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Semmeninathar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Thirukanur in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu

 Mother Parvathi chose this place on earth to perform penance on Lord Shiva.  Pleased with Her severe penance, Lord Shiva appeared before Mother in red as fire, hence came to be praised as Semmeni Nathar.  Mother is praised as Shiva Yoga Nayaki.  It is the faith of people that if couples worship together both Lord and Mother, they also will be blessed with marital life of harmony.  
 
Mother of Karikal Cholan was hiding in this place to protect her son from the threats of enemies.  As there was no king for the kindom, as followed in those days to choose a king, a royal elephant was sent with a garland to pick up person to head the kingdom. 

The elephant came to Tirukanur and chose the little boy Karikalan playing there, garlanded him, took him on its back in procession.  Thus Karikalan became the king of the Chola kingdom from this place.

Sage Parasurama is the son of Sage Jamadagni and Renukadevi.  During his absence, a king Kartha Veeryarjunan entered the ashram and took away the divine cow Kamadenu by force.  Coming to know of the incident, Parasurama set out in fury, killed the king along with 21 Kshatriyas and rescued the cow.

 Thus, he incurred the Kshatriya dosha.  Parasurama worshipped Lord Shiva in this place bathing in the sacred spring and got relieved of the dosha.

Temple Timimgs:


The temple is open from 10.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 3.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Temple Festivals:

Surya Puja is very devotionally performed on April 2, 3 and 4 as a festive event in the temple. Special abisheks are also performed on Aavani Moola star day in August-September and on Thai Poornima day in January-February.


Lord Shiva is a Swayambumurthi. The rays of Sun fall on the Lord in Panguni-April 2, 3 and 4. The idol of Ambica is made of Salagrama stone.

Three tier Rajagopuram is facing east.  There are shrines for Lords Vinayaka, Muruga with consorts Valli and Deivanai, Arthanareeswara, Brahmma, Chandikeswara, Mahavishnu, Mother Durga, Nagar, Aiyanar, Sun, Moon and Naalvar the Thevaram-Tiruvasagam saints.

Those facing delays in marriage, health problems, seeking child boon and for marital unity pray to Lord and Mother in the temple.Those ill perform archana to Lord Semmeni Nathar with Vilwa leaves.

Those facing delay in marriage worship the Salagrama made Mother with red flower garlands and light ghee lamps for early results. Those seeking child boon, perform abishek to Lord and Mother with Erukku flower garlands (this is a wild bush flower mostly grown on road sides). They also offer nivedhana of sweet items.

Do's:

  • Do pray your Ishta Devata before pilgrimage to Temple.
  • Do contact Temple Devasthanam information centre for enquiry, temple information and for Pooja details etc.
  • Do reserve your travel and accommodation at Temple well in advance.
  • Do bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
  • Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
  • Do maintain silence and recite your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
  • Do observe ancient custom and traditions while in Temple.
  • Do respect religious sentiments at Temple.
  • Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only.

Don't s:

  • Do not come to Temple for any purpose other than worshipping of God and Goddess.
  • Do not smoke at Temple.
  • Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple.
  • Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
  • Do not approach mediators for quick Darshanam. It may cause inconvenient to others.
  • Do not carry any weapon inside the temple.
  • Do not wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
  • Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  • Do not take much time while performing Sparsa Darshanam to God in Garbhagriha.
  • Do not buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
  • Do not encourage beggars at Temple.
  • Do not spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple.