Apathsahayar Temple, Thirupazhanam

🛕 Lord Shiva | 📍 Thirupazhanam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Temple Tags: Ancient Temple Chola Temple Nayanmar Temple Paadal Petra Sthalam Sambandar Temple South India Temple Tevaram Temple

✔ Verified by Mandirvaas

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⏰ Darshan

Morning: 06:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Evening: 04:00 PM – 08:30 PM

📅 Best Time to Visit

October to March is generally comfortable for pilgrimage.

📸 Photography

Not Allowed

🔱 Temple Significance

Apathsahayar Temple at Thirupazhanam is an ancient Shiva temple and one of the Tevaram Paadal Petra Sthalams. The presiding deity, Apathsahayar, is revered in the hymns of the Nayanmar saint Tirunavukkarasar (Appar). The temple is especially associated with the life of Apoothi Adigal, a devoted follower of Appar. According to the traditional legend, Appar prayed to Lord Apathsahayar and restored Apoothi Adigal's son after the boy died from a snake bite. The temple is also one of the seven Sapthasthana temples connected with Thiruvaiyaru.

🏛 Temple History

The temple is regarded as an ancient Chola-period Shiva temple. The present masonry structure contains Chola-period elements, while later additions and expansions were made under the Nayaks and Thanjavur Marathas. Numerous inscriptions document the contributions of different ruling dynasties.

The temple has a large Dravidian architectural complex with four gopurams, three precincts and several halls and shrines. The second precinct contains sculptures associated with the Vijayanagara period.

The temple is traditionally connected with Apoothi Adigal and Saint Appar. Apoothi Adigal is said to have established charitable resting places in Appar's name despite never having met him. When his son died from a snake bite while preparing banana leaves for a feast for Appar, Appar prayed to Apathsahayar, after which the boy was restored to life according to the traditional account.

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Daily Poojas

Regular temple worship schedule

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No daily poojas available.

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Special Rituals

Sacred offerings and temple rituals

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No special rituals available currently.

🎉 Temple Festivals

No festivals available.

🔔 Darshan Timings & Rules

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Dress Code

Traditional and modest dress is recommended.

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Photography

Not allowed

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Prasad

Not available

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Prasad Details

Prasadam is available according to temple arrangements.

🧭 Pilgrim Travel Tips

Visit early morning for a quieter darshan.
Combine this temple with the other Thiruvaiyaru Sapthasthana temples for a dedicated Shiva-temple circuit.
Thirupazhanam is very close to Thiruvaiyaru, making it convenient to combine both destinations.
Spend some time observing the Chola-period architectural elements and sculptures.
Devotees interested in Appar should learn about the Apoothi Adigal legend before visiting.
Mondays, Pradosham and Shivaratri can attract larger crowds.
The annual Sapthasthanam festival is particularly significant for this temple.
Dress modestly and follow temple-specific photography restrictions.
During festival days, confirm the exact darshan timing locally before travelling.