Abhi Mukheswarar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
One of the 12 temples connected with the story of Kumbakonam, the Mahamaham tank and the nava-kannikas… Read More Abhi Mukheswarar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
Tag: 500-1000
Ramaswami, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
This Nayak period temple was built at the start of the decline of the Vijayanagara dynasty. The irony of this is that worship of Rama gained popularity only during the Vijayanagara dynasty’s rule! The entire temple and its extensive and detailed architecture celebrates only one thing – the Ramayanam. The temple is also one of the five Perumal temples associated with the Mahamaham festival. But what is so interesting and absorbing about the depiction of deities in the garbhagriham?… Read More Ramaswami, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
Aadi Kambatta Viswanathar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
One of 12 temples connected with the origin of Kumbakonam, and a favoured place of worship by goldsmiths and artisans… Read More Aadi Kambatta Viswanathar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
Vaiyam Katha Perumal, Tirukudalur, Thanjavur
This Divya Desam located between Kumbakonam and Tiruvaiyaru is known for many interesting stories that serve as its sthala puranam. The temple is virtually the starting point for Vishnu’s Varaha avataram, which ends in Srimushnam. There are also at least 3 stories as to how the place gets is name. But how did Vishnu protect his devotee – king Ambarisha – from the mercurial sage Durvasa, and how does that connect with this temple?… Read More Vaiyam Katha Perumal, Tirukudalur, Thanjavur
Aadi Vaidyanathar, Veerasingampettai, Thanjavur
This is one of the five temples associated with the Agastyar, which are to be worshipped on a single day, to be cured of all sorts of illnesses. The temple, which is originally from the Pallava period, is most well known locally for the 276 Lingams that were unearthed during the construction of the original temple. The temple’s sthala vriksham is the Vilvam, but what is special about this vilvam tree?… Read More Aadi Vaidyanathar, Veerasingampettai, Thanjavur
Sandeeswarar, Velangudi, Sivaganga
This Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam is also the smallest of the 9 Nagarathar temples that the region is famous for. The place gets its name from being a forest of Vela trees in ancient times. The story behind the finding of Amman’s murti here is the core sthala puranam of the place. But what are the two other local legends about this temple, that are equally fascinating?… Read More Sandeeswarar, Velangudi, Sivaganga
Thanthondreeswarar, Iluppaikudi, Sivaganga
One of the 9 famous Nagarathar temples in the Chettinadu region, this temple’s sthala puranam concerns Kongana Siddhar’s desire to become an alchemist, turning iron into gold, and is also connected with the sthala puranam of the Ainootreeswarar temple at nearby Mathur. The temple is famous for Bhairavar, but what are some of the architectural masterpieces depicted here, that this temple is famous for? … Read More Thanthondreeswarar, Iluppaikudi, Sivaganga
Ainootreeswarar, Mathur, Sivaganga
One of the 9 famous Nagarathar temples in the Chettinadu region, this temple’s sthala puranam is about Kongana Siddhar’s desire to become an alchemist, turning iron into gold, and is also connected with the sthala puranam of the Thanthondreeswarar temple at nearby Iluppaikudi. But what is the reason behind the strange name of Lord Siva at this temple?… Read More Ainootreeswarar, Mathur, Sivaganga
Sarvateertheswarar, Theerthandathanam, Ramanathapuram
