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Shri Sivanandeswarar Temple

Sivanandeswarar Temple is regarded as one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams (Shiva Sthalams) celebrated in the early mediaeval Thevaram poems by the Tamil Saivite saint Tirugnanasambandar. It is recognized as the 181st Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 64th Shiva Sthalam on the southern side of the Cauvery River in Chozha Nadu.Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested), signifying its spiritual significance and uniqueness.

Timings

08:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 05:00 PM to 07:00 PM.

Entry Fee

No Entry Fee

It is believed that Karikala Chola converted the brick structure to granite structure. Lord Shiva is called as Penu Perunthurai Mahadevar and Mother is called as Malaiyarasi Amman as per the inscription available in this Temple. The place was called Penu Perundurai in ancient times.


Historical Context


Historically known as Penu Perunthurai, the site is now referred to as Thiruppanthurai. There are five stone inscriptions within the temple that date back to the reigns of Karikal Cholan, Madurai Konda Parakesari, Raja Raja Cholan, and King Veera Pandiyan. According to these inscriptions, the temple was reconstructed in granite during the era of King Karikal Cholan.


Deity Names


In the inscriptions, the lord is referred to as Sri Penu Perunthurai Mahadevar, while the goddess is called Sri Malai Arasi Ammai.


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE:


  1. As per legend, Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, disrespected Muruga (the son of Lord Shiva) at the time of visiting Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. The child Muruga got angry with Brahma and asked him how he was creating living beings. Brahma said that he was creating living beings with the help of the Vedas (Hindu scriptures). On hearing the reply, Muruga asked Brahma to recite the texts from Vedas. Brahma started to recite the text with the holy word called Pranava Mantra, "Om". At that time Muruga stopped Brahma and asked him to explain the meaning of the Pranava Mantra.
  2. Lord Brahma could not reply and hence Muruga knocked Brahma on his forehead with his clenched fists and punished him with imprisonment. Muruga took up the role of the creator. The Devas (celestial deities) were surprised by the absence of Brahma and they requested Vishnu to negotiate with Muruga to release Brahma. Lord Vishnu could not help and as the last resort, Shiva went to the rescue of Brahma. Lord Shiva came to Muruga and asked him to release Brahma from imprisonment.
  3. Muruga refused to release him stating Brahma was unaware of the meaning of the Pranava Mantra (AUM). Lord Shiva asked Muruga to explain the meaning and Muruga extolled to Shiva the meaning of the Pranava Mantra. This incident made Lord Muruga proud. In order to punish him, Lord Shiva made him dumb. Lord Muruga came to Tirupandurai, made a Shivalinga and worshipped to regain his skills. Pleased Shiva granted the speaking skill to his divine Son. Hence, Lord came to be called as Pranaveswarar (Lord of Pranava Mantra).


Worship by Other Deities


It is believed that Lord Brahma, Parvathy Devi, Twin Vinayagars and Murugan worshipped Lord Shiva here.


Administration



The temple is managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu (HR&CE), ensuring its upkeep and administration.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Do Dress Modestly: Wear traditional or respectful attire when visiting the temple.
  2. Do Follow Rituals: Participate in the rituals respectfully, following the guidance of the temple priests.
  3. Do Keep Silence: Maintain a serene atmosphere by speaking quietly and avoiding loud conversations.
  4. Do Remove Footwear: Take off your shoes before entering the temple premises.


  1. Don't Use Phones: Avoid using mobile phones or taking photographs in restricted areas.
  2. Don't Eat or Drink: Refrain from consuming food or beverages inside the temple.
  3. Don't Touch the Deity: Do not touch the idol or the sacred spaces without permission.
  4. Don't Wear Inappropriate Attire: Avoid wearing revealing or casual clothing.
  5. Don't Bring Non-Vegetarian Food: Strictly avoid bringing any non-vegetarian items to the temple.
  6. Don't Litter: Keep the temple premises clean; dispose of waste properly.


Dress Code

Men:

Traditional Attire: Dhoti or lungi with a shirt or kurta.

Formal Wear: Collared shirts with trousers.

Avoid: Shorts, sleeveless shirts, and casual attire.


Women:

Traditional Attire: Saree, salwar kameez, or lehenga.

Modest Clothing: Long skirts or dresses with sleeves.

Avoid: Revealing or tight-fitting clothes, shorts, and sleeveless tops.

How to reach

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BEST TIME TO VISIT:



The best time to visit the Thiruppandurai Sri Sivanandeswarar Temple in Thanjavur is during the cooler months, typically from October to March.


By Air

  1. Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ)
  2. Distance: Approximately 100 km from Thanjavur.
  3. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Thanjavur.


By Train

  1. Nearest Railway Station: Thanjavur Railway Station
  2. The station is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu and other states.
  3. From the station, you can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple, which is about 8 km away.


By Road

  1. By Bus:
  2. Thanjavur is well-connected by state and private buses from cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai. You can board a bus to Thanjavur and then use local transport to reach the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Nearby Rivers


Cauvery River



The Cauvery River is one of the major rivers in Tamil Nadu and is located close to Thanjavur. It is a lifeline for agriculture in the region.


Arasalar River



This river is also nearby and is mentioned in various inscriptions related to the temple, particularly in the context of rituals and offerings.


Nearby Cities


Thanjavur

The city itself is rich in cultural heritage, famous for its temples, including the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Kumbakonam

Approximately 40 km from Thanjavur, Kumbakonam is known for its numerous temples and is often referred to as the "Temple Town."


Tiruvarur

About 60 km away, Tiruvarur is another important temple city, known for the Thyagarajaswamy Temple.


Trichy (Tiruchirappalli)

Around 60 km from Thanjavur, Trichy is a larger city known for the Rock Fort Temple and Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.