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Apadsakayeswarar Temple

The Apathsahayar Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Thirupazhanam, near Tiruvaiyaru in Tamil Nadu, India. This temple holds great significance as it is celebrated in the sacred hymns of Appar (Thirunavukkarasar), one of the foremost Saivite saints, and is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam—a temple sanctified by the songs of the Nayanmars. The name Thirupazhanam is derived from the area's lush greenery and fertile fields. According to legend, a young Brahmin boy, pursued by Yama, the God of Death, fled in fear and sought refuge at the feet of Lord Shiva within the temple. In His boundless compassion, the Lord appeared before the boy and saved him from Yama’s grasp. Due to this act of divine intervention, Lord Shiva here is worshipped as Apathsahayar (where "Apathu" means danger and "Sahayam" means help), signifying His role as the protector who rescues devotees from peril. This powerful narrative of the Lord’s grace has made the temple a significant pilgrimage site for those seeking protection and blessings from the dangers of life.

Timings

Morning : 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM & Evening : 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Entry Fee

No entry fee is charged

The name Thirupazhanam is derived from the region's lush greenery and fertile fields. A legend tells of a young Brahmin boy who, while being chased by Yama, the God of Death, fled in fear and sought refuge at the feet of Lord Shiva within the temple. The compassionate Lord appeared before the boy and saved him from Yama’s clutches. As a result, the deity is venerated as Abath Sahayeswarar, meaning "the Lord who helps in times of danger" (Abathu meaning danger, and Sahayam meaning help).


Puranic Significance:



The Apathsahayar Temple in Thirupazhanam holds great significance as it is the 50th temple on the northern bank of the Cauvery River, revered in the Saivite tradition.

  1. Lord Shiva here is a Swayambumurthy, a naturally formed, self-manifested deity. One of the temple’s unique features is the occurrence where the rays of the moon fall on the Lord during Poornima (full moon) days, as well as two days before and after, in the months of Panguni (March-April) and Purattasi (September-October).
  2. The main tower (Rajagopuram) is ancient and built in a three-tiered model. Interestingly, the temple does not have a flag post, but it does feature a Balipeeta (sacrificial altar) and Nandhi (Shiva’s bull mount).
  3. Several deities are enshrined in the temple, including Lord Vinayaka, Lord Muruga, and Saptha Matha’s (the seven divine mothers). The temple also houses shrines for Venugopala, Nataraja, Bhairava, and the Navagrahas (nine planets). Additionally, various Shivalingas with different names can be seen throughout the temple.
  4. The site is called Kathalivanam, which means "the grove of plantain trees." The Moon, Kubera (the god of wealth), Lord Vishnu, Goddess Mahalakshmi, and a Brahmin named Darmasharma are said to have worshipped at this sacred site.

This temple is also the second of the Saptha Sthana sthalangal, which are seven sacred places associated with Lord Shiva.


Administration History :


The place where the Apathsahayar Temple is located has been known by several names throughout history, including Thiruppazhanam, Kathalivanam, Kausikasramam, Prayanapuri, and Pazhanappathi. The name Pazhanam refers to fertile land, which is fitting as the area is surrounded by lush, fertile fields.

The temple boasts about 28 stone inscriptions that date back to the reigns of several Chola kings, including Aditya Chola I, Paranthakan I, Kulothungan III, Rajarajan, and Rajakesari Varman. These inscriptions provide valuable historical insight into the temple’s legacy.

It is believed that the construction of the temple was initiated by the Chola kings Aditha Cholan I and Parantaka Chola I.

Today, this temple is one of the 88 temples managed by the Tanjore Palace Devasthanam. Additionally, it falls under the administration of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE) of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to Your Ishta Devata before embarking on your pilgrimage to the temple.
  2. Contact the Temple Devasthanam Information Center for inquiries, temple details, and pooja arrangements.
  3. Reserve Travel and Accommodation well in advance to ensure a smooth visit.
  4. Bathed and Wear Clean Clothes before entering the temple to show respect.
  5. Concentrate on the Deities inside the temple for a more meaningful worship experience.
  6. Maintain Silence and Recite Your Ishta Mantra quietly to yourself while inside the temple.
  7. Observe Ancient Customs and Traditions to honour the temple's practices.
  8. Deposit Offerings Only in the Hundi to ensure they are used appropriately.
  1. Do Not Visit the Temple for purposes other than worshipping the deities.
  2. Do Not Smoke within the temple premises.
  3. Do Not Consume Alcoholic Drinks on the temple grounds.
  4. Do Not Eat Non-Vegetarian Food within the temple area.
  5. Do Not Approach Mediators for quick darshan, as it may cause inconvenience to others.
  6. Do Not Carry Weapons into the temple.
  7. Do Not Wear Headgear such as helmets, caps, turbans, or hats inside the temple premises.

Dress Code

For Men: Wear traditional attire such as dhoti or lungi with a shirt or kurta. Ensure clothes are clean and modest.

For Women: Wear sarees, salwar kameez, or other traditional attire. Avoid short skirts and sleeveless tops.

How to reach

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By Road: The temple is situated near Thiruvaiyaru on the Kumbakonam-Thiruvarur road, which is well-connected by road. You can drive or take a bus from nearby cities to reach the temple.

By Rail: The closest railway station is in Thanjavur. From Thanjavur, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach the temple, which is about a 30-minute drive away. 

By Air: The nearest airport is in Trichy. From Trichy Airport, you can travel by taxi or bus to the temple, which is approximately a 1.5-hour drive away.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers :

  1. Vadavaaru River: This river flows near the temple, adding to the area's scenic beauty and spiritual ambiance.
  2. Cauvery River: Located further away but still significant, the Cauvery River is an important waterway in the region and is closely associated with many temples in Tamil Nadu.
  3. Kollidam River : It flows near the temple, contributing to the area's lush environment and spiritual atmosphere. Its proximity enhances the temple's natural setting and provides a serene backdrop for devotees.


Cities:

  1. Tiruvaiyaru: The temple is situated near this city, which is known for its historical and religious significance, especially in relation to various temples and saintly traditions.
  2. Thanjavur: A major city in Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur is located not far from the temple and is renowned for its rich cultural and architectural heritage.