Thiruvarur Temple: Admire The Majestic Gopurams And Rich Cultural Legacy

Wandering through the corridors of Thiruvarur temple in Tamil Nadu is a unique experience.

Tamil Nadu is the location of the Swami Thyagaraja Thiruvarur Temple. This temple dedicated to Thiyagaraja is among India’s oldest historical landmarks. The architecture of the temple now is a reflection of the cultural heritage of the Tamil region during the last many millennia. According to history, Lord Maha Vishnu Himself created and adored the Thiyagaraja (Somaskanda) figure at Thiruvarur. One of the Padal Petra Sthalams is this one. Among the temple’s significant celebrations are Margazhi Thiruvathirai, Lord Thyagesar’s Pada Darshanam (darshan of foot), Panguni Uthiraim, Aadi Pooram, and the Chithirai festival. Frequent Pradoshams poojas attract a large number of worshippers.

Thiruvarur Temple Location

A water tank in the premises of Thyagaraja Temple in Thiruvarur, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons

Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India, is home to the Thyagaraja Temple in Tiruvarur town. Shiva is the object of worship in this temple. God is regarded as Vanmiganathar and is symbolised by a Shiva Lingam. He does daily poojas for his idol, the Maragatha Lingam. In the guise of Somaskanda, Sri Thyagaraja is the primary, ruling deity. Kondi is a manifestation of Parvati, his consort. The saint poets known as Nayanmars wrote the famous Tevaram, a classic of Tamil literature, in the seventh century. The Thiruvarur temple contains more than 100 shrines and seven prakarams, or passageways. On the property are about twenty-four temples and eighty-six Vinayaka idols. This temple houses the biggest chariot in all of Asia.

How To Reach Thiruvarar Temple

Local transportation available to reach Thiruvarur temple, Tamil Nadu.

Photo: Nyatto / Unsplash / Image for Representation Only

Local transportation available to reach Thiruvarur temple, Tamil Nadu.

By Air: The closest airport, located 123 kilometres from the temple, is Trichy International Airport.

By Rail: The closest train station is the Thiruvarur Railway Station, which is about two kilometres from the temple.

By Road: The town has good access to most large cities. Both private cars and public buses are available for hire.

About Thiruvarur Temple

Thiruvarar Temple is an ancient temple located in Tamil Nadu, significant for pilgrims.

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons

It is believed that this temple has the most number of sannidhis, or shrines, in all of India. The nine Navagrahas, or planetary deities, are arranged in a straight line and face south at this temple. They worshipped Thyagaraja since it is supposed that God freed them from their curse. The deity herself performs the Ajapa Thanam, or dance without singing, at the Thyagaraja Temple, which is well known.

The temple houses the notable shrines of Anantheswaran, Asaleswarar, Adageswarar, Annamalieswarar, Karaneeswarar, Kamalambal, and Neelothbalambal. The standing Nandi, facing the ruling god, is a distinctive element of the temple. The yearly Chariot Festival and Thyagaraja Thiruvarur Temple, a popular pilgrimage site, are the main draws for tourists to Thiruvarur.

Places To Visit In And Around Thiruvarur Temple

Nonetheless, there are a few attractions in the Thiruvarur region that tourists simply must see, such as temples, scenic spots, and wildlife areas.

1. Muthupet Mangroves And Lagoon

Mangrove is not just a tree but nature's guardian of the coastline, offering serene views.

Photo: L. Shyamal / Wikimedia Commons

The Muthupet Lagoon is formed by the rivers Paminiyar, Koraiyar, Kilaithankiyar, Marakkakoraiyar, and a few other tributaries of the River Kaveri, shortly before they meet the sea. A 162-wooden causeway that crosses Muthupet offers views of the beautiful mangrove environment within. The Lagoon is an ideal location for seeing birds as well. The primary draw for tourists visiting this region is Muthupettai’s marshland. This picturesque location, which spans an area of 120 square kilometres, is always covered in mangrove forest trees. The vast stretch of backwater and the mangrove woods scattered around the region are stunning sights for tourists.

Transportation: Cab or bus
Duration: More than 3 hours

2. Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary

An entrance door to Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary, home to around 20000+ bird species.

Photo: deadrat in / Wikimedia Commons

Vaduvur, which is roughly 22 kilometres from Thiruvarur town, is renowned for being the greatest spot to go bird watching. It is estimated that 20,000 birds of 38 species live in the sanctuary. During the winter, birds flock to Vaduvur from North America and Europe. Wetland areas are utilised for agriculture, and groundwater is utilised for irrigation. As a sponge during floods and periods of intense rainfall, the wetland serves as the main buffer. It is a significant source of recharge for groundwater. The nearby watershed generates a large amount of runoff, and the marsh serves as a sediment sink. It is reliant on the Mettur Dam’s water supply and features a sizable irrigation tank constructed by humans.

Distance: 30 km (from Thiruvarur)
Amenities: Picnic tables, public toilet, slides

3. Koothanur Maha Saraswathi Temple

An idol of Goddess Saraswathi at Koothanur Maha Saraswathi Temple, a revered temple.

Photo: Teacher1943 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

One of the best locations to visit close to Thiruvarur town is Maha Saraswathi Temple, which is located in Koothanur. The principal deity of this hallowed shrine is the goddess Saraswati, depicted with three eyes and one leg folded in the yogasana position. In the Triveni Sangamam, devotees bathe in prayer for their children’s education and their own release from past incarnations. On evenings with a full moon, children are taken here and given sticks dipped in honey to write the word “Om” in their tongues. These kids are said to grow up to be excellent musicians, poets, and speakers.

