- Shiva
Chakravakeswarar Temple
- Ayyampet,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
The Chakravakeswarar Temple is situated in a village named Ayyampettai, in the Tanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to God Shiva who graces here as Lord Chakravakeswarar. This ancient temple is associated with the mythological event of Lord Vishnu getting his sacred discus, and the bird Chakravala paravai who worshipped God Shiva in the temple.
About The Temple
Ayyampettai is the village which houses this sacred shrine. Since there are a number of other places by this name, locals call it “Thanjavur Ayyampetai” to differentiate it with the rest.
The temple is built facing the direction east with no flag post as such. The temple tower (Gopuram) lies to the west while the Sanctum of Goddess Parvathi is on the right side of the entrance. The main sanctum sanctorum of the presiding deity Sri Chakravakeshwarar houses the Shiva Linga and is made up of stone. The presence around the main shrine has separate shrines for Lord Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahmma and Durga Devi and Lord Muruga. The Maha Mandapa (center hall) has the Sannadhis of Suryan and Chandran (Sun and Moon gods), Lord Bhairavar and the revered saivite saints the Nalvar namely, Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar and Manickavasagar.
Inscriptions found in the temple informs us that the temple one of the Chaturvedimangalams created by King Rajaraja Chola in the Vilanadu division. One one note reveals the place’s rules and regulations (Sabha – Panchayat). People above the age of 40 only can contest the election for the Sabha and should not contested the elections for the previous 10 years. It is said that Jayandhan, the son of Lord Indira, along with other Devas, worshipped this deity here to seek his blessings. Lord Vishnu is also believed to have got his sacred discus (Chakra) by worshipping Lord Shiva here. This Lord Shiva at this temple goes by the name Sri Chakravakeswarar. The temple alsso has the distinction of being one of the Sapthasthalas (the seven important shrines) worshipped by the Saptha devis namely Brahmi, Maheswari, Gaumari, Vaishnavi, Varahi, Mahendri and Chamundi.
Legends and Stories
One famous legend associated with this shrine informs us that Lord Vishnu was blessed with his divine discus after worshipping Lord Shiva here. The bird Chakravala paravai is also said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here.
Festivals
The auspicious days of Panguni Uthiram (March-April), The Maha Shivarathri falling in the tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June), Annabishekam performed during the tamil month of Iypasi (October-November), along with Thiruvadirai falling in the Margazhi month (December-January) are the major festivals celebrated here.
How To Reach Chakravakeswarar Temple
Airport
The Tirichurapalli (Trichy) airport is the nearest Airport.
Railways
The closest Railway station is the Thanjavur Railway Station.
Road
The nearest bus stop is the Ayyampettai Chakarapalli stop which is about 15 kms from Thanjavur, on the Thanjavur- Kumbakonam route.
Temple Address
Chakravakeswarar Temple,
North Street, Chakkarappalli,
Ayyampet, Thanjavur Dist,
Tamil Nadu - 614211.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Family prosperity
- Marriage alliances
- Progress in education
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
The temple is open from 8.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.