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Sri Vashishteswarar Temple

The Vasishteswarar Temple, located in the village of Thittai, is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and the 15th Shiva Sthalam on the southern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai). This revered temple, built by the Cholas in the 12th century AD, is dedicated to Lord Vasishteswarar, a form of Lord Shiva, who is a self-manifested (Swayambumurthi) deity.

Timings

6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Entry Fee

No Entry Fee

The Vasishteswarar Temple, located in the village of Thittai, is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and the 15th Shiva Sthalam on the southern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai). This revered temple, built by the Cholas in the 12th century AD, is dedicated to Lord Vasishteswarar, a form of Lord Shiva, who is a self-manifested (Swayambumurthi) deity.

Notably, the temple is recognized as an important Guru Parikara sthalam, attracting devotees seeking blessings related to Jupiter (Guru). It is believed that drops of water fall from the ceiling onto the main deity in the sanctum sanctorum every 24 minutes without fail, adding to the temple's unique charm.

The east-facing temple features two corridors and boasts a three-tiered Rajagopuram (main tower). The granite flag post (Dwajasthambam) enhances its grandeur. The temple holds special significance for Maharshi Vasishta, who worshipped Jupiter as Raja Guru here, leading to its celebrated Guru transition day.

Located just 11 kilometres from Thanjavur, Thittai is steeped in astrological beliefs that emphasize the influence of the nine planets on daily life. Among these, Guru or Jupiter is particularly esteemed. Devotees visit the temple not only to honor Lord Vasishteswarar but also to seek the blessings of Guru. Lord Shiva's consort is known as Ulaganayaki Ambal, the ruler of the world. As the village is situated south of the River Cauvery, it is also referred to as Thenkudi Thittai Vasishteswarar Temple.


Historical Significance



The temple is believed to be the place where Shiva imparted upadesam (initiation) to Sage Vasishta, the Raja Guru in the court of King Dasaratha of Ayodhya and the preceptor of Lord Rama. This connection further enhances the temple’s importance in Hindu tradition and spirituality.


HISTORY:


  1. Thenkudi Thittai is located between the rivers Vennaru and Vettaru, both of which are tributaries of river Kaveri.
  2. There are stone inscriptions available here which date back to the 10th and 12th centuries. It is believed that this temple was built by the Chola King Kulothungan. In 1922, the entire temple was reconstructed using granite by Sri Ramaswamy Chettiar of Chettinadu Nagarathar family.
  3. This place is also known as Therur or Rathapuri which originates from the legend that the chariot (“Ther”) of a king got stuck in the sand dunes here.
  4. The historical names of this place are Vilvaranyam, Vasishtasramam, Dhenupuri and “Kudeethveepam” (in Sanskrit).


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE 1:


Story of Pralayam:


Thittu in Tamil means a place in higher levels. During the pralaya period, the world was inundated with water. The boat powered by the Ohm Mantra carrying Lord and Mother stopped at a Thittu. This Thittu is Sirkali also called Thonipuram. Of the 28 holy places Lord Shiva loved in days prior to the Pralaya, 26 were submerged in water. The remaining two are Sirkali and Thenkudi Thittai. During the Pralaya the sound OHM came out from Sirkali. In Thenkudi Thittai the sound HAM emerged along with other mantra sounds. Hence, this place is known as Gnana Medu the wisdom spot and as Thenkudi Thittai. Sirkali is known as Vadakudi Thittai. Also, places called Thittai (Kudi Thittai) are loved most by Lord and Mother. As Maharshi Vasishta had his hermitage here to worship Lord Shiva here, He is praised as Vasishteswarar. Mother is praised as Ulaganayaki. The temple is glorified by Tevaram hymns.

When the whole world was surrounded by water because of "Pralayam", Brahma & Vishnu worshipped the Lord Maheshwara for protection. After wandering much for a safe place, they found this only mound, which did not drown in the Pralaya waters, where there was a Shiva Lingam.

They performed Pooja to the Lingam and worshipped Lord Shiva, who appeared before them and delegated their duties of Creation and Protection. It is believed that this is the only place, which was not destroyed even during Pralayam. Unlike many other temples, here the complete temple is built using the stone. Not only for the main deities, but also all other Sannidhis are constructed using stones, right from floors, pillars, walls and roof.


Sakthi Peetams:


The Temple is also one of the important Sakthi Peetams. Legend has it that a Vaisya girl, who lost her husband, got back his life and lived with him after worshipping Ulaga Nayagi. It is said that yet another girl Sugantha Kunthala also got back her deceased husband after worshipping Ulaga Nayagi. Hence the Goddess is also called Sugantha Kunthalambigai.


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE 2


It is believed that there are 28 places where Lord Shiva emerged in the form of a Shivalingam. Apart from this place (Thittai), some of the other such places are Chidambaram, Thiruvannamalai, Thiruvarur, Thiruvaiyaru and Thirukkazhukkundram.


