Back to Results
Temple Image

Sathyavageswarar Temple

This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 57th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai). This Temple is considered to be the 111th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 57th Sthalam on the northern side of River Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity known as Sathya Vageeswarar / Brahmapureeswarar / Alanduraiyar faces east with his consort Goddess Soundaranayagi.

Timings

6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Entry Fee

No Entry Fee

  1. This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 57th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai). 
  2. This Temple is considered to be the 111th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 57th Sthalam on the northern side of River Cauvery in Chozha Nadu.
  3. The temple is said to be built by Parantaka Chola I during the 9th century.
  4. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity known as Sathya Vageeswarar / Brahmapureeswarar / Alanduraiyar faces east with his consort Goddess Soundaranayagi. 
  5. Appar and Sambandhar have revered the temple in their verses in Devaram. 
  6. Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambhu Murti (self-manifested). 
  7. The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 09.06.2004.
  8. Anbilanthurai is a combination of the name of this village “Anbil” and the name of this temple “Alanthurai”.
  9. This place is located on the northern bank of the river Coleroon (Kollidam), a tributary of the river Cauvery.
  10. There are some stone inscriptions in the temple which date back to the periods of Cholas and the Hoysalas.
  11. It is believed that this temple was originally a Maada Kovil (a temple built on a raised platform). 


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE:1



  1. It is believed that Chola King Paranthakan had brought some Jaimini Brahmins of Sama Veda to this village in order to recite “Saamaveda parayanam” in front of the Vinayakar.  
  2. It is because of this that the idol of “Sevi Saitha Vinayakar” is also named as “Sama Veda Vinayagar”. 
  3. This Vinayakar is also praised as “Sri Samakanam Ketta Vinayakar”.


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE 2:



  1. According to legend, Saint Thirugnanasambandar was passing through this place and wanted to visit this temple. 
  2. However, Lord Shiva was keen to test the saint’s devotion and caused heavy floods in the river Cauvery. 
  3. Since the saint was unable to reach this temple, he sang his song from the other side of the river. 
  4. The interesting thing to note here is Lord Vinayakar’s reaction to the saint’s song. 
  5. He bent down to a half-sitting posture, turned his ears to the direction of the sound and enjoyed the hymns with a smile. 
  6. Hence this Lord Vinayakar is known as “Sri Sevi Saitha Vinayagar” (“Sevi” means ear, “Saitha” means leaning in Tamil). 
  7. This idol is a masterpiece of this temple’s architecture. 
  8. The idol of Sri Sevi Saitha Vinayagar can be seen near the Vinayakar shrine in the corridor. 
  9. This Vinayakar is also known as “Ilaya Pillaiyar”, meaning young Pillaiyar.


PEOPLE WHO WORSHIPPED HERE:



  1. Another legend associated with this temple is that Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Shiva here. 
  2. Hence, Lord Shiva is praised here as “Sri Brahmapureeswarar.
  3. It is believed that Saint Vageesar also worshipped Lord Shiva here. 
  4. Hence, Lord Shiva here is also praised as “Sri Satyavageeswarar”.
  5. It is believed that Goddess Parvathy, Iyyanar and the Navagraham have worshipped Lord Shiva here.
  6. There are exquisite carvings on all the pillars and the side walls of the temple which show multiple devathas praying to Shiva like agni Chandra, parvathy, Vyagrapada, brahma , Surya ,Nagas,etc


ADMINISTRATION:


This temple is under the administrative control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Government of Tamil Nadu (HR&CE).

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Maintain Regularly: Inspect and repair the temple frequently.
  2. Engage Experts: Use professionals for restoration and artifact preservation.
  3. Educate & Involve: Teach the community about the temple and involve them in preservation.
  4. Secure Funding: Obtain and manage financial support responsibly.
  5. Follow Guidelines: Adhere to preservation laws and seek heritage status if possible.
  6. Upgrade Thoughtfully: Improve facilities without compromising traditional elements.


  1. Neglect Maintenance: Don’t ignore signs of damage.
  2. Use Non-Traditional Materials: Avoid materials that alter the temple’s authenticity.
  3. Allow Vandalism: Prevent any disrespect or vandalism.
  4. Exclude Community: Don’t exclude locals from preservation efforts.
  5. Mismanage Funds: Ensure transparency in financial management.
  6. Ignore Cultural Sensitivities: Respect and preserve traditional practices and significance.


Dress Code

For Men:

Wear: Dhoti, kurta-pyjama, or long trousers with a shirt.

Avoid: Shorts, short-sleeve shirts.

Remove: Shoes before entering the temple.


For Women:

Wear: Saree, salwar kameez, or long skirt with a blouse.

Avoid: Short skirts, sleeveless tops.

Remove: Shoes before entering; a head covering may be required in some temples.

How to reach

BEST TIME TO VISIT:



The best month to visit Sathayavageswarar Temple in Tiruchirapalli is October to March. 


By Air:

  1. Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ): The nearest airport. From the airport, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to the temple, which is approximately 30-55 kilometres away.


By Train:

  1. Tiruchirappalli Junction (TPJ): A major railway station with connections to many cities across India. From the station, you can hire a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or use local transport to reach the temple.


By Bus:

  1. Tiruchirappalli Bus Stand: Well-connected by intercity and local buses. You can take a local bus or a taxi from the bus stand to the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:


Kaveri (Cauvery) River: 



The Kaveri is the major river flowing through Tamil Nadu and is a significant river near Tiruchirapalli. It plays a crucial role in the region's agriculture and culture.


Coleroon River: 




A tributary of the Kaveri River, the Coleroon also flows through the Tiruchirapalli district, contributing to the region's water resources.


Nearby Cities:



  1. Trichy (Tiruchirapalli): The city where the Sathayavageswarar Temple is located. It's known for its historical temples, educational institutions, and as a major urban centre in TamilNadu.
  2. Chennai: About 320 kilometres east of Tiruchirapalli, Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu and a major metropolitan city.
  3. Coimbatore: Approximately 200 kilometres southwest of Tiruchirapalli, Coimbatore is an important industrial city known for its textile industry and educational institutions.
  4. Madurai: Located about 130 kilometres south of Tiruchirapalli, Madurai is a historic city famous for the Meenakshi Amman Temple.