Yazhmurinathar temple, TiruDharmapuram
Location: Tiru-Dharmapuram
Deity known as: Yazh-Muri-Nathar, Dharma-Pureeswarar
Female Deity: Mathura Minnammai, Abhayaambikai, Thenamirthavalli
Pathikam: Sambandar - 1
Gallery - Yazhmurinathar Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is situated about 4 km from Karaikal, on the route leading to Tirunallaru. Tiru-Theli-Cheri, is also located close by, making it convenient for devotees to visit both temples in a trip.
Temple Address
Tirudharmapuram
Karaikal District
Tamil Nadu
Temple Hours
Morning: 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Nearby Temples
| 1 | Tiru-Vetta-Kudi - 10.4 kms | |
| 1 | Tiru-Theli-Cheri - 3.5 kms | |
| 2 | Tiru-Nallaru - 4 kms |
Origin of the Name
Why Dharmapuram?
This place came to be known as Dharmapuram because Yama (Dharmaraj) worshipped the deity here to absolve himself of the sin of attempting to take the life of Markandeya. Another tradition says the name arose because Dharma, the eldest of the Pandavas, also worshipped the deity at this site and attained divine grace.
Yāzh Muri Pathigam — The Hymn that Broke the Yāzh
Birthplace of Tiru-Neelakanta Yazhpanar
This site is celebrated for having received the Yāzh Muri Pathigam, sung by Tiru-Gyana-Sambandar. It is also revered as the birthplace of Tiru-Neelakanta Yazhpanar, the great master of the yāzh (ancient Tamil string instrument). On one occasion, when Sambandar visited this place, Yazhpanar accompanied him, rendering Sambandar's hymns on the yāzh.
The Dispute
Since this was the birthplace of Yazhpanar's mother, some of his relatives claimed that Sambandar's hymns gained their excellence only because they were set to music by Yazhpanar. Deeply hurt by this remark, Yazhpanar appealed to Sambandar.
The Divine Music
Moved by compassion, Sambandar sang the hymn. As the divine music of Sambandar overflowed beyond the limits of the yāzh, Yazhpanar felt that his instrument could not reproduce and contain such supreme melody and attempted to break it. Sambandar restrained him and asked him to play only to the extent possible. From this episode, the deity here came to be known as Yāzh Murināthar — the Lord at whose feet the yāzh was broken.
Sculptural Depictions
Above the front entrance of the sanctum, sculptures depict Rishabaroodar (Shiva mounted on Nandi) at the center. On one side, Sambandar is shown singing while Yazhpanar plays the yāzh with his wife standing beside him; on the other side, Sambandar, Yazhpanar, and his wife are again portrayed together — beautifully capturing this legendary moment in art.
Temple Architecture
Rajagopuram
This temple is under the administration of the Dharmapuram Adheenam, and is oriented towards the east. In front of the adjoining three-tier gateway tower, the Nandi Mandapam and Bali Peetham are prominently positioned, welcoming devotees into the precincts.
Outer Prakaram
After passing through the second gopuram, one enters the outer prakaram. On the right stands the sannidhi of Goddess Mathura Minnammai. Along the western circumambulatory path are the sannidhis of Vinayaka, Subramanya, and Mahalakshmi. There are beautiful depictions of Dwara Vinayaka and Subramanya on the pillars of the mandapam in front of the Goddess's sannidhi. The Navagraha sannidhi is located at the northeastern corner of the outer prakaram.
Sanctum (Moolavar Sannidhi)
Directly opposite the second gopuram, beyond the sixteen-pillared mandapam, lies the sanctum where the presiding deity Yazhmurinathar graces devotees. The deity appears with a small bana, adorned with Naga-Abharana (ornament resembling a snake), facing east and radiating serene beauty.
Goshta Moorthas
The temple's Goshta moorthis include Narthana Ganapathi, Dakshinamurthy, Lingodbhava, and Goddess Durga, along with a separate sannidhi for Chandikeswarar. Dakshinamurthy is portrayed with the Sanakadi sages seated on either side, his foot resting upon the demon Muyalagan. Lingodbhava is shown flanked by Brahma and Maha Vishnu, depicting the cosmic revelation.
Special Sannidhis
In the southern prakaram, the sannidhi of Sri Medha Dakshinamurthy is particularly noteworthy and highly revered by devotees. Among the festival deities, Sri Yazhmurinathar is especially captivating and is a must-see for all visitors.
Sacred Water Bodies & Sthala Vriksha
Three Theerthams
The sacred theerthams of this temple are Vishnu Theertham, Brahma Theertham, and Dharma Theertham, all situated to the north and in front of the temple.
Sthala Vriksha
The sthala vriksha (sacred tree) of this temple is the banana tree, adding a unique distinction.
Sambandar's Hymn and Its Significance
Sacred Hymn
The hymn composed by Thirugnanasambandar for this site is included in the First Thirumurai of the Tevaram. It is renowned as the Yāzh Muri Pathigam — the hymn whose divine music could not be fully reproduced on the yāzh, giving rise to the celebrated legend of the broken instrument and the glory of this sacred place.
Gallery - Yazhmurinathar Temple
