When people plan to do their pilgrim visit around Saptha Vidanga Sthalam, they usually just list seven Shiva temples and start exploring online for information. Many people usually get confused about Saptha Vigraha Moorthis and Saptha Vidanga Sthalam. They think both are the same set of temples, but that is a wrong assumption. Initially I also thought the same
In Saptha Vidanga Sthalam you can see seven different dance poses of Lord Thyagaraja. Where in Saptha Vigraha Moorthis are the seven principal divine consorts associated with Lord Shiva in traditional Shiva temples.
This pilgrimage isn’t about just visiting seven temples. It’s about understanding seven different expressions of Lord Thyagaraja’s divine dance poses. Each temple holds a mood, a rhythm, and a stage of spiritual growth. When you visit them one after another, you begin to see the pattern and feel the devotional aura.
What Exactly is Saptha Vidanga Sthalam?
“Saptha” means seven. “Vidanga” refers to a special form or manifestation.
The Saptha Vidanga Sthalam temples are seven sacred shrines around Thiruvarur in Tamil Nadu where Lord Thyagaraja is worshipped in seven different dance forms.
They are close enough to complete in two days. But don’t rush it in 1 day. If you do, it will feel like a checklist. Take two days of time and visit all the temples.
The Seven Saptha Vidanga Sthalam Temples List
- Dharbaranyeswarar Temple – Thirunallar
- Kayarohanaswami Temple – Melakottavasal, Nagapattinam
- Thyagaraja Temple – Thiruvarur
- Kannayiramudaiyar Temple – Thirukaravasal
- Brahmapureeswarar Temple – Thirukkuvalai
- Vaimoornathar Temple – Thiruvaimur
- Vedaranyeswarar Temple – Vedaranyam
All seven together form the complete Saptha Vidanga Sthalam route.
Check the table below for the distance between each temple from Thiruvarur. The total distance is 226 km.
| S.No | From | To | Temple Name | Morning Timings | Evening Timings | Approx. Distance (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thiruvarur | Vedaranyam | Vedaranyeswarar Temple | 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM | 45 km |
| 2 | Vedaranyam | Thirukaravasal | Kannayiranthar Temple | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 3:30 PM – 8:00 PM | 28 km |
| 3 | Thirukaravasal | Thirukuvalai | Brahmapureeswarar Temple | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM | 22 km |
| 4 | Thirukuvalai | Thiruvaimur | Vaimoornathar Temple | 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM | 18 km |
| 5 | Thiruvaimur | Melakottavasal | Kayarohanaswamy Temple | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM | 35 km |
| 6 | Melakottavasal | Thirunallar | Dharbaranyeswarar Temple | 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM | 40 km |
| 7 | Thirunallar | Thiruvarur | Thyagaraja Swamy Temple | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM | 38 km |
Now let’s talk about what actually makes them different.
The Seven Dance Forms – The Core Meaning
Each temple represents a distinct Natanam (dance form). Think of them as seven spiritual states.
Thiruvarur – Ajapa Natanam (Thyagaraja Temple)
This is the first place to start your journey. The name of the Thayagaraja called as Veedhi Vidangar.
Ajapa means the natural chant that happens with your breath — “So-Ham.” You don’t consciously repeat it. It just flows.
This dance represents the constant rhythm of life. Silent. Continuous. Unbroken.
Spend time inside. Don’t just stand in line and leave. Walk around the temple tank. Sit quietly if you can. This place carries weight.
Thirunallar – Unmatta Natanam (Dharbaranyeswarar Temple)
The name of the Thayagaraja called as Naga Vidangar.
Most visitors come here thinking only about Saturn remedies. That’s fine, but incomplete.
In the Saptha Vidanga Sthalam tradition, this temple represents Unmatta Natanam — the dance of divine ecstasy.
It’s the state where devotion becomes intense. Emotional. Almost beyond logic.
This stage is about surrender. Not control.
Melakottavasal – Hamsa Natanam (Kayarohanaswami Temple)
The name of the Thayagaraja called as Sundara-vidangar.
This temple feels quieter compared to Thiruvarur or Thirunallar.
There is a misconception that Melakottavasal is a place in Kumbakonam. By this Melakottavasal Kayaroganeshwarar Temple located in Nagapattinam city.
Hamsa means swan. Traditionally, the swan symbolizes the ability to separate milk from water — truth from illusion.
This dance represents clarity and higher awareness.
If you want a peaceful stop during the circuit, this is one of them.
Thirukaravasal – Kukuta Natanam (Kannayiramudaiyar Temple)
The name of the Thayagaraja called as Adhi-vidangar.
“Kukuta” means “rooster.”
This place is located 12 km from Thiruvarur. Thirukaravasal is also known as Thirukkaraivasal.
Simple symbol. Powerful meaning.
The rooster announces the dawn. Darkness ends. Awareness begins.
This dance represents awakening — the moment you stop moving through life unconsciously.
It’s not a dramatic temple. But spiritually, it represents a turning point.
Thirukkuvalai – Kamala Natanam (Brahmapureeswarar Temple)
The name of the Thayagaraja called as Avani-vidangar.
Kamala means lotus.
The lotus grows in mud yet remains untouched. That’s the symbolism here.
This dance represents spiritual growth while living in the world. Not running away from it.
The temple atmosphere is calm. You’ll notice fewer crowds here compared to the main shrine at Thiruvarur.
Thiruvaimur – Ananda Natanam (Vaimoornathar Temple)
The name of the Thayagaraja called as Nalla-vidangar.
Ananda means bliss.
Not excitement. Not emotion. But quiet inner joy.
After awareness and growth comes ease. This dance represents that stage — when effort becomes natural and peaceful.
It’s a smaller temple, and that simplicity matches its meaning.
Vedaranyam – Veda Natanam (Vedaranyeswarar Temple)
The name of the Thayagaraja called as Bhuvanivi-vidangar.
This is a powerful place to end the circuit.
Veda Natanam represents sacred knowledge. Understanding. Alignment with cosmic order.
After breath, surrender, clarity, awakening, growth, and bliss — comes knowledge.
Ending your Saptha Vidanga Sthalam journey here feels complete.
Closing notes
Hope you understood the distance, temples names, and unique dance poses about Saptha Vidanga Sthalam. If you planning for Saptha Vidanga Sthalam temple travels from Mayiladuthrai and Kumbakonam contact us.
