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Thiruvaiyaru Temple lies in a sacred area of Thanjavur of Tamil Nadu with thousands of devotees and tourists thronging this ancient place. The holy place respects the saint-composer Thyagaraja, as his life and music make an integral part of the temple heritage. The monument is in the style of Dravidian architecture and houses some of the finest sculptures and carvings that narrate several episodes from Hindu mythology. The temple, also known as Aiyarappar temple or Dakshina Kailasha, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati and is associated with Nandi’s wedding.
Quick Facts About Thiruvaiyaru Temple
Thiruvaiyaru Temple Address: Thiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu, 613204
Thiruvaiyaru Temple Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 9 PM
Thiruvaiyaru Temple Ticket Price: None
How To Reach: Bus, taxi, and autorickshaw
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport, 74 km
Nearest Railway Station: Thanjavur Railway Station, 14 km
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Location
Photo: Vadakkan / Wikimedia Commons
Thiruvaiyaru Temple is located in the town of Thiruvaiyaru, which lies around 12 kilometres from the ancient town of Thanjavur. It is well connected by Thiruvaiyaru Road, which merges with the main roads leading to other important cities around Tamil Nadu. The temple area has a few banks, Manappuram Finance Limited, HDFC Bank, Equitas Small Finance Bank, and Cub ATM. The nearby landmarks are Soorya Pushkarani Tirth Temple, Vyas Studio, Senthi Villas Furniture, and City Medicals Pharmacy.
How To Reach
Photo: Kondephy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Thiruvaiyaru is well connected with all the major cities within Tamil Nadu, and it has easy access for tourists:
By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, which is approximately 74 km from the temple. From the airport, it is easy to reach Thiruvaiyaru through taxis and buses.
By Rail: The nearest railhead to the temple is Thanjavur Railway Station, located 14 km from the temple. An auto or taxi, available at the station, takes you to the temple.
By Road: Thiruvaiyaru is accessible by road through private transport, taxi cabs, and buses. Bus service is frequently available from the sub-centres and towns to Thiruvaiyaru.
Things To Do
Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The highlight of visiting the temple is the experience of its Thyagaraja Aradhana. They host a big music festival in honour of the saint composer Thyagaraja. It is held every year in January, and music fans and devotees come from all parts of India. This festival is a tribute to the devoted compositions of Thyagaraja, and the performances of his compositions are sung by seasoned as well as budding artists together. In the temple premises, there stands a tall gopuram that depicts complicated figures of deities and mythological creatures. You can also take part in daily rituals and ceremonies to provide an unforgettable spiritual experience. Experience the early morning puja ceremony and chants as the incense fills the atmosphere.
Places To Visit Near Thiruvaiyaru Temple
Visit these attractions below that are close by at Thiruvaiyaru Temple and depict the excellence of the rich heritage of Tamil Nadu:
1. Brihadeeswarar Temple
Photo: Vengolis / Wikimedia Commons
At the heart of Thanjavur, a sheer wonder in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, lies Brihadeeswarar Temple. It was built by the artistic and architectural brilliance of the Chola dynasty. It has a tremendous vimana (sanctum tower), which is about 66 metres tall and full of sculptures and carvings of different stories from mythological knowledge. One can see the vast stone houses and the mandapams and even get to see the sacred rituals being performed by priests. It is a shrine that bears along with it a huge statue of Nandi, the sacred bull, thereby increasing its grandeur. All kinds of pilgrims and tourists are invited into the pious atmosphere of the Brihadeeswarar Temple.
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM and 5 PM – 9 PM
Distance: 13 km from the Thiruvaiyaru Temple
2. Thanjavur Palace
Photo: PJeganathan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Thanjavur Palace is the oldest monument, reminding everyone of the glory of the Maratha kings. The complex boasts the architectural elements of Indo-Saracenic and Dravidian styles. People can go around the palace to see the Durbar Hall and the library containing ancient manuscripts and books. The palace is also home to the Saraswati Mahal Library, which houses some of the rarest texts and manuscripts. Alongside that, there are frescoes on the walls that speak of the glorious Maratha dynasty.
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Distance: 12 km from the Thiruvaiyaru Temple
3. Schwartz Church
Photo: Harper Swan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Schwartz Church is a paragon of colonial architecture in Tamil Nadu. Constructed in the 18th century by the German missionary Johannes Schwartz, this stands out as the epitome of beauty on account of European and Indian elements of design. The church has wonderful glass windows with stained colours, a serious altar, and intricately decorated interiors that create a peaceful atmosphere for reflections and prayers. The place, being one of the houses of worship in the area of the local Christian community, can be enjoyed for historical value.
Timings: Open all day
Distance: 13 km from Thiruvaiyaru Temple
4. Rajarajan Manimandapam
Photo: Nittavinoda / Wikimedia Commons
This memorial is dedicated to the great Tamil king Raja Raja Chola I. The monument is a testimony to his greatness and historical importance. The Manimandapam was constructed in 1991 during the 8th World Tamil Conference to commemorate the Raja’s 1000th birth anniversary. It is for visitors who are interested in learning about the influence of the Chola dynasty in the history of South India. You can explore the museum, visit the gardens, and enjoy the architectural wonder of Rajarajan Manimandapam.
Timings: Open all day
Distance: 16 km from Thiruvaiyaru Temple
Where To Stay
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Hotel Aditya is one of the favourites of travellers, not only because of the perfect set-up rooms but also because of easy accessibility to the temple. Another variant is Hotel Thangam. It offers a wide variety of rooms for relatively cheap prices. Customers who need a more homely atmosphere should prefer Sankara Nivas, one of the top picks. Here one feels nice old-fashioned hospitality and attentive service; all this sums up the whole impression. It’s a warm and welcoming place that makes for a memorable stay.
Where To Eat
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Sree Ariya Bhavan is special in vegetarian Thali style; a spread variety alone puts it in a class all its own. Filter coffee is popular in this and rather nice to perk up with after a day spent wandering about. Another eatery is Anandha Bhavan, which serves mouth-watering dishes on traditional banana leaves, adding that little touch to the dining experience. Tasty Corner is an excellent quick-bite place for those who require quick bites in local delicacies and snacks. Whether a meal or a snack, these venues add some worthwhile depth to the visit.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Aadhithyan Pandian / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The best time to visit Thiruvaiyaru Temple is in the cooler months, from October to March. One can even walk around in comfort and attend the rituals and ceremonies without the trappings of heat. Besides, during this time, the Thyagaraja Aradhana attracts a multiplicity of devotees and music lovers.
Average Cost Of The Trip:
Entry to the Thiruvaiyaru Temple is free of cost and open to all. However, other expenses, like transport, food, and Prasadam, need to be considered. Local eateries provide meals at very low costs. You can also intend to save some amount for the traditional Prasadam offered to the deities.
Tips For Travellers:
- Dress modestly with an eye for showing respect for the solemnity of the place. Loosely draped dhotis for men and sarees for women are recommended.
- Carry easily detachable sandals or slippers. Early mornings are suitable to avoid long-hour queues.
- Do not forget to carry a little extra cash to buy local handicrafts and souvenirs available near the temple.
The Thiruvaiyaru Temple is a must-see in Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple welcomes pilgrims who come seeking tranquillity, profound contemplation, and prayers. Whether you are a devotee seeking blessings or a traveller who wants to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage, Thiruvaiyaru Temple promises a fulfilling experience that lasts long after your visit. Plan your dive into Tamil Nadu’s culture with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
