Thanjapureeswarar Temple, Thanjavur – The Temple
The temple is having three tiered Rajagopuram. This is one of the rarest temples facing westward. This temple was built before Brihadeeswarar temple. It is believed that Brihadeeswarar temple was built only after worshipping this God. Although it is believed that the temple must be older than Brihadeeswarar temple, there is no visible evidence. The structure appears to be comparatively new. This temple is one among the 88 temples which comes under the Thanjavur Palace Management Committee.
Presiding Deity is called as Thanjapureeswarar / Kuberapureeswarar. He is housed in the west facing sanctum in the form of big Shiva Linga. There are idols of Ganesha and Subramanya apart from the big attractive idols of Dwarapalakas at the entrance of the sanctum. As usual, Bali Peetham, Nandi Mandapam and flag staff is located facing towards the sanctum. The wall around the sanctum sanctorum enshrines the niche images of Nataraja, Dakshinamurti, Brahma and Durga. It is rare to find Nataraja as a niche (Koshta) idol.
There is a small shrine of Chandikeswarar at its usual location. Shrines of Sani Bhagawan and Bhairavar can be found in the mukha mandapam. Arthamandapam is of Vavval Nethi mandapam type. Sculpture of Kubera can be seen in a pillar just opposite the main shrine. Mahalakshmi occupies her place near Gubera as Dhana Lakshmi and Dhairya Lakshmi. Mother is called as Anandhavalli. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. She is in standing posture. There is a Ganesha idol and two big idols of Dwarapalakis at the entrance of her shrine. Nandi is found facing towards her shrine.
There is a mandapam in front of Mother shrine. Stucco idols of Ashtalakshmi can be seen on pillars of the mandapam. On the way to the Goddess shrine, the idols of Lakshmi and Kubera performing pooja to Shiva Linga are found. It is very unique. There are many ancient idols which were discovered nearby are kept in the outer prakaram. The idols of Saraswathi, Ganesha, Brahma, Shiva Lingas and Dakshinamurti are beautiful.
Idols of Ganesha, Subramanya and Ayyappa are located at the entrance of temple below the tower. There are shrines of Nataraja & Sivakami, Gajalakshmi, Panchamuga Anjaneyar, Arthanareeswarar and Navagrahas in the Temple premises. Sthala Vriksham is Vanni Maram (Prosopis Tree). Theertham associated with this Temple are Vennar River and Sivagangai Theertham. Marathi inscriptions can be found in the Temple premises.
