275 Thevara Shivasthalam !! Thiruchirappalli Sri Thayumanavar Temple!!


Jai Sriman Narayana !!
 
 
 
 
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




Rishabachalam/Dakshina Kailasam/Thenkayilayam/Malaikottai is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located in Malaikottai, (Rock Fort) Thiruchirappalli District, Tamil Nadu.  This is one of the oldest temples of Lord Shiva built in 7th century by King Mahendravarman of Pallava Dynasty.  This is one of the prominent temples of Lord Shiva famous for its exquisite architectural and brilliant sculptural work, located on a hill top at the height of 273 ft from the ground level with 417 flights of step.  In this temple Lord Shiva worshipped in the form of a self-manifested Linga.

 
 

Presiding deity – Lord Thayumanavar / Mathrubootheswarar/ Chevvanthinathar with his consort Goddess Sri Mattuvarkuzhali Ammai/Sugandhakunthalambikai

 

Mangalasasanam – Thirunavukkarasar, Thiru Gnana Sambandhar, Manikka Vasagar

Saint Arunagirinathar sung praising the glories of Lord Subramanya in this temple.

 

Worshipped by –Lord Brahma, Lord Anjaneya, Lord Rama, Lord Indra, Saptha Rishis, Jadayu, Arjuna, Sage Agastya, Dhoomakethu, Vibhishana,  Thirisiran, Shekkizhar, Thayumana Adigalar,


 

The demon Thirisiran was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva was ruled this city for several years.  He underwent severe austerities and pleased Lord Shiva.  Hence, this place has got its name Thiruchirapuram later came to known as ‘Thiruchirapalli’.

 

Theertham – Shiva Theertham/Brahma Theertham

 

Sthalavruksham – Vilvam

 

Festivals – Chithirai Festival, Panguni Uthiram, Adi Pooram,Arudra Darisanam, Aippasi Annabhishekam, Thirukarthikai, Makara Sankranthi, Maha Shivaratri, Thai festival, Navaratri, Vaikasi Visakam,

 

Sannidhis – Lord Ganesha, Lord Nandikeshwara, Lord Dakshinamurthy seated on a Sacred grass (Dharbha) with eight Saints – Sanakadis, Sage Patanjali, Sage Vyagrapadhar, Shivayoga Munivar & Thirumoolar , Navagrahas, Lord Surya with his consorts Goddesses Usha & Pratyusha, Kankala Murtham(one of the 64 Murtham of Lord Shiva) Lord Subramanya with his consorts Goddesses Sri Valli & Deivayanai, Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi, Goddess Sri Durga, Sankhunathar,
 
 

 
 
 

There are interesting myths associated with this temple. There was a huge difference of opinion between Lord Adishesha and Lord Vayu about their supremacy.  Adidesha tightened the Mount Himalaya with his immense force; Lord Vayu puffed off the Mountain with its colossal air.   During their vicious fight the Mount Himalaya crumbled into three and transformed as Rock fort Temple at Thiruchirapalli, Srikalahasthi in Andhra Pradesh and Trincomalee in Sri Lanka.

 

 Thiruchirappalli was under the regime of Chola Dynasty.  The King who was ruled Worayur as its capital was a passionate devotee of Lord Shiva.  A Shivaite Saint constructed a garden of Chevvanthi flowers in abundance for the worship of Lord. Suddenly, the flowers from the garden were started missing on regular basis and delivered it to the palace.   Because of this, the saint left with no flowers to carry out his daily worship.  The King who was also very fond of Chevvanthi flowers unnoticed the source of it.   Sage was disappointed at this and appealed to the King, but it was ignored.   Sage prayed to Lord Shinva, instantaneously a sand storm triggered caused the King’s assembly in chaos.   Shortly, the King realized his folly and prayed to Lord Thayumanavar for forgiveness.

 

Another legend has that Ratnavathi was a passionate devotee of Lord Shiva.  She was expecting her mother to be with her during the time of child’s birth.  Unfortunately, the river Cauvery was over flooded and made it impossible for her mother to be home right in time.  Ratnavathi became helpless with no one around during labor pain.  She earnestly prayed to Lord.  The most compassionate Lord disguised as her mother and assisted Ratnavathi throughout her labor.  Thus, the presiding deity has got his name Thayumanavar. 

 


Worship of Lord Thayumanavar with his consort Goddess Sri Mattuvarkuzhali Ammai would provide uncomplicated child birth.

 

This temple remains open from morning 6.00AM to 12.00 PM in the morning and 4.00 AM to 8.00PM in the evening.
 
 
Jaya Jaya Sankara Hara Hara Sankara !!
 
Jai Sriman Narayana !!

No comments: