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Sri Yama Dharmaraja temple
- Tiruchitrambalam,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
The Yama Dharmaraja Temple is located in Tiruchitrambalam. Yama Dharmarajar (God of Death) is the presiding deity of the temple.
About the temple
The God of Death is the presiding deity of the temple appearing with a royal look with his twisted moustache in a sitting form on his buffalo vehicle. He holds in his hands a rope, palm leaves and a club. Seated under him in the shrine are Chitra Gupta and his messenger named Kalan, Pambatti Siddhar and Aiyanar with his consorts Poorana and Pushkala. Raw rice pudding is offered as Nivedhana. Yama is dressed as a king during the 10 days Aadi festival as if he is going for hunting.
In order to reduce the degree of his fury, Lord Raja Ganapathy is installed in front of the shrine and Lord Baladandayuthapani behind. As Yama is the form of Justice, any one committing a sin would be suitably punished. Women do not bathe in the theertha of the temple in the fear that they may be subjected to the fury of Yama.
Legend and stories
Once, the Devas of the celestial world came to Kailash to have the darshan of Lord Shiva. As He was in deep meditation, they used Manmatha to disturb His medidatation-Nishta. Opening His eyes in all fury, the sparks burnt Manmatha reducing him to ashes. Responding to the prayers of his wife Rathi, he was restored to life at a spot near this place. Yama prayed to Lord Shiva to permit him the destruction job assigned to him and was granted permission. The temple for Yama is built according to this story.
Lord Shiva blessing Yama to carry on his job, has a separate temple nearby.
Festivals
10 days Aadi Vizha in July-August and Manmatha Vizha (cupid festival) in Masi (February-March) are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
How To Reach Sri Yama Dharmaraja temple
Road
The Yama temple is 36 km from Thanjavur on the Pattukkottai route. The nearest bus stop is Tiruchitrambalam.
Railways
The Nearest railway station is Pattukkottai and Thanjavur.
Airport
The Nearest Airport is Trichy.
Temple Address
Sri Yama Dharmaraja temple,
Tiruchitrambalam,
Thanjavur.
Tamil Nadu - 614628.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- For a long and healthy life
- To find belongings that they have lost
- People who have been cheated and are seeking justice
Shlokas
Balam Balavatam Caham Kamaragavivarjitam Dharmaviruddho Bhutesu Kamo'smi Bharatarsabha
Meaning -According to this sloka, God is the isolated and aloof strength of the controlling and virtuous craving in men.
Ye Caiva Sattvika Bhava Rajasastamasasca Ye Matta Everti Tanviddhi Na Tvaham Tesu Temayi
Meaning -According to this sloka, though the only source of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obsessive and dark) elements is God, they are not present within the God or the deity.
Tribhirgunamayairbhavairebhih Sarvamidam Jagat Mohitam Nabhijanati Mamebhyah Paramavyayam
Meaning -According to this sloka, the entire world doesn't recognize the eternal God beyond them, because they are consumed by the elements of satva, rajas and tamas (good, obssessive and dark).
Daivi Hyesa Gunamayi Mama Maya Duratyaya Mameva Ye Prapadyante Mayametam Taranti Te
Meaning -According to this sloka, the heavenly maya of God is very complicated, but those who worship God will be able to overcome it.
Timings
The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.