Saptha Sthana Sthalams[Temples] around Thiruvaiyaru-Thanjavur

Thiruvaiyaru Temple

The Thiruvaiyaru temple is one among a group of seven, collectively known as the Saptha Sthaanam temples. These temples are unique, for they are related to the marriage of Shiva’s foremost attendant, Nandi, and the part that Shiva played in this marriage.

Nandi was born to Siladha Maharshi and performed great penance to his favored deity, Siva. Siva was so pleased with his worship, he not only made Nandi his prime attendant, He also got him married. The marriage itself took place at Thirumazhapadi near Thiruvaiyaru, and Shiva took his devotee around these seven temples as part of the Sapthapadi. Every year, this occasion is celebrated in April/May with the idol of the Lord starting out in a beautifully decorated glass-encrusted palanquin from Thiruvaiyaru, and taking a round of these seven villages. At each village he is received at one boundary by the Lord of that village and accompanied by him to the next village, where he is received by the next one. In such a way, he completes a full circle and returns to Thiruvaiyaru. 

All these temples are situated around Thiruvaiyaru and it is possible to visit all these temples within 4 hours.

The Seven Temples are:

Sl.No.	Temple name	Place	District
1	Aiyarappar temple	Thiruvaiyaru	Thanjavur
2	Apathsahayar Temple	Tirupazhanam	Thanjavur
3	Odhanavaneswarar Temple	Tiruchotruthurai	Thanjavur
4	Vedapuriswarar Temple	Thiruvedhikudi	Thanjavur
5	Brahmasirakandeeswarar Temple	Thirukkandiyur	Thanjavur
6	Pushpavananathar Temple	Thirupanturuthi	Thanjvaur
7	Neyyadiappar Temple	Thiruneithaanam	Thanjavur

The Tiruvaiyaru - Aiyarappar temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the village of Tiruvaiyaru, Tamilnadu, India. The temple is incarnated by the hymns ofThevaram and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. Thiruvaiyaru means Five Rivers around the city. The Five Rivers are Arisilaaru, Vennaaru, Vettaaru, Kudamuruttiyaaru and Kaaviriyaaru.

Location:

The temple is located in Tiruvaiyaru[also spelt as Tiruvaiyaru], a panchayat town in Thanjavur district in the Indian state ofTamil Nadu. It is situated on the banks of the river Kaveri, 13 km from Thanjavur, Thiruvaaiyaru has an old Shiva temple dedicated to Panchanatheeswar. Though pilgrims flock to this temple throughout the year, Thiruvaiyaru is more renowned for its association with Saint Thyagaraja, who, along with Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Sastri, comprises the Trinity of Carnatic music.

Near the Shiva temple is the one-roomed house where Thyagaraja composed some of his greatest works. On the banks of the river is the samadhi of the saint composer and it is here that the greatest music festival in the country takes place annually.

About the Temple:

The temple, known as Dakshina Kailasam[Southern abode of Shiva], built in an area of approximately 60000 square meters, has 5 prakarams[closed precincts of a temple] [outer precincts used for religious purposes] and many 'mandapams' [great halls]. The Tiruvaiyaru temple has also a shrine for Aatkondar orKalasamharamoorthy. A Homa Kund started by saint Adi Sankara can be found outside the shrine of Aatkonda.

This is Lord Nandhi birth place

Name of deity

Moolavar: Panchanathiswarar or Ayyarapar

Ambal:Aramvalartha nayaki or Dharma samvardhani 

Sthala Theertham: Vennaru, Vettaru, Vadavaru, kudamuruti, Kollidam.. 

Stalavriksham: Vilvam

History of the Temple:

Several inscriptions in the temple affiliates the temple to the Cholas, Pandyas, and other rulers. Karikala Chola, Rajaraja the great, Jatavarma Sundara Pandyan, andKrishna Devarayar are associated with Thiruvaiyaru. The temple has two distinct divisions called 'Uttarakailasam' and 'Dakshinakailasam'. Uttarakailasam was built by Rajaraja Cholan's queen in the late 10th century who also made several endowments . Dakshinakailasam was renovated by Rajendra Cholan's queen. Appar, one of the important Nayanmar, was closely associated with this shrine and dedicated one of the songs in 'Thevaram' to this temple.