This west-facing temple is a pitru sthalam, and Siva and Amman here receive completely fresh clothes every day. In the Ramayanam, Rama was on his way to Rameswaram and Lanka, to defeat Ravana and bring Sita back, and quenched His thirst here. Agastyar advised Him to take the grace of Siva, since Ravana – a great Siva devotee himself – was otherwise under Siva’s protection. But what aspect of Saivism did Rama embrace, to show His devotion to Siva?… Read More Sarvateertheswarar, Theerthandathanam, Ramanathapuram
Chidambareswarar, Thondi, Ramanathapuram
Small but supposedly ancient temple, which could be conjectured as having existed from the time of the Ramayanam, based on the sthala puranam of the nearby Perumal temple.… Read More Chidambareswarar, Thondi, Ramanathapuram
Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Devakottai, Sivaganga
This temple – built in the last 150 years or so – is a classic representation of Nagarathar architecture. Popular as the Nagara Sivan Koil of Devakottai, the temple presents Sundareswarar and Meenakshi Amman in their wedding posture (kalyana kolam). But the most interesting aspect of the temple, is that it is not Siva who is the utsava murti of this temple. Who is it then, and why?… Read More Meenakshi Sundareswarar, Devakottai, Sivaganga
Azhagiya Soleeswarar, Chokkalingapuram, Madurai
Temple from the Imperial Pandya period (13th and 14th century CE) with interesting depictions of murtis, particularly Bhikshatanar. … Read More Azhagiya Soleeswarar, Chokkalingapuram, Madurai
Abatsahayeswarar, Sendamangalam, Viluppuram
This vast temple managed by the ASI, is currently undergoing renovation, which is heartening! The temple’s sthala puranam is from the Mahabharatam, but that may well be a later interpolation. However, Sendamangalam is of great importance in the history of Tamil Nadu, effectively being the location of the last battle that the Cholas fought, which they lost. But that location has defined the temple and its brilliant architecture as it stands today. How so? … Read More Abatsahayeswarar, Sendamangalam, Viluppuram
Kachabeswarar, Eachangudi, Thanjavur
Prior to the churning of the ocean, Siva asked Vishnu to take on the Kurma Avataram. The tortoise is called Kachabam in Sanskrit, which gives Siva His name here. The temple also has a Mahabharatam connection, which is one of four stories of how the place gets is name. But what is the fascinating story of how this temple, as it stands today, came into existence?… Read More Kachabeswarar, Eachangudi, Thanjavur
Pasupateeswarar, Tiruvamur, Cuddalore
Tiruvamur is the avatara sthalam of Appar (Tirunavukkarasar), probably the most prominent of the Saivite bhakti saints. This temple for Pasupateeswarar is where the saint, and his parents, had worshipped. Built in the late 11th or early 12th century in the time of Kulothunga Chola III, this temple’s sthala puranam is about a cow that offered its milk as reparation for an injury it unknowingly caused, to a buried Siva Lingam. The etymology of Tiruvamur is also connected to this puranam. But why is this temple regarded as a possible Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam?… Read More Pasupateeswarar, Tiruvamur, Cuddalore
Ardhanareeswarar, Egmore, Chennai
This little known and even less visited Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam referenced by Appar, holds the key to the etymology of Egmore as a locality in Chennai. Located in a non-descript cul-de-sac just off the main road, this temple’s large Lingam is over 3 feet tall and 3.5 feet in circumference. The temple also houses both celestial couples – Siva-Parvati as Ardhanareeswarar, and Vishnu-Lakshmi as Lakshmi Narayana Perumal – in adjacent shrines. But why is Siva here also called Jalakandeswarar? … Read More Ardhanareeswarar, Egmore, Chennai
Tiruvetteeswarar, Triplicane, Chennai
