The Legend - Thiruvaiyaru, a town situated approximately 15 kilometers from Thanjavur, derives its name from the five rivers that traverse through the area. These rivers are tributaries of the Kaveri River and create an intricate network surrounding the town. The primary temple in Thiruvaiyaru is dedicated to the deity who shares the town's name - Panchanadeeswarar in Sanskrit, or Iyaarappan in Tamil. The origin story of this temple is quite fascinating. According to legend, a king's chariot once became stuck in the ground at this location. While excavating the earth around the chariot's wheels to free it, a Lingam was discovered. Acting on the advice of a wise minister, they carefully continued digging and were rewarded with the unearthing of idols of Goddess Dharmasamvardhini, Vinayaka, Muruga, and a Nandi. Remarkably, they also encountered a Siddha (saint) deep in meditation beneath the ground. The saint counseled the king to construct a temple on that very spot and instructed him to excavate beneath the hoofs of the Nandi, where he would find the necessary wealth to finance the temple's construction.
According to legend, when the revered saints Sundarar and Cheraman Peruman arrived at Thiruvaiyaru, they encountered the mighty 'Kavery' in a state of tumultuous flood. Sundarar, finding himself stranded on the opposite bank, was filled with worry and trepidation. In his distress, he sang a heartfelt pathikam, a devotional hymn, seeking divine intervention. Miraculously, the Vinayaka residing on the near bank responded to Sundarar's fervent plea, taking control of the raging floodwaters, enabling Sundarar to cross the river safely and rejoin his companion. It is due to this remarkable incident that the Vinayakar at Thiruvaiyaru earned the venerated title of "Olamita Vinayaka". Interestingly, visitors to Thiruvaiyaru can personally experience another intriguing phenomenon. By standing in the southwest corner of the third prakaram and calling out "Aiyarappa" towards the north, one's voice will reverberate with an astounding seven-fold echo, adding to the mystical allure of this revered place.
The Layout - The Iyarappar temple complex at Tiruvaiyaru spans an impressive 15 acres, featuring a majestic seven-tiered rajagopuram and five prakrams within its walls. It is renowned for its three glories: the Murthy, Sthalam, and Theertham. The Dakshinamurthy Murtham gracing the first prakaram is of utmost eminence, while a separate dedicated temple for Somaskandhar can be found in the second prakaram. Nearby, an enclosure houses the PanchaBhootha Lingams, Saptha Mathas, Adi Vinayaka, and the Navagrahas. The second prakaram also contains sannidhis for Vinayaka, Subramanya, Somaskanda, Dakshinamurthy, and Natraja. Two towers adorn the eastern and southern sides of the third prakaram, while the fourth prakaram is home to the 'Surya Pushkarani' theertham and 'Vada Kailayam,' as witnessed by TiruNavukkarasar. This prakaram also features four towers in all cardinal directions. The fifth prakaram houses the east-facing sannidhis of the presiding deity Iyarappar and the female deity TripuraSundari. The entrance to these sannidhis are adorned with towers (gopuram). A unique sculpture of ArthaNareeswar, located at the back of the vimana atop the sanctum of the presiding deity, deviates from the usual depiction. In this representation, Shiva occupies the left half, while Parvathy is on the right, contrasting the typical ArthaNareeswar form where Shiva is on the right and Parvathy on the left. Another distinctive aspect of this temple is the absence of circumambulation around the sanctum, as it is believed that the matted hairlocks of the deity have spread behind, and devotees refrain from circling the deity to avoid stamping on them.
Tiruvaiyaru, one of the six temples situated along the banks of the sacred river Kaveri, holds immense spiritual significance comparable to that of Kasi. The other five temples in this revered group are Tiruvenkaadu, Tiruchaaikkadu (Chaayaavanam), Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvidaimarudur and Tiruvanchiam.
