Thyagaraja Temple Tiruvottiyur

Introduction to Thyagaraja Temple

When talking about temples in Chennai city, devout Hindus never fail to mention the ancient temple called Thyagaraja Temple, also called Vadivudai Amman Temple. It is located on Sannidhi Street, Tiruvottiyur, a suburb of North Chennai, Tamilnadu.

Thyagaraja Temple is dedicated to Sri Thyagarajar in the form of Somaskanda, and his consort, Parvati, is seen in the form of Kondi. As Saiva Nayanars, Appar, Samandar, and Sundarar, the 7th centennial Tamil poets, praised Shiva by chanting Thevaram hymns here, the temple is revered as "Paadal Petra Sthalam." Another name of the temple is Adipureeswarar Temple. The saint-poet, Pattinathar, is closely associated with it.

Legend of Thyagaraja Temple

There are several legends associated with this temple. A legend says that Shiva took the form of a massive fire to stop and drain the flood water. Thus, this place earned the name of Thiru Otriyur ("Votre" or "Vatra" means "reduction" in Tamil).

There is a famous belief related to Vishnu and the sacred Vedas. It is said that once, two demons secretly stole the Vedas and hid them in the sea. After worshipping Shiva, Vishnu fought with the demons and retrieved the Vedas.

Another legend describes that Shiva stayed in this temple as a Swayambu Lingam under a Makizha tree. And it was the very first Swayambu that appeared on the earth after the destructive flood. Hence, in Tamil, Shiva is called Adipureeswarar ('Adi' means 'first').

It is also said that Saint Arunagirinathar had praised Muruga in Tirupugazh at this place.

The Architecture of Thyagaraja Temple

During the 11th century, the temple was augmented and renovated by Chola kings, but it has been in existence since Pallava times (7th century). During the 15th century, it was further renovated and expanded by the Vijayanagara Empire. Thyagaraja Temple is said to be over 1000 years old. Its five-tiered gopuram is the center of attraction in the 30 acres of space that it occupies. The uniqueness of the temple is that it has everything in twos. Devotees can worship two Shivas, Ottreeswarar and Adipureeswarar, two Goddesses, Vattaparai Amman and Vadivudai Amman, two Sthala Vrikshams – Makizham and Athi tree, and two Pushkaranis (holy tanks).

There are two kodimarams (flagstaff) at the entrance of the main gopuram, one each for Shiva and Ambal. Vadivudai Amman's sanctum is on the right side. On the left are the Ganesha and Subramanya sanctums.

The main deity (Moolavar), Adipureeswarar, blesses his devotees in the form of an earthen mound covered by a silver-plated kavacham. Pilgrims can see small idols of Vishnu and Brahma inside it. The Shiva Lingam is called "Theenda Meni." Priests perform Abisekams to Shiva Lingam without touching him. The back side of the sanctum is in the form of an elephant.

Ambal Vadivudaiamman, otherwise called Tripurasundari, has a separate sanctum. Vadividaiamman blesses her devotees in the form of Gnana Sakthi (wisdom) in Thyagaraja Temple.

Sri Durga Temple on the northern side, Nataraja sanctum inside the presiding deity's sanctum, Maha Kali Temple, and the idols of Gunalaya Ganapati and Adi Shankara are some of the other shrines here. In this temple, Adi Shankara had installed a chakra (Meru) to appease the Rudra roopi (ferocious) into Sowmya roopi (calm) form. In the temple, devotees can see a sanctum for the 27 Nakshatras or astrological stars.

Thiruvotrieswarar, Jaganadhar, Annamalayar, Ramanathar, Suryan, Nalvars, Chandran, Agasalingam, Nagalingar, Meenakshi, Sundareswarar, Amirthakandeesar, Jambukeswarar, Sahasralingam, and many more deities have separate sanctums inside the temple and outside the praharam.

Kaliya Murthy Nayanar and Pattinathar attained Mukthi here, and Pattinathar Adishtanam is at a walkable distance from Thyagaraja Temple.

Festivals of Thyagaraja Temple

Maha Shivaratri, Arudhra Darshan, Pradoshams, Navarathiri, Skanda Shasti, Aadi Pooram, Pournami, Maasi Brahmotsavam, Vasantha Urchavam, Thai Poosam, Vattaparaiamman Urchavam (18 days festival), Pattinathar Guru Poojai are celebrated in the temple every year in a grand manner. Lakhs of people assemble here to worship such powerful deities.

Benefits of Worshipping in Thyagaraja Temple

Performing Mukundarchana to Thyagarajar can bring success in life. Offering Pepper rasam to Juradevar cures devotees who suffer from high fever. Offering Milk Rice Neivedhyam to the Mother on Purattasi Navami blesses one with salvation. Worshipping Thyagarajar can bring devotees a peaceful life, wedding, progeny, good education, employment, and promotions.