- Aridhvara mangalam:
The place Aradhaiperumpazhi/ Sameevanam is about 8 kms NW of Ammapettai on the banks of Vennaru. The Temple main Raja gopuram is of three storeys and a prakaram.
The temple is one of 275 Devara sthalam and one of Pancharanya Kshetram.
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Padhalavaradhar and his consort known as Alankara Ammai.
Teertham is Brahma teertham in front of the temple, and Sthala Vruksham is Vanni.
Other dities seen in the prakaram of the temple is Vinayakar, Kasi Viswanadhar, Saneeswaran, Suryan, Chandran, Bairavar, Sundrar, Sambandhar, Pancha madhar and Lingothbavar.
There is a ditch in front of lord Siva, dug by Vishnu in the form of Varaha, hence the name Aridhvara mangalam for this place.
Sthala purana says Lord Siva removed one of the horns of Varaha and wore it as a pendant to his chest.
Thiru gyana Sambandhar Sung hymns on Lord Siva of this place.
- Thiru Avaliva Nallore :
The place Thiru Avaliva Nallore is about 6 kms north of Ammapettai, also known as Sathinadha puram / Padrivanam on the banks of River Vennaru with two prakarams.
This temple is one of 275 Devara Sthalam. Here Sthala vruksham is Padri and Teertham is Chandra Pushkarani.
Main Deity in the temple is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Sakshi Nadhar and his consort known as Soundra Nayaki. At the back of the main Siva Lingam, we see Siva in the form of Rishabarudar with Uma Devi.
Sthala purana says Adi Saiva Brahmin who used to worship Lord Siva of this place had two daughters. His first daughter was married, and his son- in- Law went to visit Kasi kshetra. In the meanwhile the girl suffered from small pox and lost her eye sight and beauty.
When Son-in-Law of Adi Saiva Brahmin returned back from his Kasi yatra, looking at his wife refused to believe the fact and started arguing, that the second girl was his wife. At this point Lord Siva gave darshan as Rishbarudar and pointed at the first girl (Aval Eval) as his wife.
The girl had a dip in the pushkarani of this place and regained her beauty and eye sight. This is the reason for the place to be known as Avaliva Nallore.
Stone inscriptions of Raja Raja Chola period is there in the temple.Thiru Gyana sambandhar sang hymns on Sakshi Nadhar of this temple.
- Koilvenni:
This temple Koil Venni is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam
The place known as Thiru Venniyoor is about 8 kms towards NW of Nedamangalam, on the banks of River Pambani.
The temple main Gopuram is of three storeys, and single prakaram.
We see Nandi Devar in a small mandapam as we enter inside.
Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Venni nadhar and his consort known as Azhagiya Nayaki.
Sthala Vruksham is known as Nandhivardham and teertham is Surya, and Chandra Teertham.
Purana says once when the place was like a forest with karumbu Nandhivardha trees. Two muni’s had discussion and yelling at each other. Chola Raja heard about them and came here to find a solution.
Thiru Navukkarasar and Thiru gyana sambandhar sung hymns on Venninadhar of this temple.
Stone inscriptions of Raja Raja Chola period is there in the temple.
- Vadoovoore:
The place is considered as Dkshina Ayodhya. This is Abimana sthalam of Lord Vishnu. The place Vaduvoore is about 24 kms from Tanjavore to Mannarkudi when we travel.
The main Raja Gopuram is of five storeys.
As we enter inside we see Dwajsthambam and beautiful sculpture on the sanctum wall.
There are beautiful paintings to the wall depicting story of Ramanaya.
Main deity is Kodhand Ramar with Seetha, Lakshmana and Hanuman is seen inside the main sanctum. Ramar is seen with saligrama garland and Mahalakshmi pendant is seen to his chest. Urchavar here is known as Ramar.
Sthala Vruksham known as Magizha maram and Teertham is Sarayu teertham seen outside the temple.
Sthala Puranam says Sri Rama was about to return to Ayodha after his war with Ravana, and completion of his vanavasam. Maharishis who were in the forest requested Rama to stay back. Sri Rama said he will meet them next day. Sri Rama made a replica of him and placed it near the entrance where he was staying. Next day when Maharish’s came there were surprised to see the replica of Sri Rama which looked too natural, and they wanted the replica of Sri Rama which was natural for them to worship. Sri Rama gave the replica for them and left for Ayodhya.
Later days Vaishnava devotees made sculpture of Seetha, Lakshmana and Sri Hanuman.
During the time of foreign invasion, as a safety measure these sculptures were kept in another place at Thalai gnayeru
When Saraboji maharaja was ruling Tanjavore, one day in his dream Sri Rama asked him to construct a temple for those deities kept at Thalai Gnayeru. Saratoga Maharaja went to, Thalai Gnayeru and took the deities from there, and as he was returning to Tanjavore. He had to stay back at vaduvoore at night. Here some of the devotees requested him to construct the temple in this place and install Sri Rama in the temple. Maharaja obliged them and constructed a temple in this place.
