Friday, March 4, 2016

Vilvavana Nathar Temple, Thiruvaikavur, Thanjavur

Vilvavana Nathar Temple, Thiruvaikavur, Thanjavur
Vilvavana Nathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thiruvaikavur village in Papanasam Taluk in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Vilvavaneswarar / Vilvavana Nathar and Mother is called as Sarvajana Rakshaki / Valaikkai Valliammai. It is believed that Shivaratri festival is originated in this Temple and then followed then in all Shiva Temples.





This Temple is one of the 276 Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams, as the Lord is incarnated by the hymns of Thirugnana Sambandar. This Temple is the 102nd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 48th sthalam on north side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. Saint Arunagirinathar had sung hymns in praise of Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh. 





Legends
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History
This temple is located on the southern bank of the river Kollidam and towards the north of the river Manniyaru. The historical names of this place are Vilva Vanam and Bhoomi Puram. As per the inscriptions in the Temple, the earlier brick structure was converted to granite structure by Chola King Kulothunga - I in 11th century AD. The last consecration ceremony of this Temple took place on 11.06.2003. This temple is under the administrative control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Government of Tamil Nadu (HR&CE). 





The Temple
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Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 06.00 am to 11.00 am and from 05.00 pm to 08.00 pm.
Festivals
Shivarathri is a famous occasion here and it garners a crowd of around 2 lakh people. 2 days Masi Maha Shivarathri (February-March), Theerthavari on the New Moon Day (Pancha Moorthis Procession in the Palm leaf cart in the night. It is a significant feature that the Rishaba, Swami and Ambal are all made in Palm leaves and they are taken in procession.) and Arudhra Dharshan in December – January (more famous is the Thiruvadhirai, Vijayadashami, Tirukarthikai). The crowd will be huge during Pradosham days. Deepavali, Pongal and Tamil and English New Year days are also celebrated devotionally with special pujas in the temple.
Religious Significance
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Literary Mention
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Prayers
Worshiping Lord Shiva here on Shivrathri days is considered to be very auspicious and doing so will yield manifold benefits. Devotees believe that by worshiping Goddess Sarvajana Rakshaki here, their prayers will be heard and resolved. Praying to Vilvavaneswarar, the devotee achieves relief from depression and peace of mind. It is believed that praying in this temple on the day of Shivaratri wards off the fear of death. Those who long for marriage and offspring can worship this Lord.  The Lord will grant peace and serenity to those who pray to Him.  
The Lord also readily grants the prayers of his devotees who pray for good job opportunities, business enhancement and promotion in job. Bathing or spilling the water of the tank Theertha here assures relief from illnesses. They are also relieved from bad spirits. Abishek offered in oil, milk, curd, tender coconut etc. Devotees offer dhotis to the Lord and sarees to the Goddess. The preparations offered to the Gods are distributed to the visitors. The wealthy offer donations for the maintenance of the temple.
Contact
Vilvavana Nathar Temple,
Thiruvaikavur Post,
Papanasam Taluk,
Thanjavur District – 613 301
Mobile: +91 93443 30834 / 94435 86453 / 96552 61510
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 3 Kms from Thiruvijayamangai, 7 Kms from Kabisthalam, 7 Kms from Thirupurambiyam, 10 Kms from Swamimalai, 12 Kms from Papanasam, 12 Kms from Papanasam Bus Stand, 12 Kms from Papanasam Railway Station, 18 Kms from Kumbakonam, 18 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 18 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 35 Kms from Thanjavur and 96 Kms from Trichy Airport. The best mode is taking town buses from Kumbakonam or mini buses from Kabisthalam.