Thiruvaiyaru

Thiruvaiyaru (12 km from ):

The Siva temple, situated in a fertile neighbourhood surrounded by luxuriant fields and groves, is dedicated to Panchanadhiswara orAiyarappan. Five tributaries of Cauvery flow close to the town. The five Theerthams here are Surya Pushkarni, Ganga Theertham, Chandra Pushkarni, Palaru and Nandi Theertham.

This holy place is considered the chief among the Saptha Sthana Sthalas. The seven places are Thiruvaiyaru, Thirupazhanam, Thiruchottuthurai, Thiruvadikkudi, Thirukandiyur, Thiruppunthurai and Thiruneithanam.

Sage Neymesa built the temple at the instance of Lord Siva. There are two shrines known as Dakshina Kailasa and Uttara Kailasa near the eastern gopuram. Mukti Mandapam is famous for Panchakshara Japam. On New Moon day every month, the Lord is taken out in a procession. Thiruvaiyaru is also the place where Saint Thyagaraja, one of the Trinity of , lived and attained samadhi. Every year in January, Thyagaraja Aaradhana is held here to commemorate the birth anniversary of the saint.

Thiruppazhanam (3 km from Thiruvaiyaru):

Known for the Siva shrine dedicated to Aabath Sahayeswara, it is one of the Saptha Sthana Sthalas.

Papanasam (14 km from ):

Sri Ramalingaswamy temple, otherwise known as 108 Sivalayam, is situated on the southern bank of Kudamurutti river. The Goddess is Parvathavardhini. Legend has it that Sri Rama had installed the 108 Lingams to expiate the sin of killing the demons Khara and Dhushana. Hence the name of this place. The town also has a shrine of Srinivasa Perumal.

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Nallur (5 km from Papanasam):

Sri Kalyanasundareswarar temple is an ancient Siva shrine. The Lingam is made of a shining metal, which changes colour five times a day. The images of Siva and Parvati on Rishaba with Vishnu and Brahma are worshipped in the sanctum. Masi Magham (Feb-March) is a major festival. Nallur has another temple dedicated to Sri Adi Kesava Perumal.

Thirukkarugavur (5 km from Papanasam):

The Siva shrine is dedicated to Sri Mullaivananathaswami. Goddess Garbarakshambika is said to offer protection to the human embryo. Women pray here for safe pregnancy and delivery. The Sthala Vriksha is a Mullai creeper. There is another Vishnu shrine dedicated to Sri Varadaraja Perumal.

Uppiliappancoil (Thiruvinnagaram —6 km from Kumbakonam):The Venkatachalapathi temple here is one of the sacred 108 Tirupatis.

'There is an interesting legend about this temple. Sage Markandeya once desired to have Bhoomidevi as his daughter and Vishnu as his son-in-law. One day a baby girl appeared under a Tulasi plant. The sage took her home and was bringing her up. As he was about to look for a bridegroom, Vishnu one day appeared before him in the form of an old man and requested his daughter's hand in marriage.

Markandeya tried his best to dissuade the old man, saying his daughter is very young and does not know even the basics of cooking, like adding salt for food etc. Finally when Markandeya invoked Lord to save him from the situation, Lord Vishnu revealed Himself and promised to manage with saltless food.

Thus the marriage of Bhoomidevi and Vishnu was duly conducted in the month ofAipasi (Oct-Nov) on a day with Thiruvonam star. This is commemorated as a 10-day festival every

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year. It is interesting to note that the Neivedyam (prasadam) for the Lord, prepared without salt, tastes good.

Nachiyarcoil (Thirunaraiyur — 10 km):

The Vishnu shrine is dedicated to Srinivasa Perumal. The Garuda Vahanam is made of stone, which is rare. The divine consort is Nachiyar or Vanjulavalli Thayar. Nachiyarcoil is the birthplace of Nambi Andar Nambi. Among the important festivals are Thirukalyanam (Aug-Sept), Mukkodi Utsavam (Dec-Jan) and Brahmotsavam (March-April). The main feature of Mukkodi Utsavam is the Garuda Seva on the fourth day when the stone idol of Garuda is taken out in a procession carrying Srinivasa Perumal.

Tribhuvanam (8 krn):

This Siva temple was built by Chola King Tribhuvana Chakravarti as a memorial to his conquest in the North. The shrine, dedicated to Sri Kampahareswarar, resembles the Big Temple of Thanjavur and is known for excellent sculptures. The image of Sarabha is a rare sculpture with a strange combination of bird and man. Siva assumed this form to subdue the fury of Narasimha.

Tiruvidaimarudur (8 km):

This pilgrim centre is situated between Mayavaram and Kumbakonam on the banks of Cauvery. It is also called Madhyarjuna. The presiding deity is Mahalingam. People suffering from mental afflictions are said to be cured by devotion and worship at this shrine.

Srivanchiyam (4 km from Nannilam):

The Siva shrine on the southern bank of Cauvery is dedicated to Sri Vanchinathar, a Swayambu Lingam. It is considered as holy as Kashi kshetra. Saivite saints have sung in praise of the Lord.

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Brahma, Vishnu and Rishis like Kashyapa, Jamadagni and Viswamitra have worshipped Sri Vanchinathar. The Goddess is Mangalambika. There is a separate shrine for Ashta Bhuja Durga.

It is the only temple in where Yama, the God of Death, has a shrine. He is seen in sitting posture with Chitragupta by his side. It is customary to worship at this shrine first before proceeding to the main sanctum. The devout believe that whoever passes away at will have no rebirth.

Theerthams: Gupta Ganga, Yama, Agni and Lakshmi Theerthams are held sacred. During Masi Magham festival, Sri Vanchinathar is taken out in a procession to these Theerthams on Yama as His mount. Sundays in the month of Karthigai (Nov-Dee) are considered auspicious for a holy dip at these Theerthams.

Map

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