Srikalahasteeswarar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
One of the 12 temples connected with the story of Kumbakonam, and where Siva – as Jurahareswarar – receives abhishekam with hot water… Read More Srikalahasteeswarar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
One of the 12 temples connected with the story of Kumbakonam, and where Siva – as Jurahareswarar – receives abhishekam with hot water… Read More Srikalahasteeswarar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
One of 12 temples connected with the origin of Kumbakonam, and one of the oldest temples in Kumbakonam… Read More Banapureeswarar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
One of the 12 temples associated with the story of Kumbakonam, more famous for Rahukala Kali … Read More Ekambareswarar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
One of the 12 temples connected with the story of Kumbakonam, and Sage Gautama’s relief from pasu-hatya dosham… Read More Gautameswarar, 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
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
Here is yet another temple virtually in ruins, thanks to the lax attitude of authorities who do not permit even willing sponsors to help renovate and rebuild this temple. Their blind eye has resulted in there being virtually nothing other than a Siva Lingam and a few assorted vigrahams. But this temple is really old, as evidenced by the unique depiction of Murugan here. How so, and how is that connected with Airavata, the celestial elephant? … Read More Kasi Viswanathar, 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
Located in the northern part of Veppathur, this temple is today just a gopuram, with the deities being housed in a separate one-room building. The sthala puranam here is connected to two tales from the Ramayanam. But despite its Pallava origins, what makes this nearly 2000-year old (or older) temple fascinating across layers of history and the rule of several dynasties?… Read More Govindaraja Perumal, Veppathur, Thanjavur
This is one of the 3 Siva temples and one of several other temples in the village of Veppathur, which in olden times, was a renowned centre for education and learning. A relatively recently constructed temple, the origins of how this construction came about are intriguing. Read about these, and the historical importance of Veppathur.… Read More Sundareswarar, Veppathur, Thanjavur
Considered to be over 2000 years old, this temple is located in the heart of Veppathur – once called Ghatika Sthanam and Chaturvedi Mangalam. The all-wish-fulfilling Perumal is attended to by Anjaneyar depicted as a child. Krishna gave mantropadesam to Agastyar here. But how is this temple connected to the Ramayanam, that too in a rather unusual way?… Read More Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal, Veppathur, Thanjavur
This roadside shrine today was originally a much larger temple, and is said to be as old as 1000 years or more. Despite its small size, it features Siva in two forms – as a Lingam and as Dakshinamurti. The temple is also a prarthana sthalam for those seeking to have children, and is said to be powerful enough to completely turn around one’s horoscope in this regard, when they participate in a particular festival. What is this? … Read More Aatheeswarar, Veppathur, Thanjavur
This dilapidated temple lies just off the Kallanai-Poompuhar road, and is in terrible state, badly needing attention.… Read More Rajagopalaswami, Bhagavatapuram, Thanjavur
This small but peaceful temple is located at the entrance to the village of Tiruvisanallur, which is famous for the Yoganandeeswarar Paadal Petra Sthalam temple, and for the saint Sridhara Ayyaval and the matham he set up there.… Read More Kasi Viswanathar, Tiruvisanallur, Thanjavur
An unusual Siva temple where the only other deity present is Vinayakar. This is said to be one of 5 temples for Siva as Kasi Viswanathar, of which only four remain today.… Read More Kasi Viswanathar, Veppathur, Thanjavur
Sage Kashyapa wanted to see Siva and Parvati in their wedding attire, and was looking for the ideal place to worship. Guided by a celestial voice, he came here, and after performing penance, he was rewarded with the divine vision of the celestial wedding. This temple is a Vaippu Sthalam that finds mention in one of Appar’s Tevaram pathigams. But why is Siva here regarded as the elder brother of Siva at nearby Tiruvidaimaruthur?… Read More Idamkondeeswarar, Kalyanapuram, Thanjavur
