Temples of Sapta Sthanam and Sapta Sthanam festivals

There are eight places, around Thiru-Vaiyaru along the banks of river Kauveri, which are related to the marriage of Nandi (Lord Shiva’s mount). Lord Shiva arranged the marriage of Nandideva with Swayambikai. It is believed that the marriage took place at Thirumazhapadi near Thiruvaiyaru in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-Apr) on the day of Punarvasu nakshatra. For this marriage, Lord Shiva arranged the fruits from Thirupazhanam, food from Thiruchotruthurai, vedic brahmins from  Thiruvedhikudi, ornaments from Thirukkandiyur, flowers and garlands from Thirupanturuthi and ghee for the homa (yadnya) from Thiruneithaanam.

The upcoming eight articles will be about the eight temples which are connected to the sapta sthanam and marriage.

Saptha Sthanam festival: 

To commemorate this event, a festival is conducted every year at Thiruvaiyaru during the Tamil month of Chithirai (Chitra which happens between mid-April to mid-May) on Vishakha nakshatra.

The Utsava murtis of principal deities from these temples are brought in seven glass palanquins (palkhi) to Thiruvaiyaru. First, the palanquins containing the Utsava murtis, Nandi and his wife start from Thiruvaiyaru and go to the 2nd temple. At the border of the 2nd temple they are received by deities (Utsava murtis) from the 2nd temple. After performing the pooja at this place, all the Utsava Moorthy including from 2nd temple go to 3rd temple. Again they are received at the border of the village by Utsava murtis from 3rd village. In this manner all the Utsava murtis from all the seven temples assemble at the seventh temple and then they come back to the main temple at Thiruvaiyaru. They are paraded there and a ritual known as Poochorithal (showering of flowers) is conducted. In this festival a doll offers the flowers to the principal deities in their palanquins. After this the palanquins leave for their respective temples. 

Vilwaranyeshwarar temple at Thirukkollampudur

This is the last temple in the Panchaaranya yatra. We have to visit temple at night at 8 pm to complete the Panchaaranya yatra in a day. This is one of the 275 Shiva temples revered by Nayanmars. The temple is also about 1800 years old. 

Moolavar (Main Deity): Vilwaranyeshwarar

Devi (Name of Consort): Soundarya-ambika

Kshetra Vruksha (Sacred tree): Bilva

Special Deity: Lord Natraja

Sacred Teertha: Agni and Ganga teertha

Time of darshan: evening 8 pm

This East facing temple has the Rajagopuram (main tower) of 75 feet in height with 5 tiers. Other Shrines found inside the main temple are that of 

1. Ganesh
2. Valampuri (right sided trunk) Vinayaka
3. Lord Muruga
4. Aadivishwanath
5. Gajamuktishwar
6. Gajalakshmi
7. Panchalinga

It is stated that Lord Brahma and Arjuna have worshiped Lord Shiva at this place. Lord Brahma worshiped here in order to get rid of Brahma hatya dosha. 

Legend associated with the place:

When on a pilgrimage Triguna Sambandar (one of the Nayanmars) along with other devotees (followers) had reached the opposite bank of the river Vettaru where the temple is situated. The boatman had left the boat on the shore without paddles as the river was in swet. Sambandhar wanted to have darshan of Lord, on the other bank under any circumstances on the same day. He boarded the boat along with the followers and sang devotional hymns on Lord Shiva which acted as the paddle and helped him reach the temple on the other bank. He had the darshan of Lord on the same day and stayed back for the night in the temple. 

Festivals: 

1. On the day next to the new moon day in Aippasi (Oct-Nov) the boat festival is celebrated.
2. Chaitra Purnima is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chithirai
3. In the Tamil month of Karthigai, Pradosh is celebrated
4. Special pujas are held on Monday in the Tamil month of Karthigai.
5. Skanda shasti is celebrated in a big way
6. Thaipusam (Pushya nakshatra in Tamil month of Tai) (Jan-Feb) and Navratri are the other major festivals.

All these 5 temples of Pancharanya can be visited in a day by residing at Swamimalai. Before starting the yatra, it is stated that one should visit the Shwetvinayaka temple which is very close to Swamimalai.

Apathsahayeshwarar temple at Alangudi

This place is more famous as a Navagraha sthala for Lord Jupiter. This temple also belongs to the 275 Shiva temples revered by Nayanmars. This is located at Alangudi in Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu. The Shiva Linga is again a swayambhu linga. 

Moolavar (Main Deity): Apathsahayeshwarar, Kashi Aranyeshwarar

Amman (Goddess): Elavarkuzhali

Sthala Vruksha: Silk cotton tree

Special Deity: Dakshinamurti

Time of darshan: Evening

The temple is about 2000 years old and this is the 4th in the Panchaaranya sthalam. People worship here in the evening when they perform the yatra of 5 aaranya sthala in a day. In this temple Lord Shiva is perceived as the Universal Guru Dakshinamurti. According to the sthala purana, at this place Lord Shiva as Dakshinamurti explained in detail Vedas to the four Sanakadee munis. This temple is personified as a place where we come across the order or worship as stated in Shastras i.e. Mata- Pita- Guru.

