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

About Thiruvarur

At a distance of 2 km from Thiruvarur Junction, 40 km from Kumbakonam, and 62 km from Thanjavur, Thiruvarur is a famous temple town situated at the tip of three rivers: Valaiyar, Sukumar, and Odambokki Rivers in Tamil Nadu. The town is wellknown for Sri Thyagaraja Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also classified as Saptha Vidangam, meaning the seven temples having unique dance moves by Thyagaraja, and among the most prominent places to visit as part of Thanjavur pilgrimage tour packages.

Thiruvarur is mentioned in the saiva canonical work, Tevaram by Thirugnana Sambanthar, Tirunavukkarasar and Sundarar, the foremost Saivite saints of 18th century CE and classified as Padal petra sthalam. Thiruvarur has historically served as a prominent hub for distinguished figures in the realms of religion, arts, and science. Among the 63 nayanmars of the Saivite tradition, two significant figures, Kalarsinga Nayanar and Tandiyadigal Nayanar, hailed from Thiruvarur. Furthermore, the town has been recognized as a traditional center for music and dance. Thiruvarur is also celebrated as the birthplace of the Trinity of Carnatic music: Thyagaraja (1767-1847 CE), Muthuswami Dikshitar (1775-1835 CE), and Shyama Shastri (1762-1827 CE).

History of Thiruvarur

Thiruvarur served as one of the five historical capitals of the Chola Empire, and its history closely linked to the Thyagarajaswamy Temple. This granite structure of the temple was initially erected by Aditya Chola I in the 9th century CE and underwent renovations during the reign of Rajaraja Chola I (985-1014 CE). It is believed to be an inspiration for Rajaraja Chola to construct the Brihadeeswarar Temple, which is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rajendra Chola I (1012-44 CE) further enhanced and reconstructed the temple using stone. Inscriptions found within the temple suggest that Thiruvarur served as the capital for Kulothunga Chola I (1070-1120 CE), a period during which the town became a significant center for Saivism. Following the decline of the Chola dynasty under Rajendra Chola III in the 13th century CE, the town was caught under a power struggle between the Pandyas and Hoysalas. Nevertheless, royal patronage persisted, allowing the town to thrive as a cultural hub during the reigns of the Nayaks, the Vijayanagar kings, and the Marathas.

During the Maratha period, Thiruvarur temporarily housed the Nataraja from the Chidambaram Temple. In 1759 CE, the town was briefly occupied by French forces, who ransacked the Thyagarajar Temple in a failed attempt for hidden treasures. This incident resulted in the deaths of six temple members, who were suspected of being British spies, during a confrontation. Subsequently, the British annexed the province and Tanjore following the unsuccessful French assault on the King of Tanjore. After India gained independence, Thiruvarur remained part of the Thanjavur and Nagapattinam districts until 1997. In 1997, Thiruvarur was established as a separate district, carved out from the Nagapattinam district.

Things to do in Thiruvarur

Thyagaraja Temple stands as an essential destination in Thiruvarur, showcasing the magnificence and splendor of Chola architecture. The temple complex spans approximately 33 acres and features nine Rajagopurams, 80 domes (vimanas), 12 elevated walls, 13 mandapams, 15 sacred water wells, three gardens, and three expansive enclosures. The eastern tower, the tallest among them, rises to nearly 100 feet (30 meters) and consists of four stories. Notably, the temple houses 365 Shiva Lingas, symbolizing each day of the year. It ranks among the largest temples in India and boasts the biggest temple chariot in Tamil Nadu.

Within the temple, there are over 100 shrines, with the most notable being those of Vanmikinathar (Shiva) and Thyagarajaswami. Among these, Vanmikinathar is the more ancient, and derives its name from tha anthill (putru), which takes the place of linga in the main shrine. According to legend, Vishnu worshipped Shiva in the form of Thyagaraja (Somaskanda), linked to the Ajapa dance, and Shiva is believed to have manifested in an anthill for Vishnu. Consequently, no abishekam is performed for Vanmikinathar, although daily poojas are conducted for a Marakatha lingam. The presiding deity is honored in the 7th-century Shaiva canonical text, the Tevaram, composed in Tamil by the saint poets known as the Nayanars, and the shrine is recognized as a Paadal Petra Sthalam.

The idol of Tyagarajar is situated within a seperate sanctum. This idol of Tyagarajar is regarded as the primary among seven forms, which Lord Indra instructed Muchukunda Cholan to select as the original image of Somaskanda, worshipped by Lord Vishnu. Muchukunda Cholan successfully identified the correct idol, which is now enshrined in Thiruvarur. Indra, pleased with his choice, rewarded Muchukunda with all seven idols, which he subsequently enshrined in seven different temples within his domain: Thiruvarur, Thirunallar, Thirukkuvalai, Thirukkaraivasal, Thirumaraikkadu, Thirunagai, and Tiruvaimur. A notable aspect of the idol is that only the face is visible, while the feet of Tyagaraja are adorned with flowers and are revealed only twice annually. The left foot is displayed during the Panguni Uthiram festival, while the right foot is shown on Thiruvathirai.

In addition to this, the temple complex features significant shrines dedicated to Aananthiswarar, Neelothpalambal, and Kamalambal. The presence of Yama Chandikeswara and Nandi is also notable within the temple. A distinctive characteristic of the temple is the standing Nandi, which is oriented towards the main deity. The temple comprises several halls, with six being particularly prominent. The Rajendra Chola hall contains a museum showcasing historical artifacts associated with the temple. To the west of the temple lies the expansive Kamalalayam tank.

Festivals of Thiruvarur

The annual Chariot festival at the Thyagaraja Swamy Temple, taking place in April or May, stands as one of the most significant celebrations in Thiruvarur and throughout Tamil Nadu. Visitors from all regions of Tamil Nadu flock to the Thyagaraja Swamy Temple to observe the chariot, which is beautifully decorated with flowers and garlands, carrying the effigies of Sundareswarar. This impressive chariot, towering at 90 feet and weighing approximately 360 tonnes, is recognized as the largest chariot in the world. Following the chariot festival, the float festival, known as Theppam, takes place. Additionally, an annual Carnatic music festival is held, attracting a large audience.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Thiruvarur Temple

When planning a visit to the Thyagaraja 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.

Thiruvarur Temple Timings

Monday: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM

Thiruvarur Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Thiruvarur

The optimal time to visit Thiruvarur is during the winter months, specifically from October to February, when the climate is pleasant and favorable for tourists to explore the area. The summer months experience intense heat, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Additionally, the period from June to September is characterized by significant rainfall, rendering it an undesirable time for travel to Thiruvarur.

How to Reach Thiruvarur

About 110 km, Trichy Airport is the nearest airport to Thiruvarur. Thiruvarur is easily approachable as it well connected by road and rail to the rest of Tamil Nadu. One can hire taxis or take buses to reach Thiruvarur from nearby cities like Trichy, Thanjavur, Madurai, Kumbakonam, Karaikal, Pondicherry, etc.