Suyambu Natha Swamy Temple, Narasinganpettai, Thanjavur

Suyambu Natha Swamy Temple, Narasinganpettai, Thanjavur

Suyambu Natha Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Narasinganpettai in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Suyambu Natha Swamy and Mother is called as Loganayagi. The Temple is under the administrative control of Thiruvavaduthurai Aadheenam. The Temple is situated on the banks of Veera Cholan River.

Legends

As per legend, Lord Vishnu was afflicted with Brahmmahathi dosha for killing Hiranyakasipu. He meditated on Lord Shiva of this temple to get relief from Brahmmahathi dosha. Hence, the place came to be called as Narasimhapuram and later got corrupted to Narasinganpettai.

The Temple

The Temple is facing east with flat tiered Rajagopuram. There is a well on the left side immediately after Raja Gopuram. Balipeedam and Nandi, housed in four pillared Mandapam, can be seen immediately after the entrance, situated in the prakaram facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Artha Mandapam and Maha Mandapam.

Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum in the Artha Mandapam. Adalvallan Shrine is situated in the Artha Mandapam. Dakshinamoorthy Idol is placed close to Adalvallan Shrine. Lord Vinayaga and Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai can be found at the entrance of the sanctum.

Presiding Deity is called as Suyambu Natha Swamy and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Lord is Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested). The sanctum is built in Gajabrusta shape (also called Thoongaanai Maadam), the shape of an elephant in its sitting posture. Vinayaga, Brahma, Lingothbhava, Dakshinamoorthy and Durga are the Koshta Idols located around the sanctum walls.

Chandikeswarar Shrine can be found in his usual location. Mother is called as Loganayagi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in Mahamandapam to the left of the sanctum. There are idols of Saneeswarar, Suryan, Kala Bhairavar and Chandran in the Mahamandapam. There are shrines for Lord Murugan with his consorts Valli & Deivanai, Chola Lingam and Vinayaga in the Temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1.5 Kms from Narasinganpettai Railway Station, 4 Kms from Thiruvavaduthurai, 8 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 16 Kms from Kumbakonam, 17 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 17 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 18 Kms from Mayiladuthurai Junction Railway Station, 21 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 56 Kms from Thanjavur and 108 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Kumbakonam to Mayiladuthurai route. Buses plying between Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai stops in Narasinganpettai.

Location | Photos

Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple, Narasinganpettai, Thanjavur

Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple, Narasinganpettai, Thanjavur

Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu Shiva located in Narasinganpettai in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. The Temple is situated on the banks of Veera Cholan River. This Temple is famous for Kariya Siddhi Anjaneya Shrine in its premises. 

Legends

As per legend, Lord Vishnu was afflicted with Brahmmahathi dosha for killing Hiranyakasipu. He meditated on Lord Shiva at Suyambu Natha Swamy Temple here to get relief from Brahmmahathi dosha. Hence, Narasimha can be seen sitting in meditative posture in this temple. Hence, the place came to be called as Narasimhapuram and later got corrupted to Narasinganpettai.

History

The Temple is believed to be around 1000 years old and extensively renovated by Vijayanagara Kings.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Yoga Narasimha Swamy and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum seated in Yoga (meditative) posture. He is four armed holding Shanka and Chakra in two hands and other two hands are in Yoga Mudra. Utsava Idol is Prahalada Varadar with Sridevi and Bhoodevi.

Garudalwar can be seen in front of the sanctum. There is a shrine for Kariya Siddhi Anjaneya in the prakaram. There is unique practice of offering coconuts to Anjaneya here. Devotees need to bring the coconuts and the temple officials mark the coconut with a number, then they note the marked number in a ledger. Then, devotees lit three deepas, offer one at Anjaneya Shrine, the remaining two at Sanctum and then return to Anjaneya shrine.

