Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam | 110th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam) |
Region | Chola Naadu - North |
Chola Naadu - North | 56th Shiva Sthalam |
Pathigam | Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar) |
HISTORY:
Tirukkaanur
is a village near Tanjore town in South India. Currently, the place is called
as Manal Medu. It is located near Tirukkandiyur and Tirukkattuppalli, which in
turn is located near Tiruvaiyaru. The village has an important temple dedicated
to Lord Shiva.
This
place was once ruled by the Pandyas. The Pandyas ruled though local Chieftains
who ruled on behalf of the Pandyas. The local Chieftain here was very just and
had taken good care of his subjects. The Cholas waged a war on the Pandyas and
reclaimed some of the lost kingdom. During this time, the local Chieftain here
was captured, while his wife was let off because she was pregnant. However, the
Chola rulers also said that those who helped the woman would be banished from
the Kingdom. The lady who was in the advanced stage of pregnancy was not helped
by anyone at Thirukkanur due to the fear of being thrown out of the kingdom.
She was heartbroken and angered by the conduct of the very same people for whom
they had done a lot. She cursed that the whole village be submerged by sand,
and so it did happen. The villagers then moved a little further away to
Vishnampettai and settled there. An ancient name for Thirukkanur is Manalmedu
(mound of sand).
The
Shiva lingam here is one of the 64 Suyambhu lingams. The Lord’s concert at this
temple is Soundarya Nayaki and She is also known as Sivayoganayaki. The ambal
here has not got a crown but is seen to be having Jadamudi (long braided hair).
The theertham here is veda theertham. This temple is believed to be over 2000
years old. This temple was actually submerged in the sands on the banks of
Kollidam. It was accidentally discovered by a shepherd. There was a single
sugarcane tree at the spot where the temple was unearthed. Hence He is also
known as Karumbeswarar; Karumbu meaning sugarcane in tamil. This temple was
originally built by the Pandyas and was later renovated several times by the
Cholas.
Karikala Cholan:
The
Great Chola King Karikala Cholan was hiding in exile here. Karikala Cholan’s
father died when Karikala was very young. His mother raised him in this village
to protect him from enemies. When political normalcy returned, the Chola
courtiers sent the royal elephant in search of the young Prince. The elephant
found him here. Karikala Cholan went on to become one of the most renowned of
the Chola rulers.
Nandi:
The
nandi at this temple is seen in a very unique posture. It can be seen with its
front left leg planted on the ground and ready to get into a standing position.
It is in a posture ready to execute instructions from Lord Shiva.
Kshatriya Hatti Dosham:
Parasurama
had pledged to wipe out 21 generation of Kshatriyas and did so. The slaying of
the Kshatriyas by him resulted in him being afflicted with Kshatriya Hatti
Dosham. He had prayed at 21 Shiva temples to get rid of the affliction. This
was the eighth of those 21 Shiva temples.
Goddess Paravathi:
Paravathi
was once separated from Shiva and had come to the earth to perform Her penance
to unite with Him. She found this village at Thirukkanur suitable for the same.
Pleased with Her devotion, the Lord appeared before Her as a column of fire.
Due to the heat He was red in colour and hence He came to be known as
Semmeninathar; sem meaning red and meni meaning body in tamil. There is a
belief that visiting this temple as a couple will clear all misunderstandings
and result in a happy marital life. Reuniting with estranged spouse is also one
of the benefits of praying at this temple.
SALIENT
FEATURE:
·
Moovar has sung
hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple.
·
Once the temple
was completely covered with sand and a sugar cane was growing on the top of the
sand heap. The temple was discovered after removing the heap of sand and hence
the Iraivan is called as Karumbeeswarar.
·
Moolavar is
suyambu.
·
Iraivan appeared
as fire in this temple for Ambikai’s thapas. Hence Iraivan is called as
Semmeninathar.
·
Karikal Chozhan
hide in this place with his mother. Latter Elephant garlanded him and lead him
to Uraiyur.
·
To remove the
sin caused due to killing of Karthaveeryarsunan by Parasuraman and worshiped
this temple Lord.
·
Three tier
Rajagopuram. There is an embedded sculpture of hare Moon and snake to represent
the lunar eclipse, it is noteworthy.
·
There is no
Dwajasthambam.
·
This temple
faces east and the sun’s rays fall on the lingam on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th of
April. These days are special days at this temple when Lord Surya is believed
to come here and worship the Lord.
·
The east facing
temple has three tiered tower (Raja Gopuram). It is believed that the original
temple was built by the Pandyas and later was renovated by the Cholas.
TEMPLE INFORMATION:
|
Moolavar |
Sri Karumbeswarar, Sri Semmeninathar |
|
Ambal |
Sri Sivaloka Nayagi |
|
Theertham |
Vedha Theertham |
|
Sthala
Vriksham |
Vilwa Tree |
BELIEF:
Praying
at this temple is said to improve career prospects and result in job for the
unemployed.
Those
who are afflicted with chronic illness can do puja to the Lord here with the
Vilva leaves and get cured.
People
(especially women) who are facing hurdles in getting married can overcome these
hurdles by offering garland of red arali (oleander) to Soundaryanayaki and then
lighting a ghee lamp in her sanctum sanctorum.
The
childless couple are blessed with progeny by doing abhishegam to Shiva and
Ambal and offering garland of erukkam flowers (Crown flower). Generally sweets
are also offered to the God and Goddess. The Ambal at this temple is made out
of Salagram stone.
|
Tamil Month |
English Month |
Festival Name |
|
Chithirai |
Apr-May |
Surya Pooja |
|
Avani |
Aug-Sept |
Avani Moolam
Star day |
|
Thai |
Jan-Feb |
Poornima day |
HOW
TO REACH:
This
temple is located 6 Kms from Tirukkattupalli ( Tirukkaattupalli - Tirukandiyur
route) on the banks of river Kollidam beyond Vishnampettai Agraharam. It is
advised to engage an auto at Tirukkaaattupalli to visit Tirukkaanur.
TEMPLE
ADDRESS:
Sri Semmeninathar
Temple,
Tirukkaanur,
Vishnampettai,
Via Tirukattuppalli,
Thanjavur,
Tamil Nadu – 613105.
LOCATION:
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