The Thirukkanur Semmeninathar Temple, located in Thirukkanur, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, is historically known as Tirukanurpatti and also referred to as Manalmedu. Dedicated to Shiva as Semmeninathar and his consort Sivayoganayaki, it is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, sacred Shiva temples praised in the early mediaeval Tevaram hymns by Tamil Saivite Nayanars like Tirugnanasambandar and Tirunavukkarasar.
Timings
The temple is open from 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 3.30 p.m. and 5.00 p.m.
Entry Fee
Free of cost
Origin/History :-
The Thirukkanur Semmeninathar Temple likely dates back to before the 7th century. Inscriptions refer to the region as Rajaraja Valanattu Poikayurnattu Panipathi Mangalam, and Karikala Chozha Chathurvedi Mangalam Thirukkanur. One inscription mentions Shiva as Ikshuvaneswara and refers to Vira Rajendra, though the year is unknown. It records a land donation to the temple and mentions a nearby Vishnu temple, likely Manavala Alwar Temple. Another inscription from Adhirajendra’s 3rd year records a land sale to the Vishnu temple, and a later one from Veerarajendra's 6th year notes a tax exemption for land. A Pandya period inscription from 1355 CE, though partially damaged, also refers to the area as Panipattimangalam. In 1924, a flood buried the temple under a sand dune, and sugar cane grew on top. The temple was restored by N. Subramania Iyer, earning the name Karumbeswarar.
Puranic Significance :-
Sage Parasurama, the son of Sage Jamadagni and Renukadevi, once returned to find that King Kartha Veeryarjunan had forcibly taken the divine cow Kamadenu from their ashram during his absence. Enraged, Parasurama set out, killed the king and 21 Kshatriyas, and rescued the cow. However, this act left him with the Kshatriya dosha. To atone, Parasurama worshipped Lord Shiva at this sacred site and bathed in the holy spring, ultimately being freed from the dosha.
Once, Ambigai descended to earth to perform penance towards Lord Shiva. She chose this sacred site for her meditation and undertook intense penance. Pleased by her devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before her in the form of fire, earning the name Semmeninathar at this temple. Ambigai, in turn, became Shivayoganayake. It is believed that when husband and wife visit this temple together, they will experience unity and harmony, free from differences of opinion.
This area is where Karikal Cholan once lived in hiding with his mother, who feared their enemies. During a time when Chola Nadu had no ruler, Pattathuyana came searching for a rightful heir. Finding Karikalan playing in Thirukkanur, his mother garlanded him, and Pattathuyana took him to Vrayyur on her bike. There, Karikalan was proclaimed the ruler, becoming the celebrated Cholamannan.
Do's and Don'ts
Pray to your Ishta Devata before embarking on your pilgrimage to the temple.
Contact the Temple Devasthanam Information Centre for inquiries, temple information, and details about pujas and rituals.
Reserve your travel and accommodation at the temple well in advance.
Bathew and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
Focus on the deity and maintain concentration on the God and Goddess inside the temple.
Maintain silence and recite your Ishta Mantra quietly to yourself within the temple.
Observe ancient customs and traditions while in the temple.
Respect religious sentiments and practices at the temple.
Deposit offerings only in the hundi provided for that purpose.
Do not visit the temple for any purpose other than worshipping the God and Goddess.
Do not smoke within the temple premises.
Do not consume alcoholic drinks at the temple.
Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the temple area.
Do not approach mediators for quick darshanam, as it may inconvenience others.
Do not carry weapons inside the temple.
Do not wear headgear such as helmets, caps, turbans, or hats inside the temple.
Do not perform Sastanga Pranama (full prostration) inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
Do not linger excessively during Sparsa Darshanam (touching the deity) in the Garbhagriha (sanctum).
Do not purchase prasadams from street vendors.
Do not encourage beggars at the temple.
Do not spit or create a nuisance within the temple premises.
Dress Code
Men: Traditional Attire: It is preferred for men to wear traditional attire such as a dhoti or veshti with a shirt or kurta. Clean Clothing: Ensure that clothing is clean and modest.
Women: Traditional Attire: Women should wear traditional clothing such as a sari, salwar kameez, or churidar. Modest Clothing: Ensure that clothing is modest and covers the shoulders and knees.
The best season to visit the Thirukkanur Semmeninathar Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, is during the winter months from November to February. During this period, the weather is generally cool and pleasant, making it more comfortable for travel and temple visits.
How to reach :-
By Air: Trichy International Airport (TIR), approximately 70 km from Thirukanur. From the Airport: You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Thirukanur. The journey by road will take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Link given below has directions by car/bus from Tiruchirapalli airport to the temple :
By Train: Thanjavur Railway Station. From the Station: Thirukanur is about 20 km from the Thanjavur Railway Station. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the temple. Link given below has directions by car/bus from Thanjavur Railway Station to the temple :
Nearby Cities and Rivers
Rivers:
Kaveri River: Approximately 20 km east of Thirukanur, it's one of the major rivers in Tamil Nadu and flows through the Thanjavur district.
Vennar River: A tributary of the Kaveri River, flowing through the Thanjavur district, it is relatively close to Thirukanur.
Cities:
Thanjavur: About 20 km southeast of Thirukanur, it's a major city known for its historical and cultural significance.
Kumbakonam: Approximately 35 km south of Thirukanur, it's another important town in the Thanjavur district, known for its temples and historical sites.
Trichy (Tiruchirappalli): Around 70 km west of Thirukanur, it is a major city with significant historical and cultural landmarks.
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