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

About Thiruvaiyaru

At a distance of 13 Km from Thanjavur & 44 Km from Kumbakonam, Thiruvaiyaru, also spelt as Tiruvaiyaru, is a panchayat town in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. The name Thiruvaiyaru signifies the five rivers that flow around the town, namely Arisilaaru, Vennaaru, Vettaaru, Kudamurutti, and Kaveri. Tiruvaiyaru is considered to be the 51st in the successions of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom situated north of the river Kaveri.

Situated on the banks of the river Kaveri, Thiruvaiyaru is home to an ancient Siva temple dedicated to Aiyarappar, also known as Panchanatheeswar. However, the town is particularly famous for its connection to Saint Thyagaraja, who, alongside Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Sastri, forms the Trinity of Carnatic music. Saint Thyagaraja composed numerous devotional songs, primarily in honor of the Hindu deity Lord Rama. It was in Thiruvaiyaru that he resided and ultimately attained samadhi. Each January, a significant musical event called the Thyagaraja Aradhana is organized at the Panchanatheeswar Temple to honor the saint's birthday.

History of Thiruvaiyaru

The history of Thiruvaiyaru is intricately connected to the Thiruvaiyaru Aiyarappar Temple. Inscriptions and architectural features indicate that the temple was constructed during the early Chola dynasty. Notable figures such as Karikala Chola, Rajaraja the Great, Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan, and Krishna Devarayar are linked to Thiruvaiyaru. The temple is divided into two main sections known as 'Uttarakailasam' and 'Dakshinakailasam'. Uttarakailasam was established by Rajaraja Chola's principal queen, Dantisaktivitanki, also known as Lokamahadevi, in the late 10th century. The temple was named Lokamahadevi Isvaram Udaiyar Mahadevar in her honor. During Rajaraja's reign, she contributed various musical instruments, while his daughter, Gangamahadevi presented several fly-whisks to the deity. Dakshinakailasam underwent renovations by the queen of Rajendra Chola. The Tevaram trinity, comprising Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar, has composed over 100 hymns dedicated to the presiding deity of this temple town.

Mythology of Thiruvaiyaru

According to legend, the lingam situated in the principal sanctum, along with the idols of Goddess Dharmasamvardhini, Vinayaka, Muruga, and Nandi, were reportedly discovered underground by a king whose chariot wheels got embedded in the earth at the location of the current temple. A wise minister advised the king to excavate around the wheels, and there came into view not only the idols but also a living Siddha who was in deep meditation, his locks spread across the pit like banyan roots. Overwhelmed, the king prostrated before him. The yogi bestowed his blessings upon the king and instructed him to construct the temple for Aiyarappar at that very site.

Another legend says that once Saint Thirunavukarasar embarked on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash to seek the darshan of Lord Shiva. Due to the numerous challenges encountered along the way, Thirunavukarasar found it exceedingly difficult to proceed. With divine intervention, Lord Shiva guided Thirunavukarasar to immerse himself in a pond and instructed him to bathe there. Upon emerging from the water, Thirunavukarasar was miraculously transported to Thiruvaiyaru, where Lord Shiva granted him a vision of Mount Kailash.

The Thiruvaiyaru Temple is esteemed as one of the seven Sapta Stanam temples, associated with the birth of Nandi. Legend holds that this location is the birthplace of the divine bull Nandi, who became the mount of Lord Shiva. The sacred union of Nandi and Suyasayambikai is said to have occurred at the Thirumazhapadi Vaidyanathaswamy temple, situated in the Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu. This event is celebrated through the Saptha Stanam festival, which includes seven Shiva temples in the region. The festival takes place annually in April at Thiruvaiyaru, commemorating the marriage of Nandikeswara.

Things to do in Thiruvaiyaru

Aiyarappar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, stands as a prominent attraction in Thiruvaiyaru. Spanning 15 acres, this temple features five prakarams and a seven-tiered Rajagopuram. It is divided into two main sections known as 'Uttarakailasam' and 'Dakshinakailasam.' The sanctum houses the presiding deity in the form of a lingam, which is regarded as a swayambumurthy. It is said that a dense growth of turf extends behind the shrine, preventing devotees from circumambulating the deity, as this practice is prohibited. A unique aspect of the Aiyarappar Temple is that if a devotee calls out the name of Aiyarappar from a specific location, the name echoes seven times.

Additionally, the temple contains a shrine for Alkondeswar or Kalasamharamoorthy, located opposite the southern entrance. According to legend, it was here that Lord Shiva vanquished Yama, the god of death, for attempting to claim the life of a young devotee. Outside this shrine, one can find a Homa Kund established by Saint Adi Sankara, where Kungiliyam (benzoin) is continuously burned, with the belief that its smoke offers protection from the fear of death. The temple also features shrines dedicated to Ganesha, Nataraja, Subramanya, and the Navagrahas. There are five sacred water bodies within the temple complex: Surya Pushkarani, Ganga Theertham, Chandra Pushkarani, Palaru, and Nandi Theertham.

Adjacent to the Shiva temple is a modest one-room house where Thyagaraja composed many of his renowned works. On the banks of the river lies the samadhi of the saint composer, which hosts the annual Thyagaraja Aradhana, the most significant music festival in the country. During this event, musicians gather to perform Kirtan and sing the compositions of the saint from two stages.

Festivals of Thiruvaiyaru Temple

The main festival celebrated in Thiruvaiyaru is the Thyagaraja Aradhana. This annual Carnatic music festival takes place over five days in January and is considered one of the largest music festivals in India. It honors Saint Thyagaraja, who is revered as the greatest saint composer of Carnatic music. Musicians from around the world gather at this event to pay their respects to the esteemed Saint. Additionally, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with significant enthusiasm and grandeur at the Thiruvaiyaru.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Thiruvaiyaru Temple

When planning a visit to the Thiruvaiyaru 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.

Thiruvaiyaru Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 11 AM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM

Thiruvaiyaru Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Thiruvaiyaru

The best time to visit Thiruvaiyaru is from November to February. During this timeframe, the climate is cooler and more agreeable, which is perfect for exploring the town and participating in local festivities, including the celebrated Thyagaraja Aradhana, a distinguished Carnatic music festival that takes place in January. It is advisable to avoid visiting the town during the summer months, from May to July, as the heat can become quite oppressive, with temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius.

How to Reach Thiruvaiyaru

The nearest airport is the Tiruchirappalli International Airport, which is about 56 km away from Thiruvaiyaru. Thanjavur is the nearest rail head. Thiruvaiyaru is accessible by road through private transport, cabs, and buses from Thanjavur and Tiruchirappalli.