Aiyarappar Temple / Sri Panchanatheswarar Temple / ஐயாறப்பர் கோயில், திருவையாறு, Thiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

This is the 105^th  Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 51^st Sthalam on the North side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. It is believed that this place obtained name of Thiruvaiyaru due to the 5 rivers, Arisalaru, Vennaru, Vettaru,  Kudamurutti River and Kaveri, flowing near the temple. This temple is one of the temples equivalent to Kashi and also called as Thenkailayam.

 

Thirugnanasambandar visited twice to this temple. First time he visited this temple after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thirupazhanam and Second time, after worshiping Lord Shiva of Thirupoonthuruthi and Thiruneithanam.  

கோடல் கோங்கும் குளிர்கூவிளம் என்னும் திருப்பதிகக் குலவு மாலை

நீடுபெருந் திருக்கூத்து நிறைந்ததிரு உள்ளத்து நிலைமை தோன்ற

ஆடுமாறு அதுவல்லான் ஐயாற்றுஎம் இயற்றும் ஐயனே என்று நின்று

பாடினார் ஆடினார் பண்பினொடும் கண்பொழி நீர் பரந்து பாய 

மாடு புனல்பொன்னி இழிந்து வடகரையில்

நீடுதிரு நெய்தானம் ஐயாறு சேர்ந்து இறைஞ்சிப்

பாடு தமிழ் மாலைகளும் சாத்திப் பரவிப்போய்

ஆடல் புரிந்தார் திருப்பழனம் சென்று அணைந்தார்

Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal, Sundarar, Aiyadigal Kadavarkon Nayanar and Vallalar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Thirugnanasambandar, has sung 2 hymns during his first visit and 3 hymns, on second visit. Both are given below.

புலனைந்தும் பொறிகலங்கி நெறி மயங்கி அறிவழிந்திட்டு ஐம்மேல் உந்தி

அலமந்த போதாக அஞ்சேல் என்று அருள்செய்வான் அமரும்கோயில்

வலம் வந்த மடவார்கள் நடமாட முழவதிர மழையென்றஞ்சிச்

சிலமந்தி அலமந்து மரமேறி முகில் பார்க்கும் திருவையாறே

...... திருஞானசம்பந்தரின்  முதல் தரிசனதின் போது

கலைஆர் மதியோடு உரநீரும்

நிலைஆர் சடையார் இடமாகும்

மலையா ரமுமா மணிசந்தோடு

அலைஆர் புனல்சே ரும்ஐயாறே

........ திருஞானசம்பந்தரின் இரண்டாவது தரிசனதின் போது

மாதர்ப் பிறைக் கண்ணி யானை மலையான் மகளொடும் பாடிப்

போதொடு நீர்சுமந்து ஏத்திப் புகுவார் அவர்பின் புகுவேன்

யாதும் சுவடு படாமல் ஐயாறு அடைகின்ற போது

காதல் மடப்பிடி யோடும் களிறு வருவன கண்டேன்

கண்டேன் அவர்திருப் பாதம் கண்டறியாதன கண்டேன்

......... திருநாவுக்கரசு சுவாமிகள்

பரவும் பரிசுஒன்(று) அறியேன்நான் பண்டே உம்மைப் பயிலாதேன்

இரவும் பகலும் நினைந்தாலும் எய்த நினைய மாட்டேன்நான்

கரவில் அருவி கழுகுண்ணத்ந்தெங்கங் குலைக்கீழ்க் கருப்பாலை

அரவந் திரைக்கா விரிகோட்டத்(து) ஐயா(று) உடைய அடிகளோ

.......... சுந்தரர்

குந்தி நடந்து குனிந்தொரு கைகோலூன்றி

நொந்திருமி நுரைத்தேறி – வந்துந்தி

ஐயாறு வாயாறு பாயா முன் நெஞ்சமே

ஐயாறு வாயால் அழை

......... ஐயடிகள் காடவர்கோன்

                                                                                --“ பண்பகன்ற

வெய்யாற்றில் நின்றவரை மெய்யாற்றில் ஏற்று திரு

வைய்யாற்றின் மேவிய என் ஆதரவே

........... திரு அருட்பா

Moolavar  : Sri Panchanatheswarar, Sri Aiyarappar,

                  Sri Sembonsotheeswarar.

