Semmeninathar Temple, Tiru-Kanur
Location
Tiru-Kanur
Deity
Semmeninathar, Karumbeswarar
Female Deity
Sivaloga Nayaki, Soundaranayaki
Pathikam
Tirunavukkarasar - 1, Sambandar - 1
Gallery – Sem-Maeni-Nathar Temple, Tirukkanur
How to Reach
The Shiva Temple at Tirukkanur is beautifully situated on the tranquil banks of the River Kollidam. The temple lies about 6 kilometers from Tirukkattupalli and can be reached via the Tirukkattupalli–Tirukandiyur route. Visitors should first travel to Vishnampettai Agraharam, a small village located approximately 3 kilometers from Tirukkattupalli. From there, a branch road leads to the temple. The road remains well-maintained up to Vishnampettai, while the final stretch to the temple is an unpaved mud road. Since regular bus services operate only up to Tirukkattupalli, hiring an auto-rickshaw or a car from the town is the most convenient way to reach this temple.
Temple Address
Thirukkanur
Vishnampettai Post
Via Thirukattupalli
Thanjavur District
PIN – 613105
Contact
Vivek Gurukkal
97919 98358
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
Temple Description
Visiting the Temple
The temple priest (Kurukkal) resides in the nearby town of Tirukkattupalli and travels to Tirukkanur to perform the daily rituals and services. Devotees planning to visit the temple are advised to contact the priest in advance and coordinate their visit to ensure a convenient darshan of the presiding deity. As the temple is located in a relatively secluded area, it is recommended to visit during daylight hours. Travelling in a group is also preferable, as it offers greater convenience and comfort while accessing this remote temple.
Temple Layout & Presiding Deity
The east-facing Sem-Maeni-Nathar Temple welcomes devotees with its modest three-tiered Rajagopuram and well-maintained enclosure walls. Upon entering, one is greeted by a spacious outer prakaram that houses numerous sannidhis dedicated to various deities, including Dakshinamurthy, Vinayaka, Muruga with Valli and Deivanai, Ardhanareeswarar, Durga, Brahma, Chandikeshwarar, Nagar, Mahavishnu, Aiyanar, Surya, Chandra, and the four principal Nayanmars. The inner prakaram is also expansive, providing ample space for devotees to perform circumambulation and worship in a serene atmosphere. The presiding deity, Sem-Maeni-Nathar, is enshrined in the form of a Swayambhu Lingam and is also known as Karumbeswarar. The sanctum is crowned by a distinctive single-tiered vimana resembling a rounded dome. A remarkable feature of the temple is the annual solar phenomenon that occurs on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th days of the Tamil month of Panguni, when the sun’s rays fall directly upon the deity in the sanctum. The divine consort is represented by an idol carved from Saligrama stone, a sacred fossil revered in Hindu tradition for its auspiciousness and spiritual significance.
Temple History & Sthala Puranam
Sem-Maeni-Nathar – The Legend
According to the temple's sacred legend, Tirukkanur is the site where Goddess Parvathi descended to Earth and performed intense penance, choosing this tranquil location for her meditation. Pleased with the sincerity and devotion of her tapas, Shiva appeared before her in the form of a brilliant crimson flame. Owing to this divine manifestation, the presiding deity came to be known as Sem-Maeni-Nathar, meaning “the Lord who appeared as a radiant red flame,” while the Goddess came to be revered as Shiva Yoga Nayaki, signifying the Divine Mother who attained union with Shiva through the power of yoga and penance. The temple is regarded as a sacred centre for marital harmony and family well-being. It is believed that couples who worship together at this temple receive the blessings of Sem-Maeni-Nathar and Shiva Yoga Nayaki, fostering mutual understanding, unity, and a peaceful married life free from discord.
Gallery – Sem-Maeni-Nathar Temple, Tirukkanur
