Explore Aiyarappar Temple – Paadal Petra Sthalam and Saptasthanam Marvel

 

 Location

• Town: Thiruvaiyaru (meaning “Five Rivers”)
• District: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
• Situated on the banks of the Cauvery River, Thiruvaiyaru is a spiritual and cultural hub, also known for the annual Tyagaraja music festival.

Presiding Deities

• Main Deity (Moolavar): Aiyarappar (Lord Shiva in lingam form)
• Consort (Amman): AramValarthaNaayagi (a nurturing form of Parvati)
• Urchavar (Processional Deity): Panchanadeeswarar (another name for Aiyarappar)

Sub Shrines and Features

• Shrines for Vinayaka, Murugan, Dakshinamurthy, Chandikeswarar, Navagrahas, and Nataraja
• Thala Virutcham (Sacred Tree): Vilwa
• Theertham (Sacred Tank): Cauvery River
• Temple Tradition: Shaiva Agama, with rituals performed in Karana Agama style
• Architecture: Classic Dravidian style, with Chola-era contributions including majestic gopurams and mandapams

Temple Significance

• Paadal Petra Sthalam: Glorified in the 7th-century Tevaram hymns by saints Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar, marking it as one of the 276 sacred Shiva temples.
• Saptasthanam Temple: Aiyarappar Temple leads the Saptasthanam festival, a grand procession linking seven temples symbolizing divine marriage and village unity.
• Dakshina Kailasam: Revered as the “Kailasa of the South” due to its spiritual potency and architectural grandeur.
• Birthplace of Nandi: According to legend, Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva, was born here and became His mount.

Historical Background

• The temple dates back to the early Chola period, with significant contributions from Raja Raja Chola I and his successors.
• It is one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, glorified in the 7th-century Tevaram hymns by saints Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar, affirming its spiritual prominence in Tamil Shaiva tradition.
• The temple’s name, Aiyarappar, is derived from “Aiyaru” (Five Rivers), referring to the five tributaries of the Cauvery that flow through Thiruvaiyaru.

Legends of the Temple

• Birthplace of Nandi: According to temple lore, Nandi, the sacred bull and mount of Lord Shiva, was born here. This makes the temple especially sacred for devotees seeking strength, loyalty, and divine service.
• Divine Marriage Festival: Aiyarappar Temple leads the Saptasthanam festival, where Lord Aiyarappar symbolically visits six other temples to bless the divine wedding of Nandikeswara, reinforcing the temple’s role as a spiritual unifier.
• Aram Valartha Nayagi: The goddess is believed to have nurtured dharma (aram), hence her name. She is worshipped for blessings of righteousness, family harmony, and moral strength.

Architectural Highlights

• The temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, featuring:
• Five prakarams (outer courtyards) symbolizing the five rivers
• Massive gopurams (gateway towers) with intricate stucco work
• Mandapams (pillared halls) with Chola-era stone carvings
• A large temple tank fed by the Cauvery, used for ritual purification
• The temple’s layout and sculptures reflect Chola craftsmanship, with later additions by Nayak and Maratha rulers enhancing its grandeur.

Daily Rituals

• The temple follows Karana Agama traditions with four daily pujas:
• Kalasanthi (morning)
• Uchikalam (midday)
• Sayarakshai (evening)
• Arthajamam (night)
• Rituals include abhishekam, alankaram, naivedyam, and deepa aradhana to Aiyarappar and AramValarthaNaayagi.
• Special pujas are performed on Pradosham days, Pournami, and Amavasya, drawing large numbers of devotees.

Major Festivals

• Maha Shivaratri: Celebrated with night-long worship, special abhishekams, and devotional music.
• Saptasthanam Festival: Aiyarappar Temple leads this grand procession involving six other temples—symbolizing the divine marriage of Nandikeswara. The deities are carried in palanquins and accompanied by traditional music and village participation.
• Thiruvadhirai: Marks Shiva’s cosmic dance, celebrated with rituals and cultural programs.
• Navaratri & Panguni Uthiram: Honoring Goddess AramValarthaNaayagi with special decorations and ceremonies.
• Tyagaraja Aradhana: Though primarily a music festival, it coincides with temple activity due to the saint’s association with Thiruvaiyaru.

Beliefs and Spiritual Significance

• Birthplace of Nandi: Devotees believe that Nandi, Shiva’s sacred bull, was born here, making it a powerful site for prayers related to strength, loyalty, and divine service.
• Dakshina Kailasam: The temple is revered as the “Kailasa of the South,” believed to bestow spiritual liberation and divine grace.
• Divine Marriage Symbolism: The Saptasthanam festival reinforces beliefs in community unity, divine blessings for marriage, and ritual purity.
• Worshipping Aiyarappar is said to remove sins, grant dharmic clarity, and bless devotees with peace and prosperity.

Temple Hours

The temple operates in two sessions:

• Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
• Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
  These hours accommodate all four daily Shaiva pujas, including abhishekam and deepa aradhana.

Getting Here

• Nearest Town: Thanjavur (approx. 15 km)
• By Road: Thiruvaiyaru is well-connected by buses and taxis from Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, and Tiruchirapalli.
• By Train: Thanjavur Railway Station is the closest major railhead.
• By Air: Tiruchirapalli International Airport (approx. 60 km) is the nearest airport.

Tips

• Visit during early morning or evening for serene darshan and cooler weather.
• Combine your visit with other Saptasthanam temples like Thirupazhanam, Thiruchotruthurai, and Tillaistanam for a circuit experience.
• If visiting during Saptasthanam festival or Maha Shivaratri, expect large crowds—plan accommodation and transport in advance.
• Carry essentials like water, snacks, and sun protection, especially in summer.
• Photography may be restricted inside sanctum areas—check with temple staff.