- Shiva
Vasisteshwaran Temple
- Thittai,Tamil Nadu
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Overview
This Vasisteshwaran Temple is situated in Thittai, Thanjavur. The Lord is a Swayambumurthy in the temple. Sun God worships the Lord with his rays in the month of Aavani on 15, 16 and 17 and again in the month of Panguni on 25, 26 and 27. The miracle that water drops fall on the Lord every 20 minutes from the Vimana continues till today.
About The Temple
Thittu in Tamil means a place in higher levels. During a pralaya period, the world was inundated with water. The boat powered by the Ohm Mantra carrying Lord and Mother stopped at a Thittu. This Thittu is Sirkali also called Thonipuram. Of the 28 holy places Lord Shiva loved in days prior to the Pralaya, 26 were submerged in water. The remaining two are Sirkaly and Thenkudi Thittai. During the Pralaya the sound OHM came out from Sirkali. In Thenkudi Thittai the sound HAM emerged along with other mantra sounds. Hence, this place is known as Gnana Medu the wisdom spot and as Thenkudi Thittai. Sirkali is known as Vadakudi Thittai. Also, places called Thittai (Kudi Thittai) are loved most by Lord and Mother. As Maharshi Vasishta had his hermitage here to worship Lord Shiva here, He is praised as Vasishteswara. Mother is praised as Ulaganayaki.
Legend and Stories
Thittai in Tamil means wisdom spot. Human body has six bases-Mooladhara, Swadishtana, Manipuraka, Anagatha, Visuddhi and Aangna activating the life. Lord Muruga ensures the benefits of these Aadharas to his devotees with final benefit of enlightenment placing them ever in bliss. Lord Muruga is the Moolamurthi here with His body as Thenkudi and bliss as Thittai – Thenkudi Thittai. Sun God worships Lord Vasishteswara through his rays on Aavani 15, 16 and 17 and again on Panguni in the Utharayana half year on 25, 26 and 27 as Rising Sun. Surya Puja is performed during these days in the temple. It is a still a miracle in the temple that drops of water fall on Lord Vasishteswara every 20 minutes from the Vimana. There are five Lingas in the temple representing the Pancha Bhoodas –Earth, Space, Water, Fire and Vayu the wind.
This is one of the holy places with Jupiter-Guru significance. Guru Bhagwan graces here from a separate shrine in a standing posture showing his sense of haste to rush to the rescue of His devotees. It is also said that those praying Guru Bhagwan will be blessed high eloquent and oratorical skills. Students pray here for attaining excellence in their studies.
Festivals
Maha Shivrathri in February-March; Tirukarthikai in November-December and Guru Bhagwan (Jupiter) transition day are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
How To Reach Vasisteshwaran Temple
Thenkudi Thittai is 10 km from Thanjavur on the Tirukaruhavur road via Palli Agraharam. The Nearest railway station is Thanjavur Railway Station. The Nearest Airport is in Tirchy.
Temple Address
Vasisteshwaran Temple,
Thittai, Thanjavur district,
Tamil Nadu - 613003
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- To have their problems resolved
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 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.