Consort    : Sri Dharmasamvarthini, Sri Aramvalartha Nayagi.

Some of the important features of this temple are…..

The temple is facing east with a 7 tier Rajagopuras as main entrance and 3 more entrances on all other three sides with Rajagopuras. Vallabha Ganapathi and Dhandayuthapani are in the mandapam. The inner & 2^nd level rajagopuram is of 3 tiers. Balipeedam, Dwajasthambam and Rishabam are after the three tier 2^nd level Rajagopuram. Stucco Dwarapalakas  are at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum. Moolavar is of swayambhu Prithvi covered Kavasam. A Soolam / Trident and a Cow bas reliefs are on the Kavasam, hence called as “Thirisooli” - “வடிவேறு திரிசூலம் தோன்றும் தோன்றும்”-  as per Thirumurai. Since moolavar is of Prithvi, no Abhishekam is done and punuku is applied with out touching the Lingam, a Theenda Thirumeni. The out side Sanctum is in the form of moat / akazhi. In koshtam Dakshinamurthy with Jadabaram, hence circumambulation is restricted in this Dakshinamurthy prakara.  

In the outer prakaram, Surya Theertham with Neerazhi Mandapam, Kungiliya Kundam, Atkondar Sannadhi, Then Kailayam with Appars’s image & Shiva Linga, Vinayagar Sannadhi, Vada Kailayam Ulokamadevicharam.

After the outer prakaram, next prakara do not have any sannadhis. On one place on the wall is marked for making the sound as “Aiyara”. The Sound resonates many times. This reminds the Appar’s thevaram as.... “ஓசை ஒலியெல்லாம் ஆனாய் நீயே”. 

Before the Sanctum Sanctorum, a mandapam, in which Maragatha / Emerald Linga, Spatika Linga and spadika Ambal are kept in a safety Locker. Poojas will be done during morning hours. Special poojas will be performed on 5^th day of Chithra festival.

In the inner prakaram, Murals of Shiva stories are painted on the walls, Bhavani Nathar Shiva Linga, Adhi Vinayagar, Navagrahas, Pancha Bhoota Linga, Chandrasekar, Adhi Vinayagar. There is a step leading to up stairs to see the sculptures.

In the next prakara Siddhi Vinayagar, Viswanathar Visalakshi, Dhandapani, Dhanusu Subramaniyar / Villenthiya Velan, Selva Vinayagar, Avudai Vinayagar ( Avudayar as pedestal ), Mahalakshmi, Saraswati, Durgai as Durgathamman, Chandikeswarar ( is like a temple with Vimana. Succo images of Milk pot abhishekam on one side and on the other side Lord Shiva blesses Visara Sarumar with Chandikeswarar Position ), Natarajar Sabha, SaptaSthana Sthala Shiva Lingas except this temple, Jurahareswarar, Meikandar, Umapathi Sivam, Arul Nandhi Sivam,.  

In addition to main temple there are two Shiva temples as Then Kailayam and Vada Kailayam on the south and north sides.

THEN KAILAYAM

This north (West) facing shrine was built by Panchavan madevi, wife of Rajendra Chozha. In memory of the Victory over the Nulambas, a part of Kannada region. After the victory, the 46 numbers of lathe turned & intricately carved pillars, made of soap stone supports the prakaram, was brought from Nulamba region. The story behind this 46 pillars goes like this…. Only 45 pillars were brought and one was made by the Chozha sculptures within two days, without any difference between original and duplicate. (  in my opinion, it may not be true since soap stones are not available in any part of Tamil Nadu region, then how could it be possible.? ). The temple was built with padabandha adhisthana and deva Koshtams supported by the pilasters on both sides. Sri Subramaniar, Agni Devar, Shiva, Durga are in koshtam and Brahma is in sitting posture. The koshta murtis are defaced. The shrine has only one inscription which speaks about the donation given to this temple by a lady called Adhikarachi Muthana Pon Nangai, who worked under the King Rajendra Chozha.

