple:
The main shrine houses shiva linga and goddess parvati. There is a shrine of Lord Mahavishnu, a shrine of Lord Muruga, a shrine of Navagraha, a shrine of Thiru Dnyanasambandhar. The koshta murtis are present in the koshta. We have the idols of Naga, Chandikeshwar, Lord Dakshinamurti, Atmalinga, Shanishwarar, Bhairav, Surya. In the corridor we have shiva linga of Amrutkadeshwar, SattaiNathar, Ekambareshwar. The koshta murtis are Lord Ganesha, Bhikshanathar, Nataraja, Lord Bhairav and Lord Mahavishnu and VishnuDurga.
Those who worshiped at this place: Lord Mahavishnu, Lord Brahma, Sage Thirudnyanasambandhar, Four Vedas, and Sage Apastambha.
Festivals, puja and worship:
Aippasi (Oct-Nov) - Annabhishekam
Masi (Feb-Mar) - Mahashivaratri
Aavani (Aug-Sept) - Vinayaka Chaturthi
Trikal puja is performed in the temple daily. People pray here for removal of obstacles in marriage and for educational pursuit and prosperity.
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