Semmeninathar Temple

Overview

Tirukkaanoor Semmeninathar Temple is located in Thirukanur in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu,India. The historical name of the place is Tirukanurpatti. The place is also called as Manalmedu. Tirukattupalli is 25 kms away from Tiruvaiyaru. The temple in Vishnampettai is 5 km north of Tirukattupalli.

This temple is located 6 Kms from Tirukkaattuppalli (Tirukkaattuppalli - Tirukkandiyur route) on the banks of river Kollidam after Vishnampettai Agraharam. It is advised to hire an auto in Tirukkaattuppalli to visit Thirukkanur since there is no proper transport available to reach this temple.Nearest village is Vishnampettai.From Tirukkaattuppalli one can reach the temple through rented cycle. From Tirukkaattuppalli, can hire an auto to go to the temple.

About The Temple

This is the 110th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and 56th Sthalam on the south side of river Cauvery in Chozha nadu. Moovar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva of this temple. Three tier Rajagopuram is facing east. There are shrines for Arthanareeswarar, Lords Vinayaka, Brahmma, Chandikeswara, Aiyanar, Mahavishnu, Muruga with consorts Valli and Deivanai, Goddess Durga, Naalvar the Thevaram-Tiruvasagam saints, Nagar, Sun and Moon. The Gurukkal is maintaining the temple in a very good condition. The presiding deity is Suyambu. Idols of of Vishnu, Naalvar, Dharmashastha, Naagar, Chandra and Suryan are in the Artha mandapam. Ambal Sannadhi is in a separate Shrine. Kaalabairavar, Pitchadanar,Brahma, Dhakshinamoorthy and Durgai are the deities on the koshta(walls). There is a separate shrine for Vinayagar, Sri Valli Deivayanai Sametha Subramaniyar and Sandikeswarar. Artha mandapam and the Ambal temples are built at a later date.. Tamil inscriptions are found (completely painted not visible much) on the back side wall of the presiding deity. There is a three tiered Rajagopuram. There is an embedded sculpture of hare Moon and snake to represent the lunar eclipse, it is a worth while sight to spend sometime there.There is no Dhwajasthambham.

The Shiva lingam here is one of the 64 Suyambu lingams. The Lord’s consort is Goddess Soundarya Nayaki and she is also known as Sivayoganayaki. The Goddess Ambal is not wearing a crown but is seen to be having Jadamudi (long braided hair). The temple’s tank is Veda theertham. This temple is believed to be over 2000 years old. This temple was actually submerged in the sands on the banks of Kollidam river. It was accidentally discovered by a shepherd. There was a single sugarcane tree at the spot where the temple was unearthed. Hence he is also known as Karumbeswarar; Karumbu meaning sugarcane in Tamil. This temple was originally built by the Pandyas and was later renovated several times by the Cholas. This temple faces east and the sun rays fall on the lingam on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th of April. These days are special days at this temple when Lord Surya is believed to come here and worship the Lord. The inner sanctum has the presiding deity in the form of Shiva Linga named as Karumbeswarar. There is a separate shrine facing the south direction dedicated to the Mother Goddess Soundara Nayaki. The sub-shrines of Ganesha and Skanda-Valli-Devasena, Nalvar, Chandikeshwarar, Nagas, Surya, Ayyanar and Chandra are found in the prakara.

About The Deity

The presiding deity of this temple is Semmeninathar, karumbeswarar ( Lord Shiva ) and his consorts are sivayoganayaki and soundaryanayaki.The festival deity of this temple is karumbeswarar.

Legend and Stories

Sage Parasurama is the son of Sage Jamadagni and Renukadevi. During his absence, a king Kartha Veeryarjunan entered the ashram and took away the divine cow Kamadenu by force. Coming to know of the incident, Parasurama set out in fury, killed the king along with 21 Kshatriyas and rescued the cow. Thus, he incurred the Kshatriya dosha. Parasurama worshipped Lord Shiva in this place bathing in the sacred spring and got relieved from the dosha.

Festival

Surya Puja is devotionally performed on April 2, 3 and 4 as a festive event in the temple. Special abisheks are also performed on Aavani Moola star day in August-September and on Thai Poornima day in January-February.

Significance

Those facing delays in marriage, health problems, seeking child boon and for marital unity pray to Lord and Mother Goddess in the temple. Devotees perform pujas to Lord Semmeni Nathar with Vilwa leaves. Those facing delay in marriage worship the Salagrama made Mother with red flower garlands and light ghee lamps for early results. Those seeking child boon, perform abishek to Lord and Mother with Erukku flower garlands (this is a wild bush flower mostly grown on road sides). They also offer nivedhana of sweet items.

Nearby Place To Visit

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

Accessibility

Road

Tirukattupalli is 25 km from Tiruvaiyaru. The temple in Vishnampettai is 5 km north of Tirukattupalli.Auto facility is available

Railways

Budhalur

Airport

Trichy and Chennai

Temple Address

Sri Semmeninathar
Karumbeswarar Temple – Tirukanur
Tirukanurpatti
Vishnampettai
thanjavur