Mata (Parvati), Pita (Lord Shiva), Guru (Dakshinamurti)

Structure of the temple reminds us of the above rules stated in the shastras. 

Other Shrines: 

Lord Vinayaka (revered as the one who saved the boat of a sage from drowning)

Lord Muruga and Goddess Lakshmi

The sapta lingas represented here are – Suryesha, Someshwar, Gurushwarar, Somanadar, Sabathnishatar, Vishanadar, Bramheshwarar.

Kashivishwanath, Vishalakshi, Sage Agastya and Nandi

It is stated that sage Vishawamitra, Muchukunda and Veerabhadra worshiped Lord Shiva at this place. In Skanda purana we come across the reference of Parvati doing penance at this place to have Lord Shiva as Her husband. According to the Kshetra purana after Samudra manthan Lord Shiva drank the poison (Alam) that was obtained at this place. Hence the place got the name Alangudi. Lord Shiva is known as Apathsahayar as he saved the world from deadly poison. Another legend states that, Lord Shiva came to the rescue of Sundarar (one of the Nayanmars) in a boat and Lord Vinayaka protected the boat from capsizing. 

Festivals:

On the day when Jupiter transits from one rashi to another, special pujas are performed here. On Chaitra Purnima and in Tamil Month of Thai (Jan-Feb) special worships are held. In the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar), every Thursday special pujas are held. 

Panguni Uthiram – In the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-April) on Uttara Nakshatra the ratha yatra of Dakshinamurti is held. 

Teertha – The Kshetra is surrounded by 3 rivers – Kaveri, Kollidam and Vennaru. 15 teerthas are located around this temple. Amrut Pushkarini is very close to the temple. Chakra teertha is in front of the temple. This is supposed to have been created by Lord Vishnu with his Sudarshan. 

Pataleshwarar Temple at Haridwara Mangalam

This Shiva temple is situated at Haridwara Mangalam in Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. The temple is about 1800 years old. This is one of the 275 temples revered by Nayanmars. The Shiva linga is Swayanbhu linga. 

Moolavar (Main deity): Pataleshwarar, Patalvardar

Amman (Consort): Alankarvalli, Alankarnayaki

Sthala Vruksha (Sacred tree): Shami (Vanni in Tamil)

Sacred Teertha: Brahma teertha

Other Shrines at this place:

Lord Vinayaka, Lord Nataraja with sages Patanjali and Vyaghrapada, Kashi Vishwanaath, Bhairav, Lingodbhavar, Shanishwar, Surya, Chandra, Dakshinamurti. 

People worship the divine Mother Alankarvalli for marriage and begetting a child. This is the 3rd sthalam in the Panchaaranya sthalams. Those who wish to visit all 5 temples in a day, offer prayer (worship) at 12 noon at this place. It is the belief of the devotee that visiting all the 5 temples gives the same benefits as that of worshipping the Lord at Haridwar in North. It is believed that those who worship Lord Shiva at this place are relieved from their debts. There is no separate shrine for Goddess Durga here. The most significant feature about the temple is there are seven idols of Vinayaka.

Legends associated with this place: 

Brahma and Vishnu entered into an argument about who is great among them. They approached Lord Shiva for a solution. Lord Shiva manifested as a huge vertical column of fire and asked Brahma and Vishnu to find the top and bottom of this column. Brahma tried to reach the top in the form of a swan whereas Lord Vishnu tried to reach the bottom as a boar (Varaha). Lord Vishnu accepted His defeat that he could not find the bottom, whereas Brahma lied to Lord Shiva stating that he had been to the top and he presented Ketaki flower as a witness. Lord Shiva got angry and cursed that both Brahma and Ketaki flower will not be worshiped anymore on the earth whereas Lord Vishnu will be worshiped in all the places on the earth. It is stated that this is the place where Lord Vishnu appeared as a Varaha after losing one of his horns to worship Lord Shiva. It is stated that the hole (pit) through which he appeared at this place is found in this temple and it is kept covered by a stone. 

Festivals:

• In the Tamil month Vaikasi (May-June) on the Vishakha nakshatra a grand festival is held. 
• In the Tamil month Margazhi (Dec- Jan), Thiruvadurai festival is held.

Sakshinadar Temple at Avalivanallur

This temple is the 2nd to be visited in the Pancha-aaranya sthala. This temple is also revered by Nayanmars. This is located at Avalivanallur in the Papanasam taluka of Tamil Nadu. 

Moolavar (Main Deity): Shiva - Shri Sakshinadar (witness)

Amman (Name of Consort): Parvati - Soundaryanayaki

Special Deity: Lord Muruga

Sthala Vruksha: Yellow trumpet flower tree (Pathiri tree)

Time of darshan: In the morning

Legend: 

The temple priest Vishnusharma once went on a Kashi yatra, leaving behind his young wife Sushila. When he was on yatra, his wife fell ill and her sister (who was look-alike) came to help her. On returning from Yatra, Vishnusharma saw 2 women in his house. One was ugly and the other was beautiful resembling his wife who was actually her sister. He felt that the beautiful lady was his wife. He was not ready to accept his real wife Sushila who had become ugly due to illness. Sushila prayed to Lord Shiva who came to her rescue with Parvati. They appeared in front of Vishnusharma and convinced him about his real wife. Since Lord Shiva appeared as a witness, he is known as Sakshinadar.

