1) Sri Thuoovai Nadhar Temple.




This temple is in Keezai Veedi of Thiruvaroore Thayagesar Temple opposite to chariot shed. This is one of the 275 Devara Sthalams. The historical name of the temple is Paravayul maandali. The temple was under the sea as a sand temple.



Sthala Vruksham is Jack Tree, and Teertham known as Akasha Teertham. The location of the tank to south east corner is something special according to Vastu rules.



Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Thooai Nadhar and his consort known as Panjinmeladi Ammai. Urchavar of the temple is known as Sathyavakeeswarar. There is an eye symbol on Siva Lingam which is visible at the time of Abishekam.





Vinayakar in the temple graces here, as Siddhi Vinayakar. It is said that all idols in the temple were made by Viswakarma the Devine sculptor.





Sthala Purana says when the tides of sea burst and threatened destruction of the world, Devas and Sages worshiped Lord Siva for protection. Lord Siva told them if a tank is dug to the Agni Corner of southeast. Then Prayers to be performed so that tides would subside and lives would be saved. Durvasa maharishi did everything according to the instructions. Pleased with devotee’s prayers Lord Siva absorbed the fury of the sea and lives were saved. Lord Siva is also known as Durvas Nayanar.




Saint Sundarar regains his vision in this temple. One who has problem regarding eyes, if the tank dip in the tank and worship Lord Siva with (red) Sevarali Garland there problem regarding eyes will be solved says Sthala Purana.
Saint Sundarar made a promise to his second wife Sangili Nachiyar that he would never part with her at any instance. Once he wanted to see his first wife Paravai Nachiyar, and he left for Thiruvaroore. By violating the promise to his second wife Sangili Nachiyar he lost his vision. Sundarar started visiting temples and worshiped Lord Siva to restore his eyes. He praised Lord Siva with Hymns in the temples which he visited. When he reached Ekambareswarar temple of Kancheepuram he was blessed by Lord Ekambareswarar with his left eye sight with the recommendation of his consort Goddess Kamakshi.



When Sundarar reached Thiruvaroore and offered his prayers to bless him, his vision. Lord asked him to take a dip in the tank and then worship Lord Siva in the temple. Sundarar did as he was instructed by Lord, who graced Sundarar his right eye sight here in this place. The eyes seen on Siva Lingam is considered as an evidence of Sundarar getting back his vision




Sundarar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this Temple.



2) Thiru Oogai Perayur: Jagadeeswarar Temple.


The place is about 3kms from Kamala Puram, which is about 20 kms from Thiruvaroore to Manarkudi route via Lakshmankudi. This temple is one of the 275 Devara Sthalams.



Main Raja Gopuram is of three tiers and single prakaram facing east.



Teertham is Agni teertham seen in front of the temple. Sthala vruksham is Naarthai (citric Tree).



Main Deity is Swayambu Siva Lingam known as Jagadeeswarar and his consort known as Jagan Nayaki / Penamirtha Nayaki.



As we go around the prakaram, deities seen in the temple are Karpaga Vinayakar, Murugan, Dakshina Moorthy, Lingothbavar, Mahalakshmi, Durgai, Ayyanaar, Bairavar, Natarjar, Soorya and Chandran.



Thiru Navukkarasar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple. Lady poet Muruvalar, who belongs to this place has sung Hymns which is added to Kurunthogai and Purananooru.

Thiru Neiythanam / Thillai sthanam: Neyyadiappar Temple.



The place Neiythanam is about 2 kms west of Thiruvayaaru. This is one of the 275 Devara Sthalams of Tanjavoore Dt. Thillai Sthanam is seventh temple of Saptha Sthana Sthalam.








Main Raja Gopuram is of five storeys. There are two prakaram in the temple.





Dwajasthambam.



Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam and Teertham is River Cauvery.



Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Sri Kruthapureeswarar/ Neiyyadiappar and his consort known as Balaambikai Amman Illamangai Ammai seen in separate Temple here.



Here daily abishekam for Lord Siva is performed with Ghee and later with hot water hence he is known as Neiyyadiappar.




Shrines for Lord Vinayakar and Murugan are seen in inner prakaram of the temple.
As we go around the prakaram we see Nardhana Ganapathy, Dakshina Moorthy in standing posture, Lingothbavar and Brahama as Goshta Deivam around the sanctum of Lord Siva.
Goddess Saraswathy worshiped Lord Siva in this place.









