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
For brief details, please refer below link;
https://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2019/09/vilvavana-nathar-temple-thiruvaikavur-legends.html
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
For brief details, please refer below link;
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
For brief details, please refer below link;
Literary
Mention
For brief details, please refer below link;
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.