Behind the linga in sanctum sanctorum there is a panel depicting Lord Shiva and Parvati seated on Rishabh. This is the manner in which they appeared in front of Vishnusharma to prove the identity of his wife. 

Varaha (murti), Sage Agastya, Sage Kanva, the planets Surya and Chandra, and Lord Muruga worshiped Lord Shiva at this place. 

Vishnu worshiped Lord Shiva at this place, in his Varaha avatar, when he had lost his horn. The idols of Agastya, Dakshinamurti, Lingodbhavar, Bramha are found in this temple. In the Navagraha shrine, all the planets are facing planet God Surya.

Festival:

Navaratri, Skanda shasti and new moon in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb) are celebrated here. The sacred teertha is known as Chandra Pushkarni.

Garbha Rakshambika Temple at Thirukarukavur

We had given the details of Pancha-aaranya sthalams in our earlier blog. This is the 1st of the Pancha-aaranya sthala. This temple is to be visited in the wee hours of the morning. This place is situated in Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu. This temple is one of the 275 Shiva temples revered by Neyanmars. This temple is about 2000 years old.

Moolavar (Main deity): Shiva – Sri Mullaivananadar

Amman (Name of Consort): Parvati –
Sri Garbha Rakshaambika, Sri Karukathanayaki

Sthala vruksha: Malati Creepers (Mullai in Tamil)

Other important deity: Karpaga Vinayaka

Time for Darshan: Ushakal (very early morning)

Both God Vinayaka and Lord Shiva are swayambhu murtis. In early days this place was abundant with Malati (Jasmine) creepers. Even today we come across the marks made by the creeper on the Shivalinga. 

Legend:

A muni named Niruthava was staying at this place along with his wife Vediki. When she was pregnant Sage Urdhapada came to their hermitage. As the lady was in an advanced stage of pregnancy, she could not notice the arrival of sage. The sage got angry and cursed that the fetus should be still-born. Niruthava and his wife sought the grace of Mullaivananadar and Goddess Parvati. They prayed and begged Lord Shiva and Parvati to save their child. Ambika rescued the fetus and placed it inside a pot and guarded it. After the child was born, She created a tank with the help of Holi Cow Kamadhenu to provide milk for the child. As requested by Vediki, Ambika promised to protect the pregnancy and grant a child to all those who prayed at this place.

At this place the prayers are offered by those suffering from skin disease as there is a medicinal plant (known as Punugu) available at this place. Abhishek of Lord Shiva is done with the help of this plant. The Lord is the swayambhu Linga in the form of an ant-hill. Hence no Abhishek is done on the Shivalinga. A nandi at this temple is also swayambhu. The Godmother graces the devotees with Her hand on the hip.

Other Shrines in this temple – 

1. Somskandha

2. Navagraha shrine – Here all the planets are facing the Sun which is a unique feature.

Main Pooja – Pradosh Puja is performed on Sunday in the Tamil month of Karthik. Special Abhishek is also performed for the Shivalinga with 1008 conch shells. 

Pancha Aaranya Sthalangal

There are 5 Shiva temples on the southern bank of river Kaveri which are collectively known as Pancha Aaranya (forest) Sthalangal. It was believed that if one visits all these temples in a single day (at the time mentioned below) that it was equivalent to having a darshan at Haridwar. Now it has become easy to visit these places in a day. We will try to give an account of these temples in our blogs in upcoming weeks. In this blog we are listing these temples with their information such location, name of deity, name of sacred tree etc.

Name of Place	Location	Name of temple	Name of forest (Vanam)	Sthala-vruksha (tree/ plant)	Name of Lord Shiva	Name of his consort	Special Deity	Time of worship
THIRU-KKARU-GAVUR	Papa-nasam Taluka, Dist Tanjore, TN	Shri Mullai Vana Nathar	Jasmine	Jasmine	Mullai Vana Nathar	Kurakattanayaki	Karpaga Vinayagar	6am
AVALIVANALLUR	Papanasam Taluka, Dist Tanjore, TN	Shri Sakshi Nathar Temple	Trumpet flower tree	Trumpet flower	Sakshi Nathar	Soundaryanayaki	Murugan	8am
HARI-DWARA-MANGALAM	HARI-DWARA-MANGALAM	Shri Paathala Eshwarar	Shami tree	Shami tree	Patal-eshwar	Alankaravalli	Patal-eshwar	Noon
ALANGUDI	Alangudi	Shri Apath Sahaya Eshwar temple	Silk Cotton tree	Silk Cotton tree	Apath Sahaya Eshwar	Valli-elavar Kuzali	Dakshina-moorthy	5.30pm
THIRUKKOLLAMPUDUR	Nannilam, Taluka- Tanjore, TN	Shri Bilva-van-esh-warar temple	Bilva tree forest	Bilva tree forest	Bilva-vaneshwar	Soundraambika	Natraj	8.30pm