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Shiyali is a Taluk (also spelt as Taluka) in the
Thanjavur district, which is
famous for the temple of Sattanathaswami, a revered Shiva shrine. Shiyali
is known by different names known as "Brahmapuram", "Venupuram",
etc.
The Legend
There is a popular legend about this place according to which Tirujnana
Sambandar (famous Tamil poet), son of a Brahmin named Sri Shivapada
Virudayar was born in Shiyali. One day Sri Shivapada Virudayar left his
three years old son on the bank of a Teertha (also spelt as Theertham) and
went to take bath. Tirujnana Sambandar began to cry out of hunger.
As the Brahmin was absorbed in meditation, the child's cries did not
reach his ears. There was nobody to look after the child. Then Lord Shiva
with Parvati Devi appeared before him and the Devi gave him milk, which
gave the child 'Jnanam' (Wisdom) and he started composing songs in praise
of God.
It is said that once even Lord Vishnu, Brahma, Indra, Surya, Chandra and
Rahu came to Shiyali to worship the Lord.
Shiyali is the birthplace of many people who devoted their entire life to
worship Lord Sattanathar and composed prayers. "Tirujnana Sambandar",
"Tirunavukka- Rasu, Sundaramurti", "Manickavachakar"
and "Arunagirinathar" are well known among them.
About The Temple
There are twenty-two Teerthams here. People visit in hundreds and
thousands to take their bath in the tanks and worship the Lord. The
temple, which is situated in the heart of the town, surrounded by big
compound walls with lofty Gopurams; on all the four sides is maintained by
Dharmapura Adheenam.
There are other shrines facing east in the same temple complex, which are
dedicated to Mother Tripurasundari and Tirujnana Sambandar. Pujas and
Abhishekams are offered to the deities daily and many festivals are
conducted every year.
Road: Tourists can access Shiyali by road from Thanjavur. Regular bus service is available from Thanjavur.
Accommodation is available at the moderate class hotels, lodges and choultries in Thanjavur.
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