Sri Thayumanavar Temple
This temple was built by Chola kings. The lingam is imposing and over five feet high. The legend of Thayumanaswami is a moving illustration of the ‘maternal’ compassion of god towards his devotees.
Sthala Purana
Ratnavati, a great devotee of this Lord, became pregnant her mother went to stay with her. Ratnavati was stayed on the north bank of the Cauvery. As the time for delivery approached, Ratnavati’s mother had to go to Trichy, crossing the river. The river was in flood, making it impossible for her to return to her daughter’s side. A worried Ratnavati prayed to the Lord and very soon her mother was by her side. The baby was safely born.
After a day or two when the flood waters receded. Ratnavati’s mother came back home and asked her how she had managed all alone. The stunned Ratnavati realised that the God Himself had come to her aid in her own mother’s form. “Thayum ana” in Tamil means the one who became the mother. Devotees offer a big bunch of plantains to the God for safe and easy childbirth.
The temple priest informs us that originally th entrance to the temple was facing east but the lord in anger turned to the west. What made him angry is another story. Saint Sarama was a great devotee who grew Javanti flowers to worship the lord. One day he found a guard of King Paranataka Chola’s palace taking away the flowers. The Saint complained to the king. The king, on enquiry, found that the flowers were being given to his queen. He took no action to stop the theft of the flowers. A distraught sage complained to the God. He turned away to the West in anger. At that precise moment a rain of sand started falling on Uraiyur where the king’s palace was located. The people prayed to Vekkali Amman, who pacified the Lord and saved Uraiyur.
The consort of the God here is Mattuvarkuzhal Ammai, who is grace personified. In this temple one can find Brahma in the form of Jureswarar, who cures all illnesses. The temple itself is in many mantapas.
Quickly Find What You Are Looking For