Possibly a Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam, the Lingam here is believed to have been worshipped by Arjuna (from the Mahabharatam) when the gash on the Lingam reminded him of his fight with Siva as a hunter; this is also how Siva here gets His name. Lakshmi worshipped Siva here, to fulfil Her wish of marrying Vishnu. But how are the Nawab of Arcot in particular, and the local Islamic community in general, connected with this temple?… Read More Tiruvetteeswarar, Triplicane, Chennai
Veda Narayana Perumal, Kodikulam, Madurai
Brahma’s carelessness led to the demons Madhu & Kaitabha stealing the Vedas from him, which led to all creation coming to a sudden halt. Vishnu had to fight the demons to get back the Vedas. As penitence, Brahma performed penance here in human form, and so is depicted with only one head, instead of his usual four. But how is this temple connected to Srirangam, the Mughal invasion of the south, and the Vaishnavite saint-philosopher Pillai Lokacharyar?… Read More Veda Narayana Perumal, Kodikulam, Madurai
Parasunathar, Muzhayur, Thanjavur
Temple in Pazhaiyarai where Sabali (one of the daughters of Kamadhenu) prayed… Read More Parasunathar, Muzhayur, Thanjavur
Masilanathar, Tharangambadi, Nagapattinam
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam in a picturesque location, but lying in a sad state of affairs… Read More Masilanathar, Tharangambadi, Nagapattinam
Kailasanathar, Kovalam, Kanchipuram
Lesser-known temple in Kovalam near Chennai, with some very unusual and interesting aspects of architecture, iconography, and worship practices… Read More Kailasanathar, Kovalam, Kanchipuram
Trivikrama Perumal, Sirkazhi, Nagapattinam
Divya Desam associated with Vamana Avataram, and the site of Tirumangaiazhvar’s victory over Sambandar in debate… Read More Trivikrama Perumal, Sirkazhi, Nagapattinam
Vanmutti Perumal, Kozhikuthi, Nagapattinam
800-year old Perumal temple where Vishnu is in an Athi tree… Read More Vanmutti Perumal, Kozhikuthi, Nagapattinam
Naanmadhia Perumal, Thalachangadu, Nagapattinam
This Divya Desam temple’s sthala puranam is connected with the moon’s waning, caused by his fondness for Rohini amongst the 27 sisters he married. Chandran prayed to Vishnu at Srirangam, Indalur and here at Thalachangadu, to have his brightness restored. The place takes its name from the sthala puranam of the nearby Siva temple (also a Paadal Petra Sthalam). But what unusual depiction of Vishnu is found here, which is normally reserved for Lord Siva? … Read More Naanmadhia Perumal, Thalachangadu, Nagapattinam
Bhoominathar, Mannachanallur, Tiruchirappalli
Temple where Lord Siva is Himself present as the Lord of Vaastu Shastra… Read More Bhoominathar, Mannachanallur, Tiruchirappalli
Sundararaja Perumal, Palayanallur, Tiruchirappalli
The temple that substituted for the puja at the Srirangam Ranganathar temple during the Islamic invasion of the south in the 14th century CE… Read More Sundararaja Perumal, Palayanallur, Tiruchirappalli
Bala Dandayuthapani, Chettikulam, Perambalur
Hill temple where Murugan, as Dandayuthapani, sports a sugarcane instead of His Vel… Read More Bala Dandayuthapani, Chettikulam, Perambalur
Ekambareswarar, Chettikulam, Perambalur
Siva temple and Kubera sthalam, featuring exceptional architecture… Read More Ekambareswarar, Chettikulam, Perambalur
Kasi Viswanathar, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli
Kasi of the south, and an amazing Pandya temple for Siva as Viswanathar of Kasi, with fascinating architecture… Read More Kasi Viswanathar, Tenkasi, Tirunelveli
Vaidyanathar, Madavar Vilagam, Virudhunagar
Siva temple near Srivilliputhur associated with medicine, where Siva appeared as the mother of a pregnant woman and helped her with safe childbirth… Read More Vaidyanathar, Madavar Vilagam, Virudhunagar
