Thyagaraja Temple, Thiruvottriyur – The Temple
The
temple has a seven-tiered gateway tower, a tank, with the overall temple area
covering 1 acre. There are three Dwajastambams, one each before the shrine
of Aadhipureeswarar, Vadivudai Amman and Vattapparai Amman. There are two
spacious shrines for the presiding deities and several small shrines also.
The unpaved ground gives a natural look and takes one back to the olden
times itself. The temple is one among
the Saptha Vidanga Sthalas. Lord Thyagaraja is the main deity of the
temple.
The
temple has the halls inside for learning, acting as a venue for religious
discourses in subjects like Vyakarna, Somasiddantha and Panini’s grammar. There
was a sanctum attached to the temple during 9th century, presided over by
Caturananas Pandithar. There are references to recital of Prabhakara, Rudra,
Yamala, Purana, Sivadharma, Panchanga and Bharata. Lands were granted to
learned scholars and their generation like Vedavritti, Bhattavriti,
Vaidyavritti and Archanavritti.
The
Thyagarajaswami temple is a masterpiece of South Indian temple Architecture.
The awe-inspiring Raja gopura, the Gajabrushta Vimana, the Vasantha
Mandapa, the Thyagaraja shrine, the Ornate doorways and
the Nandipeeta vidana are some of the rare masterpieces of fine art. The Nandhi,
the mount of Lord Siva is seen soon after the entrance and is kept on a high
pedestal which is reached by a flight of steps. One can see the youngsters
climbing up the steps and reaching the Nandhi to whisper their wishes into
its ears for fulfillment.
By the
side of the Siva’s shrine, is the Devi Vatta Parai Amman. There is a
circular stone alter before the Devi where Adi Shankaracharya, worshiped
and installed a Sri Chakram to pacify the once aggressive Kali Devi
here. There is a separate entrance at the northern side of the main shrine for
Vatta Parai Amman with a Dwajastambams. There is a Durga shrine in the northern side of the temple.
Inside the
main temple complex - Just opposite to the main shrine we find the Nataraja shrine and in the koshta is the Ganapati Shrine. The Ganapati is known as Gunalaya Ganapati
( abode of bliss) and as we circumbulate the shrine we find the idol of Adi
Shankara - just behind the main Shrine
inside the Complex. The Dakshinamurthy statue is in the Northern Koshta facing south.
Apart
from the main shrines, there are a lot of shrines in this temple. Some of the
notable shrines are 27 star Shiva shrines and Tiruvotteeswarar shrine. The
other shrines within the complex are: Thiruptheeswarar, Kuzhandhai Eesar,
Jaganadhar, Annamalayar, Jambukeswarar, Nagalingar, Meenakshi, Sundareswarar, Gowleeswarar
(Lizard God), Murugan, Akasha Lingam, Nava Grahas, Sahasralingam,
Amirthakandeesar, Gowrieeswarar, and Ekabaadhar (God with one foot).
Another
unique feature of this temple is the 27 small shrines in a row for all the
27 Nakshatras or Stars in the form of Lingams of various sizes. All Lingams
are facing north. Pujas are performed to these Lingas on Shivarathri
day. Those facing adverse planetary effects, pray here with pujas and
abisheks on their star days. They offer sweet pudding-Sarkarai Pongal
Nivedhana and donate paddy for relief. It is a common sight to see people coming here
on their birth days and special occasions for performing archana on their
behalf. All these 27 shrines are on the Southern side in the temple complex.
The Sthala
Vrikshams are Athi tree and Magizha Tree. The wishing tree
of Gods, Magizha tree became the sacred tree of the temple. There is a famous
story associated with this Magizha tree. This tree is visible even
from outside the temple, through the entrance. Lord praised as Kauleeswarar is
blessing the devotees from a separate shrine. He appears in a Yoga
form holding a bowl on his left upper hand and the lower hand on the
chest. His right hand shows the Chin Mudra promising protection and wisdom
to devotees. Children are advised to pray here for shining in education.
Lord
Vinayaka in the mandapa before the shrine of Padampakka Nathar is praised as
Gunalaya Heramba Vinayaka. People pray here to develop noble
habits. Lord Shiva as Truptheeswar – Lord of Satisfaction – graces from a
square stone. People not satisfied with the going in their lives light
ghee lamps here. Presiding deity is under the Gajabrushta
Vimana. Nandhi in the prakara is on a high peeta. Akasha Linga shrine
is also in the prakara.
Lord
Muruga here is praised by Saint Arunagiriar. Those suffering from stomach
pain worship here for relief. Pujas are also performed at
Sundarar-Sangiliar shrine on Poornima days. Those seeking child boon
pray at Lord Kuzhandeeswarar shrine. Saint Pattinathar temple, a little far
from Lord Thyagaraja temple is on the shores of Bay of Bengal. Lord Bhairava
graces the temple without his dog vaahana. Brahmma and Nandhi Theerthams are
the Theerthams associated with this Temple.
Mother Shrine:
For
brief details, please refer below link;
http://tamilnadu-favtourism.blogspot.com/2017/10/thyagaraja-temple-thiruvottriyur-mother-shrine.html
Sanctum Sanctorum:
For
brief details, please refer below link;
Inscriptions:
For
brief details, please refer below link;