In this temple, UYYAKONDAR [Lord shiva] guarded the child named Susarithan from Yama in the form of dwarabalaka.This festival is celebrated in the month of Karthika

Saptha Sthana Thiruvizha is one of the major festival celebrated here.  At the time of festival images of Shiva from Tiruvaiyaru are taken in procession to each of the seven Sapta Sthana temples which is of great significance.

There are 320 Procession of the main deity in one year making which is remarkable and unique.

The Thiyagaraja Aradhana at this place is noteworthy and brings in huge crowds during this festival time.

Temple Timings:

6am to 1pm and 4pm to 8 pm

Temple Telephone Number:

04362 260332

Temple Address

Arulmigu Panchanathiswarar swamy Devasthanam
Thiruvaiyaru[post]
Thiruvaiyaru [Taluk]
Thanjavur [Dist]
TamilNadu
India.

Saptha Sthana Sthalams[Temples] around Thiruvaiyaru-[Thirupazhanam]-Thanjavur

The Thirupazhanam temple

The Thirupazhanam temple is one among a group of seven, collectively known as the Saptha Sthaanam temples. These temples are unique, for they are related to the marriage of Shiva’s foremost attendant, Nandi, and the part that Shiva played in this marriage.

Nandi was born to Siladha Maharshi and performed great penance to his favored deity, Siva. Siva was so pleased with his worship, he not only made Nandi his prime attendant, He also got him married. The marriage itself took place at Thirumazhapadi near Thiruvaiyaru, and Shiva took his devotee around these seven temples as part of the Sapthapadi. Every year, this occasion is celebrated in April/May with the idol of the Lord starting out in a beautifully decorated glass-encrusted palanquin from Thiruvaiyaru, and taking a round of these seven villages. At each village he is received at one boundary by the Lord of that village and accompanied by him to the next village, where he is received by the next one. In such a way, he completes a full circle and returns to Thiruvaiyaru. 

All these temples are situated around Thiruvaiyaru and it is possible to visit all these temples within 4 hours.

The Seven Temples are:

Sl.No.	Temple name	Place	District
1	Aiyarappar temple	Thiruvaiyaru	Thanjavur
2	Apathsahayar Temple	Tirupazhanam	Thanjavur
3	Odhanavaneswarar Temple	Tiruchotruthurai	Thanjavur
4	Vedapuriswarar Temple	Thiruvedhikudi	Thanjavur
5	Kandeeswarar Temple	Thirukkandiyur	Thanjavur
6	Puvananathar Temple	Thirupanturuthi	Thanjvaur
7	Neyyadiappar Temple	Tiruneithaanam	Thanjavur

The Abathsagayeswarar Temple is one of the Saptha Sthana sthalams and is Second in order.

Period of origin 

Before 7 th Century. Thirugnanasampanthar, Appar, Manikavasagar had sung in Dhevaram. 

Name of deity 

Moolavar:Abathsagayeswarar

Ambal: Periyanayaki

SthalaTheertham: Mangala Theertham 

Stalavriksham: Vazhai [Banana Tree]

Sthalapuranam:

Unlike other temples Ashtathikubalagar and Ashtalakshmi are seen in Koshtam. 

This is the place where Lord Shiva collected Fruits for Nandi's Marriage 
The fruits needed for Lord Nandi's Marriage has been sent from this place.  Hence this place is called as Thirupazhanam [Pazham means fruit in Tamil].

Here the Lord is said to have saved his devotees form the danger which they confront in life.  Hence He is called as Abathsagayeswarar [savior]. It is said to be that Lord Vishnu and Mahalakshmi came to this place and got rid of their curse by installing lingam and offering prayer. Hence we can see a separate shrine for Venugopalar and separate vriksham [jack fruit tree].