The chariot of Urchvar used on important ceremonial days. In Maha mandapam,
we see Lord Krishna with Rukmani and Sathyabama in a separate sanctum. They say previously these idols were inside the main sanctum prior to Sri Rama being installed.
As we go round the prakaram we come cross Hayagreevar, Vishvaksenar, Andal and Azwar,
- Thiruvedaivai:
The temple is one of 275 Siva Devara Sthalam. The temple is about 2000 years old.
The place“Thiruvidaivasal is about 42 kms from Tanjavore to Thiruvarore”. One has to take a diversion from Koradachery, and travel 3 kms to reach the temple. The place is nearer to Needamangalam.
As we enter we see Nandi in a small mandapam, facing the main deity Lord Siva.
Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Punyakodiappar and his consort known as Abirami Ammai.
Sthala vruksham is Kasturi Arali and teertham is Sri Teertham.
Other deities seen in the temple as we go around is Vinayakar in small sanctum, Nardhana Vinayakar, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Durgai, Valli Devasena with Subramanyar, Gaja Lakshmi, Bala Sastha, Bairavar, Chandikeswarar, Navagraha, Soorya & Chandran.
Here in this temple, “Dakshina Moorthy“ is seen on Simahasana mandapam. Thiru gyanasambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.
- Mannarkudi: Rajgopala Swamy temple.
The temple is about 27 kms from Thiruvavore, on the banks of River Pamani.
The main Raja Gopuram is of eleven storeys, with seven prakaram. The place is known as Dakshina Dwaraka, Sanbakaranyam and Vasudeva puri.
As we enter through the main entrance we see another gopuram with mandapam in front leading us in to second prakaram of the temple.
We enter through the main gopuram, and pass through a big corridor which leads us to Garuda kambam. The Garuda kambam is huge and it is of single stone with Garuda on top of it. Punga tree is sthala vruksham of the temple.
Min Deity is Swayambu Moorthy known as Vasudevar in standing posture with sanku and Chakkram in his hands. We see Sridevi and Bhoodevi to either side. The Vimanam on main sanctum is Swayambu Vimanam.
Urchavar here, known as Sri Rajagopalan, is seen in front of a cow, along with Rukmani and Sathyabama. There is a separate sanctum for Sengkamala Thayar here.
There is a Krishna teertha pushkarani with a (Nerazhi mandapam) mandapam, in it.
As we go around the inner prakaram we see, Venugopalan, Lakshmi Narayanan, Anantha Padmanaban, Sreenivasan, Ramar, Hanuman, Thirumangai Azwar, Chakkrthazwar, Manavala ma munigal, Nammazwar, and Kuratthazwar in different sanctums.
Lord Brahma and Agni worshipped Lord here and were blessed.
- Thiru paruthiniyamam:
This is one of 275 Siva Devara sthalam. The temple is known as Paruthiyappar Koil.
The temple is about 13 kms from Tanjavoore to Oratthanadu, take a diversion at Uzhavoor and travel 3 kms east to reach the place.
The temple main Raja Gopuram is of five storeys with two prakarams.
Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Parithiappar / Arulmigu Baskareswarar, and his consort known as Mangala Nayaki.
As we enter inside we see Dwajasthambam with vinayakar. Teertham is known as Soorya teertham seen in front of the temple. Sthala vruksham is palm tree.
Other deities seen in the temple, as we go around are Ganesha, Subramanyar, Gaja lakshmi, Daksina Moorthy, Sooryan, and Navagraham.
Purana says Soorya dug a pond at this place. To get rid of his ailment he had a dip in the pushkarani and worshipped Lord Siva, and he was blessed by Lord. Hence, Lord Siva is known as Baskareswarar. There is a moortham of surya in the sanctum.
There is another saying that King Sipi Chakravarthy’s, labour who was cutting grass, he hit on surface and found a Siva Linga with blood. This was reported to King, who built a temple for Lord Siva and worshiped.
Thiru Navukkarasar, Thiru Gyana Sambandhar and Sundarar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.
[Swayambu Lingam]
- Ranganadhapuram: Siva temple.
The place is about 17Kms from Thiruvayaru, to Thirukattupalli, and from there it is about 2 kms. They have constructed pillars on the main road which is a little inside. Proposal is there for arch in future.
The temple was1st Madakoil built by “Kochengat cholan. Vimanam” is known as “Gaja kataksha sakthy vimanam”.
We see elephant in front of the Dwajasthambam and the building seems to rest on elephant back.
We have to climb few steps to reach the main sanctum. We enter into a mandapam were we see Nandi just above the place were elephant is seen.
Main deity is Siva Lingam known as Thiruvaneeswarar facing east and Kamakshi Amman facing south in standing posture in different sanctum.
Kanchi pramacharya Chandrasekara swamigal, stayed here and meditated in this temple. We see a small platform to sit and meditate.
Dakshina murthy is seen as koshta moorthy in a small mandapam with separate gopuram
Valamburi Vinayakar is seen in different small sanctum to a corner. He is seen in a little slanting posture with his left hand pressed on his lap as though he is getting ready to get up.