Said to have been built by Kodumbalur Velir, the army general of Sundara Chola, during the 10th century, this temple has several inscriptions about him, and various other important members of Chola royalty of the time. Suryan worships Siva here with his rays, twice a year, for 10 days at a time. But what is the etymology of the names of Siva and Parvati at this place?… Read More Vedapureeswarar, Tirukazhithattai, Thanjavur
Located very close to the Tribhuvanam Sarabeswarar temple, this small temple run by Saurashtran Saivite brahmins features Siva as Gangaleswarar. The temple is part of the Siruthondar Nayanar mutt (related to Tiruchengattankudi) that is housed in the same building.… Read More Gangaleswarar, Tribhuvanam, Thanjavur
Everyone needs sages and priests to conduct weddings, and the gods are no exception to this! This is where the seven sages of yore are said to have met, to plan the wedding of Siva and Parvati on earth! The temple – which is located close to several other temples connected with the Siva-Parvati wedding – is however more famous for the powerful Kala Bhairavar, who is regarded as equivalent to the one at Kasi. But what is the Ramayanam connection of this temple?… Read More Saptarisheeswarar, Ammachatram, Thanjavur
This dilapidated temple is likely to be from the 8th or 9th century, but is in shambles today. Is there anything you can do to help?… Read More Kasi Viswanathar, Pillaiyampettai, Thanjavur
Once known as Pathirivanam due to being a forest of pathiri trees, this Chola period temple is one of the Kumbakonam Pancha Krosha Sthalam temples, and is possibly adjunct to the Koranattu Karuppur temple, also for Siva as Sundareswarar. The local belief is that Yama does not bother those those who have seen Sundareswarar here. But why was this small and non-descript temple, and indeed this whole place, important to the celestials? … Read More Sundareswarar, Chattiram Karuppur, Thanjavur
This temple for Siva as the handsome Sundareswarar is located very close to Kumbakonam. Several celestials are said to have to worshipped here and received many boons and blessings. This Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam finds mention in one of Sundarar’s pathigams. But why is this place called Koranattu Karuppur, and why is this temple more famous as the Petti Kali Amman temple?… Read More Sundareswarar, Koranattu Karuppur, 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
This is a shrine dedicated to Kanchi Maha Periyavaa, located in the house where His mother was born, in the village of Eachangudi, located between Kumbakonam and Tiruvaiyaru.… Read More Maha Periyavaa Sthalam, Eachangudi, Thanjavur
This small temple for Vishnu as Adi Kesava Perumal, is located in Nallur, to the rear (west) of the Kalyana Sundareswarar temple in that village. Though Vishnu is present here as Adi Kesava Perumal, the temple is said to be connected with Vishnu’s Narasimha Avataram.… Read More Aadi Kesava Perumal, Nallur, Thanjavur
This small but peaceful temple is located on the way from Kumbakonam to Avoor, and the entire route is filled with legends about cows (Kamadhenu and her ilk), and so places are named accordingly. Sage Vasishta is said to have worshipped at this temple, and Kamadhenu was sent to provide milk for the sage to perform abhishekam to Siva here.… Read More Gomukteeswarar, Govandakudi, Thanjavur
This temple, located in Patteeswaram near Kumbakonam, is very close to the famous Thenupureeswarar temple of the same town. The architecture here is largely by Pazhvur artisans, and the temple itself is a symbol of a son expressing love for his step-mother. It is also the only known temple of its kind, dedicated to a queen? What are we talking about?… Read More Ramalingaswami, Patteswaram, Thanjavur
Often confused with the Someswarar temple (also located in Pazhaiyarai), this temple is popularly referred to as the Pazhaiyarai Vada Thali, Muzhaiyur temple and Vallalar Koil. Pazhaiyarai was once the centre-point of the Chola empire, and one of its capitals, as also the birthplace of two of the 63 Saiva Nayanmars. One can see several important and exquisite Chola temples in the immediate vicinity. Amman is named for Vimali – one of Kamadhenu’s 4 daughters – who worshipped here. But how did Appar find this temple, and how was it brought out of oblivion? … Read More Dharmapureeswarar, Pazhayarai, Thanjavur