The 'Vadakailayam' and 'Thenkailayam' are two prominent temples within this ancient temple complex that reflect the influential patronage of the powerful Chola dynasty. Situated on the northern side of the third prakaram or circumambulatory passage, the 'Vadakailayam', also known as 'Oloka Mathaveechuram', was commissioned by Queen Ulaga Mahadevi, the principal consort of the renowned Chola emperor Rajaraja I. Correspondingly, on the southern end of the third prakaram lies the 'Thenkailayam', which underwent extensive repairs and renovations under the auspices of Panchavanmadevi, one of the wives of Rajendra Chola I, Rajaraja's successor. These shrines not only bear testament to the deep-rooted spiritual devotion of the Chola queens but also exemplify their active involvement in temple construction and maintenance. The architectural and sculptural significance of this temple is further underscored by the presence of the Sokkattan Mandapam, an elaborately carved pillared pavilion positioned in front of the main shrine, and the 'Nootru-Kaal' Mandapam, an impressive structure comprising a hundred stone pillars, located in close proximity to the towering eastern gateway. These mandapams serve as tangible embodiments of the exceptional craftsmanship and artistic prowess that flourished under Chola rule, making this temple a veritable treasure trove of South Indian temple architecture. More than 70 stone inscriptions from the Chola period have been found inside the temple. The samadhi of Saint Tyagarajar, one of the foremost composers of Carnatic music is in Tiruvaiyaru.
The presiding deity, Aiyarappar, is enshrined as a self-manifested Swayambhu Linga, which is classified as a Prithvi Linga. Due to this unique nature, the customary ritual of abhishekam (bathing the deity with sacred substances) is not performed directly on the Linga. Instead, the abhishekam is carried out for the 'Avudayar'. The Linga itself is reverentially anointed with a coating of fragrant civet oil, adhering to the temple's age-old traditions. Interestingly, this practice of exclusive anointment with civet oil is also observed in other temples housing Prithvi Lingas, such as the renowned Thirukachi Ekambam Temple and the revered Thiruvarur Temple. The goddess in this temple, known as Dharmasamvarthini, shares a similarity with Goddess Kamakshi of Kanchi, as both are celebrated as exemplars of virtue. According to legend, Dharmasamvarthini attained this exalted status by receiving two 'naazhi' of rice from the Lord Shiva and meticulously performing all 32 prescribed virtues. In the Aiyarappar Temple, the goddess is depicted with her left hand gracefully resting on her waist, while her upper hands hold a conch and a chakra, akin to the form of MahaVishnu, adding a unique dimension to her divine persona. (One Nazhi is roughly equivalent to 200 grams or 250ml)
Tirupugazh Sthalam - Muruga at this temple is venerated as 'Dhanu Subramaniya', a majestic form in which he holds a bow and arrow along with a spear in his four hands, symbolizing his readiness to vanquish evil forces and protect his devotees. He stands in a powerful yet graceful posture, with a single serene face gazing out at the world. Behind him is his divine vahana, the peacock. Flanking Muruga on either side are his two devoted consorts, Valli and Deivanai. This sublime depiction of Dhanu Subramaniya has been glorified in the Tirupugazh, a collection of devotional hymns composed by the illustrious saint poet Arunagirinathar. In one song, Arunagirinathar ecstatically extols the magnificence and benevolence of this Muruga.
The Hari-Guru-Shivayoga Dakshinamurthy, portrays the deity with four arms, holding a kapala (skull cup) and displaying the abhaya mudra (gesture of fearlessness) in his right hands, while grasping a sula (trident) and the sacred Vedic scriptures in his left hands. According to the temple's rich mythology, as chronicled in the Thala Puranam, this place bears witness to an unparalleled event - Mahavishnu himself sought the guidance and wisdom of Sri Dakshinamurthy, recognizing the immense value and depth of the Vedic knowledge. Having received the 'Sri Chakram' after offering his own eye to Shiva at Thiruveezhimizhalai, Mahavishnu absorbed the profound teachings of the Vedas, from Hari-Guru-Shivayoga Dakshinamurthy. A distinctive feature of this Dakshinamurthy idol is the presence of a kurma, a tortoise image, beneath the deity's feet. Revered as a 'Guru Sthalam', the temple holds special pujas and abhishekams every month, in honor of Guru Bhagavan on the auspicious day of the star Uttharatathi. Devotees flock to Tiruvaiyru, participating in these rituals, performing abhishekams, and lighting lamps as offerings to Sri Dakshinamurthy, firmly believing that such acts of devotion have the power to dispel all negativity, remove obstacles, and usher in a life filled with happiness, prosperity, and spiritual enlightenment.
