Thirunavalur - Bhakthajanewarar Temple

Thirunavalur Arulmigu Bhaktajaneswarar Temple (historically known as Thiru Naval) is an ancient 10th-century Chola granite sanctuary and the 8th holy Paadal Petra Sthalam in the historic Nadu Naadu region of Tamil Nadu. Located along the Chennai–Tiruchirappalli national highway (NH45) in Kallakurichi district, this revered temple holds supreme spiritual importance as the sacred birthplace of Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar, one of the celebrated Shaivite Holy Trio (Muvavar).

Enshrined in the 7th-century Tamil Tevaram hymns composed by Saint Sundarar, the temple derives its name from the holy Naval tree (Jambool / Syzygium cumini) under which Sukra Bhagavan (Venus) performed penance. Constructed in granite by Chola Crown Prince Rajaditya (son of Parantaka Chola I) before the fateful Battle of Takkolam (949 CE), the temple complex features a majestic three-tiered Rajagopuram, an inner sanctum housing the Swayambhu Lingam of Bhaktajaneswarar, a dedicated shrine for Goddess Sundarambigai, a special birth shrine for Saint Sundarar, and the sacred Garuda Theertham. Devotees visit Thirunavalur to pray for Sukra Dosha relief, musical and poetic wisdom, and ancestral blessings.

Birthplace of Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar

Thirunavalur is immortalized in Sekkizhar's Periya Puranam as the holy birthplace of Sundaramurthy Nayanar (also known as Nambiyarooran). Born to devout parents Sadaiya Nayanar and Isaignaniyar (both recognized as Nayanmars), the child's radiance attracted the local ruler, King Narasinga Munaiarayar, who adopted Sundarar and brought him up with royal affection. A dedicated shrine enshrining the idol of Sundarar carrying his holy walking stick and palm-leaf manuscript is worshipped in the temple.

Sukra Bhagavan & The Sacred Naval Tree

According to the Sthala Puranam, Sukra Bhagavan (Venus) suffered loss of planetary power after being swallowed by Lord Shiva during a cosmic trial. To regain his radiance and planetary rulership, Sukra traveled to Thirunavalur, installed a Swayambhu Lingam beneath a lush Naval tree (Syzygium cumini), and performed intense penance. Lord Shiva appeared before Sukra, restored his celestial radiance, and declared that worshipping Lord Bhaktajaneswarar on Fridays would grant freedom from Sukra Doshams and bestow wealth.

Chola Prince Rajaditya & Historical Heroism

In the 10th century CE, Chola Crown Prince Rajaditya Chola (eldest son of Parantaka Chola I) stationed his army at Thirunavalur. Recognizing the ancient sanctity of the site, Rajaditya built the inner sanctum in solid granite and named the deity Rajadithyeswarar. Following Rajaditya's heroic death atop his war elephant in the Battle of Takkolam (949 CE), his military general Rajaditya Moovendhavelan endowed perpetual ghee lamps (Nanda Deepam) at Thirunavalur in memory of the fallen prince.

• Tevaram (7th Thirumurai): Glorified by Sundaramurthy Nayanar in 10 pathigams beginning with "Thondu seydhaisainthu padumithanai... " (தொண்டு செய்தைசைந்து பாடுமிதனை).
• Periya Puranam: Sekkizhar dedicates the opening chapters of the Periya Puranam to Thirunavalur, detailing the divine birth and lineage of Sundaramurthy Nayanar.

• Rajaditya Chola Inscriptions (940–949 CE): Inscriptions carved on the sanctum walls record the construction of the granite temple by Crown Prince Rajaditya Chola and document military land grants.
• Rajaraja Chola I & Rajendra Chola I Epigraphs: Record royal endowments for maintaining Tevaram reciters (Oduvars) and conducting the annual Aadi Swathi birth festival of Sundarar.

• Inscriptional Record of Battle of Takkolam: The granite walls of Thirunavalur contain rare 10th-century Chola military inscriptions detailing troop movements, weapon donations, and memorial lamp endowments following the Battle of Takkolam.
• Sukra Planetary Alignment: The sanctum layout aligns with Friday morning solar rays illuminating the Swayambhu Lingam, observed during the Tamil month of Panguni.

• Aadi Swathi Sundarar Guru Poojai Festival: Celebrated grandly every year in the Tamil month of Aadi (July–August) on Swathi star day, marking the divine birth and ascension of Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar with grand street processions.
• Sukra Dosha Nivarthi Pooja: Special abhishekam performed with white lotus flowers, ghee lamps, and curd rice for Lord Bhaktajaneswarar on Fridays.
• Four Daily Kala Poojas: Morning Kalasanthi, Midday Uchikalam, Evening Sayarakshai, and Night Ardha Jamam.

• Best Months: October to March (pleasant climate).
• Major Festivals: Aadi Swathi Sundarar Festival (July–August), Maha Shivaratri (Feb–March), Margazhi Arudra Darshan (Dec–Jan), Monthly Pradosham.

• Tevaram Thirumurai Canon (7th Thirumurai, Sundaramurthy Nayanar).
• Periya Puranam by Sekkizhar (Taduthadutkonda Puranam).
• ASI South Indian Inscriptions, Volume XIX (Inscriptions of Rajaditya Chola at Thirunavalur).