Puvananathar Temple at Thiruppoonthuruthi

This Shiva temple is the sixth in the sapta sthana temples. This is one of the 276 Padal Pethra Sthalam. Poo (pu means flower in Tamil), thuruthi (means place between the rivers in Tamil). This place is between the rivers Kaveri and Kudumurutti. Hence this place got the name Thiruppoonthuruthi. 

Lord Shiva obtained flowers for Nandi’s wedding from this place. The place is on the southern bank of river Kaveri on Tanjavur Kallani route.

Mulavar: Pushpavaneshwarar, Adi Puranar, Poyleliyar

Devi: Saundarya nayaki, Azhakalamarthanayaki

Kshetra vruksha: Bilva

Sacred Teertha: Surya, Kashyap, Ganga and Agni

Puranik Name: Thiruppoonthuruthi

Present name: Melai-poonthuruthi

District: Tanjavur, Tamilnadu

The shiva linga is a swayambhu linga. The temple is very old temple, more than 1500 years old, spread over 2.5 acres. There is a huge nandi said to have been made for the shaiva saint Sambandhar. 

The Rajagopuram is about 100 feet in height. The main shrine of Lord Shiva faces the east, whereas devi’s shrine faces the south. In this temple Lord Dakshinamurti is with a veena, hence he is known as Veena Dakshinamurti. 

Idols and other shrines:

The koshta murtis are Vinayaka, Ardhanarishwarar, Bhiskhatanar, Veena Dakshinamurti, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma and Goddess Durga.

In the corridor we have the idols of sapta matas. The history of Nalvars i.e four shaiva saints is painted on the walls. In the somaskanda mandap, we have nataraja sabha and the navagrahas facing surya. We have the shrine of Durga and Kashi Vishwanatha in the corridor. 

In the outer parikrama, we have a shiva lingas and idol of kadavanamali, the place where he manifested. In this place Lord Shiva gave darshan to Appar. Durga idol is depicted as doing penance on one leg as if to get rid of the sin of killing mahishasur. 

Those who worshiped at this place: Lord Indra, Sage Kashyap, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Surya and saint Appar. 

Lord Shiva created 13 teerthas in a well to appreciate penance of sage kashyap. He granted his darshan to the sage on new moon day in the tamil month of Adi. Girivalam on new moon day is undertaken to get rid of pitrudosha. It is believed that sambandhar carried the palanquin of Appar on his shoulders.

Kshetra purana: 

Nandi is said to have moved slightly to allow Lord Shiva to sight Appar and Sambandhar arriving together. River Kaveri was born from the kamandalu of Sage Agasthya when a crow (Lord Ganesha) toppled kamandalu. It flowed through various places including Kandiyur, Thirupazhanam, Thiruvaiyaru, Thiruneithanam and finally she became stagnant to become the sea. On the way she submerged Karuppur, Konerajapuram, Nadukaveri, Thiruvalampozhi and Thirupoothur. Lord Indra after worshiping Ayyarappar (Lord Shiva) made her towards the east by the grace of Lord Shiva. This made land fertile and she flowed through Kandiyur and Poothur. At a higher level on the bank of the river there was a banyan tree. As the land was fertile and soft the place got the name Poonthurutti. 

Indra was cursed by Sage Gautam for his immoral act, to have thousand ugly signs on his body. In order to get rid of them he did penance at various shiva sthalams. When he worshiped Lord Shiva at this place with flowers he got completely relieved of the curse. 

Two angels (Vinayas) who were cursed to beome eagles got their original form by worshiping Lord Shiva at this place. 

Festivals: 

1. Chitrai (April-May), Sapta Sthanams festival and Brahmotsav 
2. Avani (August-Sept) Ganesh chaturthi 
3. Purattasi (Sept-Oct) navaratri 
4. Aippasi (Oct-Nov), Annabhishek and Skanda shashthi festival 
5. Karthigai (Nov-Dec), Festival of light known as Karthikeya Deepam 
6. Margazi (Dec-Jan) - Ardra darshan
7. Thai (Jan-Feb) Makar Sankranti 
8. Masi (Feb-Mar) Shivaratri. 

Besides this the daily rituals, weekly pujas and fortnightly pradosh pujas are conducted

Bramhashirkandishwarar temple at Thirukandiyur

This Shiva temple is the fifth in the sapta sthanam temples. It is also the first in Ashthaviratteshwar temples. It is more than 1800 years old. It is also one of the 276 Shiva temples revered by Nayanmars. The temple is associated with one of the seven Shiva temples where the Saptamatrikas worshipped Lord Shiva.

