Some interesting aspects of the Pongal festival, and associated temples
A collection of features and temples associated with the Pongal festival… Read More Some interesting aspects of the Pongal festival, and associated temples
Author: Aniruddh
A personal project to catalogue information on temples (both mainstream and off-the-beaten-track), so that people can learn about them and visit those temples more regularly.
Paadal Petra Sthalam
A quick primer on the concept of Paadal Petra Sthalams… Read More Paadal Petra Sthalam
Arupadai Veedu
A quick primer on the concept of Arupadai Veedu temples of Murugan… Read More Arupadai Veedu
Navagraham temple groups
A quick primer on the Navagraham temple groups… Read More Navagraham temple groups
Divya Desam temples
These are 108 sites (including 106 earthly temples, plus Tirupparkadal – the ocean of milk; and Paramapadam / Vaikuntam – the abode of Lord Vishnu) at or about which Vaishnava Bhakti poets and saints (known as azhvars) have sung or performed Mangalasasanam. There are 12 azhvars, but there is no temple where all 12 of… Read More Divya Desam temples
Sapta Sthanam temples
A quick primer on Sapta Sthanam temples … Read More Sapta Sthanam temples
Tiruvaiyaru Sapta Sthanam
About the Tiruvaiyaru Sapta Sthanam temples… Read More Tiruvaiyaru Sapta Sthanam
Vaippu Sthalams
A quick primer on the concept of Vaippu Sthalams… Read More Vaippu Sthalams
Pancha kaa sthalam temples
A quick primer on Pancha Kaa Sthalam temples … Read More Pancha kaa sthalam temples
Pancha Krosha sthalam temples
A quick primer on Pancha Krosha Sthalam temples… Read More Pancha Krosha sthalam temples
Pancha Natarajar – story of the five Natarajar murtis by the same sculptor
Pancha Natarajar – story of the five murtis of Nataraja by the same sculptor… Read More Pancha Natarajar – story of the five Natarajar murtis by the same sculptor
Maada Koil and Kochchenga Cholan
A short feature on the concept of Maadakoils and its association with Kochchenga Cholan Nayanar… Read More Maada Koil and Kochchenga Cholan
Puranams of Tiruvidaimaruthur
The main puranams and stories associated with Tiruvidaimaruthur Mahalingeswarar temple… Read More Puranams of Tiruvidaimaruthur
Sumukha – 25 thoughts on Vinayakar
Exploring with 25 concepts on Vinayakar, , covering Vinayakar lore, Origins, Iconography, the world of celestials, Vinayakar worship, and interesting stories & representations of Vinayakar in temples in Tamil Nadu… Read More Sumukha – 25 thoughts on Vinayakar
Subrahmanyar, Tiruparankundram, Madurai
Arupadai Veedu temple located next to the Satyagireeswarar Siva temple (Tiruparankundram) near Madurai… Read More Subrahmanyar, Tiruparankundram, Madurai
Satya Gireeswarar, Tiruparankundram, Madurai
Hill temple and Paadal Petra Sthalam near Madurai, associated with Murugan’s learning of the pranava mantra from Lord Siva… Read More Satya Gireeswarar, Tiruparankundram, Madurai
Murugan, Alagar Koil, Madurai
One of the Arupadai Veedu temples of Murugan, located near Madurai, where the beautiful Murugan (Azhagar) lords over the hills
… Read More Murugan, Alagar Koil, Madurai
Yoga Narasimhar, Narasingam, Madurai
Perumal temple on the outskirts of Madurai, where Narasimhar’s ferocity was quelled… Read More Yoga Narasimhar, Narasingam, Madurai
The primordial couple – the stories of Siva-Parvati weddings
Stories of Siva and Parvati’s marriage(s)… Read More The primordial couple – the stories of Siva-Parvati weddings
Balasubramanian, Uthiramerur, Kanchipuram
Murugan temple celebrating the victory over Makaran and Malayan, and where Murugan’s spear of unknown length is embedded in the ground… Read More Balasubramanian, Uthiramerur, Kanchipuram
What’s interesting about the Pongal menu
An interesting story of how the modern day menu for the Pongal festival came to be what it is… Read More What’s interesting about the Pongal menu
Worship procedure at Siva temples
Procedures to worship appropriately at Siva (and other) temples… Read More Worship procedure at Siva temples
Why this blog might be for you!
