Kayarohanaswami Temple is an ancient Hindu temple in Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva or Mahadeva situated in the town of Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu. The Vaikasi Wedding festival in May-June; Aadi Pooram in July-August; Shivarathri in February-March; Aipasi Annabishekam in October-November and Tirukarthikai in November-December are the major regional festivals celebrated in the complex of Kayarohanaswami Temple. The local people pray for relief from the sins committed and for salvation from the sorrow of earth.
History of Kayarohanaswami Temple
According to historical text of ancient India, a Chola king named Mucukunta obtained a boon from Indra (a celestial deity) and wished to receive an image of Thyagaraja Swamy (presiding deity, Shiva in the temple) reposing on the chest of reclining Lord Vishnu. Lord Indra tried to misguide the king and had six other images made, but the king chose the right image at Tiruvarur. The other six images were installed in Thirukkuvalai, Nagapattinam, Tirukarayil, Thirunallar, Thiruvaimur and Tirumaraikadu. All the seven places are villages situated near the deltaic region of Kaveri River. All seven Thyagaraja images are said to dance when taken in procession.
Dedication to Kayarohanaswami Temple
The presiding deity in Kayarohanaswami Temple is known as Kayarohana and his consort is Nilayathakshi. The temple has been in existence from the 6th century AD and has been praised by the Nayanmars Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar. Karona is a corruption of Kaya-rohana and the temple is the twin of Kayarohana temple in Gujarat. Karonam might also have been derived from other origin such as "Kar Onam" and Lord Vishnu has been referred as "Onathan". The temple has been rebuilt by the Pallavas and Cholas.
Architecture of Kayarohanaswami Temple
Kayarohanaswami Temple has been constructed by the Lakolisa cult which originated in Gujarat and their only other temple in Tamil Nadu is at Kanchipuram. The idol of Thyagaraja in the temple is made of lapis lazuli.
Thyagarajar Temple at Tiruvarur
Thyagaraja Temple, Chennai, Tamil Nadu is famous for the ajapa thanam (dance without chanting), that is executed by the deity itself. In this temple also this dance is quite popular.