The priests return the coconut to the devotee. Then, devotees need to circumbulate Anjaneya shrine with coconut for 11 times and Narasimha Shrine for 3 times. Devotees tie the coconut in the temple premises. It is believed that the wishes made during the circumbulation will be fulfilled in 11 weeks. Once, their wish is fulfilled, they need to untie the coconut and perform archana at Anjaneya shrine.

Temple Opening Time

The Temple remains open from 09.00 to 01.00 pm am 04.00 pm to 07.00 pm.

Festivals

Narasimha Jayanti, Saturdays, Swathi Nakshatra days, Amavasai and Pournami are the festivals celebrated here.

Prayers

People pray to Lord Narasimha to get relief from black magic effects and relief from incurable diseases. Devotees offer Panakam (his favourite neivedyam) to Lord Narasimha. 

Contact

Yoga Narasimha Swamy Temple,

Narasinganpettai – 609 802

Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk,

Thanjavur District

Phone: +91 435 247 3338

Mobile: +91 97908 59270

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 1 Km from Narasinganpettai Railway Station, 4 Kms from Thiruvavaduthurai, 8 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 16 Kms from Kumbakonam, 17 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 17 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 18 Kms from Mayiladuthurai Junction Railway Station, 21 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 56 Kms from Thanjavur and 108 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Kumbakonam to Mayiladuthurai route. The Temple is situated opposite to Narasinganpettai Mariamman Koil Bus Stop. Buses plying between Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai stops in Narasinganpettai.

Location

Kothandaramar Temple, Paruthicheri, Thanjavur

Kothandaramar Temple, Paruthicheri, Thanjavur

Kothandaramar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Paruthicheri Village in Kumbakonam Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. The Temple is believed to be around 200 years old. The Temple is situated on the banks of Mudikondan River.

Legends

Raksha in the left leg of Lord Rama:

As per legend, Once, Lord Rama along with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana visited Dandakaranya forest. Sages in the forest tied a Raksha to his left leg for safety. Though, he is Avathar of Lord Vishnu, he gracefully accepted the devotees wish. The Raksha tied to his left leg can be seen in the idol of the presiding deity.

Saranatha Perumal, Son in law of Paruthicheri:

It is said that Lord Saranatha Perumal of Thirucherai married Sara Nayagi of Paruthicheri. Hence, Lord Saranatha Perumal is considered son in law of Paruthicheri. Lord Saranatha Perumal along with consort used to visit Paruthicheri in palanquin on Thaipoosam day in the evening. Kothanda Ramar would receive them on the banks of Mudikondan River. Both Lord and Mother stay in Paruthicheri for night and return back to Thirucherai in horse vehicle after having Thirumanjanam in Paruthicheri. This practice is thing of the past now.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with an entrance arch. The entrance arch has stucco images of Lord Rama with his consort Sita, his brother Lakshmana and his ardent devotee Anjaneya in worshipping posture flanked by Garuda. The Sanctum houses idols of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. There is a Raksha (Thandai) on the left leg of Lord Rama. It is unique feature nowhere to be seen. Utsava idols of this temple are kept Thirucherai Saranatha Perumal Temple for safekeeping. Utsava Idol has Sita Devi carved on Lord Rama’s Chest. There is a shrine for Anjaneya in the temple premises.

Festivals

Rama Navami is the famous festival celebrated here. Special Thirumanjanam is performed during Rama Navami.

Contact

Kothandaramar Temple,

Paruthicheri, Kumbakonam Taluk,

Thanjavur District – 612 605

Mobile: +91 90030 13434

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 4 Kms from Thirucherai, 4 Kms from Kudavasal, 4 Kms from Kudavasal Bus Stand, 7 Kms from Nachiyar Koil, 16 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 17 Kms from Kumbakonam, 17 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 50 Kms from Thanjavur and 110 Kms from Trichy Airport. Devotees need to travel in Kumbakonam to Thiruvarur Route and get down at Thirucherai Bus Stop. The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Thirucherai. Autos are available to reach this temple from Thirucherai.