Why should you read this blog, and how to make best use of it when visiting temples?… Read More Why this blog might be for you!
The legends of Bhikshatanar
This feature explores the various legends around Bhikshatanar – the form of Siva as a naked, wandering mendicant… Read More The legends of Bhikshatanar
Tirunangur Ekadasa Divya Desams and Ekadasa Rudra Peethams
An overview of the 11 Ekadasa Divya Desam temples and the related 11 Rudra peethams) in and around Tirunangur… Read More Tirunangur Ekadasa Divya Desams and Ekadasa Rudra Peethams
Sapta Vitanga Sthalams (maragatha lingam & Muchukunda Chakravarti)
The origin of Maragatha Lingam and Sapta Vitanga Sthalams, and the story of Muchukunda Chakravarti… Read More Sapta Vitanga Sthalams (maragatha lingam & Muchukunda Chakravarti)
Vaidyanathar, Tirumazhapadi, Ariyalur
Temple on the banks of the Kollidam river, considered the birthplace of Nandi… Read More Vaidyanathar, Tirumazhapadi, Ariyalur
Neelamegha Perumal, Thanjavur, Thanjavur
One of the three temples that constitute the Thanjai Mamani Koil… Read More Neelamegha Perumal, Thanjavur, Thanjavur
Manikundra Perumal, Thanjavur, Thanjavur
One of the three temples that constitute the Thanjai Mamani Koil… Read More Manikundra Perumal, Thanjavur, Thanjavur
Narasimhar, Thanjavur, Thanjavur
One of the three temples that constitute the Thanjai Mamani Koil… Read More Narasimhar, Thanjavur, Thanjavur
Vilvaranyeswarar, Tirukollampudur, Tiruvarur
Pancha aranya kshetram near Kumbakonam, where Sambandar’s difficulties in reaching the temple are reimagined as part of the boat festival every year… Read More Vilvaranyeswarar, Tirukollampudur, Tiruvarur
Bhaskareswarar, Parithiappar Koil, Thanjavur
Beautiful Chola temple near Mannargudi connected to Sibi Chakravarti, Suryan and Daksha’s yagna… Read More Bhaskareswarar, Parithiappar Koil, Thanjavur
Deekshitars of Chidambaram
A short feature on the priests of Chidambaram (Thillai) who administre, manage and run the Natarajar temple… Read More Deekshitars of Chidambaram
Agasteeswarar, Kuzhaiyur, Nagapattinam
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam where sage Agastyar worshipped Siva after vanquishing the demons Vatapi and Ilvala… Read More Agasteeswarar, Kuzhaiyur, Nagapattinam
Krupakupeswarar, Kuthangudi, Tiruvarur
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam where Parvati located Siva as the effulgence called Hastavarna Jyoti, and therefore a temple for those under the Hastam nakshatram… Read More Krupakupeswarar, Kuthangudi, Tiruvarur
Aaditheswarar, Peravur, Thanjavur
Vaippu Sthalam built in the time of Aditya Chola, connected with the wedding of Siva and Parvati… Read More Aaditheswarar, Peravur, Thanjavur
Sukshma Pureeswarar, Cherugudi, Tiruvarur
Where Siva revealed to the world, the secret to a happy marriage! … Read More Sukshma Pureeswarar, Cherugudi, Tiruvarur
Seshapureeswarar, Tirupampuram, Tiruvarur
One of 4 temples where Nagaraja, lord of the Nagas, is said to have worshipped Lord Siva on Mahasivaratri… Read More Seshapureeswarar, Tirupampuram, Tiruvarur
Amritakadeswarar, Mela Kadambur, Cuddalore
Paadal Petra Sthalam from the medieval Chola period, densely packed with magnificent architecture, in a town that features prominently in Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan… Read More Amritakadeswarar, Mela Kadambur, Cuddalore
Rudrakoteeswarar, Keelakadambur, Cuddalore
Small but beautiful, architecture-filled temple associated with the Mela Kadambur temple; Kadambur finds mention in Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan… Read More Rudrakoteeswarar, Keelakadambur, Cuddalore
Soundareswarar, Tirunaaraiyur, Cuddalore
Paadal Petra Sthalam and the birthplace of Nambiyandar Nambi, without whom we would not have the Tevaram!… Read More Soundareswarar, Tirunaaraiyur, Cuddalore
Pranava Vyaghrapureeswar, Omampuliyur, Cuddalore
Where Siva as Guru, initiated Parvati to the truth of OM, the Pranava Mantram… Read More Pranava Vyaghrapureeswar, Omampuliyur, Cuddalore
Patanjaleeswarar, Kanattampuliyur, Cuddalore
Paadal Petra Sthalam where sage Patanjali worshipped Siva and was able to witness the Lord’s cosmic dance – the Ananda Tandavam – again!… Read More Patanjaleeswarar, Kanattampuliyur, Cuddalore
Panchavateeswarar, Anandatandavapuram, Nagapattinam
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam associated with 2 Nayanmars, and where Siva bathed in the tank of the temple for Himself!… Read More Panchavateeswarar, Anandatandavapuram, Nagapattinam
