THETHILATHARPANAPURI MUKTHEESWARA AND MAHA GANAPATHI TEMPLE, NEAR KOOTHANOOR, THIRUVARURDISTRICT, TAMIL NADU
Introduction Swarnavalli sametha Mukthiswarar temple is located atThilatharpanapuri 2.6kms from Koothanur. Koothanoor famous for the Saraswathitemple is near Poonthottam which is on Mayavaram — Tiruvarur Road. Here you cansee a Vinayakar with a Human face. The deity is also called Nara Mukha Vinayagar (human-facedGanesha). This temple is also a significant "MukthiSthalam" (a place of liberation) wherepeople perform "Pithru Karmas" (rituals for ancestors). The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva with the name Muktheeswarar andgoddess Parvathi with the name Swarnavalli. Naramukha Vinayagar (also known as Adhi Vinayagar) is located within the Muktheeswarar temple complex in a separate shrine withinthe larger temple compound, where he is worshipped in his original human-facedform. The story of the decapitation of Lord Ganesha by Lord Shiva(in majority of mythological tales) or Shani Deva (in few stories, especiallyin Bengal) and subsequent replacement of the decapitated head with a head of awhite elephant is widely known. In all except two temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha he isseen with the elephant head. The two exceptions are the Adi Vinayagar or Naramukha Ganeshatemple in Thilatharpanpuri at Sethalapathi near Koothanur, Thiruvarur districtof Tamilnadu where Ganesha is present with a human face, and the other beingthe "Munkatia Ganesha" temple of Rudranath districtof Uttarakhand, where Lord Ganesha is present without a head. Temple details Location: Sethalapathy, near Koothanoor, on theMayavaram–Tiruvarur road in the Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. Deity: Chief deities are Swarnavalli sametha Mukthiswarar .Theimportant deity is human-faced Ganesha,called Nara Mukha Vinayagar or Adhi Vinayagar, in a separate shrine with mukha mandapain a separate shrine with in the temple complex. Significance: It is considered one of the seven places inIndia for performingrituals for ancestors, equivalent to Kasi or Rameswaram. Performingthese rituals on Amavasya (new moon day) is considered particularly special. Nara Mukha Vinayagar Unique feature: This is the only temple where Lord Ganesha isworshipped in his original human form, before his head was replaced with anelephant's. Story: According to mythology, this was the first Vinayagar created by Goddess Parvati, and the ritual ofreplacing his human head with an elephant's is a well-known story. Symbolism: The idol is depicted with an axe (destroyer ofdesire), a rope (rescuer from sorrow), a modak (reward of spiritual life), anda lotus (symbol of self-realization). Rituals: Devoteesperform Ganapathi Homam and other rituals for relief from prolonged diseasesand to resolve financial and marital problems. According to Hindu mythology, Sri Rama, in his humanincarnation, was performing pitru tharpanams at various locations by erectingfour Pindams (pindams made of boiled rice scooping). Every time he performed the tharpanam, thesepindams transformed into worms. Ram pleaded to Lord Shiva, concernedthat his poojas were not yielding the anticipated results (that is, the pitruswere not receiving the pindams he was providing). Lord Shiva appeared to Ram and requested that he go toManthara vanam in the earth, where he is present in the shape of a deity, tooffer prayers. He should bathe in the HariSolMahanadhi(Arasalar river) and then conductthe Pitru Tharpananam after he arrives in Mantharavanam. According to Shiva, Ram arrived at this location, had a bathin the Hari Sol Mahanadhi, knelt by his right leg, made four pindams, and beganhis pitru pooja. In this location, the Pindams that hadbeen turning into worms had transformed into four Lingams. As a result, Dasaratha Maharaja, Ram's father, acquiredMukhthi (divine habitation), and the major deity was given the nameMuktheeswarar. After this story of Ram performingkarma poojas and obtaining mukthi for his ancestors, this location has becomeone of the most important sthalas for achieving such mukthi. It isclaimed to be comparable to Kasi and Rameshwaram in terms of quality. The idol of Rama performing the tharpanam, as well as thefour lingams known as Pitru Lingams, may be seen in the outer praharam(circumambulatory walk). Lord Indira’s vehicle, the while elephant, Iravatham ignoreda flower used in Shiva Pooja. It wascursed by Rishi Durvasa. It worshipedLord Shiva for His grace. Before returning to Indra Lok with his Master