Thyagaraja Temple | History, Timings & Festivals

Thyagaraja Temple, also known as the Vadivudai Amman Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Adhipurishwarar). The Thiruvaiyur Thyagaraja temple timings are from 6 AM to 8:30 PM.

Thyagaraja Temple

The temple is in the Thiruvaiyur area of ​​Chennai and is similar to the Thyagaraja Temple in Thiruvattiyur. Although the presiding deity is Adipuriswarar, the temple is closely associated with the worship of Tyagaraja. Sundarar, an 8th-century Tamil saint, is believed to have brought worship from the Thiruvarur temple.

Vadivudai Amman Temple

The temple was revered by the Shaiva Nayanars (Tamil saints of the 7th century) and classified as Padal Petra.

Devotees come to the Thyagaraja Swamy Temple for the welfare of their children. Many people believe that entering the temple will cure their ailments. Temple times are 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM.

Myths

There are many legends associated with the Thyagaraja Temple in Thiruvottiyur. There is a legend that Lord Shiva took the form of a massive fire to reduce the floodwater. Hence, the place got the name Thiru Otriyur (“Votra” or “Vatra” means water depletion in Tamil).

Also, it said that he was a swayambhu lingam under the maqiza tree here. After that devastating flood, it was the first Swayambhu gender to appear on Earth. Hence, the Swami here is Adhipurishwarar (Adi means first in Tamil).

Another popular belief is related to Vishnu and the Vedas

Brahma is the creator god of the Hindus and one of the three principal deities of Hinduism, the other two being Vishnu, the guardian god and Lord Shiva, the god of destruction.

He created gods (goddesses), asuras (demons), and giants – these two groups fight each other. The deities known as the Asuras use muscle power, while the deities use Vedic power and the scriptures.

Once, two asuras, Madhu and Kaitaba, deceived the gods, stole the Vedas, smashed them and hid them at the bottom of the sea. Vishnu fought the demons but was unable to defeat them. He prayed to Lord Shiva and Parvati, and with success, he was able to defeat the demons.

thyagaraja temple

He took the form of a fish called Matsya to search the Vedas. The Vedas extracted from the seabed were taken to the deity in this temple, who reassembled and purified it.

The tree that the gods want, the makila tree, is sacred. The tree of the temple. History of Thyagaraja Temple:

The history of Thiruvaiyur Thyagaraja Temple dates back to the 7th century Pallava kings. They built the temple. Later, it was restored and rebuilt during the Chola rule in the 11th century.

During the 15th century, the Vijayanagara was further restored and expanded. The temple was the centre of education.

The pavilions served as venues for various religious courses. Occasional symposiums were held.

Things to do at Vadivudai Amman Temple

You can take the blessings of Lord Shiva in this temple. It has two temples dedicated to Swami – one to Sri Adipureeshwara and the other to Sri Otreshwara.

In the main sanctum sanctorum, Swayambhu measures like an anthill. To his right is Vishnu, and to his left is Lord Brahma.

The Thiruvaiyur Thyagaraja Temple has many other temples, such as Parvati Devi (Vadivudai Amman and Vattaparai Amman), Kujantai Ishwarar and Nagalingam. The temples of Lord Murugan, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Durga are located here.

In addition to the daily rituals at the Thiruvottiyur Thyagaraja Swamy Temple, you can also participate in the festivals. The most important is the 10-day Brahmotsavam festival in February/March.

Best time to visit Vadivudai Amman Temple

As Chennai is a sweltering place, it is not advisable to go there in the summer. Thus, the best time to visit the temple is from October – to March.

thiruvaiyur thyagaraja temple timings

Thiruvaiyur Thyagaraja Temple Timings

Below are the Thiruvaiyur Thyagaraja temple timings:

DayTemple timings
Monday06:00 AM– 12:00 PM

04:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Tuesday06:00 AM– 12:00 PM

04:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Wednesday06:00 AM– 12:00 PM

04:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Thursday06:00 AM– 12:00 PM

04:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Friday06:00 AM– 12:00 PM

04:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Saturday06:00 AM– 12:00 PM

04:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Sunday06:00 AM– 12:00 PM

04:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Abhishekam

The Abhishekam is not for Tyagaraja Swami but for the Maragatha Linga (believed to be the precious emerald linga worshipped by Indira) at 8.30 AM, 11.00 AM and 7.00 PM Daily.

After the Abhishekam is over, the penis is placed in a silver box with flowers and covered with a silver vessel. It is then locked in the presence of the officers and placed to the right of Tyagaraja Swami.

Festivals

The main festival is held during the Tamil month of Masi (February-March) and has attracted many spectators.

On the eighth day, there is an additional program called Mahiladisevai. The Durgadevi temple on the north side of the temple is associated with Kannagi, the protagonist of the 2nd-century Tamil epic Silappadikaram.

Every year, a 15-day festival is celebrated in honour of Goddess Durga, and on the last day, the roof of the event is lit to symbolize the burning of Kannagi Madurai at the end of the epic.

How to reach Thyagaraja Temple in Chennai

The Thyagaraja Temple in Thiruvottiyur is located in the northern part of Chennai and is easily accessible from most parts of the city.

It is located 10 km from the Chennai Central Railway Station, 30 km from the Chennai Airport and 25 km from the Coimbatore Bus Terminal. And there are various ways to reach the temple here.

Train

Thiruvottiyur Railway Station is located 2 km from the Thyagaraja Temple. From there, you can hire an auto/taxi to the temple.

Bus

Public buses are also available to the temple. The Theradi bus stop is less than 1 km away. You can walk to the bus stop or get a taxi/auto.

By Cab/ Taxi

The best way to reach Thyagaraja Temple, Thiruvottiyur, is to book a taxi from one of Chennai’s leading car rental companies. You can visit the temple, spend as much time as you want and get blessings from all the gods and goddesses.

Arulmigu Thyagaraja Temple address

Arulmigu Thiyagarajaswamy Temple

Thiruvarur 610001

Phone Number: 04366-242343.