Temples of Tamilnadu - 37 - Saptasana Temples

Saptastana Temples

The Saptastana Temples (Vivaha Sapthasthanam) are the 7 temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, near Tiruvaiyaru in Thanjavur District. They are at Tiruppazhanam, Tiruchottruturai, Tiruvedikkudi, Tirukkandiyur, Tiruppanturai, Tillaistanam and Tiruvaiyaru. Nandhi Dhevar, son of Siladha Maharshi, a great devotee of Lord Shiva, got the name as “Namdhi”, meaning ‘Birth and Deathless’. His marriage was arranged by Lord Shiva himself with a girl named  Svayam Prakashai. For the Sapthapathi steps of the wedding, the Lord took them to the seven abodes, which came to be known as Saptastana Temples (Sapthasthanam). In the Vishaka star of the month Chithtrai (mid April-mid May), the Lord of Tiruvaiyaru comes around on the glass palanquin to these holy temples. 

Sl No	Temple	Place	District
1	Aiyarappar temple	Thiruvaiyaru	Thanjavur
2	Apathsahayar Temple	Tirupazhanam	Thanjavur
3	Othanavaneswarar Temple	Tiruchotruthurai	Thanjavur
4	Vedapuriswarar Temple	Thiruvedihikudi	Thanjavur
5	Brahmasirakandeeswarar Temple	Thirukandiyur	Thanjavur
6	Pushpavananathar Temple	Thirupanthuruthi	Thanjavur
7	Neyyadiappar Temple	Thiruneithaanam	Thanjavur

-    Nandi was born to Siladha Maharshi and performed great penance towards lord Shiva, who pleased with the worship made Nandi his prime attendant and got him married. 

-    After the  marriage at Thirumazhapadi, Shiva took the couple around these seven temples as part of the Sapthapadi. 

-    Every year, this occasion is celebrated in April/May with the Lord setting out in a beautifully decorated glass-encrusted palanquin from Thiruvaiyaru to take a round of these seven places. 

-    At each village he is received at the boundary by the Lord of that village and accompanied by him to the next village, where he is received by the next one. Thus he completes a full circle and returns to Thiruvaiyaru. 

-    All these temples are situated around Thiruvaiyaru and it is possible to visit all of them within a day.

Tiruchottruturai - Odavaneswarar temple

Timings : 6.00 to 12.30 4.00 to 7.30  

Mobile : 788622316/ 9943884377

-    Shiva was worshipped by Gowtama, Indra & Surya here. He is said to have blessed a devotee with an inexhaustible supply of food, while Ambal provided a number of devotees with food and polished rice grew in paddy fields. (Annam Padaitta Vayal). Shiva is called as Sorudaiyan, and this shrine is known as Annavatarastalam.

-    This temple with 2 prakarams has 4 worship services offered each day. 

-    One of the Paadal Petra Sthalas of Shiva and he is known as Odanavaneswarar and Oppillachelvar, and Ambal is called Oppilla Ammai and Annapurani.

-    Once there was a famine in the country and people went without food. With Lord Shiva also suffering from hunger during the famine, a devotee prayed to the Lord, saying, "Let the people be hungry for justice." 

-    Suddenly there was rainfall and the forest was flooded. Then a bowl came floating in the flood and the Lord put the bowl on his hand and put the rice, ghee, and broth on them. The famine came to an end.

Thiruvedikudi  Vedapureeswarar temple
Timings : 10.00 - 12.00 6.00 to 8.00 Phone : 0346 226 2334

-    Saint Tirugnanasambandar in his pathigam of ten verses, worships the Lord of the temple and praises His mercy on those aspiring for an auspicious wedding. The Arthanareeswara form of Lord Shiva has Shakti on the left. 

-    Giving importance to womanhood, In this temple Lord is on the left and Mother on the right in the Arthanareeswara form. This place is called Thiruvedhikudi because Lord Brahmma worshipped here. The four Vedas – Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva – had worshipped in this temple. Hence praying here, one can become a scholar in Vedas. 

-    Lord Vinayaka, is called Veda Pillayar as he enjoys the recitation of Vedas by leaning His ears with all attention. Since this place was full of scholars well versed in Vedas, the place was once known as Chaturvedi Mangalam. 

-    Surya Puja is performed in the temple on 13, 14 and 15th of Panguni month in March-April.

-    The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called Vedapureeswarar or Vazhai Madu Nathar. His consort is known as Mangayarkarasi.

-    A Chola king, worried about the delay in his daughter’s marriage of his daughter, worshipped Mother Mangayarkarasi  at this temple. The wedding took place shortly. He changed his daughter’s name as Mangayarkarasi to express his gratitude. He also did many renovations to the temple.

-    Pranava manthra “OM” worshiped Lord Shiva here. Vedas followed and hence, this place is called as Vedhikudi. This is the place where Lord Shiva nominated a  Vathiar (priest) for Nandhi’s Marriage.

