Sundareswarar, Thirailokki

Saivite Temples, Thanjavur District

God

Sundareswara Swami, facing east

Goddess

Agilandeswari, facing east

Other Deities

Dakshinamurthy, Muruga with consorts, Rati, Manmada

Sundareswarar Thirailokki is a small temple, but historically important and old. The Lord and his Consort are seated on the Bull here unlike anywhere else. This form is called Rishabaroodar. A Lingam is carved behind the idol. Lord Shiva and Parvati are carved as sitting in a seat with one leg folded up and one leg down. The Lord’s hand is embracing the goddess. Above them is a Thiruvasi (an arch frame). Above that are Gandarvas dancing and singing with musical instruments in their hands. This idol is said to have been brought here from Mysore area in the ancient days. Another beautiful idol of Lord Muruga with Devasena was brought from the lands of the Chalukya Kings. Both idols were brought as symbols of the victorious conquest of the Cholas over these countries.

Holy water (Theertham) – Lakshmi Theertham. In olden days there were Varuna Theertham and Manasa Theertham also.

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Sara Kondrai (Indian Laburnum – Cassia fistula)

History

Sundareswarar Thirailokki was built by Raja Raja Chola I. The village is named after one of Raja Raja Chola’s wife. According to inscriptions, this place was called as Thirailokki, Thirailokki Mahadevi Chaturvedi Mangalam, Thirailokki Ennum Virudaraja Bayangara Chaturvedimangalam during the Chola Era. Inscriptions dating back from Rajendra Chola (1012-14 CE) and Rajaraja Chola III (1236 CE) are found in  Sundareswarar Thirailokki and the nearby Kailasanadar Temple.

Legend

Brigu, Brahaspathi, Sukethu, Rathi Devi, Karuvurar, Dharuma, and others are believed to have worshiped the Lord here at Sundareswarar Thirailokki.

Directions

Sundareswarar Thirailokki is 5km south-east of Thiruppanandal and can be reached from Kanjanur also.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Kumbakonam, Thirupanandal has some tea and snack shops.

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