Located in Thiruvaiyaru, Aiyarappar Temple is 12 km from Thanjavur Bus Station. It is also known as Panchanadeeswarar Temple. The main deity here is Lord Shiva. The temple has two divisions: Uttar Kailasam and Dakshina Kailasam.
The highlights of the Aiyarappar Temple are the entrance towers, mandapams, shrines, and holy water tanks. The architecture here represents the artistry and craftsmanship of the Chola Period. You can find beautiful sculptures of mythological figures, celestial bodies, and other figures.
In India, Aiyarappar Temple is one of three temples with Mukthi Mandapam. It is believed that Nandikeshwar was born here. Thiruvayiru got its name because the five Cauvery River Tributaries flow around here. The tributaries are Arisilaaru, Vennaaru, Vettaaru, Kudamuruttiyaaru and Kaaviriyaaru
Aiyarappar Temple History
Rajaraja Chola I built the Aiyarappar temple in the 10th Century AD. It was believed that Agasthyar attained dwarf physical stature here. There was a story that the Lord came there to save his devotee Sucharitan’s life who was about to die.
Appar, Sundarar, and Sambandar were the three Nayanmars who praised the Lord by visiting this temple. There is also a mythological story: a wheel got stuck in the mud when Karikalan I was travelling in a chariot. When they tried to free the wheel, they found Shivalingam.Â
The king ordered them to dig further and they found statues of Dharmasavardhini, Ganesar, Murugan, Sapthamathas, and Nandikeswarar. They also found a sage Niyamesar who was deeply meditating. The king bowed before the sage. The sage asked him to construct the temple there.
There is a story that Sri Nandhikeshwar's father, Sage Silatar, wanted a child, so he performed Puthra Kameshti Yagna and said Rudhra Japams here at Japeesa Mandapam. Lord Shiva rewarded him with a child named Jappesan.Â
He was meant to live for 16 years. At nearly 16th years, he started a penance standing on one leg and reciting 7 crore Rudhra Jappams at Japeesa Mandapam. Lord Shiva bathed him with water from Ganga, Chandra, Mother Devi’s milk, Brahmma Kamandala, and Rishaba (Nandhi)’s Saliva and adopted him.Â
Nandhikeshwar became Lord Shiva’s foremost attendant. He also married Sri Swayamprahasa, Sage Vyagrapadhar’s daughter. The Sapthasthana festival that happens here is related to marriage.
Dress Code for visiting Aiyarappar Temple
For men, the dress code to visit this temple is dhoti and shirts. It is suggested to wear sarees, Kurtis, and churidar for ladies.
Aiyarappar Temple Timings
|
Particulars |
Timings |
|
Monday to Sunday |
6:00 AM to 11:00 AM (Morning) 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Evening) |
Festivals celebrated at Aiyarappar Temple
- Maha Shivarathri
- Arudra Darshanam
- Panguni Uthiram
- Navarathri
- Annual Bhrammotsavam
How to Reach Aiyarappar Temple
|
Particulars |
Details |
Distance |
|
Nearest Airport |
Tiruchirappalli International Airport |
74 km |
|
Nearest Railway Station |
Thanjavur Junction |
14 km |
|
Nearest Bus Station |
Thanjavur Bus Station |
12.5 km |
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