Corridor with Nulamba Pillars

Pillar Reliefs

Pillar Reliefs

Bhairavar & Vinayagar

Lord Shiva & ... ?

Brahma

Murugan &  Ambal

VADA KAILAYAM

This shrine was built by Sakthi Vidangi also called as Logamadevi, wife of Rajaraja Chozha – I. Hence the Lord Shiva of this temple is called as Logamadeveecharamudaiar and the temple is called as Loka Mahadevi Eswaram. There are more than 10 inscriptions of Rajaraja ( with his full title ) period and one inscription belongs to Rajadhi Raja-I, which speaks about the gifts made to the temple in terms of land, sheep and gold ornaments, vessels towards daily poojas, burning of perpetual lamps and maintenance of this temple. In one of the inscriptions Rajarajan’s wife is referred as Nambiratiyar Danti Sakti Vidanki.

This shrine was built like a temple with padmabhandha adhisthana. The sanctum sanctorum consists of Sanctum, antarala, Arathamandapa and mukha mandapa. Yazhi vari is shown above kumudham and bhuta vari is shown below kabotham. The kabotham has nasis with motifs. The Bhitti / sanctum walls has the koshtas with pilasters on both sides and makara thorana on the above. In the makara thorana cute miniature sculptures are carved. In between the koshtas, there are empty koshtas with vishnu kanda pilasters. The koshta murtis Dakshinamurthy and Brahma are original and in defaced condition.  A special miniature sculpture is on one of  the north side koshta is the kuda koothu, similar to the one at Thanjavur, Rajarajecharam and Thiruvellarai. This represents that Thirumal danced Kuda koothu to save Aniruthan, the son of Kaman from asura Vaanan.  It is believed that Kuda koothu is the fore-runner of Karakattam, a form of South Indian folk dance.

Special poojas are conducted on Adhirai nakshatra day in the month Chithirai at Vada kailayam and Then Kailayam.

 

Ambal Dharmasamvardhini as Aram Valartha Nayaki is in a separate temple facing east. Dwajasthambam, Rishabam and balipeedam  are in front of sanctum sanctorum. Ambal is little big and tall with abhayahastham and other hand in dola hastham. In the prakara Suryan, Vinayagar, Subramaniyar and Chandikeswari. Front mandapa was built at a latter stage by Nattukottai Nagarathars. The mandapa pillars has number of bas-reliefs which include, Bharatha Matha and Mahatma Gandhi.

There is a bathing ghat at the end of the street opposite to South Rajagopuram with steps on rive Kaveri. The Appar Kulam is now called as “Uppangulam” can be reached through West Rajagopuram, at the end of the right side street.  On the Way to kailash Lord Shiva instructed Appar to ... “பழுதில் சீர் திருவையாற்றில் காண்”. It is believed that Appar came out of this Tank and Lord Shiva gave darshan with Parvati as Rishabaroodar. Abeeshta Varadha Maha Ganapathy and Viswanathar with Visalakshi Temples are opposite to the Tank. In Vinayagar temple the legend of Appar comes out of the Tank and Lord Shiva gives darshan is painted on the wall.  

The 15^th Century Arunagirinathar has sung hymns in praise of  Lord Muruga of this temple.

திரிபு ராதிகள் தூளெழ வானவர்

        திகழ வேமுனி யாவருள் கூர்பவர்

   தெரிவை பாதியர் சாதியி லாதவர்           தருசேயே

        சிகர பூதர நீறுசெய் வேலவ

    திமிர மோகர வீரதி வாகர

        திருவை யாறுறை தேவக்ரு பாகர      பெருமாளே

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The Original temple was existed before 7^th Century and latter reconstructed during Pallavas, Chozhas, Pandyas, Vijayanagaras and Nattukottai Nagarathars.

The inscriptions recorded from this temple belongs to Aditha-I, Aditha karikalan-II, Rajarajan-I, Vikrama Chozhan, Pandya King Sundara Pandyan, King Veeramukkan Udayar’s son Veerasaravana Udayar and Achutha Nayak, who ruled Thanjavur. As per the inscriptions Lord Shiva was called as Thiruvaiyarudaya mahadevar and Ambal was called as Ulakudaya nachiyar. This place was under Rajendrasinga Valanattu Poikainattu Thiruvaiyaru during Rajarajan-I period, Thirubhuvana muzhuthudaiya Valanattu Poikainattu Thiruvaiyaru during Kulothunga Chozha-II period and Rajarajavalanattu Poikainattu Thiruvaiyaru during Sundara Pandyan period.    

