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.