Pasupathishwarar Temple

Overview

The Vasishteswarar Temple is in the village of Thittai, 11 kilometres from the town of Thanjavur is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vasishteswarar. The temple dates from the 12th century AD and was built by the Cholas. Maharshi Vasishta worshipped Jupiter as Raja Guru in this temple; hence the place has Guru Importance. Guru transition day is devotionally celebrated here.

About the Temple

The word Thittai in Tamil means wisdom spot. Human body has six bases-Mooladhara, Swadishtana, Manipuraka, Anagatha, Visuddhi and Aangna activating the life. Lord Muruga ensures the benefits of these Aadharas to his devotees with final benefit of enlightenment placing them ever in bliss. Lord Muruga is the Moolamurthi here with His body as Thenkudi and bliss as Thittai – Thenkudi Thittai. Sun God worships Lord Vasishteswara through his rays on Aavani 15, 16 and 17 and again on Panguni in the Utharayana half year on 25, 26 and 27 as Rising Sun. Surya Puja is performed during these days in the temple. It is a still a miracle in the temple that drops of water fall on Lord Vasishteswara every 20 minutes from the Vimana. There are five Lingas in the temple representing the Pancha Bhoodas –Earth, Space, Water, Fire and Vayu the wind. This is one of the holy places with Jupiter-Guru significance.Guru Bhagwan graces here from a separate shrine in a standing posture showing his sense of haste to rush to the rescue of His devotees.It is also said that those praying Guru Bhagwan will be blessed high eloquent and oratorical skills. Students pray here for attaining excellence in their studies.

About the Deity

The presiding deity is Shiva. He is called as (Sri Pasupatheeswarar Temple) Shankarunatheswarar.His consort is known as Sangu Nayakar.

Legend and Stories

Thittu in Tamil means a place in higher levels. During a pralaya period, the world was inundated with water. The boat powered by the Ohm Mantra carrying Lord and Mother stopped at a Thittu. This Thittu is Sirkali also called Thonipuram. Of the 28 holy places Lord Shiva loved in days prior to the Pralaya, 26 were submerged in water. The remaining two are Sirkaly and Thenkudi Thittai. During the Pralaya the sound OHM came out from Sirkali. In Thenkudi Thittai the sound HAM emerged along with other mantra sounds. Hence, this place is known as Gnana Medu the wisdom spot and as Thenkudi Thittai. Sirkali is known as Vadakudi Thittai. Also, places called Thitta (Kudi Thittai) are loved most by Lord and Mother. As Maharshi Vasishta had his hermitage here to worship Lord Shiva here, He is praised as Vasishteswara. Mother is praised as Ulaganayaki.

Festivals

Festivals Maha Shivrathri in February-March; Tirukarthikai in November-December and Guru Bhagwan (Jupiter) transition day are the festivals celebrated in the temple.

Significance

Praying to Lord here relieves the devotee of any adverse aspect of planet Jupiter on him/her.They also are blessed with excellence in education with prosperity. Special pujas are offered to Planet Jupiter – Guru Bhagwan.

Nearby Place To Visit

Andalakkum Aiyan
Padikasu Nathar
Gajendra Varadhan
Hara Shaba Vimochana Perumal
Appakudathan
Adhivaraha Perumal

Accessibility

Thenkudi Thittai is 10 km from Thanjavur on the Tirukaruhavur road via Palli Agraharam. The nearest railway is in Thanjavur, and the nearest airport is in Trichy.

Temple Address

Arulmighu Pasupatheeswarar Temple,
Thittai,
Pasupathikoil Post,
Thanjavur district,
PIN 614206.