The 'Aatkondar' sannidhi, located at the southern gate of the temple, is beleived to dispel any fear of demonic forces or evil influences, and traditionally devotees first worship Lord Shiva at the Aatkondar sannidhi before proceeding into the main temple complex. This sannidhi is associated with the remarkable form 'Aatkondar', that Lord Shiva is said to have assumed when he intervened to rescue a young boy named Sucharithan from the clutches of a terrifying demon. In front of this sannidhi is a 'kundam' or a pit, where 'Kungiliyam', an aromatic resin, is perpetually kept and worshippers come to offer their own 'Kungiliyam' into the Kundam.
Appar (Thirunavukkarasar) receiving a vision of Mount Kailash - Thirunavukkarasar, embarked on a arduous pilgrimage to Mount Kailash. With unwavering determination, he set out alone after instructing his followers from Kasi to remain behind. As the journey proved increasingly difficult, Thirunavukkarasar transitioned from walking to crawling, demonstrating his unyielding resolve to reach his sacred destination despite the physical hardships. Observing Thirunavukkarasar's struggles, Lord Shiva, sought to intervene. Manifesting a pond in close proximity, Shiva approached Thirunavukkarasar in the guise of a sage, cautioning him of the formidable challenges that lay ahead on the path to Kailash and gently advising him to turn back. Undeterred, Thirunavukkarasar declared with unwavering conviction that he would rather perish than return home without beholding the magnificence of Kailayam. Recognizing his devotee's indomitable spirit, Shiva instructed Thirunavukarasar to immerse himself in a small pond and take a purifying bath in its holy waters. Upon emerging from the pond, Thirunavukarasar discovered to his astonishment that he had emerged from the sacred waters of Surya Pushkarani Theertham in Thiruvaiyaru. Even more wondrously, Lord Shiva granted Thirunavukarasar a beatific vision of Mount Kailash itself right there in Tiruvaiyaru.
Adi Shaiva - In Thiruvaiyaru, there were 24 Adi Shaivas who were entitled to perform the every day rituals for the deity. When one of them embarked on an extended pilgrimage to the holy city of Kashi, the other 23 took advantage of his long absence by unjustly seizing his land and property for themselves. The wife and son of the absent pilgrim, upon discovering this transgression, went to the temple to beseech Lord Shiva for help in righting this wrong. Shiva took the form of the absent pilgrim, arriving at the temple bearing the water from the river Ganges from Kashi. In this disguise, Shiva performed the sacred rituals of worship, much to the astonishment and delight of the wife and son. A few days later, when the real pilgrim returned from his long journey with water from the Ganges, confusion reigned as the people tried to discern which of the identical two was the genuine Adi Saiva. The Adi Shaiva who had first arrived at the temple suddenly vanished into thin air, revealing himself to be none other than Lord Shiva. Tiruvaiyaru is significant for this miraculous appearance in which as an adi shaiva, Shiva performed the every day rituals for Himself, restoring the rightful ownership of property to the pilgrim and his family.
Saptha Sthana Sthalam - The 'Sapta Stana Sthala' are a group of seven temples in the Thiruvaiyaru region of Tamil Nadu, that gather for a special annual festival. This festival, particularly significant for Aiyarappar, involves the joining of the deities from each of the seven temples in decorated palanquins. The festival symbolizes the wedding of Nandikeswara, Shiva's bull, and is a time of great religious and spiritual significance for devotees. It involves the deity of Aiyarappar temple, along with Nandikeswara and Suyasayambikai, being carried in a palanquin to the other six Sapta Stana Sthalas. The deities from each of these temples also join Aiyarappar's palanquin in a procession. The festival culminates with the palanquins converging at the Thillaistanam temple, where fireworks are displayed, and a flower festival (Poochorithal) takes place. These seven temples are: 1. Thiruvaiyaru, 2. Tiru-Chotruthurai, 3. Tiru-Vedikudi, 4. Tiru-Poonthuruthi, 5. Tiru-Nei-Daanam or Thillaisthanam, 6. Tiru-Kandiyur and 7. Tiru-Pazhanam. All these temples are situated around Thiruvaiyaru and it is possible to visit all these temples within a day.
Temple Tower
Another Tower
View from 2'nd Tower
View of the corridor
Way to temple of Goddess Dharmasamvarthini
Entrance to the temple of Goddess Dharmasamvarthini
South Kailash