Thyagaraja Temple, Thiruvarur – Theerthams
Kamalalaya
Theertham:
Kamalalaya Theertham is the important Theertham
associated with his temple. The vast Kamalalaya tank is situated to the west of
the temple. A shrine of Naganathar is located at the center of the pond. Kamalalayam
got its name since Mahalakshmi did penance to Moolattaneswarar here to marry
Lord Vishnu. The temple tank is as big as the temple itself and measures an
area of 33 acres making it as one of the largest in the country (the other
Theertham Sengazhuneer Odai is also of the same size) and has a separate temple
at the centre.
The small temple of Sri Naduvana Nathar
Temple with a small gopuram is located in the middle of the Kamalalayam
temple tank. We have to go in boat and pradosha abishekam is very
special here. There are 64 bathing Ghats here and each one give us a specific
benefit by bathing and donating specific articles. The details of these are
displayed at every Ghat. The most sacred of them is considered to be
Devaneertha Kattam, opposite the West gopuram of the temple.
Maintaining a tradition unbroken for over two thousand
years, Theppam, a joyous festival on a full moon January day is celebrated. A
large raft with musicians singing praises of the lord is floated on the
Kamalalayam. A ten-day Utsavam is celebrated every year during the
months of March/ April.
Other
Theerthams:
River Chandra flows to the north of the temple; Temple tanks
Brahma Theertham in front of the temple, Indra Theertham on the south and
Agasthya on the west. The Sakthi Theertham near Amman shrine serves for the
abishekam of the deities.