Saptha Sthana Thiruvizha, Mahasivarathri and Appar kaatchi are the major festivals celebrated here.

Here, the deities are Aapatsahayar and Sundaranayaki. Here, it must be mentioned that all the lingams in the Saptha Sthanam temples are of the same size and shape, except the one at Thiruvaiyaru, which is a swayambhu, and much smaller and of a different shape. In fact, the lingams are so similar and that they might have been made together by the same hand, as if from a single mould.

Inside the premises we can see Medha Dakshinamoorthy, Pasupatheeswarar, Apputhiadigal, Saptha rishi, Vinayagr, Murugan, Sapthamatharkal, Venugopalar, Nataraja sabai and Bhairavar.

All the Navagrahas facing the Sun is very special here in this temple.

Outside the premises there is a separate shrine for Ambal, Jack fruit tree, banana tree, holy water tank, and a place believed to be where Paranashala built by Agasthiyar. 

Agasthiyar and chandran had worshiped in this place.

The Rajagopuram consists of three stages has been renovated by the devotees recently and Maha Rudhra Homam conducted. The premises is well maintained and clean.

Archakar from Thiruvaiyaru temple is available only in the mornings for offering puja.

Temple Timings:

8.30 am to 11 pm and 4.30 pm to 7 pm 

Temple Telephone Number:

04362 326668 and 9751072649

Temple Address: 

Arulmigu Abathsagayeswarar Alayam 
Thirupazhanam 
Thiruvaiyaru [Via]
Thanjavur [Dist] 
TamilNadu 
India. 

Saptha Sthana Sthalams[Temples] around Thiruvaiyaru-[Thiruchotruthurai]-Thanjavur

Othavananeswarar Temple

The Thiruchotruthurai temple is one among a group of seven, collectively known as the Saptha Sthaanam temples. These temples are unique, for they are related to the marriage of Shiva’s foremost attendant, Nandi, and the part that Shiva played in this marriage.

Nandi was born to Siladha Maharshi and performed great penance to his favored deity, Siva. Siva was so pleased with his worship, he not only made Nandi his prime attendant, He also got him married. The marriage itself took place at Thirumazhapadi near Thiruvaiyaru, and Shiva took his devotee around these seven temples as part of the Sapthapadi. Every year, this occasion is celebrated in April/May with the idol of the Lord starting out in a beautifully decorated glass-encrusted palanquin from Thiruvaiyaru, and taking a round of these seven villages. At each village he is received at one boundary by the Lord of that village and accompanied by him to the next village, where he is received by the next one. In such a way, he completes a full circle and returns to Thiruvaiyaru. 

All these temples are situated around Thiruvaiyaru and it is possible to visit all these temples within 4 hours.

The Seven Temples are:

Sl.No.	Temple name	Place	District
1	Aiyarappar temple	Thiruvaiyaru	Thanjavur
2	Apathsahayar Temple	Tirupazhanam	Thanjavur
3	Othanavaneswarar Temple	Tiruchotruthurai	Thanjavur
4	Vedapuriswarar Temple	Thiruvedhikudi	Thanjavur
5	Brahmasirakandeeswarar Temple	Thirukkandiyur	Thanjavur
6	Pushpavananathar Temple	Thirupanturuthi	Thanjvaur
7	Neyyadiappar Temple	Thiruneithaanam	Thanjavur

The temple of Othanavaneswarar is one of the Saptha sthana Sthalam, and is third in order.

Period of origin

Before 7 th Century Appar, Thirugnanasampanthar, sundarar had sung in Dhevaram.

Name of deity

Moolavar:Othanavaneswarar

Ambal:Annapurani

Sthala Theertham: Suriya Theertham and Kudamuruti

Stalavriksham: Vilvam

Legend has it that when Poverty prevailed in the world, Ambal Annapurani blessed to grow Choru[Choru means cooked rice in Tamil] near by field and fed her devotees, thus the name for this place came be called" Thiru Chotru thurai". Even now we can see a field near by called as Choruudayan vaikal.

