By Kogila R.
Devotees may have sundry reasons to visit Thiruvarur, but here is yet another holy reason: Srivanchiyam. Here again, there are several specialties about the Srivanchiyam temple.
This temple near Nannilam in Thiruvarur is known for being the only temple that has a shrine for Yama Dharma Raja, the Hindu God of death and justice, and a dedicated shrine for Sani Bhaghavan (Saturn). It is also stated that a holy dip in the Srivanchiyam temple tank is equivalent to a Kasi cleansing. What more? In this temple, Rahu and Ketu are carved in a unique composite sculpture.
On every Sunday of the Karthigai month, devotees take a dip in the temple pond to wash their curses and sins. “This temple is known as ”purva janma paavam parihara stala”. Visiting the temple helps in absolving one’s curse, sins committed either knowingly or unknowingly in one’s past lives. This place is on par with Kasi. Visiting this place once is equivalent to visiting Kasi 100 times. The Ganga in Kasi has 1000 years of existence. This 1000 year is one yuga, the current yuga running is Kali-yuga. In Kali-yuga, the people are corrupted and sins committed by the ancestors are passed on to the succeeding generations which have adverse effects on them, pushing them to commit more sins! Yama is sported in a seated posture with Chitragupta by his side.” said Mr. Swaminathan, the priest of the temple.
“There is another interesting story of why this place is known as Srivanchiyam. “Sri” means Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and also the wife of Maha Vishnu. During a conversation, a misunderstanding arises between Mahalaxshmi and Vishnu. Maha Vishnu gets angry and Lakshmi comes to Srivanchiyam and reaches out to Lord Shiva, who helps in bringing them back together. Hence, this place is known as Srivanchiyam. Another attraction here is that there are no Navagrahas in this temple, Saneeswaran (Saturn) housed in a separate niche.” Mr. Swaminathan added.
Caption: Gupta-Ganga in Srivanjiyam temple
Last but not least, the ongoing Karthigai month is deemed auspicious for a curse-cleansing dip in the holy waters of the Srivanchiyam temple, giving you yet another solid reason for a Thiruvarur-bound pilgrimage!
Edited By Shamyuktha T. and Pradeep Eswar K.
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