Abhishtavaradha Ganapathi Temple is situated on the banks of the river Kaveri, 13 km from Thanjavur, Thiruvaaiyaru has an old Shiva temple dedicated to Panchanatheeswar. Though pilgrims flock to this temple throughout the year, Thiruvaiyaru is more renowned for its association with Saint Thyagaraja, who, along with Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Sastri, comprises the Trinity of Carnatic music. Thiruvaiyaru means Five Rivers around the city. The Five Rivers are Arisilaaru, Vennaaru, Vettaaru, Kudamuruttiyaaru and Kaaviriyaaru.Thiruvaiyaru is a small, quiet town. However, its modesty belies its importance as a pilgrim centre. On the National highway from Thanjavur. Near the Shiva temple is the one-roomed house where Thyagaraja composed some of his greatest works. On the banks of the river is the samadhi of the saint composer and it is here that the greatest music festival in the country takes place annually.age Agasthiyar attained his dwarf-form at this abode.
The temple for Sri Abhishta Varada Maha Ganapathy, who is popularly known as Kariya Sidhi Vinayagar, is situated at Tiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur.
The word Tiruvaiyaru is associated with saint Tyagaraja. Tiruvaiyaru is also considered on par with Kailasa, abode of Siva. Also is it equal to Kasi or Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