The deities are Othavaneswarar and Annapoorneswari. 

According to the legend, it was here that the food for the marriage of Nandi was prepared by Arularar and his wife. 

The Lord presented them with an Akshaya patram for this purpose, and this story is immortalized in the temple with images of Arularar and his wife holding the Akshaya patram outside the main sanctum of the deity.

This is quite a large and well maintained temple, and in the outer pragaram are groups of lingams, replicas of those in the Saptha Sthaanam temples, Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, etc.

Food distribution is done to the devotees during festival day.

When Lord Suriya was cursed by Lord Shiva for his Participation in Dhaksha's yaga, He came here and worshiped the lord and got rid of his curse.

Indran, Suriyan and Gobaga maharishi had worshiped here.

The Curse of Akalikai to Indra was relieved here.

The three stage Rajagopuram welcomes us in front. In first premises we can see Ambal shrine separately then in the main entrance we can see vinayagar, murugan, nataraja sabai, a very big Subramaniyar statue, gobaga muni idol and kalasamharamoorhty. 

Saptha Sthana Thiruvizha is one of the major festivals celebrated here. 

Temple Timings:

6.30 am to 12.30 pm and 4.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Temple Telephone Number:

Archakar : +919788622316

Temple Address:

Arulmigu Chotruthurainathar Alayam
Thiruchotruthurai[post]
Kandiyur[via]
Thiruvaiyaru[Taluk]
Thanjavur[Dist]
TamilNadu 
India.

The Saptha Sthana Sthalams[Temples] around Thiruvaiyaru[Thiruvedhikudi]-Thanjavur

Thiruvedhikudi Temple

The Thiruvedhikudi temple is one among a group of seven, collectively known as the Saptha Sthaanam temples. These temples are unique, for they are related to the marriage of Shiva’s foremost attendant, Nandi, and the part that Shiva played in this marriage.

Nandi was born to Siladha Maharshi and performed great penance to his favored deity, Siva. Siva was so pleased with his worship, he not only made Nandi his prime attendant, He also got him married. The marriage itself took place at Thirumazhapadi near Thiruvaiyaru, and Shiva took his devotee around these seven temples as part of the Sapthapadi. Every year, this occasion is celebrated in April/May with the idol of the Lord starting out in a beautifully decorated glass-encrusted palanquin from Thiruvaiyaru, and taking a round of these seven villages. At each village he is received at one boundary by the Lord of that village and accompanied by him to the next village, where he is received by the next one. In such a way, he completes a full circle and returns to Thiruvaiyaru. 

All these temples are situated around Thiruvaiyaru and it is possible to visit all these temples within 4 hours.

The Seven Temples are:

Sl.No.	Temple name	Place	District
1	Aiyarappar temple	Thiruvaiyaru	Thanjavur
2	Apathsahayar Temple	Tirupazhanam	Thanjavur
3	Odhanavaneswarar Temple	Tiruchotruthurai	Thanjavur
4	Vedapureeswarar Temple	Thiruvedhikudi	Thanjavur
5	Kandeeswarar Temple	Thirukkandiyur	Thanjavur
6	Puvananathar Temple	Thirupanturuthi	Thanjvaur
7	Neyyadiappar Temple	Tiruneithaanam	Thanjavur

The Vedapureeswarar Temple is one of the Saptha sthana Sthalam, this is Fourth in order

Period of origin

Before 7 th Century. Appar, Thirugnanasampanthar had sung in Dhevaram.

