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: Ganga river
Gangadheeswarar, Purasaiwakkam, Chennai
This rare Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam finds mention in one of Sundarar’s pathigams, and has beautiful stucco images of various puranams and also stories from the Tiruvilaiyadal. It is last of the 1008 temples installed by king Bhageeratha, and is one of the five Pancha Bootha Sthalams around Chennai. The forest of palasa trees here at one time, gives the place its present-day name as well! But why is the Ganga river also called the Bhageerathi, and what is its connection with this temple?… Read More Gangadheeswarar, Purasaiwakkam, Chennai
Naganathar, Peraiyur, Pudukkottai
With many interesting sthala puranams, this Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam is a prarthana sthalam for relief from naga dosham, for obtaining clarity of thought and purging one’s negative energies. In the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April), at the time of Meena Lagnam, sounds of celestial instruments are believed to emanate from the temple tank, as Siva is said to go down to Nagaloka at that time to perform his dance for a devotee-king. How did this come about?… Read More Naganathar, Peraiyur, Pudukkottai
Rakkaayi Amman, Alagar Koil, Madurai
Regarded as the daughter of Sage Angirasa, Rakkayi Amman is a form of Parvati and the guardian of all water bodies at Alagar Koil hills near Madurai. But how is She connected in a deeper way, to the Kallazhagar / Sundararaja Perumal at the base of the hills? … Read More Rakkaayi Amman, Alagar Koil, Madurai
Noopura Gangai, Alagar Koil, Madurai
Noopura Gangai is a perennial stream, also called the Silambaru (which originated from an anklet / Silambu of Vishnu). She flows under the Rakkaayi Amman shrine, and is believed to have redeemed Sage Sutapa from a curse by Sage Durvasa. But how is She connected in a deeper way, to the Kallazhagar / Sundararaja Perumal at the base of the hills? … Read More Noopura Gangai, Alagar Koil, Madurai
Kasi Viswanathar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
Temple associated with the Mahamaham festival and the story of Kumbakonam, where the nine river goddesses worshipped, and also connected with the Ramayanam… Read More Kasi Viswanathar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
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
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
Vellaidainatha Swami, Tirukurukavur, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam with several puranams, including Vishnu taking the form of Rishabham (a white bull), after whom Siva is named and worshipped here… Read More Vellaidainatha Swami, Tirukurukavur, Nagapattinam
Karunelli Nathar, Tiruthangal, Virudhunagar
Hill / cave temple abutting the Nindra Narayana Perumal Divya Desam temple, more popular for the Murugan shrine which is considered equivalent to Palani… Read More Karunelli Nathar, Tiruthangal, Virudhunagar
Mangalapureeswarar, Thyagavalli, Cuddalore
Paadal Petra Sthalam consecrated by Agastyar, built by Cholas and hidden under the sand until about 200 years ago… Read More Mangalapureeswarar, Thyagavalli, Cuddalore
Vellimalai Nathar, Tiruthengur, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Sukracharya worshipped to regain the sight he had lost in one eye as a result of the events of Vamana Avataram… Read More Vellimalai Nathar, Tiruthengur, Tiruvarur
Neelneri Nathar, Thandalacherry, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam associated with two Nayanmars – Kochchenga Chola and Arivattaya Nayanar… Read More Neelneri Nathar, Thandalacherry, Tiruvarur
Parimala Ranganathar, Tiru Indalur, Mayiladuthurai
Divya Desam and a Pancha Ranga Kshetram, where Tirumangaiazhvar’s singing infuriated a sage!… Read More Parimala Ranganathar, Tiru Indalur, Mayiladuthurai
Koteeswarar, Kottaiyur, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam connected with the story of the origin of Kumbakonam, where both good deeds and sins multiply 10 million times in impact!… Read More Koteeswarar, Kottaiyur, Thanjavur
Trinethranathar, Tirupalli Mukkudal, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam with a Ramayanam connection, referred to as Paravai Rameswaram… Read More Trinethranathar, Tirupalli Mukkudal, Tiruvarur
Swarnapureeswarar, Andankoil, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where a king’s minister built a temple without the king’s knowledge and was punished, but revived by Siva… Read More Swarnapureeswarar, Andankoil, Tiruvarur
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
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
Dasavathara Perumal, Murappanadu, Tirunelveli
Serene Perumal temple near the banks of the Tambraparani, in Murappanadu, Tirunelveli district… Read More Dasavathara Perumal, Murappanadu, Tirunelveli
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
Aadi Kesava Perumal, Tiruvattaru, Kanyakumari
Beautiful, large, Kerala-style temple with Perumal in sayana kolam, not unlike at Tiruvananthapuram. Also features a shrine for Udupi Krishna.
… Read More Aadi Kesava Perumal, Tiruvattaru, Kanyakumari
Atmanatheswarar, Tiruvalampozhil, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where the ashta vasus worshipped to be rid of a curse for stealing… Read More Atmanatheswarar, Tiruvalampozhil, Thanjavur
Brihadeeswarar, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Ariyalur
UNESCO world heritage site along with the Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur and Airavateswarar temple at Darasuram… Read More Brihadeeswarar, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Ariyalur
TN Temples Project 