During festival time Lord Iyarappar and his consort Aram Valartha Nayaki visit all seven temples known as Saptha Sthana Sthalams. The seven places are Thiru Pazhanam, Thiru Chottru thurai, Thiru Vedikudi , Thiru Kandiyoore , Thiru Poondthuruthi and Thiru Neiyathanam. This temple Thilla sthanam is seventh temple of Saptha sthanam. One can have darshan of all urchava idols in seven palanquins of Saptha Sthana Sthalams.




A cow in this region was pouring its milk in a place habitually in a specific place. The milk turned into Ghee due to climatic condition. When a shepherd tried to find about the cow it disappeared. It was Kamadenu. He reported about this in the village. When they dug the place they found a Siva Lingam. The King built a temple for the Siva Lingam in that place and arranged for Abishekam with Ghee everyday followed by hot water Abishekam.





A devotee of Lord Siva used to visit the temple daily and used to light a lamp with Ghee and on his return he used to pluck leafy vegetable grown in the temple premises. This was happening for a long period. When grew old one day after lighting the lamp he prayed to Lord Siva to show mercy and bless him for having lighted lamp for so many years. The old man heard a voice saying what mercy remains to be shown as he has plucked daily leafy vegetable grown in the temple as wages says the Sthala Puranam.





Thiru Gyana Sambandhar and Thiru Navukkarasar sang hymns on Lord Siva here. Aunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this temple. Ottakuthar and Pugazhendi Pulavar (poet) sang on Lord of this place.

Keezha Pazhuvoore: Arulmigu Vadamoola Nadhar Temple.



This place Thirupazhuvoore is about 10 kms to south of Ariyaloore on the south bank of River Marudhudayaar. The place is also known as Yoga Vanam.
This is one of the 275 Devara sthalams.








The Main Raja Gopuram is of five tiers and two prakaram in the temple.









We see Dwajasthambam as we enter inside.




Teertham is known as Brama Teertham in the front of the temple. Sthala Vruksham is Banayan Tree.









Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Vadamoola Nadhar / Aalanthurayaar and his consort known as Arunthava Nayaki Amman in separate shrine. Here the Lingam represents Prithivi. Sambarani thailam is applied on Siva Lingam. The lingam is too small, so a cup is placed upside down and abishekam is done on this only.









Goddess penanced and performed yoga hence the place is known as Yoga Vanam. We see Goddess in yoga posture here in the temple.









Other deities seen in the temple as we go around the prakaram are Kamala Ganapathy, Murugan, Pancha Boodha Lingams, Mahalakshmi, 63 Nayanmars, Lingothbavar, Durgai, Chandeeswarar, Saptha Kanniyar and Navagraham.




Sthala Purana says Once Goddess Parvathy closed the eyes of Lord Siva due to which the complete universe came to a stand still. Sooryan and Chandran are considered as the two eyes of Lord Siva. Lord says to Goddess Parvathy if any act which troubles others is punishable. To get rid of the dosha for her act,Goddess Parvathy was asked to go down to earth. Lord asks her to penance in different places and finally reach Yoga Vanam and stay there penancing till he joins her.



Goddess Parvathy penanced in many places and she finally came to Yoga Vanam where she made a Siva Lingam with the mud of Valmeekam and worshiped Lord Siva. She penanced here standing on single leg. Lord Siva was pleased with her penance and blessed her by joining with her. This Yoga Vanam is the place now known as Keezha Pazhuvoore.




Brahaman, Thirumaal, Indran, Pandavar, Agasthiyar, Chandran, Poororavan, Vasishtar, Sadanandar, Kanvar, And Vyasar worshiped Lord Siva here and were blessed by Him.
Parasuramar worshiped Lord Siva here to get rid of his dosha for killing his mother. Here Vinayakar is seen in dancing posture.




Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this place. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this Temple.




Stone inscriptions are found in the temple. The temple was constructed by stones during the period of first Parandakan Cholan.

Thiru Mazhapadi, Sri Vaidhyanadhar Temple.



This place Thiru Mazhapadi is about 28 kms south of Ariyaloore on the banks of River Kollidam.




This place is one of the 274 Siva Devara Sthalams.









The Main Raja Gopuram is of seven tiers. There are three prakaram in the temple.








We see Nandi in a mandapam and Dwajasthambam to front.








As we enter in we see two more Nandi here.







Teertham is River Kollidam, Lakshmi and Sivagangai Teertham.











Sthala Vruksham is Palm Tree.










The place was full of Palm tree hence it is known as Talavanam. Lord Siva with his Mazhu (axe like weapon) blessed Sage Markandeya, hence the place is also known as Mazhapadi.










Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Vaidhyanadhar / Mazhuvadeesar and his consort known as Soundaraambikai and Balambikai in separate Shrines.



