Thiruvisanallur Sivayoginathar Temple

Why devotees come here

Thiruvisanallur Sivayoginathar Temple is a Shiva temple in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. It is a Paadal Petra Sthalam, a temple revered in the Tevaram hymns. Its five-tier gateway tower and carved toranas are the features to look for.

Shiva is worshipped here as the lingam Sivayoginathar. A prominent shrine is dedicated to Soundaranayagi. The Tevaram hymns praise the temple. It is counted among the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalam temples named in the Saiva canon. It stands in Thiruvisanallur, in Thiruvidaimaruthur taluk, Thanjavur district. The Tamil Nadu government's temple listing calls it Sri Sivayoganatha swamy temple.

Legend says a king from present day Kerala came here to get rid of a curse. He bathed in the river Cauvery and worshipped Sivayoginathar here. Another legend says Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva, drove off Yama, the ruler of death, when Yama approached a devotee of Shiva. Both are told as legends, not as recorded history.

The oldest parts of the masonry structure were built in the Chola period in the 9th century. The temple was erected in the reign of Parantaka I, from 907 to 955 AD. The temple has a five-tier rajagopuram, the gateway tower, and a large complex. The mandapam is a hall with four central pillars. A vestibule at its back leads to the sanctum, a square chamber of 3.7 m. The toranas over the west niche are perhaps the finest in South India. The Aippasi mahotsavam is the major festival, when a Panchamurthi procession is taken out.

Festivals

• Margazhi, December to JanuaryThiruvadhirai

  Celebrated at the temple during the Tamil month of Margazhi.

• Chittirai 1, 2 and 3, for three daysChittirai festival

  Sunlight falls directly on the presiding deity during the festival.

Tips for your visit

• Look at the five-tier rajagopuram before you enter the complex.
• Go to the west niche to see the toranas, perhaps the finest carving in South India.

Questions people ask