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Bhaskareswarar Temple

The Bhaskararajapuram Sri Bhaskareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated in Bhaskararajapuram within the Thiruvidaimarudur circle of Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. This town, known as Bhaskarayapuram, is located along the Kumbakonam-Mayiladuthurai road. The presiding deity is Sri Bhaskareswarar, and the goddess worshipped here is Anandavalli.

Timings

The temple will be kept open between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


The Bhaskararajapuram Sri Bhaskareswarar Temple has significant historical roots, as hymns composed by Thirugnanasambandar indicate that the original temple likely existed before the 7th century. It was later reconstructed as a stone temple during the Chola dynasty and further extended during the Vijayanagara period.

In recent times, the temple underwent renovation, and Kumbabishekam was conducted under the auspices of Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham as part of the Pon Vizha scheme. The temple is managed by the Keezhvengai Nattars community.


Puranic Significance :-


  1. Sthalapuranam 1 :


According to local legend, the Sun God, known as Parithi in Tamil, once suffered from a severe disease. In his desperation, he surrendered to Lord Shiva, who advised him to come to this place, create a holy spring, install a Shivalinga, and worship him. Following the Lord's guidance diligently, the Sun regained relief from his ailment. As a result of this divine grace, Lord Shiva is referred to as Parithi Appar in Tamil and Bhaskareswarar in Sanskrit.


  1. Sthalapuranam 2 :


Another significant story involves Emperor Sibi, who belonged to the Surya dynasty descending from Lord Sri Rama. After renouncing his royal life, he embarked on a pilgrimage to various Shiva temples. During his travels, while resting at this location, his escort was gathering grass for their horse. As they dug into the ground, their instrument accidentally struck a Shivalinga, causing it to bleed. Curious, the king ordered further excavation and discovered the Surya Linga. He performed abhishekam (ritual bathing) on the Linga and worshipped it. The scar on the Linga remains as evidence of this event, as noted in the sthala Purana. The emperor later learned about the origin of the Linga from a sage.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress Modestly: Wear traditional or modest attire.
  2. Remove Footwear: Take off shoes before entering.
  3. Follow Rituals: Participate respectfully in rituals.
  4. Maintain Silence: Keep noise levels low.
  5. Offer Prayers: Spend time in prayer and reflection.
  6. Donate Generously: Support temple maintenance through donations.
  7. Respect Photography Rules: Ask permission before taking photos.
  8. Engage in Community Activities: Participate in temple events and festivals.
  1. Avoid Eating Inside: Do not eat or drink within the temple.
  2. Do Not Disturb Others: Respect others' prayers and rituals.
  3. Do Not Touch Deities: Avoid touching idols or the sanctum.
  4. Avoid Loud Conversations: Keep conversations quiet.
  5. Do Not Bring Unnecessary Items: Limit bags and personal items.
  6. Do Not Engage in Commercial Activities: No selling or promoting products.
  7. Do Not Enter Restricted Areas: Respect signs indicating restricted zones.
  8. Avoid Negative Energy: Focus on positive thoughts and prayers.


Dress Code

For Men:

  1. Traditional Attire: Wear dhoti, kurta, or traditional Indian attire.
  2. Modest Clothing: Ensure that shirts and t-shirts have sleeves; avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.
  3. Cleanliness: Dress neatly and avoid overly casual clothing like ripped jeans or beachwear.

For Women:

  1. Traditional Attire: Wear sarees, salwar kameez, or other traditional Indian outfits.
  2. Modest Clothing: Ensure that dresses have sleeves and avoid short skirts, shorts, or sleeveless tops.
  3. Head Covering: In some temples, covering the head with a dupatta or scarf may be encouraged or required.

How to reach

Best season to visit :-


The best season to visit the Bhaskararajapuram Sri Bhaskareswarar Temple is during the winter months, specifically from November to February.


How to reach :-



  1. By Air: The closest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (around 80 kilometres away). From the airport, you can hire a taxi to reach the temple.
  2. By Train: The nearest railway station is Kumbakonam. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Bhaskararajapuram.
  3. By Road:
  4. From Kumbakonam: The temple is approximately 50 kilometres away. You can take a taxi or bus from Kumbakonam to Bhaskararajapuram on the Kumbakonam-Mayiladuthurai road.
  5. From Thanjavur: It is about 20 kilometres from Thanjavur. Buses and taxis are available, and you can take the NH 36 road to reach the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Kaveri River: One of the most significant rivers in Tamil Nadu, the Kaveri is located not far from the temple and is vital for irrigation and cultural activities in the region.
  2. Vennaru River: A tributary of the Kaveri, this river flows through the Thanjavur district and is important for local agriculture.


Cities:

  1. Thanjavur: The district headquarters, Thanjavur is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, including the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple.
  2. Kumbakonam: Approximately 20 kilometres from the temple, Kumbakonam is known for its many temples and is often referred to as the "Temple City."
  3. Mayiladuthurai: Located around 25 kilometres away, this city is also famous for its temples and cultural significance.
  4. Thiruvidaimarudur: The temple is situated within this circle, which is known for its temples and local traditions.