Thyagaraja Temple, Thiruvarur – Etymology
The historic name of Thiruvarur
was Aaroor (Arur) and it finds mention in the 7th century Saiva
canonical work, Thevaram. The term Thiru is added to all temple cities
that are mostly revered by the verses of Thevaram, which is the case
of Arur becoming Thiruvarur. Another name of Thiruvarur is
Kamalayakshetra, meaning the "holy place that is an abode of
lotuses"; the town is also referred so due to the presence of the
Kamalayayam tank and the temple deity, Kamalambigai. During the British
Raj, the town was termed Tiruvalur, Tiruvaloor, and Thiruvalur. As
per the district and municipality websites, the district has the spelling
"Tiruvarur", while the town has it as "Thiruvarur".
