The Prime Deity of this place appears as Swayambu Lingam facing east. On Chithirai 1, 2, and 3, the Sun-rays fall on the Lingam. Near the southern temple wall is seen the Sun–Dial fixed some 700 years ago. This clock is constructed in such a way to measure the route of the Sun from the sunrise in the morning till the sunset in the evening. A semi-circle is made and the numbers from morning 6.00 to evening 6.00 are carved around. In the center, a brass nail is fixed. When the sunlight falls on this nail and on the number where its shadow falls, is that time at that moment. This is an excellent instance to show that the Tamils were experts in the Astronomical Science.
Krittika (2,3,4), Rohini, Mrigashirsha (1,2)
Brahma
Arulmigu Yoganandheeswarar Tirukkoil,
Tiruvisanallur – 612 105, Thanjavur District
Phone: +91 44-2723 1899
The temple is open from 6.00 am to 12.30 pm and from 3.00 pm to 8.30 pm
Lord Brahma, was born to one Vishnu Sharma. Along with him were born six yogis and he with them performed tapasya to Lord Siva. On Sivarathiri day, Lord Siva appeared before them, made them as seven lights and merged them with Him. Hence, the deity of this place became 'Sivayogi Naathar'.The body of the Sivalingam here has seven hair–locks.
Once a person who had committed numerous sins, exhorted the Lord of this place in his last moments. Lord Siva asked Nandhi: 'Who calls me?' and Nandhi turned to find out. It was a 'Pratosha Day' when the person called the Lord. All his sins vanished with Nandhi seeing him. His life had to end at that moment. Lord Yama came there and Nandhi stopped him. There arose a fierce quarrel between them. Nandhi won Yama and sent him out, away from the flag–post. Usually in the temples Nandhi will be seen inside the flag–post. But, here we can see Nandhi in this holy place outside the flag–post in a turned position.
The legend says that this sacred place has seen all the four yugas. The deity is worshipped as Puraathaneswarar in the Kritha Yuga, Vilvaaranyeswarar in the Tretha Yuga, Yoganandeeswarar in the Dwaapara Yuga and Sivayoginaathar in the Kali Yuga. Uyyavantha Devanaayanaar, the author of the Siddhanta Sastra work Thiruvunthiyaar was born in this holy place. It is said that Sage Agasthya worships this deity on the Sivarathiri days. In some of the Siva temples Perumal is seen alone; but, here He appears as Lakshmi-Narayanan, along with His spouse Lakshmi. It is said that during the Ramayana days, Jatayu's feather fell in this place, where now is the 'Jatayu Theertham'.
Bhairavar in this place is called 'Chaturkaala Bhairavar'. In each of the yuga, he manifests as one Bhairava and graces us. Near Jnanakaala Bhairavar is Dakshinamoorthi, Mahalakshmi is near Swarnakarshana Bhairavar, and Baalasani is in the proximity of Unmaththa Bhairavar. Uththara Kailaaya Lingam is close to Yoga Bhairavar. It is significant to worship them in the ashtami day.
About 300 years ago, one Sridhara Ayyaavaal was performing the yearly parental offering (divasam). At that time, a person begged alms because of hunger. Tradition is that alms should not be given at that time. But, he gave food to that hungry man. So, the village people ostracized him from the village. They said that to absolve this sin, he should take bath in the Ganga. Sridhara Ayyaavaal prayed to the Deity of this place and Ganga flowed in his house well.
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