As we go around the prakaram we see deities like Sundara Vinayakar, Murugan, Akora Veerabadharar,









Somaskandar, Meenakshi, Durgai, Thirumaal, Mahalakshmi, Sundarar, Meenakshi, Chokkanadhar, Durgai, Jurahareswarar, Kalasamhara Moorthy, Kathyayini, Natarajar









We see two Dakshina Moorthy in the temple.









Lord Somaskandar idol is made of single stone.










In the shrine of Lord Brahma we see four Nandi represting four Vedas.









We see kalyana Mandapam named as Nandi Kalyana Mandapam.
Nandikeswarar and Suasambikai marriage took place in this place in the Tamil month Panguni (March / April) on the day of Punarpusam star. This day is celebrated every year as a festival in this temple.




Sthala Purana says Sage Siladha muni of Thiruvayaru performed penance on Lord Siva to bless him with child. He heard a voice asking him to perform Putharakamesti yagam. He was told he will find a child in a box while he is preparing the land for Yagnam. He was asked to bring up that child, who is blessed with just 16 years of life span.



Sage while he tilled the land found the box and when he opened it he found a child in it with three eyes four shoulders and crescent moon adoring the head. He was surprised and closed the box. Once again when he opened the box he saw a child in it. He took the child and named him as Japesar. As the child grew the sage was worried and sad. When the child was fourteen years he started penancing with single leg on the bank of Ayana teertham of Thiruvayaru. His penance was so severe the creatures in the tank started consuming his body. Lord Siva was pleased with his penance, cured him and blessed him long life.




Japesar was married to Suasambikai in Thirumazapadi. Japaser continued his penance even after the marriage. He was made chief of the Siva Ganas. He was named as Nandi Devar and he is security chief at the first gate of Kailash.



Sundarar, Thiru Navukkarasar and Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang hymns on Lord Siva here. Stone inscriptions of Chola, Pandya and Hoysala period are found.

Thiruvaalam pozhil, Athmanaadeswarar Temple:



He place Thiruvaalam pozhil is about 17 kms from Tanjvoore. The place is on the way to Kandiyoore and Thirukattupalli. This is one of the Siva Devara Sthalam of Tanjavoore district. This is one of the Saptha Sthana Sthalams.









The Main Raja gopuram is of five storeys.







As we enter in, we see Dwajasthambam and Nandi.








Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam and Teertham is Cauveri.










Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Athmanaadeswarar facing west, and his consort known as Gyanambikai Amman seen in separate sanctum.
















Other deities seen in the temple as we go around the prakaram are Vinayakar, Meda Dakshina Moorthy, Kasi Viswanadhar, Lord Murugan with Valli and Devanai, Chandikeswarar, Navagraham, Pancha Lingam Nalwar and Natarajar.




Ashtavasukal worshiped Lord Siva here and were blessed. Thirunavukkarasar sang hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.




Lord Siva is mentioned as Parambaikudi Thiruvaalam pozhil Mahadevar in the stone inscriptions of the temple.

Thiru kattupalli: Agneswarar temple.



The place Melai Thirukattupalli is about 15 kms west of Thiruvayaaru to Kallanai route, on the south bank of River Kudamurutti. This is one of the Siva Devara Sthalams.








The Main Raja Gopuram of the temple is of seven tiers and three prakarams.










As we enter inside we see Dwajasthambam. As we go around the prakaram we see Vinayakar santum.








Sthala Vruksham is Vanni and Vilvam.









Teertham are Soorya teertham, Agni teertham in the form of well, River Cauveri and River Kudamurutti.




Main Deity here is Swayambu Lingam known as Agneeswarar and his consort here known as Soundara Nayaki / Azhagamar Mangai.










Ambaal sanctum is seen facing south and here Goddess is seen in standing posture. We get to see dwarabalaki to either sides of the entrance.




In the inner prakaram other deities, we see are Vinayakar, Lingothbavar next to Vinayakar is seen in sanctum. Usually he is seen as Koshta Moorthy but here it is unusual. Ardhanareeswarar is seen beside Lingothbavar. We get to see Arumugan with his consort Valli and Devanai. Kasi Viswanadhar, Visalakshi, Gaja Lakshmi, and Durga sanctum are there. Here in mandapam of the temple we see Bairavar and Nalwar. All Grahas are seen facing Sooryan, in the Navagraha sanctum of the temple.





Thirumaal, Brahman, Sooryan, Agni, Bageeradhan and queen of Urayoor worshiped Lord Siva here and were blessed by Him.





