Paridiniyamam Parithiappar Temple

The temple faces east and is distinguished by five rajagopurams (temple towers). The entrance gateway features a kodimaram (flagstaff), a Vinayaka shrine, and a nandi (bull) image, with a palipeedam (sacrificial altar) nearby. Beyond the second gopuram, visitors encounter shrines dedicated to Vinayaka, Murugan, and Gajalakshmi. The temple complex includes a Nataraja sabha (hall), and further within are shrines to Bhairavas, Surya, Chandra, and the Navagrahas (nine planetary deities).

The sanctum itself houses the moolavar (primary deity), Shiva as Parithiappar, described as a swayambumurthy—a self-manifested form. Opposite the sanctum stand the nandi and palipeedam. The temple grounds contain three Chandikeswaras within the prakara (inner courtyard), and behind the goshta wall are images of Maha Vishnu and Anjaneya positioned side by side. The Ambal (goddess) temple is situated near the vasantha mandapam, facing south.

Sacred Waters and Worship Significance

The temple is associated with three theerthams (sacred water bodies): Surya Pushkarini, Chandra Pushkarini, and Karunguzhi Theertham. The Bodhi tree (arasu) serves as the temple's thala virutcham (sacred tree). According to temple tradition, this shrine holds particular importance for those seeking relief from ancestral doshas (karmic afflictions). The temple is noted as a place where Surya was relieved of his doshas, making it significant for rituals performed on behalf of ancestors.

Devotees particularly visit during inauspicious planetary periods or on specific days associated with vulnerability. Those born under certain stars—Karthika, Uthiram, and Uthiradam—or during particular months in the Tamil calendar, or those experiencing unfavourable Sun periods in their astrological charts, are traditionally advised to worship here. Prayers offered on the first Sunday of the full moon fortnight are considered especially auspicious for such relief.

Festivals and Special Observances

The temple celebrates several significant festivals throughout the year. Akshaya Thrithiya marks one observance, while Masi Ratha Sapthami occurs in February-March. Most notably, a ten-day Panguni Surya Puja takes place in March-April, during which the Sun God is believed to dedicate his worship to Lord Shiva. On the 18th, 19th, and 20th days of Panguni (March-April), the temple witnesses a unique phenomenon: the Sun's rays are said to be submitted directly upon the Lord Shiva, and the Sun God himself stands before the deity in darshan. This celestial alignment is considered extraordinary and draws pilgrims seeking the blessings associated with this rare occurrence.

Visiting Information

The temple is open from 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the morning and from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the evening. The best time to visit is between October and March, when the climate is more comfortable for pilgrimage. Weekday mornings are preferable for a quieter darshan experience, as festival days and Pradosham observances tend to draw larger crowds. Photography is not permitted within the temple premises.

The temple is located at Sri Bhaskareswara Swami Temple, Parithiappar Koil, Orathanadu Taluk, Thanjavur – 614 904, Tamil Nadu. The coordinates are 10.6772, 79.2373. For inquiries, the temple can be reached at +91-4372-256910. Devotees traditionally offer abishek (ritual bathing) to the Lord and Mother with cloth offerings and contribute to temple renovation efforts as acts of thanksgiving.