Mulavar: Brahmashirkandishwarar, Virateshwarar, Bruhadnadar, Aadivilvavanadar

Uthsavar murthy: Somaskandar

Devi: Mangalambika

Khsetra vruksha: Bilva

Sacred Tirtha: Nandi tirtha, Kudamurtti tirtha (river), Daksha tirtha, Brahma tirtha

Puranik name: Kandapuram, Thirukandiyur, Aadivilvaranya, Viratam, Trimurtisthala

City: Kandiyur

District: Tanjavur, TN

This temple is on the bank of Kudamurrutti river. It is one of the 108 divya desams revered by Vaishnavas. In front of the Shiva temple we have a Vishnu temple known as Harashaapvimochana temple i.e. Haravimochana perumal kovil. According to scriptures this temple was built by Mahabali between Kudamurutti and Vennar river.

About the temple: This is a west facing temple with a 5 tiered rajagopuram. There is a flagpost, Nandi, Balipeetha and idol of Vinayaka near the black post. On stone inscription, the Lord is mentioned as Thiruviratmahadevar, Thirukandiyur mahadevar. The Lord is a swayambhoo linga on an high pedestal.

Other shrines and idols in the temple:

God Dandapaani is in a seperate shrine with a mandap. Ambika faces the south. She has 4 hands and abhaya mudra. In the shrine of Vinayaka, we find Lord Muruga with Valli and Deivanai. We have the idols of Mahalaxmi, Nataraja, Vishnu-Durga, Bhairava, Saptavinayaka and Ardhanarishwar in a seating position. In the koshta, we find the koshta murthys Brahma, Lingodbhavar, Bhikshadanar, Nartanavinayaka and Ardhanarishwar. Chandikeshwar is in a separate shrine. There is a separate shrine for Kalahastinadar. Near dwarpalakas, we have the idol of sage Shatapaada muni and Shivalinga of saptasthanam and Panchabhootalingams are found along-with idol of Lord Muruga. In a Navagraha sanctum, the idol of Surya with his wives is installed. Near Shiva’s sanctum sanctorium we have the idols of Lord Brahma and Saraswati. Lord Brahma is seated and is worshiping Lord Shiva. He has a rosary on one hand and lotus on other hand. There is a separate shrine of Rajaganapati under the Bilva tree. A statue of a hunter indicates the form taken by Lord Shiva (Vadugar - hunter) to cut the 5th head of Lord Brahma. It is near the entrance door to the sanctum of Lord Brahma. Near the entrance to the sanctum sanctorium, we have 2 idols of Lord Muruga, one japamaal in his hand is known as Shree Gyanaskandar and other is with a lotus flower in hand. This is known as Veeraskandhar. The Navagrahas are facing the idol of Surya. On top of the 2nd entrance, we have the sculpture of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati seated at mount Kailash while Lord Brahma and Goddess Saraswati are worshiping them.

Those who worshiped here: 

Lord Brahma, Goddess Saraswati, Surya, Sage Shatapada, Dronacharya, Daksha and King Bhagiratha.

Special feature: 

The rays of the Sun fall on the Shiva Linga on 13th, 14th and 15th in the Tamil month of Maasi (Feb-March) between 5.45 pm to 6.10 pm. It is believed that the Sun worships Lord Shiva during these days. This is a parihara sthala for Brahma hatya dosha, Kalatra dosha.

Kshetra puran: 

Originally, Lord Brahma had 5 heads like Lord Shiva. Mistaking Lord Brahma to be Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati did padhya pooja of Lord Brahma (as an act of respect) as this was an act of deceit by Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva severed one of the heads of Lord Brahma at this place. Hence this place is known as Kandiyur or Kandanpuram. Head of Lord Brahma stuck to the hand of Lord Shiva As an atonement, Lord Shiva worshipped Lord Vishnu at Thirukarambur in the form of Bikshadanar. By this He could partially get rid of the sin at this place. Later Shiva worshipped Vishnu at this place by taking a holy dip in the temple tank known as Kamalapushakarini and got rid of the curse completely. Since Lord Vishnu relieved sin of Lord Shiva, he is known as Shaapvimochan perumal. Later Lord Shiva built a temple for Lord Vishnu at this place very close to his temple and is known as Harashaapvimochana temple. Later on Kamalapushkarini came to be known as Kapalatirtha. As per another Puran, Goddess Laxmi requested Lord Shiva to cut one of the heads of Lord Bramha to get complete attention of Lord Vishnu. King Mahabali, Moon got relieved of their sins at this place. Sage Bhrigu got rid of the sin he got by kicking Lord Vishnu in chest. Chandra was partially releived of the sin he got for seducing the preceptor's wife. Sage Shatapada use to go to Kalahasti to worship Lord Shiva on pradosha day. To test him, Lord Shiva sent rain and thunder on his way to Kalahasti. As he could not go to Kalahasti on that day, sage Shatapada tried to kill himself by jumping into the Agnikunda at Kandiyur. Lord Shiva graced him with Darshana of Kalahasti at this place. Lord Shiva brought a bilva tree from mount Kailash for the sage to perform worship. Hence the place is also known as Aadibilva-vanam. This place has the honor of having all the three trinity. Hence this is known as Trimurthy sthalams.