Name of deity 

Moolavar: Vedhapureeswarar

Ambal: Mangaiyarkarasi

Sthala Theertham:VedhaTheertham 

Stalavriksham: Vilvam 

Sthalapuranam: 

This is the place where Lord Shiva collected Vethiar [priest] for Nandhi's Marriage

The Pranava mantra "OM" came here and worshiped lord Shiva, where ever the Pranavam goes the vedha will follow.  Hence Pranava mantra "OM" considered to be the peak in vedhas, because of all Vedhas worshiped the lord here, this place is called as Vedhikudi.

Here lingam is suyambu, it has been started in the base of banana tree, and hence Lord Shiva is also called as Vazhaimadunathar.

Legend has it that Thirugnanasambanthar had obtained the vision of Lord's marriage.

Lord Brahma is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this sthalam. Sun's rays fall on the Sivalingam at sunrise on 13th, 14th and 15th day of Tamil month Panguni every year. It is believed that Sun god Sooriyan performs pooja during these 3 days to Lord Shiva at this sthalam.

The deities here are Vedapureeswarar and Mangayakarasi. There are many sivalingam installed in the prakaram. There is also a beautiful stone idol of Lakshmi Narayana standing by itself in a corner. Lord Ganesa is known as Vedha Pilliar and He is seen in a slanted position. The Arthanareeswarar statue here is unique. Ambal is seen on the right side and Lord Shiva is seen on the right side whereas in the normal Arthanareewarar statue, ambal will be seen in the left and the Lord in the right.

West Faced temple, with three stage Rajagopuram welcomes us. This temple consist of one Praharam, with number of small shrines and 108 shiva lingams.

Inside the premises mahamandapam, vinayagar, murugan are seen. In Arthamandapam, where Lord Vignesh sitting in a pose of hearing vedhas, hence he is called as Vedha Vinayagar or Sevisaitha vinayagar.

Here the Lord relieves Thirumanathadai [obstacle in marriage], Thirumana dhosham. As a proof of this Thirugnanasambanthar had sung about it in Dhevaram and has been written in this temple.

Mangaiyarkarasi[a child in chola family] was one among the 63 Nayanmars named after the goddess in this temple Mangaiyarkarasi.

Saptha Sthana Thiruvizha, Mahasivarathri are the major festivals celebrated here.

Temple Timings:

09.30 am to12.30 pm and 03.30 pm to 07.30 pm

Temple Telephone Number: 

Archakar: +91 9345104187

Temple Address: 

Arulmigu Vedhapureeswarar Alayam
Thiruvedikudi
Kandiyur[post]
Thiruvaiyaru [via]
Thanjavur [Dist]
TamilNadu
India. 

The Saptha Sthana Sthalams[Temples]around Thiruvaiyaru[Thirukkandiyur]-Thanjavur

Thirukkandiyur temple

The Thirukkandiyur temple is one among a group of seven, collectively known as the Saptha Sthaanam temples. These temples are unique, for they are related to the marriage of Shiva’s foremost attendant, Nandi, and the part that Shiva played in this marriage.

Nandi was born to Siladha Maharshi and performed great penance to his favored deity, Siva. Siva was so pleased with his worship, he not only made Nandi his prime attendant, He also got him married. The marriage itself took place at Thirumazhapadi near Thiruvaiyaru, and Shiva took his devotee around these seven temples as part of the Sapthapadi. Every year, this occasion is celebrated in April/May with the idol of the Lord starting out in a beautifully decorated glass-encrusted palanquin from Thiruvaiyaru, and taking a round of these seven villages. At each village he is received at one boundary by the Lord of that village and accompanied by him to the next village, where he is received by the next one. In such a way, he completes a full circle and returns to Thiruvaiyaru. 

All these temples are situated around Thiruvaiyaru and it is possible to visit all these temples within 4 hours.