Most of the inscriptions records the endowment of burning Perpetual lamps, Poojas and the donations made. Some of the inscriptions records some special details also.

AS PER THE DISPLAY OF THIS TEMPLE HISTORY......    

This temple’s thirupani was done by a king belongs to Surya vamsam. During 1^st Century BCE, the Chozha King Karikala Peruvalathan created this Chozha Country after transforming forest. One day while he was crossing Thiruvaiyaru his chariot wheel got struck up at this place. When he dug the ground to remove the chariot wheel, He found, A swayambhu Shiva Linga and the images of Sakthi, Vinayagar, Murugan, Saptamatrikas, Chandikeswarar and Suryan. All the idols were covered by the hair / viri sadai of Agapei Siddhar called Niyamesar, who was under deep meditation. The Chozha king fell on his feet and worshiped him. The Siddhar told that these images are worshiped by Devas and Nandikeshwara. He asked the King Karikala Peruvalathan to built a temple at this place. The Siddhar gave him a Dhanda, ( the holder cannot be conquered by any body ) and told that the money required will be available at Nandhi’s feet. The King constructed the temple and gave donations to temple for worship. It was believed that the Siddhar was non other than Aiyarappar, and his virisadai is spread on the back of sanctum sanctorum, hence it is advised not to circumambulate the inner prakara. The image of the King and his wife are in Chembian mandapa also known as Cheppesa mandapa.   

The original structure was constructed before the Pallava King Thellarerintha Nandhi varman ( 825 – 850 CE ). The present structure of sanctum sanctorum, Dwarapalakas, Yazhi pillars belongs to Pallava period.

In 982 CE, Venki King Vimalathitha Thevan reconstructed some structures and gave donations to this temple. In 1006 CE Rajaraja-I, ( 985 -1014 CE ) and his wife Ologamadevi, constructed the Vada Kailayam also known as Ologamadeecharam and established Ologa Veethi Vidangar also known as Somaskandar, donated Vinayagar and pancha Murtis. During Rajendra Chozha period (1014 to 1042 CE ) his wife Panchavan Madevi renovated the then kailayam, which was found in dilapidated condition. This prakara was constructed by Krishna Raja Udayar. The Pillars are brought from Chalukya Country as war trophy.

During Vikrama Chozha period ( 1118 – 1135 CE ), 3^rd and 4 prakara, Prakara wall, East Rajagopuram, 100 Pillar mandapa base ( why it was stopped the reason is not known ). Mandapa and walls are constructed during Sadayavarman Sundara Pandyan ( 1381 CE ) and Sendalai karuppur, Kachi Veeraperuman’s daughter. The 3^rd Prakara east side Rajagopuram was constructed by Vikrama Chozha. 

During 1350 CE, Achuthappa Nayak completed the Dhandapani Temple mandapa with 144 pillars. During his period Idaimarudhur Anaiyappa pillai and his brother Vaidyanathar constructed the west Rajagopuram, 1^st Prakara with Thirunadaimaligai, South Gopuram in the 3^rd Prakaram, Temple Tank, Kaveri pooja Padithurai, Kalyana sindhu mandapam and Chariot Mandapa which pulled by horses.     

In 1784 CE, Pachaiyappa Mudaliar constructed the Mukha mandapam of 3^rd Prakaram. His bas-relief along with his wife are on the Pillars.

 

In 1937, Amman temple, marble flooring was done by Nattukottai Nagarathar Meyyappa Chettiar.  Maha Kumbhabhishekam was also conducted on 2^nd May 1937 CE.