Sthala Purana says the King gave the flowers to his two Queens which was brought from Urayoor Garden by his servants. The elder one of the two Queens used to worship Lord Siva with the flowers given to her. The younger one used to use the flower for herself. At the time when Urayoor was completely destroyed by the natural calamity of sand storm, this place Thirukattupalli where elder Queen resided was safe.




Thiru Gyana Sambandhar and Thiru Navukkarasar sung Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple.





Stone inscriptions of Sundara Pandyan and Konerinmai Kondan period are seen in the temple. Inscriptions refer Ambaal as Azhagar Mangai. The temple was renovated by King First Aditya Cholan

Thiru Vedikudi Temple: Lord Vedapureeswarar..



The place Thiru Vedikudi is about 7kms North to Tanjore on the banks of River Vettaru. This temple is one of the Devara sthalam. This temple is one of the Ezhoor temples visited by Lord Iyarappar of Thiruvaiaru, in the Tamil month of Chiittarai (April/ May).







The temple has Raja gopuram of three storey, and single prakaram.









Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam and Teertham is Veida teertham.




Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Vedapureeswarar and his consort known as Mangayarkarasi Amman. Sun rays falls on 13,14 and 15 of tamil month Panguni (March/ April).















As we go round the prakaram deities seen in the temple are Sevi Saaitha Vinayakar, 108 Siva Lingam, Dakshina Moorthy, Ardhanareeswarar, Durgai, Murugan, Mahalakshmi, Natarajar, Lakshmi Narayanar and Hanuman is seen at the feet of Him, Saptha Sthana Lingams.




Lord Brahma worshiped Lord Siva here hence the name Vedikudi for the place. Vedas worshiped Lord Siva here and were blessed. Vinayakar enjoys listening to chanting of Vedas; hence he is known as Sevi Saaitha Vinayakar / Veda Vinayakar. The temple Vimanama construction is of stones. Nandi is seen to four sides of Temple Vimanam, represting four Vedas. Ardhanareeswarar form here is unusual in this temple. Here Ambal is seen to the right side of Ardhanareeswarar who is seen as Koshta Deivam at the back of main sanctum.




Sthala purana says once Vedas were taken away from Brahma by the Asuras and it was hidden under the ocean. The Vedas were brought back by Lord Narayanar. Vedas worshiped Lord Siva to get rid of their Dosha of being with Asura. The Vedas were blessed by Lord Siva. On request of Vedas Lord Siva stayed back in this place as Vedapureeswarar.




Thiru Navukkarasar and Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva here. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan of this temple.



Stone inscriptions of Rajakesri Varman and Koparakesari Varman period are seen in the temple they say the Lord is known as Thiru Vedikudi Mahadevar and Para kesari Chaturvedi mangala Mahadevar.

Thiru Chotru thurai Nadhar / Oudhavneswarar Temple:




The place is about 15 kms from Tanjavoore and 4 kms from Kandiyoor.
This temple of Chotuthurai is one of the Devara Sthalam, on the south bank of River Cauvery. This is third temple of the Ezhur (Seven) sthalams, where Lord fed is devotees.









Main Raja Gopuram is of three tiers




The temple has single prakaram only. As we go around the prakaram, Sanctum of Annapoorani Amman is in the south east, Lord Arumugan facing east is seen in a shrine facing south.








Lord Maha Vishnu sanctum is seen facing east. We get to see Gautama Muni worshiping Lord Vishnu here.









Lord Vinayakar and Lord Murugan are seen near the temple entrance to either side.









We see a mandapam and Adigara Nandi is seen in front of the mandapam. We see Natarajar in the mandapam which leads to the Artha mandapam and main sanctum of Lord Oudhavaneswarar.




Sthala Vruksham is Vilvam. Teertham is River Cauvery and Soorya teertham.










Main deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Thiru Chotru thurai Nadhar / Oudhavaneswarar with his consort known as Annpoorani Amman facing east. She is seen in a separate sanctum in SE while go around the prakaram.










Brahma, Vishnu, Sooryan, Indran and Sage Gautama worshiped Lord Siva in this place. Sage Gautama attained Mukthi in this place.










Sthala Purana: Once due to severe famine people were starving. The temple was not taken care off at that time. A devotee of Lord Siva named Arulalan worshiped Lord Siva to overcome the severe famine. He banged his heads to the steps and cried out for help from Lord Siva. There was heavy down pour and the place was flooded. There was a bowl floating in the water which was picked by Arulalan. He heard a voice announcing, the bowl is Akshya Patra which gives food always without any bounds. It will never go dry and it can help in feeding the people to get rid of their hunger.