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE 3:


According to legend, during the great deluge (“pralayam”), when the entire universe was submerged, this place stood aloft like a sand dune (Thittai in Tamil). It is believed that Lord Shiva appeared at this place as a Swayambu Lingam. Hence this place gets the name Thenkudi Thittai (sand dune on the southern side).


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE 4:


According to Hindu mythology, Guru (“Viyazhan” in Tamil) is the seventh son of Sage Aankirasa. Guru became a very learned scholar and became the teacher (Guru) to the Devas. Under his stewardship, the Devas lived peacefully. Once when he had gone to visit Indira, Indira did not receive him as he was busy watching Urvasi’s dance. Angered by this slight, Guru abandoned the Devas and started living as a recluse. Without his guidance, the life of Devas became miserable and the demons started terrorising them. Realising his mistake, Indira searched for Guru in order to ask for his apology but he could not find him. Indira visited many Shiva temples and prayed to the lord to help him find Guru. When he visited this temple, Guru decided to appear before him and pardoned him.

It is believed that Sage Vashishtar had his hermitage here, he installed a lingam and performed penance. Hence, Lord Shiva is praised here as “Sri Vashishteswarar”. Also, as a mark of respect, Guru stood up and received teachings from Sage Vashishtar. It is believed that Lord Shiva elevated Guru to a place in the Navagrahams at this place.


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE 5:


The legend is that a Chola king named Jayan performed the maha yagna “Rudra Paasupatha” here, which is equal to performing 100 “Aswametha yagna”. This earned him the position of Indira.

The Goddess Ulakanayaki of this temple is also praised as Sugantha Kunthalambigai because she is believed to have given rebirth to the husband of a girl named Suganthi.

It is also believed that lords Brahma, Vishnu, Murugan, Vedas, Bhairavar, Suriyan, Saneeswaran, Yama (the lord of death), Parasuramar, Indiran, Aadisheshan, Kamadenu, Sage Vashishtar, Sage Gautamar and Sage Jamadagni have worshipped the lord here.


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. Dress Modestly: Wear traditional or modest clothing. For men, dhotis and shirts are preferred, while women should wear sarees or salwar kameez.
  2. Follow Rituals: Participate respectfully in rituals and observe local customs.
  3. Remove Footwear: Take off your shoes before entering the temple premises.
  4. Maintain Silence: Keep noise levels low to respect the sanctity of the space.
  5. Offer Prayers: Engage in prayer and offerings as per your belief.
  6. Respect the Deities: Approach the sanctum with reverence and avoid touching the idols.


  1. Avoid Photography: Do not take photographs inside the sanctum or during rituals unless explicitly permitted.
  2. Do Not Bring Food: Refrain from bringing outside food or drinks into the temple.
  3. No Smoking or Alcohol: Smoking and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited on temple grounds.
  4. Avoid Distractions: Do not engage in loud conversations or distractions that may disturb others.
  5. No Pets: Leave pets at home, as they are not allowed in the temple.


Dress Code

For Men:

Dhotis or Lungis: Preferably wear a dhoti, which is traditional and respectful.

Shirts or Kurta: A simple shirt or kurta is appropriate. Avoid shorts or sleeveless tops.


For Women:

Sarees or Salwar Kameez: Wearing a saree is ideal, but salwar kameez is also acceptable.

Avoid Western Attire: Skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops are discouraged.

How to reach

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BEST TIME TO VISIT:



The best time to visit the Sri Vashishteswarar Temple in Thenkudi Thittai is during the cooler months, from November to February. This period offers pleasant weather, making it comfortable for exploration and participation in temple activities.


By Road:

  1. From Thanjavur: The temple is approximately 10 kilometres away from Thanjavur. You can take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi.
  2. From Kumbakonam: It's about 30 kilometres from Kumbakonam, with similar transport options available.


By Train:

  1. Nearest Railway Station: The nearest railway station is Thanjavur, which is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to the temple.


By Air:

  1. Nearest Airport: The closest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, about 70 kilometres away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Thanjavur and then proceed to the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Nearby Rivers


Kaveri River: 



One of the major rivers in Tamil Nadu, the Kaveri is located relatively close to Thenkudi Thittai and holds significant cultural and religious importance.


Vennaru River: 



This smaller river is also in proximity and is a tributary of the Kaveri.


Nearby Cities



  1. Thanjavur: Approximately 10 kilometres away, Thanjavur is a historical city known for its temples, including the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple.
  2. Kumbakonam: About 30 kilometres from Thenkudi Thittai, Kumbakonam is renowned for its numerous temples and is often referred to as the "Temple Town."
  3. Tiruvarur: Located around 25 kilometres away, this city is famous for the Thyagarajaswamy Temple.