Jambukaranyeswarar, Koonthalur, Thanjavur
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam and Tiruppugazh sthalam, this temple is equally famous for Murugan imparting wisdom, and has an interesting sthala puranam concerning Sage Romaharshana… Read More Jambukaranyeswarar, Koonthalur, Thanjavur
Swetaranyeswarar, Pudhukudi, Tiruvarur
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam finding mention in one of Appar’s pathigams… Read More Swetaranyeswarar, Pudhukudi, Tiruvarur
Palasavaneswarar, Naalur, Thanjavur
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam where there are no festivals, because Siva, Parvati and their family wish to remain undisturbed… Read More Palasavaneswarar, Naalur, Thanjavur
Parasunathar, Muzhayur, Thanjavur
Temple in Pazhaiyarai where Sabali (one of the daughters of Kamadhenu) prayed… Read More Parasunathar, Muzhayur, Thanjavur
Gopinatha Perumal, Patteeswaram, Thanjavur
Dilapidated but ancient temple in the erstwhile Chola capital of Pazhaiyarai, associated with both the Ramayanam and Mahabharatam… Read More Gopinatha Perumal, Patteeswaram, Thanjavur
Kailasanathar, Tirumetrali, Thanjavur
A temple in Pazhaiyarai where Sabali (one of the daughters of Kamadhenu) prayed; today in a run-down state but would have once been a beautiful temple.… Read More Kailasanathar, Tirumetrali, Thanjavur
Sarngapani, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam in the heart of Kumbakonam, famed for its Chola architecture… Read More Sarngapani, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
Oppiliappan, Tirunageswaram, Thanjavur
Where Lord Vishnu appeared as an old man, to marry Lakshmi’s earthly form, even if she could not determine the right amount of salt in her cooking!… Read More Oppiliappan, Tirunageswaram, Thanjavur
Dharmapureeswarar, Vadakandam, Tiruvarur
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam referenced in one of Appar’s pathigams, mentioned as part of Siva’s journey from Tirumeignanam (Naalur) to Tiruvarur… Read More Dharmapureeswarar, Vadakandam, Tiruvarur
Agasteeswarar, Manakkal Ayyampet, Tiruvarur
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam associated with sage Agastyar, and with one of the stories of the wedding of Siva and Parvati… Read More Agasteeswarar, Manakkal Ayyampet, Tiruvarur
Seshapureeswarar, Raa Patteeswaram, Tiruvarur
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam where Siva is said to have spent the night, on His way to Tiruvarur… Read More Seshapureeswarar, Raa Patteeswaram, Tiruvarur
Vanchinathar, Srivanchiyam, Tiruvarur
A Siva temple where Yama is accorded higest priority and respect; and where you can go only if the Lord wishes so!… Read More Vanchinathar, Srivanchiyam, Tiruvarur
Veeratteswarar, Keelaparasalur, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam, and Ashta Veerattanam temple associated with Siva culling Daksha’s head… Read More Veeratteswarar, Keelaparasalur, Nagapattinam
Masilanathar, Tharangambadi, Cuddalore
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam in a picturesque location, but lying in a sad state of affairs… Read More Masilanathar, Tharangambadi, Cuddalore
Sivalokanathar, Mamakudi, Nagapattinam
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam where Lakshmi is said to have make Her home, after She came out of the ocean when it was churned by the Devas and asuras… Read More Sivalokanathar, Mamakudi, Nagapattinam
Naganathar, Kilperumpallam, Nagapattinam
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam with Ketu as one of the main deities, and also one of the Kumbakonam Navagraham temples… Read More Naganathar, Kilperumpallam, Nagapattinam
Mukteeswarar, Manigramam, Nagapattinam
500-year old west-facing Siva temple, with Amman facing east, making this a Guru sthalam… Read More Mukteeswarar, Manigramam, Nagapattinam
Aranyeswarar, Keezh Tirukattupalli, Nagapattinam
Where Indra was absolved of his sins for killing demons and having Sage Dadhichi part with his spine… Read More Aranyeswarar, Keezh Tirukattupalli, Nagapattinam
Nageswarar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
One of the earliest Siva temples in Kumbakonam associated with the legend of the Mahapralayam (great floods)… Read More Nageswarar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
Vanduthurainathar, Tiruvanduthurai, Tiruvarur
