Thirunaraiyur

Padal Petra Sthalams, Thanjavur District

God

Sidhanadar, facing west. Also called Sidhdha Nadeswarar, Vedeswarar, Nareswarar

Goddess

Azhagammai, facing south. Also called Soundarya Nayagi

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga, Navagraha, Nataraja, Bhairava, Veerabhadra, Narthana Ganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Lingotbavar, Brahma, Arthanareeswara, Pitchadanar, Durgai, Naalvar, Sapthamaadhar

Thirunaraiyur is a large west facing temple with a tall 5 tiered Rajagopuram at the entrance. The Rajagopuram has many erotic sculptures on it. The Prakaram is large and spacious. There are many stone inscriptions of ancient days. A large temple tank is present north of the temple. A man (naran, refered in the mythology part below) worshiping is seen with the Lingotbavar behind the main deity.

Holy Water (Theertham) –Soola Theertham

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Pavazhamalli (Parijat – Nyctanthes arbor-tristis)

History

Thirugnanasambandar and Sundarar (7th century CE) have visited and sung hymns in praise of the lord here at Thirunaraiyur. Stone inscriptions dating to the periods of Rajaraja Chola and Kulothunga III amongst others are seen here at Thirunaraiyur. These inscriptions reveal information about Gold that was donated to provide offerings to Pitchadanar, Land donations for providing food and to burn lamps. They also refer to this temple and place as Kshatriya Sigamani Valanaattu Thirunaraiyur, Kulothunga Chozha Valanaattu Thirunaraiyur, Panchavan Madeviyana Chathurvedi Thirumangalathu Thirunaraiyur and the lord as Thirusidhdheesaramudaiyar and Kangaladevar.

Legend

Siddhas, Brahma, Markandeya and Kubera are believed to have worshiped here at Thirunaraiyur. A man (Naran) cursed to be a bird by Sage Durvasa worshiped here to be relieved from the curse and hence this place was called Narapuram and Thiru Narai Oor.

Directions

Thirunaraiyur is about 8.5 Kilometers from Kumbakonam in the northern side of Nachiyar Kovil village.

Stay and Food

Tea and snacks are available locally. Of particular mention would be the tea shop north east of the Nachiyar Kovil temple tank that serves fried snacks (vadai, bonda etc) which seem to sell out as they are made. Kumbakonam is ideal for stay.

Padal Petra Sthalams

Tamilnadu Temples