Location

Naganathar Temple, Nagarasanpettai, Thanjavur

Naganathar Temple, Nagarasanpettai, Thanjavur

Naganathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Nagarasanpettai Village in Kumbakonam Taluk in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Naganathar and Mother is called as Nithya Kalyana Sundari. The temple is situated between Kudamurutti River and Mudikondan River.

Legends

It is said that Adiseshan, King of Nagas, worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple. Hence, the place came to be called as Naga Arasan Pettai and Lord came to be called as Naganathar.

The Temple

The Temple is facing towards east. Nandi and Balipeedam can be found facing the sanctum. The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. Presiding Deity is called as Naganathar and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. Dakshinamoorthy can be seen in the Koshta in the sanctum wall.

Mother is called as Nithya Kalyana Sundari. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. Her shrine is situated in Maha Mandapam to the left of the sanctum. There is a shrine for Jurahareswarar with his consort Visalakshi in the temple premises. There are shrines for Vinayagar, Murugan, Bhairavar and Nagas in the temple premises.

Prayers

People worship Naganathar to get relief from Naga Doshas, Child boon and relief from poisonous snake bites. People worship Mother to get relief from marriage obstacles. People worship Jurahareswarar to get relief from high fevers.

Connectivity

The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Thirucherai, 8 Kms from Nachiyar Koil, 8 Kms from Kudavasal, 8 Kms from Kudavasal Bus Stand, 13 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway Station, 14 Kms from Kumbakonam, 14 Kms from Kumbakonam Bus Stand, 44 Kms from Thanjavur and 102 Kms from Trichy Airport. Devotees need to travel in Kumbakonam to Thiruvarur Route and get down at Thirucherai Bus Stop. The temple is located at about 4 Kms from Thirucherai. Autos are available to reach this temple from Thirucherai.

Location

Saranatha Perumal Temple, Thirucherai – The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east with seven tiered Rajagopuram. The Rajagopuram is about 90 feet tall. The Temple is about 380 ft (115 m) long and 234 ft (72 m) wide. The temple has two prakarams and enclosed within compound walls. There is a three tiered Rajagopuram at the entrance of the inner prakaram. Dhwaja Sthambam and Balipeedam can be seen immediately after this Rajagopuram.

The Sanctum Sanctorum consists of Sanctum, Ardha Mandapam, Maha Mandapam and Mukha Mandapam. Garudazhwar can be seen facing the sanctum. Presiding Deity is called as Saranatha Perumal and is facing east. He is housed in the sanctum. His idol is about 12 feet tall and is in standing posture. The stone image of River goddess Cauvery can be seen on the left side and the stone image of Sage Markandeya can be seen on the right side of the presiding deity.

River Goddess Cauvery is found to be in a maternal posture with a child in her lap. The festival deity is accompanied by Bhudevi, Sridevi and Neeladevi. A small idol of Santhana Krishna and Selvar are also housed in the sanctum. The vimana over the sanctum is called as Sara Vimanam. Mother is called as Sara Nayagi / Pancha Lakshmi / Sara Nachiyar. She is housed in a separate east facing shrine. Her shrine is situated adjacent to the sanctum in Maha Mandapam.

The image of both the main idol and the festival image in the Thayar are depicted in seated posture. This temple is considered as only Divya Desam where Lord Vishnu is seen with his five consorts namely Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Neeladevi, Mahalakshmi and Sara Nayagi. There is marriage hall (Kalyana Mandapam) in the inner prakaram. There is a shrine for Rajagopala Swamy in this Mandapam. He is gracing the devotees along with his consorts Rukmini and Sathyabama.

