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Thayumanavar Thirukovil

The Thayumanavar Temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, located within the Rockfort temple complex in the city of Tiruchirappalli, in Trichy district, Tamil Nadu. The temple, situated near the base of the Rockfort, was constructed by the Pallava king Mahendravarman I in the 6th century AD. The presiding deity is known by several names: Thayumanavar, Mathrubootheshwar, Thayumaneswarar, and Sevvanthi Nathar. The consort of Lord Shiva, the divine mother, is called Mattuvar Kuzhali or Sugandha Kundalambikai. The Rockfort temple complex contains three significant shrines: two are dedicated to Lord Ganesha—one located at the foot of the rock and the other at the top, known as Ucchi Pillayar Temple. The Thayumanavar Temple, the largest of the three, is positioned between these two shrines. The Rockfort itself is a massive fortress perched on a 273-foot-high rock, featuring a collection of monolithic rocks that house numerous rock-cut cave temples. Originally built by the Pallavas, the fortress was later reconstructed by the Madurai Nayaks and the Vijayanagara rulers. Some parts of the temple complex, particularly the major structures, are believed to have been built during the 8th century by the Pandya Empire. Geologists estimate that the rock formation dates back around 3.5 billion years. In ancient times, the region was known by various names such as Sirappalli, Rishabachalam, and Dhakshina Kailasam. The temple has been praised in the Thevaram hymns by Thirugnana Sambandar, a 7th-century Tamil Saivite poet, who composed eleven verses dedicated to Thayumanavar in the First Thirumurai. His contemporary, Appar (Thirunavukkarasar), also composed ten verses in the Fifth Thirumurai, in praise of the deity. Since it is celebrated in the Thevaram, Thayumanavar Temple is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 276 temples mentioned in the Saiva canon. Additionally, the temple's deity Muthukumaraswamy is revered in the Thirupugazh hymns, composed by Arunagirinathar, a 15th-century saint. The Thayumanavar Temple is the 123rd Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam, and the 6th Shiva Sthalam located on the southern bank of the River Cauvery in the Chola region.

Timings

Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM & Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Entry Fee

Free of charge

A fierce contest once arose between Adisesha (the serpent king) and Vayu (the wind god) to prove their superiority. The challenge was to violently shake Mount Kailash. When Vayu successfully broke a part of the mount, it fell at this location. Additionally, the demon Tirishira (a demon with three heads) was engaged in deep penance to Lord Shiva. After many years, when Shiva delayed appearing to test his sincerity, Tirishira threw two of his heads into the fire and was about to sacrifice the third. Moved by his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared, restored his heads, and agreed to stay in this place under the name Thirisira Nathar, in honor of the demon. The region thus became known as Tirishiramalai, later evolving into Trichy.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to Your Ishta Devata: Begin your pilgrimage by offering prayers to your personal deity for blessings and guidance.
  2. Contact the Temple Information Centre: Reach out to the temple Devasthanam for inquiries, detailed temple information, and Pooja arrangements.
  3. Reserve Travel and Accommodation: Ensure you book your travel and lodging well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
  4. Practise Personal Hygiene: Take a bath and wear clean clothes before entering the temple to show respect and reverence.
  5. Focus on the Divine: Concentrate your thoughts on the God and Goddess enshrined in the temple during your visit.
  6. Maintain Silence and Recite Mantras: Keep the atmosphere serene by maintaining silence and reciting "Om Namah Shivaya" or your personal mantra quietly to yourself.
  7. Observe Customs and Traditions: Respect the ancient customs and traditions associated with the temple during your visit.
  8. Respect Religious Sentiments: Be mindful of the feelings and beliefs of other devotees while at the temple.
  9. Deposit Offerings Properly: Place your offerings in the designated hundi (donation box) only.
  1. Avoid Non-Worship Activities: Refrain from visiting the temple for any purpose other than the worship of God and Goddess.
  2. No Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited within the temple premises.
  3. No Alcohol Consumption: Do not consume alcoholic beverages while at the temple.
  4. No Non-Vegetarian Food: Eating non-vegetarian food is not allowed within the temple grounds.
  5. Do Not Use Mediators: Avoid approaching intermediaries for quick darshan (viewing of the deity), as this may inconvenience others.
  6. No Weapons Allowed: Do not carry any weapons into the temple.
  7. Headgear Restrictions: Refrain from wearing head coverings such as helmets, caps, turbans, or hats inside the temple.
  8. Sastanga Pranama Prohibition: Do not perform Sastanga Pranama (prostration) inside the sanctum sanctorum.
  9. Limit Time During Sparsha Darshanam: Be mindful and do not take too much time while performing Sparsa Darshanam (touching the deity) in the Garbhagriha (sanctum).
  10. Avoid Buying from Vendors: Do not purchase spurious prasadams (offerings) from street vendors outside the temple.
  11. Do Not Encourage Beggars: It is advisable not to give alms to beggars within the temple premises.
  12. Maintain Cleanliness: Avoid spitting or creating any nuisance within the temple area.

Dress Code

For Men: Men should wear traditional attire such as dhoti, lungi, or kurta, along with a shirt or t-shirt that covers the shoulders. It is essential to avoid shorts, sleeveless shirts, and any form of casual wear that may be considered disrespectful.

For Women: Women are encouraged to wear sarees, salwar kameez, or traditional dresses that cover the arms and legs appropriately. Avoid wearing revealing clothing, shorts, or sleeveless tops to maintain the sanctity of the temple environment.

How to reach

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By Air: The temple is approximately 10 Kms from Trichy International Airport.

By Road: The temple is about 5.6 Kms from Trichy Central Bus Stand. Buses frequently run from both bus stands, and travellers can get down at Main Guard Gate or Teppakulam to reach Rockfort.

By Rail: The temple is located around 5.5 Kms from Trichy Railway Station.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Kaveri River: This sacred river flows near the temple, providing spiritual significance and sustenance to the region.
  2. Kollidam River: A major tributary of the Kaveri, it flows nearby and is considered auspicious for temple rituals and festivals.


Cities:

  1. Tiruchirappalli (Trichy): The temple is located in the city of Trichy, one of Tamil Nadu's most important historical and cultural centres.
  2. Srirangam: A prominent temple town near Trichy, Srirangam is renowned for its Vaishnavite shrine and adds to the region's religious significance.