This village temple near Darasuram is unique for a couple of reasons. While it is a Siva temple, it is more famous locally as the Kamakshi Amman temple, who indeed is the first deity one sees upon entering the temple. The other thing about this temple is the presence of two Ammans – Kamakshi, and Meenakshi along with Siva, in a separate sub-temple.… Read More Avudainathar, 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
Murugan was punished for having intruded on a private conversation between Siva and Parvati, and performed penance here. Later, a king affected by leprosy bathed in the tank created by Murugan, and after it was filled with milk by Kamadhenu, his disease was cured. But the most interesting aspects of this place are almost entirely attributable to Rajaraja Chola, who also built this temple. What are these fascinating aspects, including a heavily disputed theory about the great king’s end?… Read More Kailasanathar, Udaiyalur, Thanjavur
When Vishnu’s dwarapalakas refused to let Nandi worship Vishnu, Nandi came here to pray to Siva, who told him to appease Vishnu by worshipping at Nathan Koil (located nearby). Nandi’s worship of Vishnu there is why he is present in the garbhagriham, along with Vishnu, at that temple!… Read More Nandeeswarar, Nandipura Vinnagaram, Thanjavur
The sthala puranam of this temple is about Brahma losing the Vedas to the demons Madhu and Kaitabha, and regaining them with Vishnu’s help, and also regaining his wisdom after worshipping Siva here. This Chola temple from the time of Kulothunga Chola III has some excellent examples of Chola sculptures, including Adhikara Nandi and Siva as Kirata Murti. But how is this temple connected to the annual ritual of Avani Avittam?… Read More Brahma Gnana Pureeswarar, Keezha Korkkai, Thanjavur
Located just south of the Mahamaham tank in Kumbakonam, his temple for Siva and Parvati as Sundareswarar and Meenakshi is believed to have existed for almost 2000 years, but was rebuilt in the early 20th century, after it was found in ruins. The temple is connected to one Sri Ramaswamy of Thepperumanallur (also near Kumbakonam), but is also locally known as the Annadana Sivan temple. What’s the connection?… Read More Sundareswarar, Ariyathidal, Thanjavur
This small Vinayakar temple is regarded as what remains of a much larger Siva temple in ancient times. Receiving similar importance and worship as at Ganapati Agraharam, it is believed that Vinayakar here is powerful in fulfilling all wishes of devotees, after following the right procedure.… Read More Thoppai Pillaiyar, Nallur, Thanjavur
One of the three temples that constitute the Thanjai Mamani Koil… Read More Neelamegha Perumal, Thanjavur, Thanjavur
One of the three temples that constitute the Thanjai Mamani Koil… Read More Manikundra Perumal, Thanjavur, Thanjavur
One of the three temples that constitute the Thanjai Mamani Koil… Read More Narasimhar, Thanjavur, Thanjavur
Beautiful Chola temple near Mannargudi connected to Sibi Chakravarti, Suryan and Daksha’s yagna… Read More Bhaskareswarar, Parithiappar Koil, Thanjavur
Vaippu Sthalam built in the time of Aditya Chola, connected with the wedding of Siva and Parvati… Read More Aaditheswarar, Peravur, 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
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam finding mention in one of Appar’s pathigams… Read More Swetaranyeswarar, Pudhukudi, Tiruvarur
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam where there are no festivals, because Siva, Parvati and their family wish to remain undisturbed… Read More Palasavaneswarar, Naalur, Thanjavur
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam where Siva danced the Ananda tandavam for the benefit of sage Agastyar and other sages… Read More Nadanapureeswarar, Thandanthottam, Thanjavur
Temple in Pazhaiyarai where Sabali (one of the daughters of Kamadhenu) prayed… Read More Parasunathar, Muzhayur, 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
When the Cholas had their capital at Pazhaiyarai near Kumbakonam, there were four main temples in the four cardinal directions. Of these, this temple is the one on the western side, and hence also called Metrali. This Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam’s puranam is about Sabali – one of the daughters of the celestial cow Patti (after whom Patteeswaram is named) – who worshipped here. The temple would have been much larger in the Chola period, but lies uncared for today. … Read More Kailasanathar, Tirumetrali, 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
