Guru Bhagavan Temple (Vasishteswarar Temple), Thittai, Thanjavur
Key Highlights:
Historical & Mythological Significance:
Located between the tributaries of Cauvery, Vennar, and Vettar rivers, earning its name Thittai and Tengudi Thittai.
Known as Panchalinga Kshetram – the presence of five Lingas offers the merit of visiting the Panchabhuta Sthalams.
Associated with the great flood myth where this sacred place alone remained unsubmerged.
Architectural Marvels:
Built with a three-tiered Rajagopuram featuring intricate black stone carvings.
Unique Chandra Kantha stone atop the sanctum, which drops water on the Shivalinga every 24 minutes – a rare phenomenon.
Zodiac wheel carvings on the Ambal shrine ceiling represent 12 zodiac signs; devotees believe prayers here fulfill desires.
Spiritual Significance:
Deity: Vasishteswarar (self-manifested Linga) worshipped by gods like Brahma, Vishnu, Surya, and sages like Vasishtha.
Sun’s Worship: Sun rays fall on the Linga during Avani and Panguni months (six days annually).
Separate shrine for Guru Bhagavan (Jupiter), where he appears in Raja Guru form blessing devotees with Abhaya Hastha Mudra.
Temple Structure:
Copper Nandi altars in front of both the main deity and Ambal shrines.
Prakaram pillars adorned with exquisite carvings – including Rishabarudar and other figures.
All vimanas are crafted with black stone and display remarkable artistry.
Religious Heritage:
Featured in 3rd Thirumurai through the hymns of Saint Sambandar.
Unique Spiritual Experience:
Guru Bhagavan Temple at Thittai stands as a rare blend of history, myth, and art, making it a must-visit for spiritual seekers, history enthusiasts, and architecture admirers. Its profound sanctity, unique rituals, and stunning artistry provide an enriching and...
Read moreThe Guru Baghwan Temple in Thittai, Thanjavur, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurthy, an aspect of Lord Shiva as the ultimate teacher or guru. Situated near Thanjavur, this temple is renowned for its spiritual significance and architectural splendor.
Devotees flock to the Guru Baghwan Temple to seek wisdom, knowledge, and blessings from Lord Dakshinamurthy. The deity is depicted in a seated posture under a banyan tree, symbolizing the role of the guru in enlightening seekers and dispelling ignorance.
The temple complex exudes a serene ambiance, ideal for meditation and introspection. Visitors can admire the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn the walls, reflecting the rich heritage of Dravidian architecture.
Throughout the year, various festivals and rituals are celebrated with great fervor at the Guru Baghwan Temple, attracting devotees from far and wide. The temple serves as a spiritual haven where seekers can connect with the divine and embark on a journey of...
Read moreThe Vasishteswaraswamy Temple, nestled in the quaint village of Thittai near Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, stands as a testament to ancient Hindu architecture and spirituality. Also known as the Thenkudi Thittai Temple due to its location south of the Cauvery River, this sacred site is dedicated to Lord Vasishteswarar.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this temple is the mystical occurrence that takes place every 24 minutes. As if choreographed by divine hands, water gently cascades from the temple's ceiling onto the revered Shiva Lingam below. This phenomenon is made possible by the presence of two remarkable stones known as 'Suryagaanthakkal' and 'Chandragaanthakkal,' strategically positioned above the Vimana. These stones have the unique ability to absorb ambient air and moisture, which they then transmute into the sacred water that graces the deity.
The temple has been constructed completely using the stone, including the ceilings, pillars, walls and floors.
A MUST visit once in...
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