The Seven Temples are:

Sl.No.	Temple name	Place	District
1	Aiyarappar temple	Thiruvaiyaru	Thanjavur
2	Apathsahayar Temple	Tirupazhanam	Thanjavur
3	Odhanavaneswarar Temple	Tiruchotruthurai	Thanjavur
4	Vedapuriswarar Temple	Thiruvedhikudi	Thanjavur
5	Brahmasirakandeeswarar Temple	Thirukkandiyur	Thanjavur
6	Pushpavananathar Temple	Thirupanturuthi	Thanjvaur
7	Neyyadiappar Temple	Thiruneithaanam	Thanjavur

The Brahmasirakandeeswarar temple is one of the Saptha Sthana Sthalam, being Fifth in order.  This is also one of the Attaveeratanam Sthalam. 

Period of origin
Before 6th Century. Appar, Thirugnanasampanthar, Sundarar, Manikkavasagar & Arunagirinathar had sung about this temple.

Name of deity

Moolavar:Brahmasirakandeeswarar 

Ambal:Mangalambikai

Sthala Theertham: Nandhi, Dhakshan, BrahmaTheertham.

Stalavriksham: Vilvam

Sthalapuranam:

This is the place where Lord Shiva collected Jewels for Nandi's Marriage 

Lord Shiva brought a Vilva tree from Kailash for Sathaptha muni. Hence this place is also called as "AthiVilvaranyam".

Sathaptha muni used to visit Kalahasthi at every Prathosham day. Once he came to Kandiyur he missed the kalathi dharshan and it is said that Lord Shiva showed him Kalathi Dharshan here.

Suriyan[sun]worshiped the Lord here.

In the month of Masi [inTamil] on 13, 14, 15, between 5.45 pm to 6.10 pm we can see the sun rays fall on Lingam.

Saptha Sthana Thiruvizha is one of the major festival celebrated here. 

Thirukandiyur or Kandiyur is the site where Shiva curbed the ego of Brahma by cutting off his fifth head. It is believed that, at the beginning of creation, Brahma had 5 heads, and as he created one form of life after another, his ego grew, until he felt that he was the greatest of the gods. Shiva decided to teach him a lesson, and cut off Brahma's fifth head, which stood on top of the other four. Brahma at once realized his error, and prayed to Shiva, asking for forgiveness. This temple also figures among the Saptha Sthaanam temples.

The main deity here is the Brahma Shira Kandeeswarar. The goddess is Mangalambigai. There is a statue of Brahma and Saraswati in a separate sanctum to the left of the lingam facing it.

Kandiyur has the distinction of being one among two sets of temples - one of the Saptha Sthaanam temples and as well as one of the Ashta Veeratta Sthalams - temples where Shiva has shown his power by overcoming someone. Here, at Kandiyur, he crushed the ego of Brahma by plucking off his fifth head. He is therefore known as Brahma Shira Kandeeswarar. Hence the name - Kandiyur. The Devi here is Mangalambigai.

An interesting thing about this temple, and indeed, many other temples in this area [Thanjavur, Thiruvaiyaru and Kumbakonam] is the position of the Navagrahas. Generally, the Navagrahas have Surya in the middle, with the eight others facing in different directions. However, in many of these temples, all the eight face Surya. Another interesting thing is that Surya is accompanied by his wives, Usha and Sandhya.

Temple Timings:

8 am to 12.30 pm and 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm

Temple Address

Arulmigu Brahmasirakandeeswarar Alayam
kandiyur[Post]
Thiruvaiyaru[Via]
Thanjavur [Dist]
TamilNadu
India

The Saptha Sthana Sthalams[Temples] around Thiruvaiyaru[Thirupanturuthi]-Thanjavur

Thirupunturuthi temple

The Thirupunturuthi temple is one among a group of seven, collectively known as the Saptha Sthaanam temples. These temples are unique, for they are related to the marriage of Shiva’s foremost attendant, Nandi, and the part that Shiva played in this marriage.

