Thirupazhanam

Padal Petra Sthalam, Thanjavur District

God

Aabathsahayar, facing east

Goddess

Periyanayagi, facing south

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga, Venugopala, Sivalingams, Nataraja, Bhairava, Navagraha, Medha Dakshinamoorthy, Pasupatheeswarar, Apputhiadigal, Saptha Rishis, Saptha Maadhar

Thirupazhanam temple has a 5 tier Rajagopuram in the east and the campus itself is quite large, but most of it is not protected properly and is overgrown with weeds. Thirupazhanam is one of the 7 temples which are part of the Thiruvaiyaru group and participate in some festivals together including Sapthasthanam. In this festival, the processional deities of all 7 temples converge together in their Palanquins near the temple car of Ayyarappar Temple and offerings of flowers are made by a doll (Poochorithal). The other 6 temples which are part of this ritual are Thiruvaiyaru, Tiruchotruthurai, Thiruvedhikudi, Thirukkandiyur, Thirupoonturuthi and Tiruneithaanam. The specialty here at Thirupazhanam is that all the Navagraha idols face the sun god.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Mangalatheertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Banana (Musa sps)

History

Thirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar (7th Century CE) have rendered Thevaram hymns here at Thirupazhanam.

Legend

The Lord here at Thirupazhanam is believed to have saved a little boy chased by the god of death, Yama and hence his name here is Aabath (danger) Sahayar (helper). Chandran is said to have worshiped here at Thirupazhanam. Lord Shiva is believed to have collected the fruits for Nandi’s marriage in this area, hence the name Thirupazhanam (Pazham – Fruit in Tamil).

Directions

Thirupazhanam is about 2.5 kilometers east of Thiruvaiyaru on the main road to Kumbakonam after crossing the cutting to Thingalur.

Stay and Food

None locally. Kumbakonam or Thanjavur are the best options.

Padal Petra Sthalams

Tamilnadu Temples