Shrine of Srinivasa Perumal (Thiruvenkadamudaiyan) can be seen in front of Rajagopala Swamy Shrine. There is a separate shrine for Lord Rama in the temple premises. Lord Rama can be seen along with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana as he was found in forest for 14 years. There are separate shrines of Yoga Narasimha, Kaliyamardhana, Bala Saranatha, Andal, Senai Mudaliar, Ramanuja, Pillai Lokacharyar, Nammazhvar, Azhwars and Manavala Mamunigal in the temple premises. 

The temple tank, Sara Pushkarini, is situated in front of the temple. The size of the tank matches with the dimension of the temple. There are shrines for Sage Agasthya, Lord Brahma and Mother Cauvery on the western bank of Sara Pushkarini. The temple is one of the few places where there is a separate shrine for river Cauvery. There is a shrine of Hanuman from the west end and Vinayaka from the North eastern side of the temple tank.

Saranatha Perumal Temple, Thirucherai – Worship Practices & Festivals

Saranatha Perumal Temple, Thirucherai – Worship Practices & Festivals

Worship Practices:

The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis based on Vaikasana Agama. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed six times a day: Ushathkalam at 7 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 10:00 p.m.

Each ritual has three steps: alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Saranatha Perumal and Sara Nayagi. During the last step of worship, Nadaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument) are played, religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast.

Festivals:

The major festival, the twelve days Brahmotsavam is celebrated during the Tamil month of Thai (January - February). Radhotsavam, the temple car is drawn during the ninth day of the festival. Lord Saranatha Perumal is taken in procession in a chariot with Sridevi, Bhudevi, Neela Devi, Mahalakshmi and Sara Nayaki. He blesses us as a child in his mother Cauvery’s hand in a beautifully decorated chariot. It is believed that the legend occurred when the planet Jupiter was positioned in the Pushya asterism.

Once, in 12 years when Jupiter transits through the zodiac sign of cancer in the Pushya asterism, the chariot festival on Thaipoosam is considered to be of great significance and is said to be on par with the Mahamagam festival in Kumbakonam. Krishna Janmashtami, Karthigai, Tamil New Year, 10 days Margazhi festival, Sankranti, Panguni Uthiram, Vasantha Utsavam, Jyeshta Abhishekam, Navaratri, Manavala Mamunigal Utsavam, Pavithra Utsavam, Ramanuja Festival and Rohini Utsavam are the other festivals celebrated here.

Saranatha Perumal Temple, Thirucherai – Religious Significance

Saranatha Perumal Temple, Thirucherai – Religious Significance

Pancha Sara Kshetram:

The presiding deity is called as Saranatha Perumal, Mother is called as Sara Nayagi, Pushkarini is called as Sara Pushkarini, the place is called as Thiru Saram and Vimana is called as Sara Vimana. Thus, the place came to be called as Pancha Sara Kshetram.

Divya Desam:

The temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7^th – 9^th century Vaishnava canon, by Thirumangai Azhwar in thirteen hymns. The temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book. He has mentioned about the devotees of Saranatha who are deeply immersed in Narayana consciousness.

Ashta Prabandha:

Divya Kavi Pillai Perumal Iyengar in his Ashta Prabandha states that people should not waste their time glorifying wealthy men but should laud the greatness of the almighty.

Lord Vishnu seen with his five consorts:

This temple is considered as the only Divya Desam where Vishnu is seen with his five consorts namely Sara Nayagi, Sridevi, Bhudevi, Maha Lakshmi, and Neela Devi. 

Saranatha Perumal Temple, Thirucherai – Legends

Saranatha Perumal Temple, Thirucherai – Legends

Sara Kshetram:

As per Hindu legend, when time came to destroy the world and finish the Yuga, Brahma was worried a lot. He pleaded Vishnu to tell him a way to keep the tools necessary for Srishti and all Vedas safely. Lord Vishnu ordered him to put all these things in a strong mud pot. Lord Brahma tried to make the mud pot from the sand from various places and got failed. Lord Brahma went to Lord Vishnu for guidance.

