Aiyarappar Temple

1. Rajaraja Chola: The temple's division, Uttarakailasam, was constructed in the late 10th century by Rajaraja Chola's queen, who also made several endowments to the temple. An inscription (ARE 219 of 1894) on the south wall of the temple, dated to Rajaraja I's 21st regnal year, records the sale of land. Another inscription from his 22nd year mentions a gift of 96 sheep for the temple’s perpetual lighting. Additionally, an inscription from the 24th year of Rajaraja I notes the donation of various types of jewellery to the deities.
2. Rajendra Chola: Dakshinakailasam, another division of the temple, was renovated by Rajendra Chola’s queen. An inscription (ARE 216 of 1894) documents a gift of land during Rajendra I's fourth regnal year.

1. Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan: The temple has connections with the Pandya rulers, with significant contributions and inscriptions related to their reign.
2. Other Historical Figures:
3. Krishna Devarayar: Associated with the temple through inscriptions and donations.
4. Appar: An important Nayanmar saint, who dedicated one of his hymns from the Tevaram to this temple.

1. ARE 215 of 1894: An inscription on the east wall of the mandapa records a gift of eight silver pots by Vimaladitta, the son-in-law of Rajaraja Chola.
2. Thirty-Second Year of Rajadhiraja I: An inscription commemorates Rajadhiraja I's victories over three Pandya rulers—Manabharan, Vira Pandya, and Sundara Pandya.
3. The temple is divided into two main sections: Uttara Kailasam, built by Rajaraja Chola’s queen, and Dakshinakailasam, renovated by Rajendra Chola’s queen. These divisions reflect the temple's historical significance and its relationship with various dynasties over time.

1. Sthalapuranam 1 :

The Mother Goddess of the Aiyarappar Temple is revered as Aram Valartha Nayaki in Tamil and Dharma Samvardhini in Sanskrit, meaning "Mother who upholds Dharma." This reflects the belief that women are superior guardians of Dharma. As Jagan Matha (Mother of all beings), she encourages her devotees to follow the path of righteousness. To highlight that every day can be auspicious, the temple celebrates her wedding festival on Ashtami nights, despite the general belief that Ashtami (the eighth day of the new moon or full moon fortnights) is inauspicious. With her grace, even traditionally inauspicious days become auspicious.

An anecdote illustrates the divine presence at the temple: a priest failed to arrive on time for his duties. The king, upon hearing of this, rushed to the temple, only to find the priest already performing abhishek (ritualistic bathing) for Lord Aiyarappar. The priest had been away on a pilgrimage to Kasi and returned only the next day. The king and the people were astonished to discover that Lord Aiyarappar had taken the form of the priest to perform the rituals, demonstrating that the deity is ever-present for those who hold Him in their hearts.

Devout Saivite Saint Appar (Tirunavukkarasar) worshipped at this temple and had a vision of Mount Kailash from here. He is said to have bathed in the Manasa Sarovar at Kailash and returned to the Tiruvaiyaru tank, also known as Surya Pushkarini Theertha, which is considered sacred.

Interestingly, Mother Dharma Samvardhini is also revered as Lord Mahavishnu at this place, leading to the absence of Vishnu temples in the vicinity.

1. Sthalapuranam 2 :

According to a legend, when Sundarar and Cheraman Peruman traveled from Thirukandiyur to visit the temple, they found the Kaveri River flooded and impassable. In response to their prayers, Lord Shiva commanded the Kaveri River to part, allowing them to reach the temple.

Another legend involves Appar, who wished to see Lord Shiva at Kailash. After bathing in the Ganges at Kasi, Appar began his journey to Kailash but was unable to continue due to exhaustion, eventually crawling with his hands and legs bleeding. Moved by Appar’s devotion, Lord Shiva created a pond in the Himalayas and instructed Appar to bathe there. Promising him a vision of Lord Shiva at Thiruvaiyaru, Shiva appeared to Appar along with his consort and celestial beings at the Thenkailayam Temple.

According to the Thirumurai, it is believed that Ambal (the goddess) is represented in the form of Maha Vishnu at this temple, which is why there is no separate shrine for Maha Vishnu. Instead, there is an Anjaneyar (Hanuman) shrine opposite the Ambal shrine at Bhavasami Agraharam. This belief is reflected in the Thirumurai verse:

அரியலால் தெவியில்லை

ஐயன் ஐயாறனார்க்கே.

1. Sthalapuranam 3 :

The name "Panchanatheswarar" for the deity in this temple is connected to a legend involving Nandhikeswarar:

Sage Siladha, from Andhanakuruchi near Thiruvaiyaru, prayed to Lord Shiva for a child. Shiva granted him a son. That evening, Lord Shiva called Rishabam (the sacred bull) and arranged a special ritual bath for the child, using sacred waters from Surya Theertha, Chandra Theertha, the foam from Nandhi’s (Rishaba’s) mouth, Kaveri river water, and milk from the goddess’s breast. The child was honoured with the title “Adhikara Nandhi” and appointed as the temple’s chief.

The following day, during the Punarpoosam nakshatra, Lord Shiva arranged a marriage for Nandhikeswarar at Thirumazhapadi. To commemorate this event, the “Ezhur Thiruvizha” festival is celebrated annually in the month of Chithirai.