Thirukandiyur, Thanjavur - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Thirukandiyur

At a distance of 12 km from Thanjavur and 35 km from Kumbakonam, Thirukandiyur is a temple town situated in Tamilnadu. The major attraction of Thirukandiyur is the Kandeeswarar Temple. It is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites near Trichy. In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Kandeeswarar, represented by a lingam, while his consort Parvati is depicted as Mangalanayagi. The presiding deity is celebrated in the 7th-century CE Tamil Saiva canonical text, the Tevaram, composed by the revered Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars, and is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam. Additionally, Goddess Saraswathi is honored alongside Lord Brahma, adding to the temple's importance for devotees.

The Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal Temple in Thirukandiyur is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. This temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, an early medieval Tamil canon authored by the Alvar saints between the 6th and 9th centuries CE. It is recognized as one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped here as Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal, with his consort Lakshmi revered as Kamalavalli Nachiyar. The town derives its name from Lord Shiva, who is believed to have visited this site to pray to Lord Vishnu for the absolution of a sin.

History of Thirukandiyur

According to locals, Kandiyur Sivanthi Adithan founded this town. During the reign of the Chola dynasty, it was regarded as a significant trade hub, with most commercial activities concentrated in this area. The Hara Sapavimochanar Temple is thought to have been constructed by the Medieval Cholas in the late 8th century CE, with subsequent enhancements made by the Vijayanagara kings and the Madurai Nayaks. In contemporary times, a notable renovation of the temple took place in 1984, overseen by the seer Sri Thirukudanthai Vedanta Ramanuja Mahadesikan. Further renovations were conducted in 2003 by his successor, Sri Rangaramanuja Mahadesikan.

Mythology of Thirukandiyur

According to the legend, both Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva originally possessed five heads. Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva got confused between the both and performed the pathapooja to Brahma instead of Shiva. In his anger, Shiva severed one of Brahma's heads. This severed head became attached to Lord Shiva as a result of Brahma's curse. It is said that Lord Shiva prayed to Goddess Kamalavalli and Lord Vishnu at Thirukandiyur, ultimately receiving salvation from Lord Kamala Nathan at this temple. Eventually, the head fell to the ground at this location and vanished. With the assistance of Lord Vishnu, Shiva was freed from the curse, leading to the naming of this site as Hara Sapavimochana Temple. It is a belief that a person who takes blessings of Lord Vishnu in this temple gets rid of his sins.

Things to do in Thirukandiyur

The Hara Sapavimochana Kandeswarar Temple is the most renowned temple in the town, showcasing remarkable Dravidian architectural style and featuring a three-tiered Rajagopuram. The principal deity worshipped here is Lord Vishnu, revered as Sri Hara Sapavimochana Perumal, who is depicted in a standing posture within the sanctum sanctorum. Additionally, the temple has separate shrines dedicated to Goddess Kamalavalli, Lord Narasimhar, Sudharsanar, Andal, and the Azhwars. On the western side of the temple lies a picturesque pond known as Kapaala Theertham. It is believed that devotees visiting the temple will be freed from all their sins.

The temple complex also houses the Kandeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is celebrated through the hymns of Tirugnana Sambandar and is recognized as a Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is distinguished by its Chola style sculptures. Furthermore, it is one of the temples participating in the Thiruvaiyaru Sapta Sthanam festival, which commemorates the wedding of Nandi. Among the temple's features, Murugan serves as one of the dwarapalakas. There is also a Vinayakar sannidhi containing seven Vinayakar murtis, and a separate shrine for Brahma alongside his consort, Saraswati. This site is esteemed as a Trimoorthy Sthalam, housing idols of Shiva, Brahma, and Goddess Saraswati.

Festivals of Thirukandiyur

The major festivals observed in Thirukandiyur include Panguni Brahmmotsavam, which takes place during the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April), Aipasi Pavithra Utsavam in October-November, Vaikunta Ekadashi in December-January, and Karthikai Deepam during the month of Karthikai (November-December). Additionally, the celebrations of Saptha Stanam and Maha Shivratri are marked with significant enthusiasm in Thirukandiyur.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Thirukandiyur Temple

When planning a visit to the Thirukandiyur Temple, it is recommended to adhere to modest dress standards. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or churidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Thirukandiyur Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM

Thirukandiyur Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Thirukandiyur Temple

The period from November to February is considered the most favorable time to visit Thirukandiyur due to its agreeable climate. This timeframe also marks the peak tourist season, as it coincides with the magnificent festivities of Brahmotsavam and Maha Shivaratri. During the summer months, Thirukandiyur experiences intense heat, making it advisable to refrain from visiting during this season. Additionally, traveling during the monsoon is not recommended, as heavy rainfall is prevalent during this period.

How to Reach Thirukandiyur Temple

The nearest airport is the Tiruchirappalli International Airport, which is about 54 km away from Thirukandiyur. Thanjavur is the nearest rail head. Thirukandiyur is situated west of Thanjavur towards Thiruvaiyaru. There are buses from Thanjavur, Trichy, and Kumbakonam that goes via Thirukandiyur.