As we go around the temple we see Valli devasena sametha Subramnaya swamy, Gajalakshmi in small different sanctums.
Sthala Purana says Kala chakkra was created in this sthalam, to gain Siva darshanam Maha Lakshmi worshiped Lord Siva with Lotus flowers in this place. Lord Siva was pleased with her worship and gave darshan. Hence the Lord Siva here is known as Sahasra Lakshmeeswarar.
Purana says, it is a belief on the day of star Poorvabadra, Viswakarma, Agni, Angeeras Muni and Pranthaka Maharishi, in aroopa form, worship Lord Siva here by performing homam and pooja.
a[Sahasra Lakshmeeswarar]
a[Kala Chakkra]
a[Valampuri Vinayakar]
- Senthalai : Meenkshi Sundreswarar Temple.
The temple is about a kilometer from Varagore temple. The temple is big one with, main Raja gopuram of five storeys and two prakaram.
Main deity is Swayambu Siva Lingam known as Sundareswarar and his consort known as Meenakshi amman.
As we go around the prakaram, deities seen in the temple are Ganesha in a small sanctum, Dakshina moorthy as koshta moorthy, Subramanyar, Lakshmi, Chandeekeswarar.
Stone inscriptions are seen in the temple.
[Ganapathy]
[Meenakshi Sundareswarar] [Subramanyar]
[Gaja Lakshmi] [Dakshna Moorthy]
- Varagoore Lakshmi Narayanar Temple
The temple is about 13 kms from Thiru kandiyoor to Thirvavore route, Tanjavore.
Main deity is Lakshmi Narayanar with Lakshmi thayar sitting on his left lap. Urchavar here is Venkatachalapathy perumal with Sridevi and Bhoomadevi.
Importance: The temple is popular by the name of Urchavar. This is one of the Swayamvektha ksheramof Lakshmi Narayanar.
The Purana says Mahan Narayana Teerthar was suffering from stomach ache. He visited many temples worshipping God to get relief from his stomach ache. As he was visiting he happened to stop at Ganesha temple in a place, known as Nadu cauveri. In his dream an old man asked him, to follow the first living being who he sees the next day morning and he will be relieved of his stomach ache.
Next day morning Narayanar saw a white Varaha and started following, which went inside this temple and disappeared. He realized that Lord Narayanar took the form of Varahar and helped him. Here he sang songs in praise of Lord. He saw Krishna with Rukmani and Sathyabama in Lakshmi Narayanar.
Sathyabama, asked him to sing about the Krishna leela with his Gopikas. Narayana teerthar felt happy and composed songs which is now, popular as Krishna Leela Thrangini.
Nrayana teerthar had darshan of Lakshmi Narayanar as Varaha Moorthy; hence the place is known a Varagoore.
Main deity of this place is worshiped in three form as, Lakshmi Naryanar, Kannan and Varaha perumal. Janmashtami is celebrated in grand scale. There is no seperate idol for Krishna here.On Janmashtami the main deity Lakshmi Naarayanar is decorated as Yasodha and kannan idol is placed in her lap.
Devotees come here to pray for,a child in their life. They place a silver anklet in the feet of deity and wear it. once they are blessed with child they remove the anklet and offer it in this temple.
[Swayamvektha Ksheram][Lakshmi Narayanar][Varaha Perumal][Rukmani sathyabama][Lord Krishna]
- Thiru Valampozhil:
This is one of 275 Siva Devara sthalam.
The place is about 5 kms distance from Thiruvayaru , on the banks of the River Kudamuruti.
The main gopuram of the temple is of five storeys.
Main Deity here is Swayambu Lingam known as Athmanadheswarar, and his consort known as Gyanambikai.
Sthala vruksham is banayan tree and Teertham is Kudamuruthi aru.
Importance is Ashtavasu worshiped Lord Siva of this place. Thirunavakkuarasar sang hymns on Lord Athmanadheswarar
[Swayambu
[Thiru Navakkuarasar.]
- Alagai / Tanjaipureeswarar Temple:
The temple is one of the Devara Vaippu Sthalam.
The temple is located 3 kms from Tanjavore Town. The place is known as Alagapuri on the banks of River Vennaru.
From Alagai / Tanjapureeswarar temple, Tanjvoore.
The temple gopuram is of three storeys. As we enter inside we see Dwajasthambam.
From Alagai / Tanjapureeswarar temple, Tanjvoore.
Main deity here is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Tanjapureeswarar and his consort known as Anandha valli Amman.
Sthala vruksham of the temple is Vilvam. Here the teertham is Veearu and Sivagangai Teertham.
From Alagai / Tanjapureeswarar temple, Tanjvoore.
Other deities seen in the temple are, Vinayakar, Subramanyar, Natarajar, Dakshina Moorthy, Kubera and Thirunavakkuarasar.
Purana says Kubera was born here, as a vaisaya and worshiped Sivalinga of this place. Hence the place is known as Alagai.
There are number of stone inscriptions seen in the temple.
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