Kailasanathar Temple,
Pazhiyanjiya Nallur, Thanjavur
Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu
Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Pazhiyanjiya Nallur Village in
Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu.
Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and Mother is called as Kamakshi. The
Temple is believed to be a Mada Kovil in ancient times. The Temple is under the
control of Thiruvavaduthurai Aadheenam. The Temple is situated on the southern
banks of Nattaru River.
Legends
Pazhiyanjiya Nallur:
As per legend, King Nala of
Nishadha kingdom married the beautiful princess of Vidarbha, Damayanti, in a
swayamvaram arranged by her father. Lord Shani was desirous of marrying
Damayanti and since Nala married her, he became jealous and furious with him. As
is the nature of Shani, if Shani enters some one's life, they suffer ill
health, misfortunes and downfall in their life. Since Nala was very pious and
never wavered from dharma, Shani could not get hold of him to trouble him.
After a few years, Nala washed his legs to perform his morning pooja, did not
wash his feet properly and left one his heels dirty and dry while cleaning rest
of his feet. Shani who was waiting for an opportunity all these years, entered
onto him through this dry patch on his heel.
Due to Shani's bad influence,
Nala lost his kingdom in gamble and lost all his poverty. He became a pauper
and started wandering around the streets with his family. He sent his sons to
his uncle’s house and went into a forest with his wife. As Shani's influence
was high, he also left his wife in a lurch in the dark forest and went away. Later,
when he was searching for his wife, he came here and took bath in Theertham of
this temple and worshipped Lord Shiva. Sani also followed him to this place and
found him worshipping Lord Shiva. Hence, Sani got fear and kept a distance from
Nala at this place. Hence, the place came to be called as Pazhikku Anjiya
Nallur and got corrupted to Pazhiyanjiya Nallur. Later, Lord Shiva instructed
Nala in a divine voice to visit Thirunallar, worship him and would be relieved
from all his sins and dosha.
Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva here:
It is also said Lord Vishnu
worshipped Lord Shiva of this temple.
The Temple
This Temple is facing towards
east. Presiding Deity is called as Kailasanathar and is facing east. He is
housed in the sanctum in the form of Lingam. There is an idol of Chola King
holding the sword with his chest can be seen at the entrance of the sanctum.
Mother is called as Kamakshi. She is housed in a separate south facing shrine. There
are shrines for Vinayaga, Murugan and Maha Lakshmi in the temple premises.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 2
Kms from Vaikal, 8 Kms from Thiruneelakkudi, 11 Kms from Aduthurai Railway
Station, 14 Kms from Thiruvidaimaruthur, 20 Kms from Kumbakonam Railway
Station, 21 Kms from Kumbakonam, 60 Kms from Thanjavur and 116 Kms from Trichy
Airport. The Temple is situated on Kumbakonam to Karaikal Route.