Thirukandiyur

108 Divya Desam Temples, Thanjavur District

God

Aran Sabamtheertha Perumal, facing east

Goddess

Kamalavalli Nachiyar, facing east

Other Deities

Garuda, Anjaneya, Aandal

Thirukandiyur is a beautiful east facing temple with a 3 tier Rajagopuram and a nice temple pond inside the walls. Thirukandiyur has 2 Prakarams. The Lord here is in standing posture. The processional deity is Kamalanathan.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Kabala Theertham

Vimaanam – Kamalakriti Vimaanam

History

Mangalasasanam has been rendered by Thirumangai Azhwar (part of the 12 Azhwars, 7 – 9th Century CE) here at Thirukandiyur. Thirukandiyur temple is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century AD, with later contributions from Vijayanagar Kings and Madurai Nayaks.

Legend

Lord Vishnu is believed to have rid Lord Shiva of the curse for having beheaded one of Brahma’s heads after his holy bath in the Pushkarini (Holy Tank) here at Thirukandiyur. Pleased with the Lord, he is said to have constructed the Thirukandiyur temple and also one for himself opposite. The name of the place and deity comes from this legend – Aran (Shiva) Sabam (Curse) Theertha (Relieved, Ended) Perumal (Lord Vishnu).

Thirukandiyur is also believed to have been the place where the Lord gave darshan to Sage Agastya. The story of Thirukandiyur temple is explained in detail in Brahmaanda Puranam.

Directions

Thirukandiyur is 2 kilometers before Thiruvaiyaru as you go from Thanjavur and before crossing the Kudamurutti River.

Stay and Food

Tea Shops available locally at Thirukandiyur. Thanjavur is the best option for stay.

108 Divya Desam Temples