Temple with exquisite sculptures and architecture, where the story of Ardhanari comes to life… Read More Vanduthurainathar, Tiruvanduthurai, Tiruvarur
Agneeswarar, Tirukollikadu, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam, where Saneeswaran (Sani) gets pride of place despite this being a Siva temple. Sani here is worshipped as Pongu Sani, and is said to bless devotees with prosperity… Read More Agneeswarar, Tirukollikadu, Tiruvarur
Ratnapureeswarar, Tirunattiyathankudi, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva helped two brothers share their inheritance. Also, the birthplace of Kotpuli Nayanar, one of the 63 Saiva Saints (Nayanmars)… Read More Ratnapureeswarar, Tirunattiyathankudi, Tiruvarur
Vaaimoornaathar, Tiruvaaimoor, Nagapattinam
Home of the original maragatha lingam from the legend of Muchununda Chakravarti… Read More Vaaimoornaathar, Tiruvaaimoor, Nagapattinam
Brahmapureeswarar, Eesanur, Tiruvarur
A small, simple temple today, this Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam would have been a much larger temple during the time of Sundarar… Read More Brahmapureeswarar, Eesanur, Tiruvarur
Arunachaleswarar, Keelaiyur, Tiruvarur
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam considered to have been installed by the Pandavas during their exile… Read More Arunachaleswarar, Keelaiyur, Tiruvarur
Sundareswarar, Kundaiyur, Nagapattinam
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam near Tirukkuvalai, where Sundarar was given a gift of rice by Kundaiyur Kizhar, which was transported to Tiruvarur by Siva’s ganas… Read More Sundareswarar, Kundaiyur, Nagapattinam
Brahmapureeswarar, Tirukkuvalai, Nagapattinam
A Sapta Vitanga Sthalam and Paadal Petra Sthalam created by Brahma, where Bheema and the Navagrahas have worshipped Lord Siva… Read More Brahmapureeswarar, Tirukkuvalai, Nagapattinam
Manathunai Nathar, Valivalam, Nagapattinam
Maadakoil built by Kochchenga Chola, with the legend of Valian, the bird, who was blessed by Lord Siva with the Mrityunjaya mantram… Read More Manathunai Nathar, Valivalam, Nagapattinam
Agasteeswarar, Vidangalur, Nagapattinam
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam where sage Agastyar and sage Vitangar worshipped… Read More Agasteeswarar, Vidangalur, Nagapattinam
Deva Pureeswarar, Thevur, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where the celestials worshipped Siva to be rid of the sin of Indra killing Vritrasura; and the temple features a very unique depiction of Durga… Read More Deva Pureeswarar, Thevur, Tiruvarur
Kediliappar, Keezh Velur, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Murugan worshipped Siva to be rid of the sin of killing Soorapadman, and a Kubera sthalam… Read More Kediliappar, Keezh Velur, Tiruvarur
Loganatha Perumal, Tirukannangudi, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam referred to by the epithet “Kaayaa Magizham, Uranga Puli, Theeraa Vazhakku, Ooraa Kinaru – Tirukannangudi”… Read More Loganatha Perumal, Tirukannangudi, Nagapattinam
Singaravelar, Sikkal, Nagapattinam
Considered the unofficial 7th padai Veedu of Murugan, this is one of the temples where Murugan received his Vel from Parvati, before battling Soorapadman… Read More Singaravelar, Sikkal, Nagapattinam
Navaneetheswarar, Sikkal, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Sage Vasishta crafted a Lingam out of butter made from Kamadhenu’s milk, and famous for Murugan as Singaravelar … Read More Navaneetheswarar, Sikkal, Nagapattinam
Kayarohaneswarar, Nagapattinam, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam temple said to have been originally established by the Lakulisa Pasupatas, and connected with Adipaththa Nayanar, where Sage Pundareeka ascended to Kailasam with his mortal body… Read More Kayarohaneswarar, Nagapattinam, Nagapattinam
Soundararaja Perumal, Nagapattinam, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam that has existed across the four yugams, where Vishnu is worshipped as the resplendent and handsome Soundararaja Perumal… Read More Soundararaja Perumal, Nagapattinam, Nagapattinam
Raja Chozheeswarar, TR Pattinam, Karaikal
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam considered equivalent to the Amritakadeswarar temple at Tirukkadaiyur… Read More Raja Chozheeswarar, TR Pattinam, Karaikal
Yazh Moori Nathar, Dharmapuram, Karaikal
