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: Bhairavar
Swayam Pratheeswarar, Sivapuripatti, Sivaganga
Filled with over 60 inscriptions spanning more than 7 centuries, this temple lies on what was once the land route connecting the eastern seaport of Thondi with its western counterpart at Muziris. Originally built in the time of Kulothunga Chola I, this temple features a combination of Chola and Pandya architecture, and some unusual aspects of temple building and iconography. But this place is also important in the history of Tamilakam.… Read More Swayam Pratheeswarar, Sivapuripatti, Sivaganga
Azhagiya Soleeswarar, Chokkalingapuram, Sivaganga
Temple from the Imperial Pandya period (13th and 14th century CE) with interesting depictions of murtis, particularly Bhikshatanar. … Read More Azhagiya Soleeswarar, Chokkalingapuram, Sivaganga
Bhairaveswarar, Cholapuram, Thanjavur
This Chola temple is regarded as the moola Sthanam or birthplace for all 64 Bhairavars. Unlike most other Siva temples, there are 11 koshtams (niches) around the walls of the sanctum, each with its own architectural marvels and sculptures. But how is this temple connected to Ravana’s slaying by Rama, in the Ramayanam?… Read More Bhairaveswarar, Cholapuram, Thanjavur
Veerabhadrar, Darasuram, Thanjavur
This temple is presided over by Veerabhadrar, the fierce aspect of Siva, who also destroyed Daksha’s yagam, after Sati immolated herself at the sacrificial fire for her father’s disrespect towards her husband Siva. The temple also has a significant connection to the poet Ottakoothar, the author of Thakkayaga Parani, who was gifted the village of Koothanur (famous for the Saraswati temple there). But how did the Parani work come to be written?… Read More Veerabhadrar, Darasuram, Thanjavur
Veerabhadrar, Vazhuvur, Nagapattinam
Vazhuvur is regarded as the birthplace of Ayyappan. This village temple for Veerabhadrar – often regarded as an aspect of Siva Himself – is closely connected with the Vazhuvur Veeratteswarar temple located nearby, and also to Ayyappan. The temple stands in ruins, but has two very unusual aspects to it, on the depiction of the presiding deity. What are these?… Read More Veerabhadrar, Vazhuvur, Nagapattinam
Vaitheeswaran, Chintamani Nallur, Viluppuram
This 900-year-old temple was built by Vikrama Chola, and the presiding deity named Kulothunga Chozheeswaramudaiya Mahadevar, in honour of Vikrama’s father Kulothunga Chola I. Vikrama Chola’s mother’s names are also the basis for the name of this place and the well-known nearby town of Madhurantakam. But what is unusual about the deities in the koshtam, at this temple?… Read More Vaitheeswaran, Chintamani Nallur, Viluppuram
Tirumarainathar, Tiruvathavur, Madurai
This is where Vishnu worshipped after visiting Madurai for the Meenakshi-Sundareswarar wedding, and Siva explained the meaning of the Vedas to Him. The temple is also connected to another son of the soil, and one of the most influential of the Saivite bhakti saints – Manikkavasagar – who was born here and received Siva’s deeksha as well. This beautiful Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam has stunning Pandya architecture, but how is it connected with a Tamil retelling of the Mahabharatam?… Read More Tirumarainathar, Tiruvathavur, Madurai
Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar, Madurai, Madurai
As against the norm of sins being pardoned only in subsequent births, this is a place where Siva forgives one’s sins in their current birth itself, and hence the name of the moolavar here. Surprisingly, Chandikeswarar is given equal prominence as Siva, as he is said to recommend devotees’ prayers to the Lord. One of the Pancha Bootha Sthalams in and around Madurai, this temple has a fascinating sthala puranam, which involves Siva worshipping Himself as a Siva Lingam that He installed! How is this possible?… Read More Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar, Madurai, Madurai
Swarnapureeswarar, Aththur, Nagapattinam
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam said to have been originally built by Karikala Chola, with several interesting sthala puranams… Read More Swarnapureeswarar, Aththur, Nagapattinam
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
Mukteeswarar, Manigramam, Nagapattinam
500-year old west-facing Siva temple, with Amman facing east, making this a Guru sthalam… Read More Mukteeswarar, Manigramam, Nagapattinam
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
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
Nageswaramudayar, Sirkazhi, Nagapattinam
Regarded as the original Rahu temple, this temple is famous for its Rahukala puja… Read More Nageswaramudayar, Sirkazhi, Nagapattinam
Tirukoteeswarar, Tirukodikkaa, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam that rids devotees of the fear of death, and where Amman appeared as Vishnu !… Read More Tirukoteeswarar, Tirukodikkaa, Thanjavur
Pathanjali Manoharar, Vilamal, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva danced his Ajapa Natanam and showed His Rudra Padam to Patanjali and Vyaghrapada… Read More Pathanjali Manoharar, Vilamal, Tiruvarur
Ramanathaswami, Tirukannapuram, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Nandi almost stopped Rama from worshipping Siva… Read More Ramanathaswami, Tirukannapuram, Nagapattinam