In 1971, Maha Kumbhabhishekam was conducted by Thiru Kailaya parambarai, 25^th Guru maha sannidhanam Kailai Sri-la-Sri Subramania Desika Gnana Sambanda Paramacharya Swamigal, on 31^st March 1971. During 26^th Guru Maha Sannidhanam Sri-la-Sri Shanmuga Desika Gnana Sambanda Swamigal, period, Major renovations were carried out including Vimana, Prakaras, 63var Cheppu idols, Arches. Maha kumbhabhishekam was conducted on 07^th February 2013.

Achuthappa Nayak’s inscriptions records the donation made to Srirangam Big temple, construction of breached kaveri banks, Pooja padithurai with steps and named as kalyana sindhu.

The images of Achutha Nayak with his wife was at west Rajagopuram found in damaged condition. But the stone images in the first prakara west side  is in good condition. Also the images  of Pachaiyappa Mudaliar and his wives are in Pachaiyappa Mudaliar Mandapa pillars.

The Somaskandar Temple was built during Chozha period. Kodungai is with intricate design to be appreciated. The Veera Saravavana Udayar period saka 1303 ie 1381 CE inscription records that the compound wall of the mandapa was reconstructed by Pandya Kulanasini Valanattu Sendalai Karuppur Kachi Veeraperuman’s son. 

Konerimai Kondan period inscription records the donation of 108 veli land to this temple.

Kochadaya barmar Thiribhuvana Chakravarthi Sundara Pandyan period inscription records the donation of 6 and some fraction  Makani land by  Suthamalli Valanattu PAmpunikootrathu PAmpunikizhAn Mallandan alias Cherasekaran.

Then Kailayam

There were 7 inscriptions recorded from this temple. In that one belongs to Vijayanagara period and the rest of Chozhas. Rajendra Chozha's 31^st year reign inscription is the earliest one. This inscription records that this stone temple was built by Rajendra Chozha’s wife and Queen Panchavan madevi. 

The inscription is in the form of a song on the east wall, in that Lord Shiva was called as PanchanadhivaNan and Ambal was called as Anjalai.

Rajendra Chozha’s second son Vijaya Rajendran period inscription records that his wife and Queen Thirailokkiyamudayar gifted ornaments and jewellery to Natarajar & Sivakami. The names of the ornaments mentioned for Thirukkai / hands as ThirukkaikArai, Thirukazhuthu / neck as SanbangArai and Thiruvadi / legs-ankles as ThiruvadikkArai. A single mangalsutra was gifted to Sivakami.  Ear ornament was called as KAraikAndi.

The Maha mandapa west side inscriptions of Rajaraja ( II or III) and Kulothunga period records the endowment of burning perpetual lamps.  The South side prakara was built during Krishnadevaraya.

Vada Kailayam  also  known as Ulagamamadeveecharam.

This complete stone Temple was built by Rajaraja-I’s first wife and queen Thanthi Sakthividangi alias  Ulagagamadevi. The inscriptions recorded from this temple belongs to Rajarajan-I, Rajendran –I, Rajathirajan-I, of these Rajarajan’s 21^st year inscription is earliest one.

The Queen established the Ulagamadevichara mudayar, Ulagavidanga thevar / Thyagaraja, his consort, Vinayagar, Murugan, Natarajar and Chandikeswarar. The inscription further records the endowment of burning perpetual lamps, sandhi lamps, Naivedyam as Paruppamuthu, Kariyamuthu, Ponagam, Poriyamuthu, Thayiramuthu, Chakkaraiamuthu for four kala poojas. Also celebrated The kings birth star Sathaya days 12 nos in a year and Chithirai perum thiruvizha.

She also donated jewelry and the weights are also mentioned. For Dance 32 persons were appointed with title as Thalaikoli.  Musical instruments such as Damru, Uvachan thalaiparai, kandai, Thimilai, Mathalam, Veena, Karadigai etc,. Were played during pooja and Thiruvizha. She also gifted 102 Veli land to this temple situated at Rajendra Singavalanattu Mirai Kootrathu Kalavaithalai Village and the land is on the north side of Kunjaramalli channel feeding to Veeranarayana Chaturvedi mangalam 

The latter period inscriptions in front of Adhi Vinayagar records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp with 8 strands of wick, for which donations are made. Further,  records that if any default occurs, this may be intimated to address given, to take further corrective steps. 

