Thiruvisanallur

Sri Sivayoginathar temple located in Thiruvisanallur is about eight km from the temple-town of Kumbhakonam in Tamil Nadu. This Kshetra popular as Vrishabha Rashi temple (Taurus) is a temple-complex with Lord Shiva as Sivayoginathar and various deities.

Thiruvisanallur was earlier known as Vembarur that later during the perod of Maratthas came to be called Sahajirajapuram. This Kshetra is believed to be much older than 7th CE. The temple complex is believed to have seen major developments during the reign of Cholas in 11th CE. Chaturkala Bhairavar numbering four and representing different stages of human life are an important set of deities in this Kshetra. Gnana Bhairava, Swarna Akarshna Bhairava, Unmatha Bhairava and yoga Bhairava are the names of these. It is believed that, lighting lamps with black pepper dedicated to Bhairava here for consecutive eight Sundays during Rahukalam can restore the lost wealth as well as property. Also worshipping Chaturkala Bhairavas on the days of Ashtami is believed to yield specific types of benevolence. Goddess Parvati here, is known as Soundaranayaki and has been installed in the Prakaram (corridor).