Indira, the elephant wanted to worship LordShiva. It created a place after its name, worshiped Muktheeswara. Even today,according to the documents of the temple, the place is known as Iravadhanallur. History Period of Origin-Before 7th century. More details could not be obtained. Architecture The architecture of the temple is in the Dravidian style, isnotable for its functional layout geared toward ancestral rituals rather thanfor grand scale. Its most distinctive features include the separateshrine for the human-faced Ganesha and the four Pitru Lingams in the outercourtyard. Key architectural features Dravidian style: The temple is constructed in the traditionalSouth Indian Dravidian style, characterized by smaller towers (vimanas) overthe sanctums and pillared halls (mandapas). It is mentioned in hymns by theSaivaite saints Appar and Sambandar, suggesting ancient roots that precede the7th century, though it hasseen renovations and expansions since. Simple design: The overall architectural style is simple andpractical, focusing on the rituals performed within the temple rather than onintricate decoration. The true significance of the temple is tied to itspurpose as a mukthikshetram, a place for attaining salvation. Separate shrines: The temple complex contains severaldistinct shrines: Muktheeshwarar Sanctum: The main sanctum houses the primarydeity, Lord Muktheeshwarar. Swarnavalli Shrine: A separate shrine is dedicated to thegoddess Swarnavalli, the consort of Lord Muktheeshwarar. Adhi Vinayakar Shrine: One of the most famous features is the shrine for AdhiVinayakar, or Nara Mukha Vinayakar (human-faced Ganesha). The idol depictsGanesha with his original human head. Pitru Lingams: In the outer courtyard (prakaram), fourlingams known as the Pitru Lingams can be found. They are believed to be theofferings made by Lord Rama that turned into lingams, allowing his father, KingDasaratha, to attain salvation. An idol of Lord Rama can also be seen in theprakaram, shown kneeling on his right knee to perform the rituals. Arasalar River: The temple is situated on the banks of theArasalar river, which is where Lord Rama was instructed to bathe beforeperforming the ancestral rites. This river forms a vital part of the temple'slocation and ritual significance . Names of chief Deities Moolavar: Mukthiswarar Ambal: Swarnavali Aadhi Vinaya shrine The shrine for Aadhi Vinayakar (also known as Nara mukhavinayakar) is separate in the same complex. Here you can see Ganesha with ahuman head and hence the name Naramukha vinayakar. This is one of the two Vinayagar temples where He has a human face. This issupposed to be the First Vinayagar that Goddess Parvathi created. It is noteworthy that the rays of the Sun fall on thePresiding Deity Muktheeswarar during the days from 10/11 to 22/23 in the monthof March and again between September 18 to 30 and the sun rays remain for about20 minutes each day. As Sun God himself is worshipping the Lord with his rayssubmitted at His feet, there is no special shrine for the Navagrahas. Daily pooja schedule The daily worship services are conducted in several phases,from the early morning until the final rites at night. Morning: 6:00 a.m.: Usakkalam pooja 8:00 a.m.: Kalasanthi pooja Noon: 1:00 p.m.: Ucchikalam pooja (before the temple closesfor the afternoon) Evening and night: 6:00 p.m.: Sayaraksa pooja 7:00 p.m.: Ardhajamam pooja Daily ritual activities In addition to the standard poojas for the main deities (LordMuktheeshwarar and Goddess Swarnavalli), the temple's daily rituals arecentered on ancestral worship. These include: Tharpanam: The key daily ritual is the performance oftharpanam by devotees to honor their ancestors. The temple's name,Thilatharpanapuri, is derived from this practice using sesame seeds (thil). Vedic chants: A Veda Patashala is located on the templepremises, where students perform daily Vedic recitations. Human-faced Ganesha: Special daily reverence is also paid tothe unique human-faced Ganesha (Adhi Vinayagar) in his separate shrine Festivals Maha Shiva Rathri andGanesha Chathurthi /Ganesh Puja are the main festivals organized in this temple. Amavasya (New Moon day): This is the most important andregular observance at the temple. Performing the tharpanam ritual on this dayis considered especially powerful for appeasing departed souls and relievingancestral sins (Pitru Dosham). Mahalaya Amavasya: This specific new moon day duringthe fortnight of ancestors (Pitru Paksha) is a significant time for devotees toperform rituals for their