Festivals at this place:

1. Chitrai (April-May) - Satpasthanam festival
2. Aani (Jun-Jul) - Thirumanjanam at Lord Vishnu’s temple
3. Aadi (Jul-Aug) Puram (purva falguni nakshatra) festivals
4. Avani (Aug-Set) Ganesha chaturthi
5. Purattasi (Sep-Oct) - Navaratri
6. Aippasi (Oct-Nov) - Anna abhishek, Skandha shasti festival
7. Karthikgai (Nov-Dec) - Karthigai deepam
8. Margazi (Dec-Jan) - Ardra darshan
9. Masi (Feb-Mar) - Mahashivaratri
10. Panguni (Mar-April) - Panguniuttharam (Uttar phalguni nakshatra)

Vedapureeshwarar Temple at Thiruvedikudi

This Shiva temple is located at Thiruvedikudi near Thiruvaiyaru. This is one of the 276 shiva temples revered by Nayanmars. This temple was revered by Appar and Sambandhar. This is fourth of Sapta Sthanams. 

Mulavar: Vedapureeshwarar, Vazhai-madu-nadar, in Tamil - vazhai means banana plant. Madu is tank, 

Devi: Mangaiyar-arasi

Kshetra Vruksha: Bilva

Sacred teertha: Ved teertha

Present and Puranik name: Thiruvedikudi

District: Tanjavur, Tamilnadu

The shiva ling in this temple is a swayambhu linga. Lord Shiva manifested from the roots of a banana tank (madu) and hence he is known as Vazhai-madu-nadar. This temple was built by chola kings about 1500 years ago. The temple is east facing and rajagopuram is 3 tier. There are 2 parikramas. The sanctum sanctorum is in the form of semi-circular tank (agazhi in Tamil). The sanctum sanctorum gopuram is completely made of granite stone and the lord is seated below it. On the four sides of the vimanam, we have four Nandis representing the four vedas. There is an idol of Manonmani Ambika who is idol is found with Lord Shiva on the northern side. The idol of ardhanarishwarar is on the wall behind sanctum sanctorium and has a special feature. 

The unique feature of the temple is that there are 276 shiva linga representing 276 padal pethra sthalam. By visiting this place one gets the benefit of visiting all 276 shiva temples.

The unique feature of ardhanarishwarar is that Lord Shiva generally has Parvati on the left. But in this place he is on the right of Lord Shiva. This is to indicate the greatness of women in particular Goddess Parvati. That is why she is known as Mangaiyar-arasi (queen of women). As Lord Brahma and four vedas worshiped Lord Shiva at this place, this place is known as Thiruvedikudi and Lord is known as Vedapureeshwarar. Lord Brahma worshiped Lord Dakshinamurti.

Idols and shrines:

In the prakaram we have the idols of Shevi (ear), Saytha (bent), Vinayaka (ShreviSaythaVinayak). Lord Vinayaka’s head is lighly bent as if he is hearing the four vedas. So he is known as Vedavinayaka. And he is in a separate shrine. In the corridor we have 108 Shiva Lingas, Lord Subramanya, Lord Dakshinamurti, Ardhanarishwarar, Durga, Mahalakshmi, Nataraja and Sapta Sthana Lingams. In a stone inscription Lord Shiva is addressed as Thiruvedikudimahadevar and Parakeshari-chaturved-mangalam-mahadevar. The renovation work of this temple was done by the Pallava kings. As there were lot of number of brahmins who had learnt all four vedas, the place was also known as chaturved-mangalam. The shiva linga was on the bank of a tank containing a special kind of fish known as Vazhai. Hence lord was also called Vazhai-madu-nadar. As devi is depicted as the queen of all women (mangala ambika) and as she bestows boons and sushasini status to those who worship her, she is addressed as Mangalambika. There is an idol of Lakshmi Narayana; the idol of Lord Anjaneya is found worshiping him and he has a crown.

