Thirukanoor

Padal Petra Sthalam, Thanjavur District

God

Semmeni Nadar (also Karumbeswarar), facing east

Goddess

Sivaloganayagi, facing south

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga

Thirukanoor is a small temple located in a remote part on the banks of the Kollidam river. The temple was completely submerged in the floods of 1924 and only a sugarcane top was visible. When dug up the Thirukanoor temple was revealed and from then the name of the lord was Karumbeswarar, Karumbu means Sugarcane. Though remote, the temple is surrounded by shady trees and it is a beautiful location. The Nandi here at Thirukanoor is unique in that its leg is in a position of just about to get up. The sun’s rays are said to fall on the Lord here on the 2, 3 and 4th of April.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Kollidam, Veda Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Panai (Palmyra Palm)

History

Thirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar (7th Century CE) have rendered Thevaram hymns here at Thirukanoor. King Karikala Chola was hiding from enemies in this village with his mother when his father died at a very young age. When normalcy returned the Chola courtiers set out with the royal elephant and he was taken back to rule the Kingdom.

Legend

The lord is said to have appeared as a pillar of fire in answer to the prayers of his consort here at Thirukanoor. Parashurama to rid himself of the curse of killing 21 generations of Kshatriyas prayed in 21 Shiva Temples and Thirukanoor is believed to be the 8th of those temples. The pregnant wife of a Pandya Chieftain is said to have cursed this village to be submerged in the sand when the chieftain was captured and executed by the Cholas.

Directions

Thirukanoor is near Thirukattupalli on the banks of the Kollidam River. The best way to visit this temple is to go to the Poondi Matha Basilica and drive north to reach the Kollidam to Kallanai Road along the banks of the Kollidam river, take a right before the bridge and drive for 2 kilometers to reach the Temple. There is another road to reach from Thiruvaiyaru via Sathanur, check our map below for exact location.

Stay and Food

Thanjavur is the closest.

Padal Petra Sthalams