The chola kings just renovated the Thiyarajar temple and built few extra shrines inside the temples. The known foremost devotee Tirunavukkarasar on 7th Century CE itself has said in his pasurams that the real existence of this cultural heritage is unknown and the temple is in existence for many centuries. According to history, the central temple in Tiruvarur was installed by Muchukanta Chola.[2] T
iruvarur is also associated with another legendary king, Manuneedhi Cholan. Tiruvarur Temple Chariot Festival 2010
Tiruvarur is mentioned in the works of Thirugnana Sambanthar and Tirunavukkarasar, the foremost Saivite saints of 7th century CE.[3] Tirunavukkarasar mentions several Tiruvarur temple traditions, such as Marghazhi Aathirai Vizha, Panguni Uttirai Perunaal and Veedhivitakanin Veedhi Panni. The granite structure of the Tyagar
ajaswami temple was first constructed by Aditya Chola I in 9th century and revamped during the reign of Rajaraja Chola I. The temple was upgraded and rebuilt with stone by Rajendra Chola I.[2] The royal patronage continued and the town flourished as a cultural centre during the rule of the Nayaks, Vijayanagar kings and Marathas. This temple is one of the biggest in the country and this has the biggest temple chariot in the world. The Arulmigu Thyagarajaswamy Chariot festival (often stated as Tiruvarur Chariot festival) celebrated here in months of March -April attracts large crowds. Tiruvarur chariot is very famous one and it is called as 'Aalither' in Tamil meaning chariot like ocean. The former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr. M.Karunanidhi, was born in the village of Thirukuvalai at Nagapattinam district, near Tiruvarur, and spent his childhood here.Thiruvarur Bakthavathsalam a notable mrindangam maestro was born in thiruvarur district as it can be noticed in his name. Tiruvaur was part of the Thanjavur District until 1991 and Nagapattinam District until 1997. Tiruvarur was made the headquarters of Tiruvarur District when it was carved out of Nagapattinam in 1997. Thiruvarur chariot festival 2008 was celebrated very grandly. The people came from all the surrounding areas.
