Tiruvarur

Tamilnadu > Tiruvarur

Sri Thiayagaraja Temple

The District of Tiruvarur was carved out as a separate district by detaching Valangaiman Taluk from Thanjavur District and Thiruvarur, Nannilam, Kudavasal, Needamangalam, Mannargudi , Thirutturaippundi Taluks from Nagappatinam District on 01.01.1997. There are 2 Revenue Divisions, 7 Taluks, 10 Community Development Blocks, 3 Municipalties and 7 Town Panchayats in Thiruvarur District. Thiru M. R. Mohan IAS was the first District Collector of Thiruvarur District.

Thanjavur attained prominence under the Chola rulers who were paramount in South India during the 9th to 12th centuries. They were excellent rulers and mighty builders. Many examples are found in the district which bears testimony to this. Many of these temples reflect the geniusness and architectural proficiency in sculpture, painting and wood-carving.

The administration of Thanjavur (Tiruvarur) was given over to English fully under the Treaty of 1799. The ruler of Thanjavur was allowed to retain the fort of Thanjavur with very limited powers. When the ruler died in 1841, without heir, the Thanjavur fort was also annexed by the British. Thanjavur remained under the British rule until 1947 when India attained freedom.

History of Tiruvarur

According to history, the central temple in Tiruvarur was installed by Muchukanta Chola. Tiruvarur is also associated with another legendary king, Manuneedhi Cholan.

Tiruvarur is mentioned in the works of Thirugnana Sambanthar and Tirunavukkarasar, the foremost Saivite saints of 7th century CE. Tirunavukkarasar mentions several Tiruvarur temple traditions, such as Marghazhi Aathirai Vizha, Panguni Uttirai Perunaal and Veedhivitakanin Veedhi Panni. The granite structure of the Tyagarajaswami temple was first constructed by Aditya Chola I in 9th century and revamped during the reign of Rajaraja Chola I. The temple was upgraded and rebuilt with stone by Rajendra Chola I. The royal patronage continued and the town flourished as a cultural centre during the rule of the Nayaks, Vijayanagar kings and Marathas. This temple is one of the biggest in the country and this has the biggest temple chariot in Tamil Nadu. The chariot is very beautiful and Arulmigu Thyagarajaswamy Car festival celebrated here in months of March - April attracts large crowds. Tiruvarur car is very famous one and it is called as 'Aalithre' in Tamil meaning car like ocean.

How to reach Tiruvarur

BY AIR

The nearest airport is at Trichy about 120 kms from Tiruvarur.

BY RAIL

Train services to Trichy Chennai are available.The Railway Station Phone No 04366-227566
From Trichy : Thanjavur to Tiruvarur Broad Cage line is in operation from 12.01.2007

BY BUS

From Chennai: The Bus route are 1. Chennai , Villupuram, Panruti, Vadalur, Kumbakonam, Tiruvarur 2. Chennai , Pondy, Cuddalore , Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvarur.

From Trichy : The Bus route is Trichy , Thanjavur, Tiruvarur Regular bus services are available from all important cities of Tamil Nadu