Aiyarappar Temple

Aiyarappar Temple

Aiyarappar Temple, Tamil Nadu is an ancient Hindu temple constructed by a queen of Rajaraja Chola, close to the residence of the saint Thyagaraja. The Saptha Stanam festival is organised near the temple premises, which occupies 6000 square metres.

Aiyarappar Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built by the queen of king Rajaraja Chola during the 10th century and is also known as 'Dakshina Kailasam', or the 'southern abode of Lord Shiva'. It is situated in Thiruvaiyaru village which is a 'Panchayat' town, Thanjavur District in the state of Tamil Nadu, on the banks of Kaveri River. It is based at a distance of nearly 13 km away from Thanjavur District. Aiyarappar Temple also contains a shrine for 'Kalasamharmoorthy' or 'Aatkondar' and located close to the temple is a 'homa kund' created by the Indian saint named Adi Shankara. Aiyarappar Temple occupies an area measuring about 6000 square metres and comprises five 'prakarams' or closed temple precincts and also numerous 'mandapams' or great halls. The external temple precincts of the temple are utilized for religious purposes. This temple manifests the hymns of Thevaram and is categorised as 'Paadal Petra Sthalam'.

A one-roomed home of the saint Thyagaraja is existent near the Aiyarappar Temple, which is enriched with some of the notable literary works. The 'Trinity of Carnatic Music' involved the trio namely Shyama Sastri, Muthuswami Dikshitar and Thyagaraja. The banks of the river Kaveri contain the 'samadhi' of the legendary composer and saint Thyagaraja, and one of the greatest music festivals take place at this very spot.

History of Aiyarappar Temple
Aiyarappar Temple boasts of several inscriptions which claims that the temple has witnessed the rule of the Cholas, Pandyas and many others including Jatavarman Pandyan , Karikala Chola, Krishna Devaraya and Rajaraja the great. 'Dakshinakailasam' and 'Uttarakailasam' are the two separate portions of the temple, while Uttarakailasam was erected by Rajaraja Chola's queen who is believed to have made generous donations for the maintenance of the temple. The queen of Rajaraja Chola had modified the Dakshinakailasam. Appar was associated with the Aiyarappar Temple and he dedicated a song in 'Thevaram' to this shrine.

Saptha Stanam Festival
Every year, the 'Saptha Stanam' festival is organised at Thiruvaiyaru during the month of April. Seven glass palanquins are seen being carried which carry the principal holy deities of the temple from seven places at Thiruvaiyaru. A unique flower festival is observed which is termed as the 'Poochorithal' that includes offering of flowers to the deities by a doll.

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