Lord Vishnu instructed Lord Brahma to proceed to Thirucherai and make the pot out of the clay on the banks of River Cauvery. As instructed, Lord Brahma came here and finally made a pot out of the sand taken from Thirucherai and saved all Vedas and all necessary aids for creation. As the place has Saram (high qualities), this place came to be called as Sara Kshetram. Thus, this place plays a lead role in safeguarding all living things even after the Maha pralaya.

River Goddess Cauvery:

Once Ganga, Cauvery and other major rivers in the form of young maiden, were playing at the foot of the Vindhya Hills. A Gandharva, a celestial being, who was passing by, waited for a minute and saluted them. The Rivers were curious to know whom the salute was addressed. Hence, the approached the Gandharva and enquired him. Gandharva said that the salute was offered to the superior one among them.

A dispute arose among them to know the superior. All the rivers approached the Hindu god of creation, Brahma. He said that during the Vamana avatar, Lord Vishnu appeared as dwarf and later became Trivikrama to the king Mahabali. He placed his third feet on the demon king and cleansed Ganga by placing his foot on it. Based on the narration, Brahma quoted that Ganga was the holiest of all rivers.

River Cauvery wanted her status to be equal to river Ganges and sought the advice of Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma asked her to undertake penance at Thirucherai on Lord Vishnu, as he was the only one who could provide her with a solution. River Cauvery performed an intense penance. She laid three wishes before Lord Vishnu as follows; Lord Vishnu should stay in this place for ever, all the living beings in this place should attain his lotus feet and she should be treated on par with River Ganga.

To test her devotion, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of a child in front of her. Realising the anonymity, Cauvery treated the child with care and motherly devotion. Lord Vishnu was pleased with her devotion and revealed all his ten avatars to her and asked her to have a holy dip in the Sara Pushkarini. He also granted her the boon during the Tula month (October - November) that she would be considered superior to Ganges.

Rajagopala Swamy:

As per a local legend, Azhagiya Manavala Nayakkar, the king of Thanjavur, wanted to build a temple for Rajagopala Swamy in Mannargudi. He made Narasa Boopalan, his minister, as in charge for arranging materials and constructional activities of the temple. Narasa Boopalan was an ardent devotee of Saranatha Perumal of Thirucherai. He wanted to renovate the Saranatha Perumal Temple. So, he ordered his men to unload one stone from each cart which passed Thirucherai.

The king came to know of this and wanted to punish the minister. But before that, in overnight, Narasa Boopalan constructed this temple and to please the king, added a shrine for Rajagopala Swamy in this temple. The minister is believed to have prayed to Thirucherai deity to save him from the punishment. The king who came to the temple witnessed the form of Mannargudi temple in this temple.  The king was pacified and ordered to complete the temple with his money.

Uppiliappan:

When the sage came to know that Lord Vishnu loved his daughter, he told the Lord that she was a little girl and did not know even how much salt to be added to food. Lord Vishnu said that she can cook without salt also and he would accept it happily. Then, he married Mother Bhoodevi at this place. Hence, Lord Vishnu came to be called as Uppiliappan (Lord accepting food without salt). This legend is similar to the Thirunageswaram UppiliappanTemple. Further, it is said that Sage Markandeya attained salvation here.

Pancha Sara Kshetram:

The presiding deity is called as Saranatha Perumal, Mother is called as Sara Nayagi, Pushkarini is called as Sara Pushkarini, the place is called as Thiru Saram and Vimana is called as Sara Vimana. Thus, the place came to be called as Pancha Sara Kshetram.

Chola King Satya Keerthi worshipped Lord Vishnu for child boon:

Chola King named Satya Keerthi is believed to have worshiped Lord Vishnu of this temple for child birth and was blessed with a son.

Brahmotsavam:

It is said that Lord Vishnu, himself desired to watch the Brahmotsavam at Thirucherai. The festivals of the temple are thus considered sacred.