Main deity: Goddess Saraswati
Timings: 7:30 AM – 1 PM, 4 PM – 8:30 PM

4. Srivanchiyam Vanchinathaswamy Temple

Ancient architecture of Srivanchiyam Vanchinathaswamy Temple, the oldest in the world.

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons

Considered to be the oldest self-manifested Shivlinga in the world, the self-manifested (svayambhu) Shivalingam is housed in the Srivanchiyam Vanchinathaswamy Temple in the little town of Thiruvarur. Another deity in the temple is Yama Dharmaraja, who is worshipped every day. Beneath the grounds of this temple stands the sacred sandalwood tree. We refer to this location as “Bhoologa Kailash” or “Mount Kailash on Earth.” The idol of Lord Shiva is said to assume a new form throughout each of the four Yugas. In the Kretha, Thretha, Dvapara, and Kali ages, it is said to be composed of gemstones (Rathinam); in the Kali ages, it is thought to be built of granite.

Main deity: Vanchanatha Swamy
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM

5. Thiruvarur Maratha Palace

A pond at Thiruvarur Maratha Palace, a place to visit and explore near Thiruvarur Temple.

Photo: SHIVREKHA / Wikimedia Commons

The Thanjavur Maratha palace in Tanjore was erected in the sixteenth century during the reign of Thanjavur Nayak. Historical accounts indicate that the beautiful mansion was built using prisoners of war as labourers. A museum displaying items connected to the region’s history and culture now occupies what was formerly the Maratha kings’ home. Within the palace, there are seven distinct areas. Three separate tickets are required for each of these seven sections. A single ticket can be used to access the Saarjah Madi, the bell tower, the Saraswati Mahal Library Museum, the Art Gallery, and Mahratta Darbar Hall.

Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed on public holidays)

Where To Stay

A room in a hotel in Tamil Nadu, offering a cosy and comfortable space for a stay.

Photo: CyprusVillas / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

There are not many lodging alternatives in Thiruvarur, all of which fall into the category of inexpensive hotels. Given the town’s slow development and growing popularity with tourists, its hospitality offerings are probably going to grow as well. In the meantime, there are other options for lodging in the town for those seeking a more basic setting with fewer amenities.

Thanjavur’s food, which draws from the communities that have resided in and around the town, is a fusion of traditional Brahmin, Mukkulathor, and Maratha cuisines. Thirukanamadhu is the name of the tangy Rasam, Sathamudhu is the name of the Poriyal (fried veggies), and Karamadhu is the name of the Payasam. There are two types of vadas in Iyengar cuisine: Thayirvada, which is soaked in curd, and Aama vada, which is made of lentils and is crispy. Tambrahm cuisine also has equally delectable desserts that melt on your tongue at first bite.

Best Time To Visit

Getting a glimpse of sunset at Thiruvarur Temple in Tamil Nadu during the winter season.

Photo: Yamini Maran / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Thiruvarur experiences hot, humid weather for the majority of the year due to its geographic location. Still, the winter months, which start in December, provide tourists with a convenient opportunity to arrange a trip to Thiruvarur Temple and give locals some much-needed relief. Wintertime brings a significant drop in temperature, which makes it easier for visitors to go on their sightseeing excursions.

Summer: In Thiruvarur, the summer season begins in March and lasts until June. Summertime temperatures can range from 27°C to 40°C on average, which makes going on a trip very uncomfortable.

Monsoon: Begins in mid-June and lasts until September, slightly relieves the hot, dry weather, but it also brings with it an increase in humidity. These months have an average temperature
between 24°C and 33°C.

Winters: December is when Thiruvarur experiences the first signs of winter. Wintertime temperatures typically vary from 17°C to 30°C, which makes it perfect for travellers and pilgrims to embark on their journeys.

Other Factors To Consider

Create memories while on a short trip to Thiruvarur Temple with some factors to consider.

Photo: Saminathan Suresh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

  • It’s crucial to observe religious norms by dressing modestly when visiting the Thyagaraja Thiruvarur Temple. It is also traditional to take off shoes before entering any sanctum or shrine on the temple grounds.
  • Every day, thousands of devotees flock to this temple, which is regarded as one of the strongest Shakti Peethas in India. Meanwhile, our Bharatadesam are hallowed locations honouring the goddess Shakti.
  • The temple is open to visitors without charge. However, unique Puja rituals like Abhishekam may incur fees. Bookings for Abhishekam can be made via the official website or app of the temple.
  • You can make reservations by calling or by going to the temple office.

Thiruvarur has long been home to notable figures in the arts, sciences, and religion. It is thought that all 33 crore devas, or celestial creatures, gather to worship Lord Thiyagarajar during Sayarakshai. Every year, in April and May, the Tyga Rajaswamy temple celebrates its festival of chariot, which draws thousands of visitors from all across Tamil Nadu. Plan your journey and learn more about the Thiruvarur temple and its environs by subscribing to TripXL.

Cover Photo: Srinivasan G / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Although the Thyagaraja Temple's exact construction date is unknown, it is thought to have been built in the ninth century.
The temple is renowned for its striking Dravidian architecture, which includes pillared halls, a sizable gopuram (entry tower), and detailed carvings that represent a variety of Hindu deities.
At the temple, the most significant event is the yearly chariot festival, called the "Thyagaraja Aradhana." Additional celebrations encompass Panguni Uthiram and Maha Shivaratri.
A "Pancha Bhoota Stala," or temple dedicated to the element of water, is the Thyagaraja Temple. The three most venerated Nayanars (Saivite saints) have sung songs in worship of Lord Shiva here, one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams.
Cutting Bobs The elephant with well-groomed hair, grey in colour, belongs to the pachyderm Sengamalam.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month