Tamilnadu - Tamilnadu Districts - Thiruvarur district Thiruvarur District
HistoryThe Real history of Thiruvarur Periya Kovil (Thiyarajar Temple) goes back more than 30th Century BC. The chola kings just mend the Thiyarajar temple and built few extra shrines inside the temples. The known leading devotee Tirunavukkarasar on 7th Century CE itself has said in his pasurams that the real existence of this cultural heritage is unknown and the temple is in existence for many centuries. According to history, the central temple in Tiruvarur was installed by Muchukanta Chola. Tiruvarur is also associated with another legendary king, Manuneedhi Cholan. Tiruvarur is mentioned in the works of Thirugnana Sambanthar and Tirunavukkarasar, the foremost Saivite saints of 7th century CE. Tirunavukkarasar mentions several Tiruvarur temple traditions, such as Marghazhi Aathirai Vizha, Panguni Uttirai Perunaal and Veedhivitakanin Veedhi Panni. The granite structure of the Tyagarajaswami temple was first constructed by Aditya Chola I in 9th century and revamped during the reign of Rajaraja Chola I. The temple was upgraded and rebuilt with stone by Rajendra Chola I. The royal patronage continued and the town flourished as a cultural centre during the rule of the Nayaks, Vijayanagar kings and Marathas. This temple is one of the biggest in the country and this has the biggest temple chariot in the world. The Arulmigu Thyagarajaswamy Car festival (often stated as Tiruvarur Chariot festival) celebrated here in months of March -April attracts large crowds. Tiruvarur car is very famous one and it is called as Aalither in Tamil meaning car like ocean. The Famous Story writer and Politician Dr. M.Karunanidhi, was born in the village of Thirukuvalai at Nagapattinam district, near Tiruvarur, and spent his childhood here.Thiruvarur Bakthavathsalam a notable mrindangam maestro was born in Tiruvarur district as it can be noticed in his name. Tiruvarur was part of the Thanjavur District until 1991 and Nagapattinam District until 1997. Tiruvarur was made the headquarters of Tiruvarur District when it was carved out of Nagapattinam in 1997. Tiruvarur car festival 2008 was celebrated very grandly. The people came from all the surrounding areas.
Thiruvarur TemplesThe ancient Sri Tyagaraja temple at Tiruvarur is dedicated to the Somaskanda aspect of Shiva. The temple complex has shrines dedicated to Vanmikanathar, Tyagarajar and the Kamalaamba, and covers an area of over 20 acres (81,000 m2). The Kamalalayam temple tank covers around 25 acres (100,000 m2), is one of the largest in the country. The temple chariot is the largest of its kind in Tamil Nadu. The annual car festival is celebrated in the month of Chitrai (April/May). Every year after the car festival, the Theppam festival is celebrated. The temple Kumbabishekam is performed every twelve years, most recently in 2001. In this temple there is an excellent and unique musical instrument called Panchamuga Vadyam with five faces. Each face is ornamented; one with a snake, another with lotus and another one is plain without decorations. One has a Swastik sign. Over each face leather is spread and over the central one Deerskin is spread. It is said that Nanchi Devi played on this instrument when Lord Shiva danced. Tourist places in Thiruvarur* Alangudi Siva Temple.
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