This Divya Desam and Pancha Ranga Kshetram (similar to Koviladi), this is also a Vaishnava Navagraha Sthalam dedicated to Suryan. Lakshmi was born as Sage Brighu’s daughter here, and married Vishnu who came to the venue on a chariot, with his bow called Sarngam. The temple itself is shaped like a chariot, and boasts of some very intricate and magnificent architecture. But why is the vigraham of Lakshmi as Komalavalli Thayar, never taken out of the temple in procession?… Read More Sarngapani, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
This Divya Desam and the Vaishnava Navagraham temple for Sani is where Tirumangaiazhvar was able to view Perumal in 5 forms, and so the Lord here is worshipped in each of those forms. The temple’s sthala puranam is the reason for the Tulasi leaves being used as the customary form of offering for Vishnu. It is also generally known that the temple prasadam is prepared without salt, but why is that so? … Read More Oppiliappan, Tirunageswaram, Thanjavur
Chief amongst the Kumbakonam Navagraham temples, this is also a Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam, and is closely connected to the Tirumangalakudi Prananatheswarar temple… Read More Viswanathar / Suryan, Suryanar Koil, Thanjavur
One of the earliest Siva temples in Kumbakonam associated with the legend of the Mahapralayam (great floods)… Read More Nageswarar, Kumbakonam, 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
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
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
Paadal Petra Sthalam that rids devotees of the fear of death, and where Amman appeared as Vishnu !… Read More Tirukoteeswarar, Tirukodikkaa, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam associated with Naminandi Adigal Nayanar who lit the temple lamps using water in place of ghee… Read More Achaleswarar, Arur Araneri, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Rama sought and obtained advice from Lord Siva before advancing upon Lanka… Read More Mandirapureeswarar, Kovilur, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam and mukti sthalam of Chandesa Nayanar (Chandikeswarar)… Read More Paaluganthanathar, Tiruvaaippaadi, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam and avatara sthalam of Chandesa Nayanar, this temple has several puranams associated with it… Read More Sakti Gireeswarar, Senganur, Thanjavur
Located near Kumbakonam, this Divya Desam is believed to have existed in all 4 yugams, and is said to have been built by Mayan, the architect of the asuras. We may remember the story from Vamana Avataram, of Sukracharya entering Mahabali’s kamandalam as an insect to block the flow of water, and how Vamana blinded him. What happened to Sukracharya after that? And why does Garuda hold Vishnu’s conch and discus?… Read More Kolavilli Ramar, Tiruvelliyangudi, Thanjavur
This Paadal Petra Sthalam near Tiruvaiyaru is considered to be one of the 5 places where Sage Vyaghrapada worshipped Siva. The temple has some unusual depictions and iconography, including Ardhanareeswarar in the rear koshtam of the grabhagriham, and a rather unique Navagraham depiction. But how did the sage Vyaghrapada come to have tiger’s feet? … Read More Vyaghrapureeswarar, Perumpuliyur, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam and one of the Tiruvaiyaru Satpa Sthanam temples, where the Lingam receives ghee abhishekam every day… Read More Neiyyaadiappar, Thillaisthanam, Thanjavur
Divya Desam and Pancha Ranga Kshetram where Vishnu is in Sayana kolam… Read More Appakudathan, Koviladi, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam connected to the Siva-Parvati wedding, where Parvati, in the form of a cow, worshipped Siva… Read More Kokileswarar, Tirukozhumbiam, 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
Paadal Petra Sthalam also called Kudanthai Karonam, and connected with the story of Kumbakonam
… Read More Someswarar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam near Kumbakonam and Swamimalai, connected to the Mahabharata
… Read More Vijaya Natheswarar, Tiruvijayamangai, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam associated with the origin of the all-night vigil on Maha Sivaratri… Read More Vilvavaneswarar, Tiruvaikaavoor, Thanjavur
Divya Desam connected with the Ramayanam, where it is Rama in bhujanga sayanam… Read More Valvil Raman, Tiruppulaboothangudi, Thanjavur
Located close to Kumbakonam and Swamimalai, this is the temple Tirumangai Azhvar constructed, funds for which were provided by the Lord himself.
