Sarguna Nathar Temple

Overview

Thiru Idumbavanam/Mukthisthalam/Thiruvidumbavanam is one of the 275 Thevara Shivasthalam of Lord Shiva located in Thiruvanur, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu. This is one of the prominent temples of Lord Shiva famous for its stunning mural works. In this temple Lord Shiva worshipped in the form of a self-manifested Linga.This Shivastalam is located 14 kilometres southwest of Tirutturaippundi. In the vicinity of Idumbavanam is Tillaivilagam, a Vaishnava Abhimanastalam enshrining Rama. This shrine is regarded as the 96th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola Region south of the river Kaveri.The adulated in the Thevaram songs of Saint Tirugnana Sambandar. This is the 108th Lord Shiva temple on the southern bank of Cauvery applauded in Saivite psalms. Visakam in May-June is stupendously celebrated in the temple. Likewise all Shiva related celebrations are watched. Four worship services are offered each day, and the annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the month of Vaikasi. Other festivals celebrated here include Aani Tirumanjanam, Kartikai Deepam, Arudra Darisanam and Thai Poosam. Navaratri, Aadi Pooram, and Skanda Sashti are also celebrated.Gatotkachan is said to have been born (to Bhima and Hidambi) here and the temple theertham is said to have been created by Bheema with his mace. Kunraloor nearby is believed to he Hidumban's capital. It is believed that Sambandar trekked his way to this temple for a distance of about 4 miles, on his hands, as he had a vision of Shivalingams covering the entire path.

About the Temple

This small temple is beautified with a 3 tier Rajagopuram, an attractive Vimanam and is surrounded by lofty walls.This small temple is beautified with a Rajagopuram an attractive Vimanam, and is surrounded by lofty walls. The Bhramma Theertham tank is located in front of the temple. Artistically carved stone pillars adorn the sanctum. Much of the granite structure that exists now is a result of the renovations carried out earlier this century. Divinity sayambumurthy graces the devotees confronting east. The temple has a 3 level Rajagopuram. Vinayaka of the temple is adulated as Lord Vellai Vinayaka. There are sanctuaries in the prakara for Lords Vinayaka, Muruga,Bhairava, Lingodhbava, Nataraja, planets Sun, Moon and Sani Baghwan, Mothers Gajalakshmi and Durga, Sage Agasthya and Idumban.

About the Deity

An evil presence, Idumban by name washed in the hallowed spring of the temple and venerated Lord Shiva looking for aggregate salvation. Mitigated of all his past sins, he wedded one Idumbai, henceforth the name Idumbavanam to the spot. Holy person Tirugnana Samabandar went by this spot amid his journey from Vedaranyam to Madurai . As he saw Shivalingas in each molecule of the place's sand, he strolled through the spot by his hands keeping the legs up, as indicated by a place's account.

This is likewise one of the spots where Lord Shiva conceded His wedding darshan to Sage Agasthya. The Wedding stance of Lord Shiva with Mother Parvathi is delineated behind the managing divinity in the sanctum sanctorum. Amid his stay in the spot, Sage Agasthya splashed the water in his Kamandala (a hand dish conveyed by sages) on Deva Sharma and his wife who got to be devils because of their wrongdoings. Likewise, when one Gunabaran conveyed the powder of his dad to this spot, he saw his dad favoring him and accomplishing salvation. The spot is viewed as extremely hallowed for accomplishing salvation. Master Yama the God of Death, to diminish himself from the scourge of Lord Shiva for worshipping so as to toss the destiny rope on Sage Markandeya Lord in this spot. This is a position of worship for help from the apprehension of death. The icons of Mother Gajalakshmi, Lord Dakshinamurthy and Sani Baghwan – planet Saturn are made of a solitary stone. The spot has more noteworthy significance as Lord Sri Rama venerated the Lord here to win Ravana. Ruler Vellai Vinayaka graces with Siddhi and Buddhi made of ocean froth. Performing abishek to Him with rose water and drain conveys all advantages to the devotee, it is accepted.

Legend/Story

When, the tender characteristics (Satva Guna) of Lord Brahma started to decrease because of the scourge of Lord Shiva. To recover the character misfortune, Brahma tackled a journey to Shiva sthalas. Satisfied with his endeavors, Lord Shiva allowed darshan in His wedding structure with Mother Parvathi, Vinayaka and Muruga. Thus, Lord Shiva is commended as Sarguna Nathar – Lord of Gentle Characters. Ruler Brahma made a spring – Brahma theertha and dispatched the celebration, Brahmmotsava in Vaikasi-May-June.

Festivals

Vaikasi Visakam in May-June is grandly celebrated in the temple. Also all Shiva related festivals are observed.

Significance

Lord Shiva in the temple is a swayambumurthy. Realizing their wishes, devotees light lamps in the temple. They also offer (supply) oil for daily lighting in the temple. Devotees pray for removal of obstacles in wedding talks, to defeat enemies and freedom from fear of death.

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