Sri Vaanchinaadha Swamy Temple, Srivaanchiyam — Attraction in Tamil Nadu

Review of Sri Vaanchinaadha Swamy Temple, Srivaanchiyam

The Sri Vaanchinaadha Swamy Temple in Srivaanchiyam, nestled in the Tiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu, stands as a majestic shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. With its origins rooted in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, this temple is a celebrated Paadal Petra Sthalam, symbolizing its ancient and revered stature.

The sprawling temple complex spans 2 acres and boasts two magnificent gopurams, with the eastern tower towering impressively at 108 feet. Inside, devotees are greeted with numerous shrines, the most notable being those of Vanchinadhaswamy, Yama, and Mangala Nayagi Amman. The temple pulsates with daily rituals and bursts into vibrant festivities throughout the year, with the Masi Magam festival being a highlight.

Architecturally, the temple bears the imprints of the Chola dynasty's craftsmanship from the 11th century. Subsequent expansions under the Vijayanagar rulers further accentuate its historical significance.

Legends intertwine with the temple's aura, from the divine reconciliation of Vishnu and Lakshmi to the sage Sarva's encounter with Yama. These tales, coupled with the sacred GuptaGangai tank and the unique shrine dedicated to Yama, add layers of mystique to Srivaanchiyam's spiritual ambiance.

The temple's association with revered saints like Appar, who immortalized it in his verses, further elevates its spiritual importance. Each ritual, from the daily puja to the grand annual festivals, resonates with tradition, accompanied by soul-stirring music and fervent devotion.

In essence, the Sri Vaanchinaadha Swamy Temple is not merely a structure but a living testament to Tamil Nadu's rich cultural, architectural, and spiritual tapestry. A visit here is akin to embarking on a timeless journey through history, legend, and profound spirituality. Yama the God of Death felt very sad that he was assigned the job of taking the life of people while there are many jobs of happy nature. He went to Tiruvarur and spoke his sorrow to Lord. Lord Shiva directed him to go to Sri Vanchiam and pray there.

Yama performed penance. Pleased with his penance, Lord Vanchinadheswarar appeared before him on the Masi month Bharani Star day in February-March and asked what he wished.

Yama said that he had been assigned the job of taking the life of people thus incurring their hatred and harsh criticism and he was suffering the Brahma hathi dosha caused by his job duty.

Lord Shiva assured him saying that in future, people would attribute the cause of death due to diseases, age and accidents and they would not blame him.

Lord also instructed Yama that he should permit only those who are less sinners and they should not have rebirth. Lord also emphasized that Yama should make their end peaceful.

He also granted him the status of Kshetra Palaka and the devotees would worship him first and then only at Lord’s shrine. Accordingly, the first puja is dedicated to Yama in this temple each day.

The doors of the temple is open during the time of eclipse too, though as a tradition in other Shiva temples they are closed.

Mother Ganga once sought a solution from Lord to cleanse Herself of the sins left on Her by those who bathed in the river. Lord directed Her to pray at a place where even Yama the God of Death was blessed by Him.

Accordingly, Ganga left just a small power of Her in the original Ganga and merged with the sacred spring here with the remaining 999 parts of Her holiness. Hence, the Theertha is called Gupta Ganga.

Lord Vishnu desirous (Vaanchithal in Tamil) of Mahalakshmi (Sri) sought the help of Lord Shiva to realize His wish, hence the place came to be known as Sri Vaanchiam.

As Lord Shiva is all dominant in the temple, there is no shrine for Navagrahas .

The 110 feet tall five tier Rajagopuram is facing east. It was built by Rajendra Chola in the...

Next day morning, we visited this temple first, since this was in our list of must to visit temples.

Don't know why, but every time we hear this temple name or think of this temple name we remembered Vanchinathan the freedom fighter, ofcourse there is no link between this place and the freedom fighter.

From the outside the temple looks normal but once u enter the temple u can see how massive the temple is.

There are many importance to this temple, but i liked this temple, because,

Liked the temple due to its wonderful name. Liked the temple due to its massive size. Liked the temple due to its massive temple pond on the northern side. Liked the temple due to its lodging facilities built by the government, so close to the temple, strangely and surprisingly it was so so neat and clean.

East facing temple, lord faces east, rajagopuram in the east, kodimaram present, ambal faces south. Massive Temple pond on the northern side of the temple.

Just if you go two rounds daily around the temple's outer perimeter (or outer praharam), i think you will not get any of these funny diseases like knee pain, blood pressure, blood sugar etc...

Just only one word to describe the feeling when u visit this temple AMAZING.................

Thiruganasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar and Sundaramurthy Nayanar have sung one pathigam on the Lord of this temple.

Thiruganasambandar in his pathigam (2.007) sings

வன்னி கொன்றை மதமத்தம் எருக்கொடு கூவிளம் பொன்னி யன்றசடை யிற்பொலி வித்தபு ராணனார் தென்ன வென்றுவரி வண்டிசை செய்திரு வாஞ்சியம் என்னை யாளுடை யானிட மாகவு கந்ததே. 1

Thirunavukkarasar in his pathigam (5.067), which is not having full 10 songs, sings

படையும் பூதமும் பாம்பும்புல் வாயதள் உடையுந் தாங்கிய உத்தம னார்க்கிடம் புடைநி லாவிய பூம்பொழில் வாஞ்சியம் அடைய வல்லவர்க் கல்லலொன் றில்லையே. 1

Sundaramurthy Nayanar in his Pathigam (7.076) sings

பொருவ னார்புரி நூலர் புணர்முலை உமையவ ளோடு மருவ னார்மரு வார்பால் வருவதும் இல்லைநம் அடிகள் திருவ னார்பணிந் தேத்துந் திகழ்திரு வாஞ்சியத் துறையும் ஒருவ னார்அடி யாரை ஊழ்வினை நலிய வொட்டாரே. 1

A must visit temple in...

Sri Vaanchinaadha Swamy Temple, located in Srivaanchiyam, Tamil Nadu, is a site of spiritual and historical significance. This temple is revered in the famous Tamil devotional hymns, "Thevaaram," composed by the Nayanmars, this temple stands as a testament to the rich religious heritage of the region.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here as Sri Vaanchinaadha Swamy, the temple exudes an aura of spiritual peace and architectural grandeur. It is believed that this temple has been in existence since the Chola period, which is evident from its architectural style featuring intricate carvings and majestic gopurams.

The temple complex is vast, with various shrines dedicated to different deities, including the Goddess Mangalambikai, the consort of Lord Shiva.

One of the unique aspects of Sri Vaanchinaadha Swamy Temple is its association with the story of sage Mrikandu, who performed severe penance here. According to legend, his penance pleased Lord Shiva, who appeared before him, making this temple a site of great mythological importance. The sacred tank known as "Gupta Ganga" is another highlight, where devotees believe that a dip can absolve sins and confer blessings.

The temple is celebrated in "Thevaaram" by the saint-poet Appar, also known as Thirunavukkarasar, whose hymns extol the divine presence of Lord Shiva in Srivaanchiyam. These verses not only praise the deity but also highlight the sanctity of the place, drawing devotees from far and wide.

Visitors to Sri Vaanchinaadha Swamy Temple are often struck by its serene environment and the sense of devotion that pervades the atmosphere. The daily rituals, vibrant festivals, and the resonant chanting of hymns enhance the spiritual experience.

In summary, Sri Vaanchinaadha Swamy Temple is not just a place of worship but a cultural and historical landmark that encapsulates the essence of Tamil Nadu's devotional spirit. Its mention in "Thevaaram" only adds to its sacred allure, ensuring its place in the annals of...