Chakravaheswarar Temple

Overview

The Chakravageswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Siva located in Chakkarapalli, in Papanasam taluk of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. The temple is praised in the hymns of Thevaram, the 7th century Tamil literature and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. This Shivastalam is one of the 7 shrines associated with the Sapta Matas (Abhirami); the other 7 being Pullamangai (Chamundi), Thazhaimangai (Mahendri), Soolamangai (Kaumari), Arimangai (Maheswari), Nandimangai (Vaishnavi), Pasupatimangai (Varahi). Chakrapalli is considered to be the 17th in the series of Tevara Stalams in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri.

About the Temple

The deity in this temple is called as Chakravageswarar. The temple has been revered by the verses of Sampanthar, one of the Nayanmars. The Chakra (wheel) held by Lord Vishnu has been acquired here as per Saivite tradition. The name of the village is derived from the temple. The celestial beings called Devas and Jayandhan the son of Indira the king of Devas worshipped in this temple. Lord Vishnu got his discus by worshipping Lord Shiva here; hence, the deity of the temple is named Chakravageswarar. The temple has also the reputation of one of the Saptha sthalas – the seven important shrines worshipped by Brahmi, Maheswari, Gaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Mahendri and Chamundi.In general terms among the people, the place is known as Ayyampettai. As there are many places under this name, this is specifically called Thanjavur Ayyampettai. The temple is facing east. There is no flag post for the temple. At the entrance, the shrine of the Goddess is on the right side. The sanctum sanctorum is built of stone and the tower is on the west. There are not too many sculptures in the tower. Around the corridor are the shrines of Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbhavar, Brahmma and Durga and Lord Muruga. The Maha Mandapa has the shrines of Sun, Moon, Bhairavar and Nalvar the four Saivite saints – Tirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukarasar, Sundarar and Manickavasagar.There are inscriptions from the period of Kulottunga III that bear testimony to the democratic norms of the times. The epigraphy in the temple mentions the place as Rajaraja Chaturvedimangalam of fertile Chola Kingdom Valanadu. Another one contains the rules and regulations of the Sabha – Panchayat. Only those above the age of 40 can contest election for the Sabha and he should not have contested for 10 years earlier.

About the Deity

The Presiding deity is majestically tall and is a Swayambu Linga. The shrine is praised in Thirupugazh by Saint Arunagirinathar. The presiding deity graces the devotees as a Swayambulinga.

Legend and Stories

Lord Vishnu was blessed with the discus, and the bird Chakravala Paravai worshipped Lord Shiva in the temple, are the two stories mention in the history of the place.

Legend has it that Indra and his son Jayanta prayed to Shiva here; Vishnu obtained his discus (Chakram) after worshipping Shiva here, hence the name Chakrapalli. This legend is similar to that at Tirumalper near Kanchipuram and to that at Tiruveezhimizhalai near Tiruvirkudi Veerattam.

Festivals

Panguni Uthiram (March-April)

Shivarathri in Vaikasi (May-June)

Annabishekam in Iyppasi (October-November)

Thiruvadirai in Margazhi (December-January)

Significance

People pray for family prosperity, removal of obstacles in marriage alliances and progress in education. Devotees perform abishek to the Lord and offer clothings – vastras.

Accessibility

Ayyampettai Chakkarapalli is 15 km from Thanjavur on the Kumbakonam route. The nearest Railway Station is located at Thanjavur and the nearest Airport is located at Trichy.

Temple Address