The Thyagaraja temple at Thiruvaur is spread over 30 acres and it is one of the largest temples in India. This temple is at the center of Thiruvarur town. It is at a distance of 70 kms from Tanjavur, 42 kms from Kumbakonam, 26 kms from Nagapattinam, 41 kms from Karaikkal. In this temple complex, there are numerous shrines. Amongst all these shrines in the temple complex, the primary and the most ancient temple is that of Lord Vanmiknathar.
Thyagaraja temple complex has two Padal Pethra sthalams namely that of Lord Thyagaraja and Lord Vanmiknathar which are considered as main shrines.
The Thyagaraja temple is supposed to have existed even in the 6th century. This temple was revered by the Shaiva Saints Naalvar. Lord Vanmikanathar is also praised as Lord Aaruran in Thevaram hymns. Aatakeshwaram shrine in the Thyagaraja temple complex is believed to be the shrine from which Lord Shiva appeared from the anthill.
Moolavar: Shri Vanmiknathar, Shri Aaruran, Shri Putridamgondar, Shri Thirumoolattana Mudiyar
Devi: Shri Phogan Amman, Shri Piriya Vidai Amman, Shri Padithandapathini
Sacred Vruksha: Padari Tree (trumpet flower tree)
Kshetra Purana:
According to the Puran, Lord Vishnu came in possession of a great bow. It gave him tremendous strength. Lord Vishnu was seized with ego and it is believed that he chased Gods through all the universe. The gods ran everywhere and finally came to Thiruvarur. They worshiped Lord Shiva and requested him to save them. Lord Vishnu who was following Gods, also reached Thiruvarur. As soon as he reached Thiruvarur, his strength vanished. It is believed that he stood still with a grounded bow and with a head resting on the bow. The Gods took the form of white ants and built an anthill at the end of the bow that rested on the ground. They gnawed at the end of the bow resulting in the string getting cut off from the bow. The string of the bow struck Lord Vishnu with such a force that his head was cut off. The Gods were dismayed at the loss of Lord Vishnu who was the protector of the universe. They again prayed to Lord Shiva, who appeared immediately. He restored Lord Vishnu to life. The Gods requested Lord Shiva to take his abode within the anthill. Lord Shiva stayed back in the anthill and he is praised as Lord Vanmiknathar.
Those who worshiped at this place:
King Muchugunda, Lord Vishnu, Gods, King Vikram Chola, Somasi Nayanar, Kazhar Singhar Nayanar, Dandi Adigal Nayanar
Special Features:
1. The Shiva Linga is in the form of an anthill.
2. It is believed that there was another shrine of Lord Shiva at Aatakeshwaram near the kshetra vruksha.
3. There is subterrain (underground passage) which is closed now.
4. It is believed that Lord Aatakeshwarar appeared as Lord Vanmiknathar to restore the life of Lord Vishnu.
About the Temple:
This is an east facing temple. The rajagopuram on the way to this temple is praised as Azhagiyan Gopuram. There are stucco images of Dwarapal at the entrance. At the center of the gopuram we come across Adhikar Nandi.
Lord Vanmiknathar is bedecked with flowers and holy ash. He wears a crescent moon on his head. Shaiva Saint Appar has praised the main deity as Putridamgondar (one who resides in anthill) in his sacred hymns.
Ambika’s idol is made of bronze. She is seated in Tribhanga posture with her hand on the earth (Pruthvi). It is believed that her contact with the earth anchored Thiruvarur as Bhumi (Pruthvi) kshetra of Pancha Bhuta Sthalams. She is present in the main shrine and hence she is represented as Padi Thanda Pathini.
In the prakaram we come across shrines of Lord Pradosh Nayakar, Lord Chandikeshwarar, Chola King, Manikkavachagar, Tripura Samhar Murti and Lord Vinayaka.
Prayers:
Devotees worship for fulfillment of their boons, prosperity and wealth.
Pooja: Regular pooja, Pradosha pooja
Festivals:
Same as festivals celebrated in other shrines of Thyagaraja temple
Timings: Same timing as Thyagaraja temple
Address:
Shri Vanmiknathar Temple,
At Shri Thyagaraja Temple,
Thiruvarur,
Tamil Nadu 610001
Courtesy: Various websites and blogs
No comments:
Post a Comment