Tirukameswarar, Velur, Tiruchirappalli
Located near Trichy, this Chola temple is more famous for its association with the Thaipoosam festival… Read More Tirukameswarar, Velur, Tiruchirappalli
Nageswarar, Tirunageswaram, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam and Rahu sthalam, closely associated with Sekkizhar, and home to great carvings and architecture
… Read More Nageswarar, Tirunageswaram, Thanjavur
Mahakalanathar, Tirumakalam, Tiruvarur
A Paadal Petra Sthalam in Tiruvarur district
… Read More Mahakalanathar, Tirumakalam, Tiruvarur
Brahmapureeswarar, Ampal, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Brahma regained his original form, this is the last of 78 Maadakoils built by Kochchenga Cholan… Read More Brahmapureeswarar, Ampal, Tiruvarur
Kadaimudi Nathar, Keelayur, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva is said to protect devotees till the end of the world… Read More Kadaimudi Nathar, Keelayur, Nagapattinam
Abatsahayeswarar, Thenkurangaduthurai, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam whose legends are all about Lord Siva aiding those in distress… Read More Abatsahayeswarar, Thenkurangaduthurai, Thanjavur
Abhi Muktheeswarar, Manakkal Ayyampet, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Vishnu (as Mohini) worshipped Lord Siva, and home of the Lalita Trisati… Read More Abhi Muktheeswarar, Manakkal Ayyampet, Tiruvarur
Nardana Pureeswarar, Thalayalangadu, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva overcame Muyalagan, who was sent to overcome Bhikshatanar… Read More Nardana Pureeswarar, Thalayalangadu, Tiruvarur
Koneswarar, Kudavasal, Tiruvarur
This Paadal Petra Sthalam – one of the maadakoils built by Kochchenga Chola – is connected to the origins of Kumbakonam, and is considered the place where the mouth of the celestial pot fell, when broken open by Siva’s arrow. The temple’s puranam is about Garuda retrieving amritam, to redeem his mother from slavery. But why does one have to do an entire pradakshinam BEFORE even worshipping the Lord, at this temple? … Read More Koneswarar, Kudavasal, Tiruvarur
Saraparameswarar, Tirucherai, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam and considered a prarthana sthalam for getting rid of debt… Read More Saraparameswarar, Tirucherai, Thanjavur
Yoganandheeswarar, Tiruvisanallur, Thanjavur
This Tevaram Paadal Petra Sthalam, associated with Rohini Nakshatram and Rishabha Rasi, is believed to have existed in all four yugams. Devotees are blessed by Bhairavar, with knowledge, prosperity, health and eventual salvation. The sthala puranam of the temple also talks about a sinner who was given salvation by Siva, despite Nandi’s remonstrances! The temple and the village are also connected with the philosopher-saint Sridhara Ayyaval. But why are seven strands of hair said to be visible on the rear of the Siva Lingam of this temple? … Read More Yoganandheeswarar, Tiruvisanallur, Thanjavur
Kapardeeswarar, Thiruvalanchuzhi, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam and associated with Siva with flowing locks, also home to Vellai Pillaiyar made of sea froth and the site of Vinayakar’s marriage… Read More Kapardeeswarar, Thiruvalanchuzhi, Thanjavur
Rudraksheswarar, Thepperumanallur, Thanjavur
Sivan temple with a story of how Sani tried to stop Siva himself… Read More Rudraksheswarar, Thepperumanallur, Thanjavur
Kailasanathar, Murappanadu, Tirunelveli
Nava Kailasam temple dedicated to Guru, located on the banks of the Tambraparani, consecrated by Sage Romaharshana… Read More Kailasanathar, Murappanadu, Tirunelveli
Kasi Viswanathar, Murappanadu, Tirunelveli
Small but beautiful and simple Pandya style Siva temple on the banks of the Tambraparani river… Read More Kasi Viswanathar, Murappanadu, Tirunelveli
Kailasanathar, Thenthiruperai, Tirunelveli
Nava Kailasam temple located on the banks of the Tambraparani river, and a Budhan sthalam… Read More Kailasanathar, Thenthiruperai, Tirunelveli
Erumbeeswarar, Tiruverumbur, Tiruchirappalli
Paadal Petra Sthalam located on a hillock, where Siva bent himself to receive the Devas’ worship… Read More Erumbeeswarar, Tiruverumbur, Tiruchirappalli
Tirumuruganathaswami, Tirumuruganpoondi, Tiruppur
This 9th century CE temple is said to be the place where Murugan worshipped Lord Siva, which gives both the place and the deity their respective names. … Read More Tirumuruganathaswami, Tirumuruganpoondi, Tiruppur
Avinashiappar, Avinashi, Tiruppur
Paadal Petra Sthalam associated with Sundarar’s bringing a dead child back to life… Read More Avinashiappar, Avinashi, Tiruppur
Tiruthalinathar, Tiruppathur, Sivaganga
Paadal Petra Sthalam in the Pandya Nadu region with a unique Navagraham arrangement… Read More Tiruthalinathar, Tiruppathur, Sivaganga
Kodunkundranathar, Piranmalai, Sivaganga
Paadal Petra Sthalam with three aspects and forms of Lord Siva at three levels… Read More Kodunkundranathar, Piranmalai, Sivaganga
Brahmmapureswarar, Sirkazhi, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam and birthplace of Saivite saint Tirugnanasambandar (Sambanar), and a sthalam with a hoary past and tradition… Read More Brahmmapureswarar, Sirkazhi, Nagapattinam
TN Temples Project 