Kshetra Puran:

The pranav mantra Om is considered as the peak of all vedas. Hence it is believed that vedas follow pranav mantra everywhere. As the pranav mantra worshiped Lord Shiva at this place, the vedas also followed him. It is believed that Lord Shiva gathered (collected) the priest (vedhiyars) for Nandi’s marriage from this place. The Sun’s rays fall on the Shiva Linga on the 13th, 14th and 15th day of Tamil month Panguni (March-April). Hence it is believed that Sun worships Lord Shiva on these days.  

A demon had stolen vedas from Lord Brahma and hid them in the deep sea. Lord Vishnu recovered the vedas by killing the asura. As the vedas were handled by the asuras, they became tainted (they acquired dosha). In order to make them purify the vedas worshiped Lord Shiva at this place. So Lord Shiva is known as Vedapureeshwarar. 

A Chola king who was worried by the delay in the marriage of his daughter came to this place and worshiped Mangaiyar-arasi seeking a boon for his daughter’s wedding. As his boon got fulfilled in a very short time as a token of gratitude to the devi, he changed the name of his daughter to Mangaiyar-arasi. 

Those who worshiped here: Lord Surya, Lord Indra, Lord Brahma, four vedas, Sage Vyasa and shaiva saint Appar and Sundarar.

Festivals: 

1. Chitrai (April-May), Sapta Sthanams festival and Brahmotsav, 
2. Avani (August-Sept) Ganesh chaturthi, 
3. Purattasi (Sept-Oct) Navaratri, 
4. Aippasi (Oct-Nov), Annabhishek and Skanda shashthi festival, 
5. Kathigai (Nov-Dec), Festival of light known as Karthikeya Deepam, 
6. Thai (Jan-Feb) Makar Sankranti, 
7. Masi (Feb-Mar) Shivaratri. 
8. Besides this the daily rituals, weekly pujas and fortnightly pradosha pujas are conducted. Arudra darshan

Shri Odhavaneshwarar Temple at Thiruchotruthurai

This is the third shiva temple of the sapta sthanam. It is situated on the southern bank of river kaveri. This is one of the 276 padal pethtra sthalams revered by three Shaiva saints Appar, Sundarar and Sambandhar. The temple is situated at Thiruchotruthurai in Thiruvaiyyaru taluka of Tanjavur district.

Mulavar: Odhavaneshwarar, Chotruthurai-nadar, Tholayachelvandar, Sri Oppilllachelvar, 

Devi: Annapurni, Tholayalachelvi, Oppilaambika

Kshetra Vruksha: Bilva, Rishyagandha (Panner flower tree in Tamil)

Sacred Teertha: Kaveri, Kudamurutti, Surya Teertha, 

Puranik Name: Thiruchotruthurai, Gautamashram

The shiva linga is a swayambhu linga. The temple is facing the east. There is no rajagopuram. In its place there is a sculpture of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva seated on rishabh (nandi). There are two prakarams or parikramas. At the second entrance there is three tiered gopuram. The temple is about 2000 years old built by chola kings. 

Shrines and Idols:

In the main hall (artha mandap) we have Lord Muruga’s shrine. The idol is very huge with six heads and twelve hands, known as Shanmukha. The shrine of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva face east. Goddess Parvati’s shrine is on the right side of Lord Shiva and she is in a wedding posture. Stone sculpture of sage worshiping Lord Shiva. Another stone sculpture depicts war between two groups. There is an idol of Kaal Samhar murti. In the mahamandap, Nandi faces the sanctum sanctorium. There is an idol of Lord Ganesha and Kashi Shiva Linga. There is an idol of a devote couple who got a akshay patra from Lord Shiva. In the inner corridor, we have shrine of Mahaganapati, AdhikarNandi, Lingodbhavar, Navagraha, Surya, Bhairava, Sapta Matrikas, Panch Bhuta Linga and Sapta Sthana Linga and AyyarAppar. The koshta murtis, Lord Ganesha, Lord Dakshnimurti, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Goddess Durga, and Chandikeshwar exist in their respective places. To the right side of sanctum, we have the shrine of Subramanya facing the east, Mahasiddha, idol of a gana worshiping Lord, balipeetha, Nandi and Dhwajasthambha. Devi Annapurni in her wedding attire is in a separate shrine. There is also Nandi facing her shrine at the entrance. We have Subramanya, Ganesha and Mahalshmi idols also. 