Paadal Petra Sthalam, and avatara sthalam of Neelakanta Yazhpanar Nayanar, where Siva Himself played the yazh to accompany Parvati’s sweet music… Read More Yazh Moori Nathar, Dharmapuram, Karaikal
Paarvateeswarar, Tiruthelicherry, Karaikal
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Parvati worshipped Siva, and where Siva and Parvati helped grow crops overnight to relive a town affected by famine… Read More Paarvateeswarar, Tiruthelicherry, Karaikal
Naduthariappar, Koil Kannaappur, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva emerged from a wooden peg used to tie cattle, and with something unique about the title to all the lands in the village … Read More Naduthariappar, Koil Kannaappur, Tiruvarur
Airavateswarar, Tirukkottaram, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Airavata worshipped Siva and caused a rain that flowed like a river… Read More Airavateswarar, Tirukkottaram, Tiruvarur
Kripa Samudra Perumal, Tiruchirupuliyur, Tiruvarur
Divya Desam temple where Vyaghrapada and Patanjali reached by mistake, and Vishnu showed them His form as in Srirangam… Read More Kripa Samudra Perumal, Tiruchirupuliyur, Tiruvarur
Sundareswarar, Tiruloki, Thanjavur
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam with an absolutely unique representation of Siva and Parvati on Nandi, and also connected with Kama and Rati… Read More Sundareswarar, Tiruloki, Thanjavur
Ksheerapthi Sayana Narayana Perumal, Tiruloki, Thanjavur
Regarded as the earthly representation of Tiruparkadal, the 107th Divya Desam, this Perumal temple features some unique and interesting worship practices… Read More Ksheerapthi Sayana Narayana Perumal, Tiruloki, Thanjavur
Agneeswarar, Kanjanoor, Thanjavur
One of the Kumbakonam Navagraham temples, this one dedicated to Sukran, this is where Siva Himself overcame the guiles of Sukracharya… Read More Agneeswarar, Kanjanoor, Thanjavur
Munivasagaswami, Neithavasal, Nagapattinam
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam in what appears to be the remnants of the lost city of Kaveripoompattinam… Read More Munivasagaswami, Neithavasal, Nagapattinam
Parthasarathy Perumal, Tirunangur (Parthanpalli), Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple connected with the story of Arjuna’s thirst being quenched… Read More Parthasarathy Perumal, Tirunangur (Parthanpalli), Nagapattinam
Badrinarayana Perumal, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple connected with the quelling of Rudra’s anger after Daksha’s yagam… Read More Badrinarayana Perumal, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Varadaraja Perumal, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple connected with the story of churning of the ocean… Read More Varadaraja Perumal, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Vedarajan, Tirunagari, Nagapattinam
Two temples that are one Divya Desam, associated with the arrival of Tirumangaiazhvar… Read More Vedarajan, Tirunagari, Nagapattinam
Gopalakrishnan, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple connected with the Krishna from Dwarka who set up his own garden when Indra refused the parijata flower to Satyabhama… Read More Gopalakrishnan, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Vaikuntanathar, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple connected with the story of how Swetaketu eventually reached Vaikuntam… Read More Vaikuntanathar, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Perarulalan, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple connected with the Ramayanam and the construction of the temple using gold… Read More Perarulalan, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Amritapureeswarar, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
One of the Ekadasa Rudra Peethams in Nangur, associated with Daksha’s yagam, and connected with the Nangur Ekadasa Divya Desam temples… Read More Amritapureeswarar, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Pallikonda Ranganathar, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple connected with the story of the churning of the ocean… Read More Pallikonda Ranganathar, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Kudamadu Koothan, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam temple connected with the story of Sage Uthangar and the Mahabharatam war… Read More Kudamadu Koothan, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
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