Kasi Viswanathar, Patteeswaram, Thanjavur

Basic information about the temple

Moolavar:	Kasi Viswanathar	Ambal / Thayar:	Visalakshi
Deity:	Siva	Historical name:
Vriksham:		Teertham:
Agamam:		Age (years):
Timing:	– to – & – to –	Parikaram:
Temple group:		–
Sung by:		Temple set:
Navagraham:		Nakshatram:
City / town:	Patteeswaram	District:	Thanjavur
Maps from (click):	Current location	Kumbakonam (8 km)	Thanjavur (34 km)
	Tiruvarur (43 km)	Mayiladuthurai (46 km)

Location

Sthala puranam and temple information

This unassuming temple is a little hard to find, but is located in the heart of Patteeswaram, virtually right behind (to the west) of the main Thenupureeswarar templej.

The temple does not appear to have a sthala puranam of its own, but going by the limited vigrahams here, it appears to be a relatively old temple.

The temple itself is located on a residential street, and can be a bit difficult ot locate. Inside are two shrines – the east facing garbhagriham housing Kasi Viswanathar, and a south-facing Amman shrine. It is possible that several years or centuries earlier, this may have been a larger temple.

In front of the garbhagriham is a beautifully sculpted Nandi and a bali peetham. Two small nagar idols flank the entrance to the maha mandapam / garbhagriham. Interestingly, the garbhagriham is topped by a square vimanam, which is rather unusual.

As we come around the temple, we see several bas relief images on the outer wall of the garbhagriham, including what appears to be two fish, suggesting this temple may have some Pandya connection. In the prakaram, on the northern side outside the garbhagriham is the Chandikeswarar vigraham. Although the murti is open to air, it shows beautiful skill and craftsmanship, and does not appear to be weathered down by the elements.

To the immediate southeast of the temple is the temple tank.

Clearly there is some effort that locals seem to have taken, to keep the temple running and in active worship, despite limited funds.

Other information for your visit

The temple’s outer gates are often kept locked. However, the keys are kept in the house opposite the temple gate, and the residents are kind enough to open it for visitors.