Thiruneithanam

Padal Petra Sthalam, Thanjavur District

God

Neiyadiappar, facing east

Goddess

Balambigai, facing south

Other Deities

Vinayaka, Muruga, Dakshinamurthy, Lingotbavar, Brahma

Thiruneithanam (also called Thillaisthanam) is one of our favorite temples as the Cauvery flows adjacent across the road and we always come here for a bath. The beautiful temple faces east with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. The Dakshinamurthy here at Thiruneithanam is in a rare standing posture. Tiruneithaanam is one of the 7 temples which are part of the Thiruvaiyaru group and participate in some festivals together including Sapthasthanam. In this festival, the processional deities of all 7 temples converge together in their Palanquins near the temple car of Ayyarappar Temple and offerings of flowers are made by a doll (Poochorithal). The other 6 temples which are part of this ritual are Thiruvaiyaru, Tiruchotruthurai, Thiruvedhikudi, Thirukkandiyur, Thirupoonturuthi and Thirupazhanam.

Holy Water (Theertham) – Cauvery River

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Vilwam (Aegle marmelos)

History

Thirugnanasambandar and Thirunavukkarasar (7th Century CE) have rendered Thevaram hymns here at Thiruneithanam. Stone inscriptions refer to the temple as ‘ Rajaraja Valanattu Painganattu Thiruneithanam’. Stone inscriptions refer to land and gold donations made for sustaining the activities of the temple. Kayavagu, a king of Sri Lanka is also mentioned as following the Lord here as his family deity and having performed several festivities and events. The presence of Lion Pillars here indicates that the Pallava Kings could have also contributed to the growth of Thiruneithanam temple.

Legend

Saraswathi, Kamadhenu and Sage Gouthama are believed to have worshiped here.

Directions

Thiruneithanam is 2 kilometers west of Thiruvaiyaru.

Stay and Food

Thanjavur is the best option. Some small eateries and restaurants are available in Thiruvaiyaru.

Padal Petra Sthalams