-    In this third Sapthasana Sthalam,  Lord worshiped Lord Shiva. As an unique feature, Sun’s rays fall on the lingam at sunrise on 13th, 14th and 15th day of Tamil month Panguni every year leading to the belief that Suryan performs pooja during these 3 days to Lord Shiva here.

-    Considered a “Thirumana Thiruthalam”. It is here Thirugnanasampanthar had obtained the vision of Lord’s marriage. The Lord her blesses to avoid delay in marriage, Getting the right partner and for an auspicious wedding Saint Sambanthar sang his pathigam “Neeruvari ada” here. 

Thiru  Kandiyur - Kandeeswarar temple

Timings : 6.00-11.00-4.00-8.00  

Phone  - 0436 2261100

-    There is a  Rajagopuram with five stages.  Dandapaani has a separate temple with a mandapam.  Ambal  is facing.  Chandeswarar has separate temple.   Brahma,  Lingodhbavar, Dakshinamaurthi, and Bhikshaadanar appear as koshta murthis.

-    Near the dwaarapaalakas, are the image of Sage Saathaathaapar, and the sanctum of Kaalathinaathar, who revealed Himself  to Sage Saathaathaapar, Sapthasthaana and Panchabhuta Lingams.  Suryan is seen with his  two spouses.  The Prime Deity a Swayambu murthi, is on a slightly high pedestal.  

-    Brahman looks divine with folded hands in prayer and holding Lotus flower and rosary. When Brahma’s head was plucked and prayed for restoration of his   beauty, The Lord blessed him. The Lord Shiva who took the Vaduga form to remove one head of Brahma  is in the opposite left of the main shrine.

-    In this 5th Sapthsthana temple, every year on 13th, 14th, 15th in the month of Masi between 5:45pm to 6:15pm, sun rays falls on the Lord. Lord Muruga appears with Rosary in right hand and power of  Vajra in left hand is called as Gnana Sakthidhar or Gnana Kandar.

-    It is also one of the Ashta veeratta sthalam.   Brahma once had a lust for a girl created by him.  She appealed to Ambigai who appealed to Lord Shiva. Annoyed he took Bhairavar form and cut off one of his heads.  Realising his folly, Brahma meditated and Shiva forgave him.

-    Hence the Lord here is called "Brahma Sira Kandeeswarar".  Sage  Saathaathaapar used to go to Kaalahasti on the ‘pradosham’ day For Lord’s darshan. Once when he came to Kandiyur, he  could not go to Kalahasti in time and hence the Lord graced him with the Kalahasti darshan at Kandiyur itself.  This sacred site is also the place for  Brahmahathi nivarthi..

Tiruppanturai – Penu perunturai - Thirupanthuruthi - Pushpavananathar temple

Timings : 6.30 a.m. to 11.30  a.m. 4.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Mobile : 9791138256

-    In this ancient temple with 7 gopurams, the Nandi’s here are off set to the side to allow Thiru gnanasambandar to have unhindered darshan..

-    The seven Gopurams can be seen from a single spot. Lord Shiva known as Pushpavana Nathar and Ambal as  Sauntharya Nayagi, Azhagaalamarndha Nayagi 

-    Tiruppoonturuthi is 3 Kms to the west of Tirukkandiyur and 2 Kms. from Tiruvaalampozhil and located on the Tirukattupalli Thirukandiyur road

-    The Ambal is petite here. Here when Thirunavukkarasar was camping, Thirugnanasambandar came in a palanquin and when he called out for Appar, He found that he was one of the bearers of the  palanquin. 

-    This temple is on the route between Kumbhakonam and Karaikkal, 9 km from Kumbhakonam and near Nachiyar Koyil. In this it is believed that Parvathi, Brahma and Muruga worshipped the Lord here. 

-    Huge walls surround the temple..  Subramanya is in the form of Dhandayudapani. There are special poojas for Bhikshatana in this temple. There is a small rajagopuram and shrines to Ganesha, Murugan, Gajalakshmi and the Navagrahams. Aippasi Pournami, Arudra Darisanam and Navaratri are celebrated here.

Thiruvaiyaru temple

Timings : 6.00 a.m. -11.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m.-8.30 p.m.  

Phone - 0436 2260332

-    This huge temple with five prakarams, and several mandapams is called Dakshina Kailasam. The sculptures are exemplary. Tiruvaiyaru is considered to be the 51st of Tevara Stalams.

-    Somaskandar (Ologamaaaveedivitankar) is in a separate shrine. The Shiva yoga Dakshinamurthy shrine is considered important. The shrine to Ambala Darmasamvardhini Amman has two prakarams housing the Dakshinakailasam, and the Uttara Kailasam. There are spots in this temple which produces echos. 

-    Sucharitan, a devotee,  was saved from untimely death by Shiva in the form of a column of light. Agasthyar obtained his dwarfed stature here. Ambal is said to have worshipped Shiva with two measures of grains.

-    Six worship services are done each day. Aiyarappar is taken to the Kaveri river on new moon day every month.

