Explore the famous Kailasam

The Aiyarappar Temple is considered a Kailasam, one of the six temples on the banks of the Cauvery River, revered as much as the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It is known as Dakshina Kailasam, Shiva's southern abode. The small home of music composer Thyagaraja, next to the temple, and his shrine on the riverbanks are major tourist attractions. Aiyarappar is the foremost of the seven Saptha Stanam temples and is also a Paadal Petra Sthalam. The presiding deity is named after the five rivers of Tiruvaiyaru. The temple complex includes five water bodies and a Homa Kund, started by sage Adi Sankara.

Home of the saint

Not many towns or districts can claim to be the birthplace of a saint. Thiruvaiyaru is famous as the home of Saint Thyagaraja, officially known as Sadguru Tyagaraja Swami, a saint and composer of Carnatic music. It was in Thiruvaiyaru that he lived and attained samadhi. A grand musical celebration known as the Thyagaraja Aradhana is held in the Panchanatheeswar Temple in January to commemorate the saint’s birthday.