Thirupazhavur

Padal Petra Sthalams, Ariyalur District

God

Vadamooleswarar (also called
Yogavaneswarar,
Alanthuraiyar),
Suyambulingam, facing east

Goddess

Arunthavanayagi, facing south

Other Gods

Sanctum Niches – Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Lingotbavar, Brahma, Durga, Chandikeswara. Vinayaga, Muruga, Panchabootha Lingams, Mahalakshmi, 63 Nayanmars, Kalasamharar, Arthanareeswarar, Kalyanasundarar, Kangalar, Bairavar, Tiripurandagar, Rishibaroodar, Tirunavukkarasar, Tirugnanasambandar, Veerabadra, Sapthamadar

Thirupazhavur Siva Temple faces east with temple tank on the east and across the separating road. There are 2 Prakarams. Lord Parasurama’s image is carved in the ceiling before the sanctum sanctorum. The Goddess shrine is separate.

Holy water (Theertham) – Brahmatheertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Aal (pazhu aal) (Banyan – Ficus benghalensis)

History

Thevaram hymns by Thirugnanasambandar (7th Century CE). Arunagirinadar and Ramalinga Vallalar have also rendered hymns (Thirupugazh and Thiruvarutpa respectively) here at Thirupazhavur. The temple was converted to a stone structure during the time of Parantaka Chola I (907-955 CE). Stone inscriptions mention this place as Brahmadeyamana Sirupazhuvur, Aalanthurai and the lord as Aalanthurai Mahadevar. Stone inscriptions from the periods of Kulothunga Chola, Rajathiraja Chola and Rajendra Chola are found here at Thirupazhavur mentioning donations of silver vessels and gold ornaments.

Legend

Goddess Parvati is said to have performed penance here at Thirupazhavur. Parashurama is said to have prayed to Lord Shiva here to offset the sin he attained by killing his mother. Lord Vinayaka, after killing the Asura Gayamugasooran is believed to have come here to Thirupazhavur and danced in joy and hence he called Nirutha (Dancing) Vinayaka. Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, Agastya, Chandran, Vasishta, Kasiba and Vyasa are believed to have worshiped here at Thirupazhavur.

Directions

Thirupazhavur is 10kms south of Ariyalur, the distict headquarters. Thirupazhavur can be reached from Trichy via Lalgudi and from Jayamkondan. If you are going from Thirumazhapadi temple it is on the road to Ariyalur.

Stay and Food

Fine only for tea and snacks.It is advisable to stay in Thanjavur or Ariyalur. Thanjavur has a lot of very good vegetarian restaurants providing different cuisines. Ariyalur is only moderate in terms of food and stay and it may not provide the same satisfaction as staying in Thanjavur.

Padal Petra Sthalams

Tamilnadu Temples