-    Since Lord Shiva is a swayambumurthy and it is believed that His long and thick turf is spread all over the place behind the shrine circumambulation is not permitted.

-    Mother is known as Aram Valartha Nayaki and Dharma Samvardhini.

Thillaisthanam (ThiruNeithanam) temple

Timings : 10.00 a.m-11.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m.-7.00 p.m.  

Phone -0436 2260553

Thiru Neithanam is the last of Sapthasthana temples. It is also known as Thillai Sthanam.

-    The stone inscriptions in this temple dating back to the periods of five Chola kings including Paranthakan-I, refers this place as “Rajaraja Valanattu Bainganaattu Thiru Neithanam” and also relate to the endowments and donations. The Lord of this temple is Sri Neithanamudaiyar. 

-    Once the divine cow, Kamadhenu, was habitually pouring her milk in a particular place in this region that turned into ghee. Once a shepherd tried to catch her but she disappeared. He informed the people about this incident. They then dug up the spot to find a Shivalingam there. The king came to know and arranged for a temple to be built there. Arrangements were made for ghee abhishekam every day. we can find a relief depicting Kamadhenu worshiping Lord Shiva. The lord here is praised as “Sri Neyyadi Appar” and the place is known as “Nei Thanam”. 

-    Every day a Shiva devotee used to light lamps in this temple every day and while returning, he used to pick some spinach leaves (“keerai” in Tamil) from the temple. On getting old, he requested the lord to take care of him as he has lit lamps every day. Lord Shiva told him that the spinach leaves taken by him every day was the wage for the work he had done.

-    It is believed this is family diety of the Sri Lankan King who has made donations to this temple. Kamadhenu worshipped here.

-    In the corridor, there are Shivalingams representing all the Sapthasthana temples - Thiruppazhanam, Thiru Neithanam, Thiru Kandiyur, Thiruchotruthurai, Thiruvedhikudi, Thiruppunthuruthi and Thiruvaiyaru.

-    Goddess Parvathy is called as Sri Balambikai who is believed to be ever youthful and her beauty was praised by Saint Thirunavukkarasar.

-    There are two idols of Lord Dakshinamurthy here - one  in a standing posture and the other sitting in front of him. Asht Bhuja Durga is here

-    The pillars have many lion sculptures. 

-    Abhishekams here are done with Cow ghee and warm water

Tiruppazhanam - Sri Abathsahayeswarar temple

Timings : 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m   

Phone : 91 4362 326 668

Apathsahayar Temple located at Thirupazhanam tower is old and has three levels and has dedicated sannidhis for  Ganesha and Murugan in the outer area.

Nandhi is facing Lord Shiva.  We find Vahanams on the right side of the  temple. Once we enter we can have darshan of “Saptha Kannigal”, Venugopalar,  Bairavar and  Navagrahas

At the first level. Shiva Parvathi is on east, Dakshinamoorthy on the South, west side is Annamalaiyar and Bramma located in the north.  At the Artha Mandapa Nandhi faces the south direction and Venugopalan appears with his flute. The  Suyambu form Lord is called as Apathsahayar (or Apathsahayeswarar). Goddess Ambal in a dedicated sannidhi is called as Sundara Nayagi.

During the full moon days of Panguni & Purattasi, the moon light falls directly on the God.  This also happens on two days  before and after of those full moon days. .

-    This place is also called as Thirupazhanam, kathalivanam, Koushikashramam, Pirayanapuri  and Palanipathi.

-    Once  there was a brahmin child Susarithan who lost his parents and seeking peace set on a  pilgrimage tour.  While staying a night at thirupazhanam,  Yama Raja appeared in his dreams and informed him that  he will die 5th day from that day.  The scared boy surrendered himself to the Lord Shiva who rescued him.  Hence the Lord is called as Apathsahayar.  It is also referred to as Prayanapuri as  Thirumagal worshipped and travelled from here.

-    Sage Koushika has kept his share of nectar at this place  as a safe location unknown to Asuras.  However Asuras found out and came to steal itr.  God  Ayyanar and Goddess Kali was created by Shiva to kill them and save the nectar.  Hence Sage Koushika made Shiva linga out of nectar and worshipped him at  this location.

-    The temple has three tier main tower, Balipeetam, Nandhi but no flag post. There are shrines for Lord Vinayaka and Muruga. The vahanas are kept in the right of the front hall. After worshipping Vinayaka and proceeding further, Sapthamadhas (seven virgins), Vinayaka, Venugopala and Shivalingas in different names, Nataraja Sabha, Bhairava and Navagrahas are seen.

-    The second sapathasthana sthalam is known as Kathalivanam meaning place of plantain trees. Also called Tirupazhanam for its green environment and fertile fields. The rays of Moon fall on the deity on Poornima days and also two days before and after poornima in the months of Purattasi (September-October and Panguni (March-April).

-    Asuras found out and came to steal it.  God  Ayyanar and Goddess Kali was created by Shiva to kill them and save the nectar.  Hence Sage Koushika made Shiva linga out of nectar and worshipped him at  this location.