சற்குணேஸ்வரர், கருவேலி, திருவாரூர்
தாக்ஷாயணி – பார்வதியின் ஒரு வடிவம் – தக்ஷனின் மகளாகப் பிறந்தாள். அவர் நடத்திய ஒரு யாகத்தில், தக்ஷன் சிவனை அவமதித்தார், அதன் விளைவாக தாக்ஷாயணி யாக நெருப்பில் தன்னைத்தானே எரித்துக் கொண்டார். யாகத்தில் இருந்து விலகி இருக்க வேண்டும் என்ற சிவனின் அறிவுரைக்கு செவிசாய்க்காததால், தேவி – இப்போது ஹிமவானின் மகளாக பார்வதியாகப் பிறந்தாள் – யாகத்தில் கலந்து கொண்ட பாவத்தைப் போக்க இங்கு தவம் செய்தாள். இதனால் மகிழ்ந்த சிவன், அவள் மீண்டும் மனித… Read More சற்குணேஸ்வரர், கருவேலி, திருவாரூர்
Sarguneswarar, Karuveli, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva met Parvati after losing Dakshayani at Daksha’s yagam, and blessed her with the boon of no rebirth… Read More Sarguneswarar, Karuveli, Tiruvarur
Veda Narayana Perumal (Brahma koil), Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
Perumal temple in Kumbakonam with a separate shrine for Bramha with his consorts Gayatri and Saraswati
… Read More Veda Narayana Perumal (Brahma koil), Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
Saranatha Perumal, Tirucherai, Thanjavur
This Divya Desam temple and Vaishnava Navagraha Sthalam (for Sani’s son Mandi) near Kumbakonam, is connected with the Story of how Kumbakonam came into existence. The temple is also known as the pancha sara kshetram, as it covers 5 essences (or Sarams) at one go. The Kaveri river was upset at not being regarded as the holiest of rivers, and so performed penance upon Vishnu, who granted her three wishes. What unique iconographic representation is there at this temple, as a result of this event?… Read More Saranatha Perumal, Tirucherai, Thanjavur
Ramalingaswami, Papanasam, Thanjavur
A 108-lingam Siva temple in Papanasam, with a Ramayanam connection… Read More Ramalingaswami, Papanasam, Thanjavur
Anjel Srinivasa Perumal, Murappanadu, Tirunelveli
Serene Perumal temple near the banks of the Tambraparani, in Murappanadu, Tirunelveli district… Read More Anjel Srinivasa Perumal, Murappanadu, Tirunelveli
Panduranga Vittaleswarar, Vittalapuram, Tirunelveli
This Pandya temple was originally built by Vittaladevan, a minster of King Vijayadevaraya, after he unearthed the idol of Vishnu as Pandurangan, having received instructions to do so in a dream. But why is this temple important to those connected with the fine arts? … Read More Panduranga Vittaleswarar, Vittalapuram, Tirunelveli
Kailasanathar, Thenthiruperai, Tirunelveli
Nava Kailasam temple located on the banks of the Tambraparani river, and a Budhan sthalam… Read More Kailasanathar, Thenthiruperai, Tirunelveli
Kailasanathar, Brahmadesam, Tirunelveli
Massive temple between Tirunelveli and Ambasamudram, with some excellent architecture, and connected with Sage Romaharshana… Read More Kailasanathar, Brahmadesam, Tirunelveli
Ammainathar, Cheran Mahadevi, Tirunelveli
Nava Kailasam temple on the banks of the Tambraparani, consecrated by Sage Romaharshana… Read More Ammainathar, Cheran Mahadevi, Tirunelveli
Kailasanathar, Kodaganallur, Tirunelveli
Nava Kailasam temple on the banks of the Tambraparani, consecrated by Sage Romaharshana… Read More Kailasanathar, Kodaganallur, Tirunelveli
Balakrishnan, Thippira Malai, Kanyakumari
Krishnan temple where the Lord holds butter in his hand… Read More Balakrishnan, Thippira Malai, Kanyakumari
Dhanushkodi and Kodandaramar Temple
Located at the site where Vibhishana sought refuge in Rama, this is the only historical structure that survived the 1964 cyclone that washed away Danushkodi… Read More Dhanushkodi and Kodandaramar Temple
Airavateswarar, Darasuram, Thanjavur
This UNESCO World Heritage Site temple just outside of Kumbakonam, has some stunning examples of Chola temple architecture.… Read More Airavateswarar, Darasuram, Thanjavur
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