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Abathsahayeswarar Temple

This is the 104th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 50th Sthalam on the north side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. The place and the temple are on the northern banks of river Kaveri. This is one of the Saptasthana temples and 2nd associated with Thiruvaiyaru. Apathsahayar Temple, Thirupazhanam is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thirupazhanam near Thiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Timings

6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m

Entry Fee

No Entry Fee

  1. This is the 104th Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 50th Sthalam on the north side of river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. 
  2. The place and the temple are on the northern banks of river Kaveri. This is one of the Saptasthana temples and 2nd associated with Thiruvaiyaru.
  3. Apathsahayar Temple, Thirupazhanam is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thirupazhanam near Thiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple is counted as the earliest of all Chola temples. Thala Virutcham : Kathali (plantain), Vilwa Theertham : Mangala Theertham (not existing now), Cauvery




  1. Once upon a time there was a brahmin kid named Susarithan who lost his parents and in the search of peace he started a pilgrimage tour. That kid stayed one night at thirupazhanam village.  
  2. That night, Yama Raja appeared in his dreams and told him that he will die on the 5th day from today.  
  3. The kid got up and was scared of this message from Yama. He surrendered himself to Lord Shiva and he was rescued from death. 
  4. Hence the Lord is called as Apathsahayar. 
  5. In Thala puranam this place is referred as Pirayanapuri as Goddess laxmi worshipped here and travelled from here.
  6. In another mythological story this place is referred to as “Sage Koushik’s ashram”. Sage Koushik has kept his share of nectar at this place as a safest location from Asuras.  
  7. However Asuras figured this out and they came to steal the nectar. 
  8. Lord Shiva has created God Aiiyanar and Goddess Kali to kill them to save the nectar. 
  9. Hence Sage Koushik made Shiva linga out of nectar and worshipped him at this location.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Do dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing ripped clothing or anything that is considered too revealing.
  2. Do bathe and wear clean clothes before entering the temple. This is a sign of respect for the deity.
  3. Do remove your shoes and socks before entering the temple. This is customary in all Hindu temples. There will be a designated area outside the temple where you can leave your footwear.
  4. Do maintain silence and peace inside the temple. Avoid loud talking or laughing.
  5. Do concentrate on your prayers and devotions.
  6. Do donate to the temple, if you are able to. This helps with the upkeep of the temple.


  1. Don't smoke or consume alcohol inside the temple complex.
  2. Don't chew betel leaves, tobacco, or gutka inside the temple.
  3. Don't spit inside the temple complex.
  4. Don't bring any leather goods inside the temple. This includes wallets, belts, and shoes.
  5. Don't take photographs inside the sanctum sanctorum (the innermost shrine). It is best to ask permission from the temple authorities before taking any photos inside the temple.
  6. Don't litter inside the temple complex.
  7. Don't touch the idols or statues with your feet.
  8. Don't push or shove your way through the crowd. If there is a line, wait your turn patiently.
  9. Don't disrespect the customs and traditions of the temple.


Dress Code

Men



Dhoti/Veshti: Wearing a dhoti or veshti is highly recommended. This traditional garment should be worn properly, tied at the waist.

Shirt/Angavastram: A traditional shirt or angavastram (a cloth draped over the shoulders) can be worn along with the dhoti.

Kurta-Pyjama: Alternatively, a kurta with pyjamas is also acceptable.


Women


Saree: A saree is the most preferred attire for women visiting the temple. It should be draped properly and modestly.

Salwar Kameez/Churidar: A salwar kameez or churidar is also acceptable, ensuring it covers the shoulders and knees adequately.

Half Saree/Lehenga: Young girls can wear a half saree or lehenga with a modest blouse.

How to reach

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By Air:

Nearest Airport:

Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ):

Distance: Approximately 60 km from Thirupazhanam.

Connectivity: The airport is well-connected to major Indian cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, as well as international destinations.

How to Reach from the Airport:

  1. Taxi/Private Car: You can hire a taxi or book a private car from the airport to Thirupazhanam. This is the most convenient option.
  2. Bus: Public and private bus services are available from Tiruchirappalli to Thanjavur. From Thanjavur, you can take a local bus or taxi to Thirupazhanam.


By Train

Nearest Railway Station:

Thanjavur Junction (TJ):

  1. Distance: Approximately 8 km from Thirupazhanam.
  2. Connectivity: Thanjavur Junction is well-connected to major cities and towns in Tamil Nadu and other states.


How to Reach from the Railway Station:

  1. Taxi/Auto-rickshaw: Hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Thanjavur Junction to Thirupazhanam.
  2. Bus: Local buses are available from Thanjavur to Thirupazhanam.


By Road

From Thanjavur:

  1. Distance: Approximately 8 km.
  2. Route: Take the Thanjavur-Kumbakonam road (NH36), then follow local signage or GPS to reach Thirupazhanam.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers


Cauvery River:

The Cauvery River is one of the major rivers flowing near Thirupazhanam. It is a significant river in Tamil Nadu, known for its fertility and the extensive agricultural activities along its banks.

The temple is located close to the northern bank of the Cauvery River, which adds to the spiritual and scenic beauty of the location.


Nearby Cities:


Thanjavur:

Distance: Approximately 8 km from Thirupazhanam.

Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, is a major city in Tamil Nadu and a hub of South Indian religion, art, and architecture. It is famous for the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Kumbakonam:

Distance: Approximately 30 km from Thirupazhanam.

Kumbakonam is another significant town known for its numerous temples, including the Mahamaham Tank and the Sarangapani Temple. It is often referred to as the "Temple Town" due to the high density of temples.


Tiruchirappalli (Trichy):

Distance: Approximately 60 km from Thirupazhanam.

Trichy is a major city and an important educational centre in TamilNadu. It is known for the Rockfort Temple, Srirangam Temple, and its historic significance.


Mayiladuthurai:

Distance: Approximately 50 km from Thirupazhanam.

Mayiladuthurai, also known as Mayavaram, is known for its temples, particularly the Mayuranathaswami Temple. It is an important religious centre in the region.


Nagapattinam:

Distance: Approximately 75 km from Thirupazhanam.

Nagapattinam is a coastal city known for its rich history, religious sites, and the famous Nagore Dargah. It is also an important port town.