The inscription in front of sanctum sanctorum, records the endowment of Daily poojas for Panchanadeeswarar, Annadhanam and Maheswarar Pooja at Madurai Thirugnanasambandar Adheenam and education of Hindu religion children and teaching of English, appointment of qualified teacher and salary by Vallal Pachaiyappa Mudaliar. To meet the endowment one lakh varakan was deposited as a first instalment and the interest earned from the deposit to be used for the above endowment.

LEGENDS

Indra, Maha Lakshmi worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple.

When Sundarar and Cheraman Peruman came from Thirukandiyur, the Kaveri River was flooded and they couldn’t cross. To his Prayer Lord Shiva asked kaveri to give them way to reach this temple.

As per the legend, Appar wants to have the darshan of Lord Shiva at Kailash. So he walked alone from Kasi after taking bath in ganges. At one stage he could not walk and crawled with blood bleeding from hands and legs. On seeing Appar’s devotion Lord Shiva crated pond at Mount Himalayas and asked him to take a dip and promised to give darshan at Thiruvaiyaru. When he came out of the pond and had the darshan of Lord Shiva with his consort and devaganas at this Thenkailayam Temple.

As per Thirumurai it is believed that Ambal is in the form of Maha Vishnu, hence there is no sannadhi for Maha Vishnu. There is an Anjaneyar shrine on the opposite to Ambal sannathi at Bhavasami agraharam. The same is mentioned in the thirumurai as......

அரியலால் தெவியில்லை

ஐயன் ஐயாறனார்க்கே.

The reason for calling moolavar as Panchanatheswarar is as follows...  This Legend is associated with Nandhikeswarar. Sage Siladha, who belongs to Andhanakuruchi near Thiruvaiyaru prayed Lord Shiva for a Child. Lord Shiva gave him a male child. On that day evening Lord Shiva called Rishabam and arranged for a sacred bath with Surya Theertha, Chandra Theertha, the foam water which drips from Nandhi’s ( Rishaba ) mouth,  Kaveri river water and the milk from Ampal’s breast. He was given the title of “Adhikara nandhi’ and  made him as incharge for the Temple. Next day on Punarpoosam nakshatra time Lord Shiva arranged Marriage for Nandhikeswarar  at Thirumazhapadi. To remind this, “Ezhur Thiruvizha” is celebrated in the month Chithirai.

Nadhikeswarar marriage is celebrated in all the 7 temples. Aiyarappar, will start with Nandhikeswarar from Thiruvaiyaru, on Viska Nakshatra day after full moon day in the month Chithirai. On that day all the Saptha Sthana Temple’s Urchavars will welcome Lord Shiva of this temple at Thiruvaiyaru.   

In another legend one of the priest went for Kashi and could not returned as scheduled. This was reported to the Local Chieftain. When he came personally to check, he found that the priest was performing the abhishekam. But the actual priest came on the next day. The Chieftain and the priest realised that the pooja was done by Lord Shiva himself in the absence of the original priest. This reminds Manickavasagar's hymns as... “ஐயாறு அதனில் சைவனாகியும் “.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Kailaya katchi day in the month Adi new moon day, Special poojas at Then Kailayam and vada kailayam in the month Chithirai, Ezhur Thiruvizha in the month in the month Chithirai, Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri in the month Masi and all important Hindu functions.  

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 06.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and 16.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS :

Land line number +91 436 2260 332 and mobile number +91 94430 08104 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH :

Bus facility is available from various parts of Tamil Nadu. Buses to Thanjavur passes through Thiruvaiyaru. City buses are also available from Thanjavur and Kumbakonam. 

The Temple is 13.5 KM from Thanjavur, 35 KM from Kumbakonam, 56 KM from Tiruchirappalli and 329 KM from Chennai.

Nearest railway Station is Thanjavur.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE

Ayyanar

Saptamatrikas

Ashthradevar

Nandhikeswara & His Consort Susambika

May be a king / donor

West side Rajagopuram

The Fourth Visit to this temple was a part of Divya Desam Temples Visit, near Thanjavur and Kumbakonam, organized by Culture Circuits.  Thanks to Mr Balakumaran. 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---