… Read More Andalakkum Aiyan, Adhanoor, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam featuring one of the 64 Tiruvilaiyadals of Siva, and where all three of the Moovar – Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar – have sung at.… Read More Saatchinathar, Tiruppurambayam, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva took on the role of an accountant to save His devotee… Read More Ezhuthari Nathar, Innambur, 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
Paadal Petra Sthalam and Rahu sthalam, closely associated with Sekkizhar, and home to great carvings and architecture
… Read More Nageswarar, Tirunageswaram, Thanjavur
Massive temple complex with a large Lignam, and home of several legends and puranams, this temple is the focal point of what could be considered the largest temple complex ever
… Read More Mahalingeswarar, Tiruvidaimaruthur, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam temple connected with the churning of the ocean, and how the effects of the Halahala poison swallowed by Siva were negated… Read More Neelakanteswarar, Tiruneelakudi, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Rama worshipped before proceeding to Lanka, with an unusual Dakshinamurti depiction… Read More Sarguna Lingeswarar, Maruthanallur, Thanjavur
Considered the Nandi Sthalam to the Tiruvidaimaruthur Mahalinga Swami temple, this is where Parvati first arrived on Bhulokam as a cow, before the events leading up to her marriage to Siva. Sage Sundranathar came to earth from Kailasam, and ended up composing 3000 verses of core Saiva Siddhantam. How else do we know him? … Read More Gomuktheeswarar, Tiruvavaduthurai, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam whose legends are all about Lord Siva aiding those in distress… Read More Abatsahayeswarar, Thenkurangaduthurai, Thanjavur
Built by Kulothunga Chola III, this massive temple is the last of the Great Living Chola temples, and has a very unique representation of Siva as Sarabeswarar… Read More Kampahareswarar (Sarabeswarar), Tribhuvanam, Thanjavur
Generally, four temples (Kanchipuram, Tirukadaiyur, Sirkazhi and this temple) are regarded as Mayana Koils, referring to cremation grounds where Siva is believed to reside with His ganas. But the spiritual meaning is connected to the burning (ridding oneself) of one’s ego, just as Siva did to Brahma’s fifth head. The four Vedas got their knowledge from Siva here, giving the place its ancient name. But what does this temple have with Sage Apasthamba and how he got that name?… Read More Gnanaparameswarar, Tirumeignanam, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam and considered a prarthana sthalam for getting rid of debt… Read More Saraparameswarar, 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
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Murugan regained his power of speech after being punished by Lord Siva… Read More Sivanandeswarar, Tirupandurai, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam closely connected with the puranam of Srinivasa Perumal temple at Nachiyar Koil near Kumbakonam… Read More Siddha Natheswarar, Tirunaraiyur, Thanjavur
A temple favoured for worship on Akshaya Tritiya, and connected the origin of the Tamil phrase “தை பிறந்தால் வழி பிறக்கும்”… Read More Akshayanatha Swamy, Tirumandurai, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Lord Siva redeemed the Navagrahams from Brahma’s curse… Read More Prananatheswarar, Tirumangalakudi, 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
Paadal Petra Sthalam whose prasadam is considered a cure-all, and is of significance to those under Kataka rasi… Read More Karkadeswarar, Tirundudevankudi, Thanjavur
One of the 70 maadakoil temples built by Kochchenga Chola, this temple has a Mahabharatam connection, whereby Kunti worshipped here and bathed in the temple tank as it had the power of the seven seas. The Siva Lingam here is believed to change colour five times every day, and even sweats on the day of the Mahamaham festival in nearby Kumbakonam! But what tradition – virtually unique for Siva temples, though the norm at Vishnu temples – is practiced here, and why? … Read More Kalyana Sundareswarar, Nallur, 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
This Paadal Petra Sthalam (and also a maadakoil) is connected with Kamadhenu and her daughter Patti (after whom Patteeswaram is named for). The temple is one of the pancha krosham temples associated with Pazhaiyarai, the old Chola capital. The temple also has an important Ramayanam connection. But why is Siva here also known as Kapardeeswarar, and what is unique about Murugan at this temple?… Read More Pasupateeswarar, Avoor, Thanjavur
Perumal temple near Kumbakonam associated with the story of Kaliya mardhanam… Read More Veda Nayarana Perumal (Kalinga Narthanar), Oothukadu, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam and Pancha aranya kshetram near Kumbakonam, where the Goddess protects devotees on all things connected with child-bearing… Read More Mullaivana Nathar, Tirukarukavur, Thanjavur
A 108-lingam Siva temple in Papanasam, with a Ramayanam connection… Read More Ramalingaswami, Papanasam, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam near Kumbakonam, this Chola temple is the home of two stories of devotion where Siva Himself is said to have come to the rescue of his devotees. Though a sarpa dosha nivritti sthalam, this is where a female naga worshipped, as opposed to the male nagas at most other such places. But how is the concept of Shodashopacharam (worship with 16 different offerings) connected to this temple?… Read More Aruna Jadeswarar, Tirupanandal, Thanjavur
Ancient Siva temple and Paadal Petra Sthalam, located close to Kumbakonam and Tiruvidaimaruthur… Read More Pasupatheeswarar, Pandanallur, Thanjavur
Ancient Siva temple and Paadal Petra Sthalam, located very close to Patteeswaram near Kumbakonam… Read More Sivakozhundeeswarar, Tirusakthi Muttram, Thanjavur
Small, dilapidated temple today, of what would likely have been an imposing temple in Chola times… Read More Brahma Nandeeswarar, Patteeswaram, Thanjavur
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