Thyagaraja Swamy temple was on my wish list for a long time as I heard that the temple is very ancient and has the biggest pond in India. The temple stretches into acres of land and each and every corner of this temple is rich in craftsmanship and ornamental work. The temple towers stand testimony to the centuries it has seen and is certainly a delight for the those who wish to witness the marvellous work of craftsmen which would leave anyone astounded. The temple surroundings are serene and one can enjoy the peace as there is hardly any crowd on regular days.
The temple of Siva -Tyagaraja Swamy lies in the heart of Chola land very near to Tanjore ( 45Kms by road) and is also closer to Kumbakonam.
The main door leading to the inner most prakaram has gigantic idols as dwarapalakas guarding the gate. Just outside this temple is the shrine of Goddess Parvati.
It is said that Thyagaraja Swamy here is in a form of Somaskanda ; Shiva with His consort Uma and Skanda, ( Muruga ) seated between . This temple is surrounded by many sub shrines of Siva in various forms.
The temple tank is very huge and magnificent and covers an area of 33 acres. There is also a shrine inside the tank. The chariot festival here during the month of Chitharai ( April/May) is very famous and the chariot here is supposed to be the biggest in Tamil Nadu.
A temple worth visiting.
How to reach- The temple is situated at a distance of 40 Kms from Kumhakonam and can be reached by rail or road.
Pictures in this link
https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipPsuKqihfcVYCmth2Lh_M3k74zg0y4MCdKBBdLu
Pictures in this link
https://photos.google.com/album/AF1QipPsuKqihfcVYCmth2Lh_M3k74zg0y4MCdKBBdLu
Those smaller structure with eye like painting look very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice info on Thyagaraja Swami temple. Is the ther (car) festival still going on? Someone said it was stopped. I am sure you would have the latest info.
ReplyDeleteHi Chitra! The cow sculpture here with scarfs is so beautiful! Nice to see you again!
ReplyDeleteYes Chitra,this is an awesome and amazing temple. Visited some years back. And the water tank is really big.
ReplyDeleteMridula- thanks a lot.
ReplyDeleteSG
ReplyDeleteI do not know whether it was conducted last year. But am sure it was conducted in 2010 as I had visited immediately after the car festival and remember clicking a few photos of the decorated car.
Thanks Martina, I took a long break..But would be regular from now on..
ReplyDeleteRamakrishnan
ReplyDeletethanks a lot.
kya baat hi..superb yar
ReplyDeleteRamesh-thanks a lot.
ReplyDeleteGood that you told it is closer to Kumbakonam. It is in my wish list too. Beautiful pictures. The structures with conical roofs could have been added subsequently.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful temple. Looks very serene. Nice article.
ReplyDeletehttp://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in
PNS,
ReplyDeleteYes, you can make it if you wish to go from Tanjore also.
Niranjan, thanks a lot.
ReplyDeleteAs always a fascinating post, I'd love to learn more about the Chariot Festival you mentioned.
ReplyDeleteChariot festival is part of the annual festival celebrated in almost all ancient temples in South India. .That is the time the deity comes out of the temple to visit his subjects and bless them. Befitting a king , the Lord is taken in a decorated, brightly coloured wooden chariot having huge wheels and these chariots are pulled by devotees.Devotees gather in thousands and sing hymns in praise of the Lord.
ReplyDeletehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiruvarur_Chariot_festival
I have some photos which I would share later. Yet to locate that file.
one day i have to meet u chitraji..i will get lots of punniyams..gr8 work yar
ReplyDeleteThanks Ramesh..we'll meet ..
ReplyDeleteDear Chitra, thanky ou for visiting and your nice comments! I'd love some of your warmth here - how about a weather exchange ;) Have a loely day!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely temple!
ReplyDeletewww.anucreations.blogspot.in
Martina.. thanks a lot..a weather change..a little bit of chillness is o.k for me..:))
ReplyDeleteTotally enjoyed this post...
ReplyDeletethanks Anupama for the visit and comment.
ReplyDeleteAshok
ReplyDeletethanks.
Beautiful Chitra.. This place is still in my 'to-visit' list
ReplyDeleteDear Chitra
ReplyDeleteGreat blog with rich information on various temples of india. A Great and fantastic work.
Many people will definitely inspire with your blog postings and visit those temples whenever they have chance. good work.
I also very much impressed with the content.
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