Saraṇātha — Kaveri-wedding form

trade_routes:

• "Chola heartland temple corridor (Kaveri delta)" connected_events:
  • event: "Alvar hymns and Divya Prabandham composition" significance: "One of the 108 Divya Desams hymned by the 12 Alvars (6th–9th c. CE)" vahana: "Garuda (eagle mount)" connected_events:
  • event: "Temple founding and consecration" significance: "Original temple construction and prana-pratishtha ceremony" associated_kings:
• "Local ruling dynasty" sacred_flowers:
• lotus
• tulasi
• jasmine sacred_flowers:
• lotus
• tulasi
• champaka sacred_trees:
• peepal
• bilva (bael)
• tulasi sacred_animals:
• Nandi (sacred bull)
• peacock
• elephant vahana: "Garuda (eagle mount)" festival_dates:
• "Maha Shivaratri (Feb–Mar)"
• "Diwali (Oct–Nov)"

Saraṇātha — Kaveri-wedding form

Tradition

Hindu / Vaishnava

Location

• Thirucherai, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu (10.9167°N, 79.35°E)

Sacred Narrative

Distinct 5-in-1 Vishnu sanctum — the wedding-gift from Vishnu to the river-goddess Kaveri. Divya Desam.

Sthalapurana (Temple Legend)

The sacred history of this shrine is recounted in local Sthalapurana texts and the Divya Prabandham hymns.