Those who worshiped here:

Ramalinga Vallarar, Ganesha, Surya, Indra, Sage Gautam obtained salvation at this place. Hence the place is known as Gautamashram. 

Kshetra Purana:

Lord Indra got rid of his curse which he had incurrred due to Sage Gautama. 

After Lord Shriram went to forest, King Dasharatha came to worship Lord Shiva at this place. 

It is believed that once upon a time rice instead of unhusked rice was grown at this place due to the grace of the Lord Shiva and Devi Annapurni. 

It is believed that once upon a time the lake nearby had rice instead of water due to the grace of Lord Shiva, so that no one in the region died of starvation without food. So Lord Shva is known as chotruthurai-nadar (who gave not only food but also salvation to the souls).

Once there was a very severe famine, a staunch devotee known as Arulalan, along with other men, women and children was starving. The priest too had stopped coming to the temple. Arulalan who was sitting in the dark corner of the temple, cried to the lord and dashed his head against the steps of the entrance to the temple requesting the lord to save them. Suddenly there was rain and the whole area was flooded. A bowl (patra) came floating in the flood water. At that time Arulalan heard a celestial voice stating that patra was a akshaypatra which will help him to feed the people. He did as per the command of the celestial voice and got rid of the starvation and the famine in the region. Hence Lord Shiva is known as chotruthurai-nadar and devi as Annapurni.

As Goddess Parvati provided abundant food (rice) she is known as Annapurni. This is one of the seven places where Lord Shiva fed his devotees.  

Festivals: 

1. Chitrai (April-May), Sapta Sthanams festival and Brahmotsav, 
2. Avani (August-Sept) Ganesh chaturthi, 
3. Purattasi (sept-oct) Navaratri, 
4. Aippasi (Oct-Nov), Annabhishek and Skanda shashthi festival, 
5. Kathigai (Nov-Dec), Festival of light known as Karthikeya Deepam, 
6. Thai (Jan-Feb) Makar Sankranti, 
7. Masi (Feb-Mar) Shivaratri. 
8. Besides this the daily rituals, weekly pujas and fortnightly pradosh pujas are conducted. Arudra darshan 

Apathsahayar temple at THIRUPAZHANAM

This is a Shiva temple located at THIRUPAZHANAM on Thiruvairuyar – Kumbhakonam route. This is the 2nd sapta sthana temple and is also one of the 276 padalpetra sthalam revered by neyenmars. This temple is very close to Thingalur Navagraha (Chandra temple). The temple is about 1500 years old. This is the place where Lord Shiva collected fruits for the marriage of Shri Nandi deva. Hence this place got the name THIRUPAZHANAM (Pazham in Tamil means fruit). 

Mulavar: Shri Apathsahayar, Shri Amrutlingeshwarar, Shri Pazhanapiran, Shri Pirayana-pureeshwarar, Shri Parmeshwarar

Ambaal (Devi): Shri Periya-nayaki, Shri Shiva-sundari, Sundar-nayaki, Kalyani, Bogashakti-amman (ambaal/Ambika)

Sacred Tirtha: Kaveri river, Devi Kupam, Amrut tirtha, Kuber tirtha, Muni kupam, Mangal tirtha (now it is destroyed), Panchakshar tirtha

Khetra vruksha: Bilva, Kadali (Banana), Punnag

Pouranik Names: Kadali vanam, Kaushika aashram, Pirayanapuri, Palani pathi

The mulavar (Shiva linga) is swayambhoo. The temple is facing east and has 2 corridors (prakarams). The raja-gopuram is 5 tiered. There is no flag staff in this temple. We find Nandi and Bali peetha in front of Shiva linga. Vimanam (tower) above sanctum sanctorum is made of granite. This entire place is surrounded by fertile green field. 

Other shrines and idols at this place

In the outer corridor, we have the shrine of Ganesha and Subramanya. On the right hand side of the mandap, we find the mounts (vahan) that are used for festivals. After worshiping Lord Ganesha, when we move towards the left we have the shrines of sapta-matrika idols, Ganesha, Venu-gopala, Shiva lingas, Nataraja sabha, Bhairavar and Navagraha shrine. 

Two days before and two days after the new moon day and on the new moon day, the rays of the Moon in the Tamil month of Panguni (Mar-April) and Puratasi (Sept-Oct) fall on Shiva linga. 