Since the Lord here has helped to get rid of famine and gave Akshya Patra which gave food, Lord is praised and named as Thiru Chotru Thurai Nadhar. (Chotru means food).





Saints Sundarar, Thiru Navakkuarasar and Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this temple. Arunagirinadhar sang Thirupugazh on Lord Murugan here. Thiru Ramalinga Vallalaar has praised and worshiped Lord here.

Pasupathy Koil: Pasupathy Nadhar Temple.



The place is about 14 kms from Kumbakonam to Tanjavoore and 2 kms from Iyempettai. The temple tower is of five tiers, and there is only one prakaram in the temple.







This is one of the Devara Sthalam of Tanjavoore and one of the Saptha Sthana Sthalam. (Chakkra Mangai, Soola Mangai, Ariya Mangai, Nandi Mangai Thazha Mangai, Pulla Mangai and Pasu Mangai are Saptha Sthana temples.







The temple is constructed by Cochengat Cholan as Maadak Koil. In the base Nandi is seen in the mandapam Ancient name of the temple is Thiru Pullamangai.



Main Deity in the temple is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Pasupathy Nadhar / Brahma pureeswarar and His consort known as Soundara Nayaki / Alliyang kodai.




Sthala Vruksham is Baniyan Tree and Teertham is River Cauvery, River Kudamuruti, Kamadenu Teertham and Siva Teertham








Agasthiyar









Dakshina Moorthy




Other deities seen in the temple as Koshta Moortham are Vinayakar, Dakshina Moorthy, Lingothbavar with Brahma and Vishnu, Nalwar, Brahma and Durgai Amman. Nandi is seen among Navagraham. Durgai Amman is like Mahishasura Mardhini with weapons in her hand. Durgai of Thiru Nageswaram Temple, Patteswaram Temple and Thiru Pullanga Managi temple are sculptured by same person in all these three places. Durgai is considered very powerful in all the three temples.









Bairavar









Kamadenu worshiped Lord Siva in this place.



Thiru Gyana Sambandhar sang Hymns on Lord Pasupatheeswarar of this temple.

Thiru Needoore: Arulmigu Somanadhar temple.



The place is about 5kms to north of Mailaduthurai. The place is also known as Vakularanya Kshetram.






.
This temple is one of the, Devara Sthalam temple of Nadu Nadu.









The temple Raja Gopuram and we see two prakarams in the temple. Vimanam over the main sanctum is of two layers.








Nandi is seen in a mandapam.




Sthala Vruksham is Magizha Maram (Tree) and there are nine teertham for the temple.









Main Deity is Swayambu Lingam known as Arulmigu Somanadhar and his consort known as Veyuru tholi Ammai / Veda Nayaki Amman. Urchavar, in the temple here is known as Soma Skandar.



As we go around the prakaram we see Kailasa Nadhar, Siva Lokanadhar, Kasi Viswanadhar, Murugan, Vinayakar, Saptha Kanniyar, Natarajar and Aanandha Thandava Moorthy.Vinayakar here is known as Siddhi Vinayakar.




Vinayakar is seen in three forms as big, old and wise which are represented as Chintamani Vinayakar, Selva Maha Vinayakar and Sivaandha Vinayakar. Before starting any new work people come here worship Vinayakar and with his guidance they start the work.




Sthala Purana says once when Indran came down to Bhoolokam he was not able to find a Siva Lingam to do his daily morning worship of Lord Siva. He collected sand from the Cauveri River bed and made a Siva Lingam and performed his pooja. He sang a song to have darshan of Lord Siva dancing. Lord Siva was pleased with his song and gave darshan for him as he wished. So Lord Siva here is also known as Gana Nardhana Sankaran. When he left the place, he left the Siva Lingam here. We can see the finger prints on the Siva Lingam.




King Danmadha Sudhan due to his Karma in previous birth was born as a crab in his next birth. The King approached Sage Naradha who guided him to worship Lord Siva in this place to get rid of his karma and gain Moksha. The king took bath in River Cauvery and worshiped Lord Siva as he was guided by Naradha Muni. Lord Siva appeared and blessed the king. Lord Siva made hole in the Lingam and the Crab (King) entered inside this hole and attained Moksha. The hole is there in the Siva Lingam.




Lord Sooryan worshiped Goddess here hence she is known as Adithya Abhya varadha Ambikai. Sani Bagwan is seen in the mandapam in front of Goddess. One who worships Goddess here in this place gets rid from the power of Sani Dosha.



Sundarar and Thiru Navukkarasar sang Hymns on Lord Siva of this place.