Thirucherai Saranatha Perumal Temple - One of the Pancha Sara Kshetrams ( Saaranathan, Saara Nayagi, Saara Vimanam, Saara Theertham and Saara Kshetram - Hence Pancha Saara Kshetram ) is located around 15 KM from Kumbakonam and just 3 KM south of Nachiyarkoil, another Divyadesam in Kumbakonam, Tanjore District, Tamil Nadu, on the way from Kumbakonam to Thiruvarur.
Thirucherai is one of the oldest temples and is believed that it was there in existence from Dwabara Yuga, with the Grand Raja Gopruam with the height of 120 feet. When time came to destroy the whole world and to finish the yugam, Lord Brahma was worried and appealed Lord Vishnu to guide him a way to keep the tools which are needed for Srishti again and all Vedas safely.
Lord Hanuman (or) Aanchaneya blesses as from the west end of the pushkarani and Lord Vianayaka from the North eastern side.
The Rajagopuram is 120 feet tall and adjoining this is the first praharam and then is the Middle Gopuram. Next is the Thirukalyana Mandapam. From here Rajagopala swamy blesses us. Infront of this sannathi Thiruvenkatamudayam sannathi is situated.
After this Lord Sri Rama, Narashimar and Manavala Maamunigal sannathis are there.Inside the Moolaver's Karbagraham, Saranathar along with his wives: Sridevi, Boomidevi, Neela devi, Mahalakshmi and Sara Naayagi gives away his heartiful blessings. To his right Markanteya Maharishi and River Cauvery are found. Santhana Gopalan and Selvar are too found in this sannadhi.
Molavar - Saranathan
Utsavar - Mamadhalai Piran
Thayar - Sara Nayagi, Sara Nachiyar
Blessing Pose - Standing Posture Facing East
Kshetram - Pancha Sara Kshetram
Theertham - Saara Pushkarini
Vimanam - Saara Vimanam
Speciality - Pancha Sara Kshetram