In the koshtam, we have the koshta moorthis, Vinayaka, Lord Dakshinamoorthy and Durga. In the shrine of Lord Dakshinamoorthy, we come across the idols of sapta-rishis, Kamadhenu pouring milk over the Shiva linga (known as Pashupatishwarar) and a devotee Appu-adigal. There is a separate shrine for Goddess Parvati facing the east. In the shrine of Subramanya, in the outer corridor, Lord Subramanya has six faces. Goddess Parvati’s shrine is to the right of Lord Shiva i.e. in her bridal form. At the first tier of gopuram we have, in the east Shiva Parvati, in the west Annamalaya, in the south Lord Dakshinamoorthy and the north Lord Bramha. The linga worshipped by Lord Maha Vishnu, the idols of Aadi-Vinayaka, Arumuga (Murugun) with his consort Valli and Deivanai, Veerabhadra, Nrutya Vinayaka, Kaashi Vishwanath, Gajalakshmi and Chandikeshwar are found in the temple. 

Outside temple premises, we have the holy jackfruit tree, the kadali (banana) tree and a holy tirtha. There is a place near this jackfruit tree where people feel that sage Agastya has worshipped. 

Kshetra puran:

As per puran, in the sanctum sanctorum, the idol of Goddess Parvati cannot be seen though She is present there. 

Goddess Lakshmi worshipped Lord Shiva and got a number of boons and She went back to Her place. Hence Lord Shiva is known as Shri Pirayana Pureeshwarar and the place is known as Pirayana Puri. 

According to the kshetra puran, a bramhin boy named Susarithan was on a pilgrimage in search of peace as he had lost his parents. When he was staying at THIRUPAZHANAM village for the night, Lord Yama appeared in his dream who informed him that he will die in 5 days. The boy sought the refuge of Lord Shiva who saved him. Hence Lord Shiva is known as Apathsahayar. 

Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi came to this place and installed a Shiva Linga. They got rid of their curse by worshipping the Shiva Linga at this place. Therefore, there is a separate shrine for Lord Venu-gopala whose kshetra vruksha is jackfruit tree. 

Sage Kaushika had kept his share of nector at this place, safely. Asuras who came to know about the nector, came to steal the same. Lord Shiva created, Lord Aiyanar and Goddess Kali to save the nector. Sage Kaushika made Shiva linga out of the nector and worshipped Lord Shiva. Hence the Lord is known as Amruteshwar, the place is known as Kaushik-aashram and Amrutpuree. 

Others who worshipped at this place 

Lord Maha Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, Kubera, Budha, Aaiyan (Bramha), Chandra, Sage Kaushika, Sapta-rishi, Ashta-dikpals, a devotee known as Dharamsharma. 

Festivals: 

1. Pradosha pooja is held regularly besides the daily worship
2. The sapta sthana festival is held in the month of Cittirai (Mar-April) on Vishakha nakshatra
3. In the Tamil month of Aani (Jun-Jul), thirumanjam of Lord Vishnu.
4. In the Tamil month of Aadi (Jul-Aug), festival known as Aadi-pooram (purva falguni nakshatra)
5. In the Tamil month of Avani (Aug-Sept), Ganesh Chaturthi
6. In Purattasi (Sept-Oct), Navaratri
7. In Aippasi (Oct-Nov), Anna abhishek and Skandhashasti
8. In the month of Kartigai (Nov-Dec), Karthigai deep festival 
9. In Margazi (Dec-Jan), Aardra darshan
10. In Masi (Feb-Mar), Shiva ratri
11. In Panguni (Mar-April), Panguni utthiram (Uttara falguni nakshtra)

Aiyar-appar temple at Thiruvaiyaru

This Shiva temple is the first in sapta-sthana temples. The temple is located at Thiruvaiyaru and Tanjavur district of TamilNadu on the banks of the river Kaveri. The temple is also known as Pancha-nadishwarar temple as this place is surrounded by 5 rivers namely – Arisilaru, Venna-aru, Vetta-aru, Kudumurrutti-aru and river Kaveri. In Tamil, “ai” means five (i.e. Pancha). “Aru” means river that is “nadi”. So Pancha-nadishwarar means Lord of 5 rivers. This temple is about 2000 years old. 

Moolavar: Aiyarappar, Pancha-nadishwarar

Devi: Dharma-samwardhini

Tirtha: Surya pushkarini

Old name: Thiruvaiyaru

This place is as holy as Varanasi for taking holy dip. This is one of the 6 most sacred places (Shiva sthalas) on the bank of river Kaveri. The other 5 places are – Thiruvenkadu, Thiruchakkau (Chaya vanam), Mayil-adu-thurai, Thiruvidai-maruthur and Thiruvanchiam. The place is considered as Dakshin Kailash. The Shiva linga is swayambhoo. 

The Dhyan mandap in the temple is built with lime and palm jaggery known as Kuruppai in Tamil. We can still come across the four pits in which above material was stored and gold, silver coins were kept as wages for the workers when the temple was being built. The temple has about 5 corridors (prakarams) and the raja-gopuram is seven tiered. The temple spans about 14-15 acres land. We come across the shrine of Somaskandha and Japesa (Kuki) mandap in the 2nd corridor. The idol of Lord Dakshinamurti in this temple is known as Shiva-yoga-dakshina-murti. He has special significance as he is only guru, worshipped by Lord Vishnu (known as Perumal in Tamil) in TamilNadu. So, Lord Dakshinamurti is also known as Hari-ooru -Shiva-yoga-Dakshina-murti. At the feet of Lord Dakshinamurti, we find a tortoise instead of the usual demon – Muyalagan (symbol of ignorance). 

It is believed that when Dharma is followed by women, the benefits are double than those done by men. To indicate this fact, the Godmother here is known as Dharma Samwardhini. There is no shrine for Maha Vishnu at this place (in this area) as mother Dharma Samwardhini is praised as Lord Maha Vishnu. There is a general belief in south that ashtami tithi of new moon are not auspicious. In order to indicate that all days are auspicious and same, wedding festival of Ambika is performed on the night of Ashtami in this temple. This place is also considered as shakti peetha of Ambika. 

One cannot do pradakshina around sanctum sanctorum of Lord Shiva. It is believed that Lord Shiva has his hair spread on the floor of (at the back of) sanctum sanctorum. As one cannot tread over this, the pradakshina is prohibited. 

The sacred tirtha Surya Pushkarini has also a special significance. It is because, this is considered as a Surya sthala where Surya has worshipped Lord Shiva. He is facing the West. 

There is a separate shrine for Kala-samhara-murti known as Aalkondar. Outside this shrine, we have a homa-kunda (sacred fire pit) installed by Adi-Shankaracharya. 

There are spots in the temple which produce echos of primordial (nada-bramha) sound notes. In the 3rd prakara, if one stands in the southwest corner facing North and calls Aiyarappar loudly, the sound reverberates. The west facing temple has beautiful sculptures of deities of Ardha-narishwarar and Lord Dakshinamurti besides other koshta murtis. We also come across the shrines of Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramania, Lord Nandikeshwar and saint Tyagaraja. 

Kshetra puran: Shaiva saint Tirunavukarasar when on a pilgrimage to mount Kailash, encountered lot of difficulties on the way. Lord Shiva made him to take a dip in a pond by submerging himself. When Tirunavukarasar emerged from the tank, he found himself at Thiruvaiyarur and Lord gave him darshana of Mount Kailash at this place (Thiruvaiyarur).

A devotee named as Sucharitan was saved by Lord Shiva from untimely death like sage Markendeya by appearing as a column of light at this place. He killed Yama in the process. So Lord Shiva is known as Aalkondeshwarar. People burn benzoin (Kungiliyam in Tamil) outside the shrine under the belief that they can get rid of the fear of Yama. It is believed that the sage Agastya got his dwarf structure at this place. 

Ambika is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva with 2 measures of grains. 

According to kshetra puran the chariot of the King who ruled this place got stuck while passing through this place. While excavating the land around the wheels of chariot, the workers found Shiva Linga. When they continued excavating further, they came across idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Subramanya, Goddess Dharma samwardhini and Lord Nandi-deva. They also came across a sage who was sitting in deep meditation. When the saint came out of meditation, he ordered the king to build the temple and utilize the wealth under Nandi-dev’s hoof. 

According to another kshetra puran, a priest was unable to be present for performing pooja at a particular time as he was away on a pilgrimage. It was reported to the king, who came personally to check the fact. He was surprised to find the priest performing the pooja. The priest returned to the temple next day and everyone including king were astonished. They realized that, Lord himself had come to perform the pooja as the priest for Himself. 

Near this Shiva temple is one room house of saint Tyagaraja where he composed some great works of Karnatik music. On the bank of the river his samadhi was built. A number of people converge on a particular day (samadhi) at this place and perform the music festival of the Karnatik music composed by the great saint. Nearby this samadhi, there are the samadhis of saint Shiva Prakash swamigal and Naga-ratna-amma. She was responsible for locating and renovating the samadhi of saint Tyagaraja. 

