An overview of Nagarathar heritage and temples
This special feature provides an overview of of Nagarathar heritage and explores the evolution of temples in the Chettinadu region… Read More An overview of Nagarathar heritage and temples
Tag: Art
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
Alanthurainathar, Tiruppullamangai, Thanjavur
This Paadal Petra Sthalam is one of the Chakrapalli Sapta Sthanam temples, this one being connected to Chamundi, who worshipped the snake around Siva’s neck. The etymology of the place and the deity are quite interesting. This temple is a hidden treasure trove of superlative Chola period architecture, and is therefore often quoted as the high-point of the skill of that period. But what is special about both the Dakshinamurti and the Durga depictions in the koshtam at this temple?… Read More Alanthurainathar, Tiruppullamangai, Thanjavur
Vijayalaya Chozheeswaram, Narthamalai, Pudukkottai
Possibly a corruption of Nagarathar Malai, Narthamalai is part of a series of hillocks to the north and north-west of Pudukkottai. The temple for Siva as Vijayalaya Chozheeswarar is an architectural masterpiece, and often regarded as the starting point for the now-famed Chola style of architecture, and the place itself is named for the Vijayalaya Chola, who kickstarted the line of imperial Cholas in the mid-9th century. But would it surprise you to know that the origins of this place are not Chola at all? … Read More Vijayalaya Chozheeswaram, Narthamalai, Pudukkottai
Sundareswarar, Athangudi, Sivaganga
These days, Athangudi is more popular for the Athangudi tiles that several craftsmen in the village are involved in. This Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam for Siva as Sundareswarar has a pathigam by the Nayanmar Appar, referring to it. The architecture would have been Pandya, but the temple today is completely dominated by Nagarathar style architecture. But what is unusual about the temple’s sthala vriksham?… Read More Sundareswarar, Athangudi, Sivaganga
Srinivasa Perumal, Kandanur, Sivaganga
A rare Nagarathar-style Perumal temple, located in Kandanur – very close to Karaikudi. Though this temple – built and renovated by the Nagarathar community in the last 200 years – does not have a sthala puranam, it features simple but effective art and architecture typical of the Chettinadu style.… Read More Srinivasa Perumal, Kandanur, Sivaganga
Tiruvengadamudaiyan, Ariyakudi, Sivaganga
Regarded as the southern Tirupati, this is a place where one can fulfil any prarthanas or prayers meant for Srinivasa Perumal at Tirupati. The prarthana sthalam here is about Sevukan Chettiar, a staunch Vishnu devotee despite being born in a Saivite Nagarathar family, who could not undertake his annual pilgrimage to Tirupati in one year. But what is special about the Garuda and the Aadi Swati nakshatram festival at this temple?… Read More Tiruvengadamudaiyan, Ariyakudi, Sivaganga
Atmanathar, Avudaiyar Kovil, Pudukkottai
Said to have been built by Manikkavasagar, this temple is very closely connected to the life of the saint. The sthala puranam here is from the life of the saint, who used the king’s treasury to build this temple instead of buying horses as ordered by the king. This temple shares several commonalities with the Chidambaram Natarajar temple, and is famous for its unique and arresting architecture! But why is there no Lingam or murti of Amman in the temple? … Read More Atmanathar, Avudaiyar Kovil, Pudukkottai
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
Aatkondanathar, Iraniyur, Sivaganga
One of the 9 main Nagarathar temples of the Chettinadu region, this temple’s sthala puranam could perhaps explain the reason for the popularity of Sarabeswarar worship in this region. The temple is popularly referred to as the temple of sculpture (sirpa koil), for obvious reasons as can be seen in the pictures of the temple interiors. But how is this temple, and indeed the name of the place, connected to one of Vishnu’s avatarams? … Read More Aatkondanathar, Iraniyur, Sivaganga
Valarolinathar, Vairavanpatti, Sivaganga
The third largest of the 9 Nagarathar temples, this temple filled with exemplary architecture is perhaps the origin of the primacy of Bhairavar worship in the region. Siva deputed Bhairavar to overcome an asura, after which Bhairavar merged back into Siva as a growing light of knowledge, giving Siva the name Tirumeignana Pureeswarar. But how is this temple connected to ridding Brahma of his ego, as well as the Ramayanam?… Read More Valarolinathar, Vairavanpatti, Sivaganga
Sundararaja Perumal, Keelasevalpatti, Sivaganga
This Nagarathar-maintained temple is of relatively recent origin – perhaps 400-500 years – but has some very nice architecture and art, featuring Vishnu’s Dasavataram and scenes from the puranas.… Read More Sundararaja Perumal, Keelasevalpatti, Sivaganga
Shanmuganathar, Kunnakudi, Sivaganga
