Basic information about the temple
| Moolavar: | Chandramouleeswarar | Ambal / Thayar: | – |
| Deity: | Siva | Historical name: | |
| Vriksham: | Teertham: | ||
| Agamam: | Age (years): | Timing: | – to – & – to – | Parikaram: |
| Temple group: | Vaippu sthalam | – | |
| Sung by: | Temple set: | ||
| Navagraham: | Nakshatram: | ||
| City / town: | Harischandrapuram | District: | Thanjavur |
| Maps from (click): | Current location | Kumbakonam (6 km) | Thanjavur (36 km) |
| Tiruvarur (43 km) | Mayiladuthurai (44 km) |
Location
Sthala puranam and temple information
This Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam is located between Darasuram and Patteeswaram. This area is also referred to sometimes as Cholan Maligai, and that name suggests that there was a time when this might have housed the palaces of Chola kings.
Because this temple features in Appar’s pathigam, the temple should belong to at least the 7th century, making it close to 1500 years old at a minimum.
In one of the many stories on the Siva-Parvati wedding, Parvati undertook penance at Peruvelur, in order to be reunited with Siva. They eventually married at Karaiveeram, from where they proceeded to Tiruveezhimizhalai. Prior to their wedding, Siva spent the night with his entourage, at many places, and this Harischandrapuram is regarded as one such place.
This is also the place where Chandran (moon) worshipped Lord Siva, and offered himself to the Lord, who placed Chandran on His head – giving Him the name Chandramouleeswarar.
Another name for this place is Palkulam (lake of milk), referencing the milky-white moon (Chandran) who worshipped here.
The temple is east facing, has no gopuram, but has a small welcome arch. There is no dhwajasthambam or bali peetham here. Instead, there is a mandapam that encloses the garbhagriham and Amman shrine. Also, on the sides here are Bhairavar, Suryan and Chandran. Except for Dakshinamurti, there are no koshtam deities, although it does seem that in olden times, these vigrahams would have been there. In the prakaram are Vinayakar, some nagars and lingams, Murugan with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, Mahalakshmi, and Chandikeswarar.
As we face the temple, to the right, also facing east, is a separate shrine for Kali. The vigraham here depicts Kali with eight arms, and is fascinating!
For the longest time, the temple used to be unkempt. Recent years have seen a renovation to the structural temple, but the temple grounds are still in very bad shape – it is practically very difficult to reach the temple and walk around it.
Other information for your visit
The temple is also generally closed most of the time, due to lack of visits. However, one can contact any of the locals on the street on the south of the temple, who will be able to open the gates for visitors.
Contact
Gallery
TN Temples Project 