Festivals & worships at this place: 

1. Daily six pujas

2. New moon festival – On every new moon the utsav murti of Aiyarappar is taken to the bank of river Kaveri for worship

3. Nandi’s marriage known as Thirukalyanam in the Tamil month of Panguni is performed at Tirumazappadi

4. In the Tamil month of Chitrai (April-May) Bramhotsav is held

5. In the Tamil month of Chitrai (April-May) sapta sthana utsav is held 

6. In the Tamil month of Aavani (Sept-Oct) on mula nakshatra float festival is held

7. In the Tamil month of Aadi (Aug-Sept) Appar festival is held

8. Mahashivaratri festival is held in the Tamil month of Masi (Feb-Mar)

Shiva temple at Thirumazhapadi

This is the place where Nandi’s marriage took place. This Shiva temple is located very close to Thiruvaiaru at Thirumazhapadi in Ariyalur district of TamilNadu. It is about 45 Kms from Trichi. It is one of the 276 Shiva temples revered by the Shaiva saints Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar. This temple is on the Northern bank of river Kaveri.

This temple was build by Chola and Pandya kings and the temple must be 2000 years old.

Mulavar: Vaidyanadar Swami, Mazhuvadi-eshwar, Vayirathoon (Vajra-sthamba) Eshwar.

Devi: Sundar-ambika, Balambika

Kshetra vruksha: Palm tree (Panai in Tamil)

Sacred tirtha: Kollidam river, Laxmi tirtha, Shivaganga tirtha

Puranik name: Mazhawadi

The Shiva linga in this temple is swayambhoo. The temple is spread over 10 acres and has a lot of coconut and palm trees. It is surrounded by Sugarcane and Paddy fields. The Rajagopuram is facing the east and it is 7 tiered (about 108 feet tall). There is 2nd gopuram which is 5 tiered and about 80 feet tall.

Kolidam river flows towards the North but changes its course towards the South at this place.

About the idols and other shrines:

Idols of Somaskandha (in a single stone), Lord Dakshinamoorthy in vrushaba vahan, Ardhanarishwarar, Gajasamhar Moorthy, Purusha mruga rishi and Mahalaxmi worshiping the Lord are in separate part of the temple. Shiva did a tandav known as Mazhuva tandav (Mazhu is the name of type of battle axe in Tamil) for sage Markandeya. On the gopuams the puranik stories of Lord Shiva are depicted. In artha mandap (entrance hall), Lord Shiva’s idol is found with a battle axe in the right hand, a spear and a row in the other hand to contain Yama from taking away the life of Sage Markendeya. There are 2 shrines of Goddess Parvati namely Sundarambika and Balambika. In a separate shrine, Parvati, Subramanya and Lord Dakshinamoorthy are housed made from a single stone. In the shrine of Lord Bramha there are 4 Nandis, representing 4 vedas. There are 2 Lord Dakshinamoorthy shrines and a shrine of Kartikeya. There is a separate shrine of Nandi. The Navagrahas are bundled in a small square between Nandi and Shiva Linga outside the sanctum sanctorum. People light lamp and worship the Navagrahas in this pit as there’s no separate shrine for Navgraha. There are five Nandis in front of sanctum sanctorum. A 100 pillars mandap known as Somaskanda mandap houses the shrine of Nataraja.

Kshetra puran:

Sage Shilada performed severe penance to invoke Lord Shiva at Thiruvaiaru for a child boon. Lord advised him to perform putra kameshti yagnya. While tilling the land, the sage came across a box containing a child with three eyes, four shouders and a crescent moon. Shocked by this sight, sage closed the box hurriedly. On opening the box again, he found a beautiful normal child whom he named as JAPESAR (Nandi deva). Two celestial angles told the sage that the boy will live only for 16 years. At the age of 14, Japesar came to know about his fate. He did severe penance to please Lord Shiva.

Appreciating his penance, Lord gave him longevity. Later on he got him married to Suyas-ambika at this place. Japesar continued his penance on Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva made him the chief of Shiva ganas and made him the main guard of Kailash. He named him Nandi deva.

Sage Purusha Mruga Rishi, established Shiva shrine at this place. Lord Bramha was unable to uproot it as he felt jealous. So the deity is known as Vajra stambha moorthy.

Those who worshiped at this place: 

Nandi dev, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Laxmi, Lord Indra, Sage Markandeya, Sage known as Purusha Maharshi

Festivals:

1. In the Tamil month of Masi, Ratha festival is held.

2. Tamil month of masi, Mahashivatri is celebrated

3. Anna-abhishek in the Tamil month of Aippasi (Oct-Nov)

4. Deepam festival in the month of Kartikai.

5. Sapta sthanam festival in the month of Chitrai (April-May)