forefathers. Sankata Hara Chaturthi: This monthly festival is celebratedat the shrine for Adhi Vinayakar, the human-faced Ganesha located just outsidethe main temple. Ganesha Chaturthi: Celebrations are also held forGanesha, given the temple's important Adhi Vinayakar shrine. The Special pujas and homams to Adhi Vinayakar are done hereduring the occasion of Chathurthi festivals. THE SHRINE OF AADI VINAYAKA IN THE TEMPLE COMPLEX Aadi Vinayaka NaramukhaGanesha shrine is situated inside thetemple complex of Thilatharpanpuri. The temple is a modest one, with a rectangular Mandapa (Hall)in front and a square sanctum behind, housing the Vigraha (idol) of LordGanesha with a human head. The Mandapa or Hall It is a flat-roofed rectangular structure without any walls,but has 6+6+2+2 square pillars on 4 sides. Interestingly, all the pillars havea stucco Vigraha of Lord Ganesha, each one is unique and different from others. These forms of Lord Ganesha includes 4-armed, 6-armed,8-armed, 10-armed and 16-armed forms. He is depicted with a single elephant-head in all except inone, where he has 4 elephant heads. Ganesha is seen sitting, standing and dancing postures,mostly alone but in 2 withhis wife on his lap. Lord Ganesha is seen with his wife who issitting on his left lap. The hall has at its distal end a square "YajnaVedi", the place of performing "Yajna" (worshipping by lightinga fire). Vahana (vehicle) ofLord Ganesha Normally, Ganesha is accompanied by a mouse, who is hisVahana. Here, we see the mouse in one of the pillars, and one Ganesha (the4-headed one) rides a Lion. Ganesha has other Vahanas too. In Maharashtra, the Moreshwar Ganesha is shown to havethe "More" (Mayur) or the pea-cock. The Sanctum The square sanctum has a single west facing door, guarded bytwo big statues of "Dwarapalas" (Gate keepers). The roof of the sanctum is a tall Shikhara decorated withmany statues including that of Ganesha, but none with a human head. Inside the sanctum on the altar is the all-important Vigrahaof the Lord, and he has ayoung boy's face. Timings: The temple's general timings are as follows: Morning: 6:30 AM to 1.00 PM Evening: 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM Connection toancestral rites: The village of Thilatharpanapuri gets its name from theancestral ritual of tharpanam using sesame seeds (thil). It is considered oneof seven sacred sites for performing ancestral rites, alongside places likeKashi and Rameswaram. Four Siva lingams inthe prakaram According to legend, Lord Rama performed ancestral rites (tharpanam) for his father, KingDasaratha, at this very spot. After praying to Lord Shiva, Rama's ritualwas accepted, and fourlingams appeared. The four lingams can be seen in the mainMuktheeswarar temple. Etymology The name Thilatharpanapuri comes from two words thil meaningGingely and tharpana is the Hindu ritual of performing pithru karmas (ritual ofpaying tribute to ancestors) to one’s ancestors. It is also known asSethalapathy. Address and phonenumber. Thilatharpanapureeswara temple, Sethalapathy, Poonthottam Post, NannilamTaluk, in the Tiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu. Pin code -609 503. Phone: +9194427 14055 and : 94423 90299 Administration The day-to-day administration and management of theThilatharpanapuri Muktheeshwarar Temple are overseen by priests, notablyincluding Mr. Swaminatha Sivachariar. As with many temples in Tamil Nadu, it isalso likely overseen by the HinduReligious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) Department of the Governmentof Tamil Nadu. Key individuals and groups associated with the temple'soperation include: Priests (Sivachariars): Specific priests, such as Mr.Swaminatha Sivachariar, are involved in conducting the temple rituals andmanaging the associated Veda Patashala (Vedic school). HR & CE Department: In India, many temples are managed bythe government-run HR & CE department, which handles financial managementand compliance. Temple staff and volunteers: A small group of staff andvolunteers assists with the daily running of the temple, including maintainingthe premises, conducting rituals, and guiding devotees Getting there Nearest major town: The temple is near the town of Koothanur,which is on the Mayiladuthurai–Tiruvarur road. By rail: The nearest railway station is Poonthottam. By air: The nearest major airport is TiruchirappalliInternational Airport (TRZ), which is about 150 km away. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/2107655112.404567.1761453398396%40mail.yahoo.com.
