Thirupazhanam Apathsahayar Temple – Where Shiva Rescues from Death

October 16, 2025 , , , ,

 

Location

  • Village: Thirupazhanam
  • District: Thanjavur
  • State: Tamil Nadu
  • Access: Close to Thiruvaiyaru; well-connected by road from Thanjavur and Kumbakonam

Presiding Deities & Sub Shrines

  • Main Deity: Lord Shiva as Apathsahayar (Suyambu Lingam – self-manifested)
  • Consort: Goddess Sundara Nayagi in a separate shrine within the prakaram
  • Sub Shrines Include:
    • Vinayaka
    • Murugan
    • Navagrahas
    • Bhairava
    • Chandikeswara
    • Nataraja
    • Lingas installed by sages and devotees

Temple Significance

  • Paadal Petra Sthalam: Featured in the Tevaram hymns by Appar and other Nayanmars
  • Sapta Sthanam Temple: One of the seven sacred Shiva temples around Thiruvaiyaru
  • Legend: A young Brahmin boy, chased by Yama (God of Death), sought refuge here. Lord Shiva appeared and saved him, earning the name Apathsahayar (Savior in danger)
  • Architecture: Dravidian style with inscriptions from Chola, Nayak, and Maratha periods
  • Historical Importance: Considered one of the earliest Chola temples, with rich epigraphy and structural elegance

History

Apathsahayar Temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu, dating back to the early Chola period, with inscriptions from Aditya Chola I and later rulers. It is a Paadal Petra Sthalam, glorified in the hymns of Appar, Sundarar, and Thirugnana Sambandar, making it part of the sacred 275 Shiva temples celebrated in the Tevaram.

The temple is also one of the Sapta Sthanam temples of Thiruvaiyaru, linked to the celestial wedding of Nandikeswara, where processional deities from seven temples converge annually.

Legends

  • Apathsahayar – The Savior in Crisis: A young Brahmin boy, chased by Yama (the god of death), sought refuge in this temple. Lord Shiva manifested instantly and saved him, earning the name Apathsahayar meaning “Protector in Danger.”
  • Sundara Nayaki’s Grace: The consort goddess, Sundara Nayaki, is believed to bless devotees with beauty, prosperity, and marital harmony.
  • Sage Worship: Sages like Agastya and Markandeya are said to have worshipped here, enhancing the temple’s spiritual stature.

Architecture

  • Style: Dravidian architecture with a majestic Rajagopuram, spacious prakaram, and intricately carved pillars.
  • Sanctum: Houses a self-manifested (Suyambu) Shiva Lingam.
  • Shrines: Includes separate shrines for Sundara Nayaki, Vinayaka, Murugan, Navagrahas, Bhairava, Chandikeswara, and Nataraja.
  • Inscriptions: Rich epigraphy from Chola, Nayak, and Maratha periods detailing donations, rituals, and temple renovations.
  • Sacred Tank: The temple tank is considered purifying and is used during major rituals and festivals.

Rituals 

  • Daily Pujas: Conducted in traditional Saivite Agamic style, including:
    • Kalasanthi (morning)
    • Uchikala (midday)
    • Sayaraksha (evening)
    • Arthajama (night)
  • Abhishekam: Performed to the main Lingam and Goddess Sundara Nayaki with sacred items like milk, curd, honey, and sandal paste.
  • Pradosham: Bi-monthly ritual on Trayodashi, with special alankaram and procession of Nandi and Lord Shiva.
  • Monday Worship: Considered highly auspicious for Shiva devotees, especially during Karthika and Margazhi months.

Major Festivals

FestivalHighlights
Maha ShivaratriAll-night vigil, Rudrabhishekam, and special darshan
Sapta Sthanam FestivalUnique to Thiruvaiyaru region; deities from 7 temples (including Thirupazhanam) participate in a grand palanquin procession to witness Nandikeswara’s celestial wedding
Panguni UthiramCelebrates divine marriage of Shiva and Parvati
Karthika DeepamLamps lit throughout the temple; special pujas and deepa aradhana
NavaratriCelebrated in the shrine of Sundara Nayaki with daily alankarams and Devi pujas
Aadi PooramDevotional rituals for the goddess, including special abhishekam and procession

Beliefs & Devotee Faith

  • Apathsahayar – The Divine Rescuer: Devotees believe that praying here protects them from untimely death, accidents, and life-threatening situations.
  • Sundara Nayaki’s Grace: Worshipping the goddess is said to bring beauty, marital harmony, and emotional healing.
  • Navagraha Dosha Relief: The Navagraha shrine is frequented by devotees seeking planetary peace and astrological remedies.
  • Child Protection: Families pray here for the well-being and longevity of children, inspired by the legend of the Brahmin boy saved from Yama.
  • Sapta Sthanam Pilgrimage: Completing darshan at all seven temples (Thiruvaiyaru, Thirupazhanam, Thiruchotruthurai, Thiruvedhikudi, Thirukandiyur, Thirupoonthuruthi, Thillaistanam) is believed to grant moksha and remove ancestral karma.

Temple Timings

  • Morning: 8:30 AM – 10:30 aM
  • Evening: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Special Days: Extended hours during festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Pradosham, and Sapta Sthanam

Getting Here

By Road

  • Nearest Town: Thiruvaiyaru (approx. 4 km)
  • From Thanjavur: 12 km via Thiruvaiyaru–Kumbakonam Road
  • From Kumbakonam: 30 km via Swamimalai and Thiruvaiyaru

By Train

  • Nearest Station: Thanjavur Junction
    • Well-connected to Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and Kumbakonam

By Air

  • Nearest Airport: Tiruchirapalli International Airport (approx. 65 km)
    • Taxis and buses available to Thanjavur and Thiruvaiyaru

Tips

  • Circuit Planning: Combine with other Sapta Sthanam temples—Thiruvaiyaru, Thiruchotruthurai, Thiruvedhikudi, Thirukandiyur, Thirupoonthuruthi, and Thillaistanam—for a full-day pilgrimage loop.
  • Photography: Allowed in outer prakaram; avoid inside sanctum.
  • Dress Code: Traditional attire preferred—veshti/saree or salwar-kameez.
  • Food: Limited options near temple; best to eat in Thiruvaiyaru or Thanjavur.
  • Stay: Budget and mid-range hotels available in Thiruvaiyaru and Thanjavur.
  • Best Time to Visit: During Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, or Sapta Sthanam festival (usually in Panguni month, March–April)

Post a Comment

No comments

Subscribe to: Post Comments ( Atom )