Nandi was born to Siladha Maharshi and performed great penance to his favored deity, Siva. Siva was so pleased with his worship, he not only made Nandi his prime attendant, He also got him married. The marriage itself took place at Thirumazhapadi near Thiruvaiyaru, and Shiva took his devotee around these seven temples as part of the Sapthapadi. Every year, this occasion is celebrated in April/May with the idol of the Lord starting out in a beautifully decorated glass-encrusted palanquin from Thiruvaiyaru, and taking a round of these seven villages. At each village he is received at one boundary by the Lord of that village and accompanied by him to the next village, where he is received by the next one. In such a way, he completes a full circle and returns to Thiruvaiyaru. 

All these temples are situated around Thiruvaiyaru and it is possible to visit all these temples within 4 hours.

The Seven Temples are:

Sl.No.	Temple name	Place	District
1	Aiyarappar temple	Thiruvaiyaru	Thanjavur
2	Apathsahayar Temple	Tirupazhanam	Thanjavur
3	Odhanavaneswarar Temple	Tiruchotruthurai	Thanjavur
4	Vedapuriswarar Temple	Thiruvedhikudi	Thanjavur
5	Brahmasirakandeeswarar Temple	Thirukkandiyur	Thanjavur
6	Pushpavananathar Temple	Thirupunturuthi	Thanjvaur
7	Neyyadiappar Temple	Thiruneithaanam	Thanjavur

The Pushpavananathar Temple is one of the Saptha sthana Sthalam and is Sixth in order.

Period of origin

Before 6 th century. Appar had sung in Dhevaram.

Name of deity

Moolavar: Puspavananathar

Ambal: Sowndaryanayaki

Sthala Theertham: Kudamuruti 

Stalavriksham: Vilvam

Sthalapuranam: 

This is the place where Lord Shiva collected Flowers for Nandhi's Marriage.

A Chola king had offered Thuruthi flowers to Lord Shiva here, hence this place is called as Poonthuruthi [Poo = Flower Thuruthi: name of the flower] Later, it came be called as Thirupunthuruthi.

Appar Peruman had made a lot of voluntary services to this temple. He trimmed the grass and removed garbages on his own. Here he got the inspiration of visiting Kailash.

This is the place where Thirunavukarasar was called as Appar by Thirugnanasambanthar.

The deities at Tirupunthuruthi are Pushpavaneswarar and Soundaryanayaki. The temple has a number of Nandis, staring from the outer pragaram to the sanctum, and all them, are slightly displaced from the centre. It is believed that they moved so that Shiva could see the approach of Sambandhar, one of the saivite saints.

Nandi

When Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple he was afraid to place his foot inside as Appar Peruman had done sanitation with his hand. Hence he stood outside the premises and worshiped Lord Shiva. The Lord himself ordered Nandi to stay apart to show darshan to Thirugnanasambanthar.

It is said to be that Goddess Durga stood in one leg and made tapas towards Lord Shiva for relieving the sin against Mahishasuran Samhar.

Indira, Vishnu, Mahalakshmi, Suriyan had worshiped here.

Here Kasyaba rishi brought Ganga water with his tapas and made Abishakam to lord Shiva.

It is Poonthuruthi Kadava Nambi's birth place. Another interesting thing about this place is that there are seven gopurams in all, and all of them can be seen from one particular point on the outer pragaram.

Gopuram of the Temple

This temple has five stages Rajagopuram, five praharams, Panjamoorthy mandapam, Nandhi, Kodimaram, Vasantha Mandapam, Balipedam and a separate shrine for Ambal.

Koshtamoortham Vinayagar, Murugan, Mahalakshmi ,Veena Dhakshinamoorthy, Durga and chandikeswarar are seen.

Nearby the sanctum somaskanthar mandapam, Natarajar sabai and iinside the premises Appar's work, Vinayagar, Nalvar, Sapthamatharkal Paintings are seen. 

Temple Timings:

7 am to 12 pm and 4.30 pm to 8 pm

Temple Telephone Number:

Archakar : +91 9791480824

Temple Address:

Arulmigu Pushpavaneswarar Alayam
Thirupunthurithi [P.O]
Kandiyur [via]
Thiruvaiyaru [Taluk]
Thanjavur [Dist]
TamilNadu
India.