This early-Pandya temple from around the 8th century is a classic example of a hill temple for Murugan. Stories of the curative power of this temple range from the time of epics, to as recent as the 18th century. Interestingly, the temple has seen contributions from the Cholas as well, despite its location. But what connection does Murugan’s vehicle, the peacock, have with this temple?… Read More Shanmuganathar, Kunnakudi, Sivaganga
Marutheeswarar, Pillaiyarpatti, Sivaganga
One of the 9 Nagarathar temples, the Pillaiyarpatti temple is more famous for the Karpaga Vinayakar rock-cut temple. This temple for Siva is in the same complex, and is perhaps as old as the Vinayakar shrine. The temple – regarded as one of the marudhu sthalams – features brilliant examples of Nagarathar architecture and art. But why is there virtually no sthala puranam to speak of, available about this temple? … Read More Marutheeswarar, Pillaiyarpatti, Sivaganga
Swayambhunathar, Peralam, Nagapattinam
Temple in Peralam, very close to the Tirumeyachur Meghanathar-Lalithambigai temple, where Sage Perala worshipped (and is also therefore the cause of the name of the place). Perhaps the temple’s best kept secret artefact is the ancient rice-storage unit called the Patthayam.… Read More Swayambhunathar, Peralam, Nagapattinam
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
Moovar Kovil, Kodumbalur, Tiruchirappalli
In its heyday, today’s non-descript hamlet of Kodumbalur was a city of temples, much like Kanchipuram or Kumbakonam. This ancient temple complex of 3 shrines for Siva is regarded as possibly the earliest surviving example of early medieval Chola temples. The art and architecture here are exemplary, serving as prototypes for several temples. But what is the connection between the builder of this temple and some important characters in Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan? … Read More Moovar Kovil, Kodumbalur, Tiruchirappalli
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
Kailasanathar, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram
Possibly the oldest structure in Kanchipuram, this temple is a veritable feast for the eyes, with its intricate yet extensive art and architecture… Read More Kailasanathar, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram
Vedapureeswarar, Therazhundur, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam temple connected with the game of chokkattan played by Siva and Vishnu, which triggered a set of events resulting in Siva marrying Parvati on Bhulokam… Read More Vedapureeswarar, Therazhundur, Nagapattinam
Satyavakeeswarar, Kalakkad, Tirunelveli
Tevaram Vaippu sthalam connected with the Ramayanam, featuring fascinating art and architecture… Read More Satyavakeeswarar, Kalakkad, Tirunelveli
சுந்தரேஸ்வரர், மதுரை, மதுரை
மதுரை மீனாட்சி கோயில் என்று பிரபலமாக அறியப்படும் இது தமிழ்நாட்டின் மிகச்சிறந்த கோயில்கள் / அடையாளங்களில் ஒன்றாகும். இது பஞ்ச சபை கோவில்களில் ஒன்றாகும் (வெள்ளி சபை), மேலும் இது உச்சத்தின் பாதுகாப்பு (ஸ்திதி) செயல்பாட்டின் அடையாளமாக கூறப்படுகிறது. 51 சக்தி பீடங்களில் இதுவும் ஒன்று. இந்த கோவிலின் கதை கிட்டத்தட்ட மதுரையின் கதை. இக்கோயிலுடன் தொடர்புடைய புராணங்களும் அம்சங்களும் பல, கிட்டத்தட்ட முடிவில்லாதவை, எனவே சில முக்கியமானவற்றைப் பார்ப்போம். பாண்டிய மன்னன் மலையத்வாஜனுக்கு குழந்தைகள் இல்லை.… Read More சுந்தரேஸ்வரர், மதுரை, மதுரை
Sundareswarar, Madurai, Madurai
One of the best-known temples of Tamil Nadu, the temple is more famous for Parvati as Meenakshi Amman. This pancha-sabhai temple is connected with one of the earthly weddings of Siva and Parvati, and both the temple and the city feature in Sangam literature…indeed, Madurai is the home of the Sangam era. Associated with several Nayanmars, the temple and city are also home to several of the 64 Tiruvilaiyadals of Lord Siva. But how does this temple sit as a counterpoint to the Natarajar temple at Chidambaram, and what is unique about Lord Siva’s Sandhya tandavam associated with this temple?… Read More Sundareswarar, Madurai, Madurai
Aiyarappar, Tiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur
Considered the Kailasam of the south, this temple is closely connected with Nandi’s birth life and wedding celebrations… Read More Aiyarappar, Tiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur
Kutralanathar, Kutralam, Tirunelveli
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Agastyar converted a Vishnu temple into a Siva temple, and from where he witnessed the celestial wedding of Siva and Parvati… Read More Kutralanathar, Kutralam, Tirunelveli
குற்றாலநாதர், குற்றாலம், திருநெல்வேலி
சிவன் தனது பிரபஞ்ச நடனத்தை நிகழ்த்திய பஞ்ச சபை கோயில்களில் இதுவும் ஒன்றாகும். சிவன் திரிபுர தாண்டவம் செய்த சித்திர சபையைக் குறிக்கும் கோயில் இது. மற்ற 4: சிதம்பரத்தில் உள்ள திருமூலநாதர் / நடராஜர் (பொற் சபை, ஆனந்த தாண்டவம்) மதுரையில் சுந்தரேஸ்வரர் (வெள்ளி சபை, சந்தியா தாண்டவம்) திருநெல்வேலியில் நெல்லைப்பர் (தாம்ர சபை, முனி தாண்டவம்) மற்றும் சென்னைக்கு அருகிலுள்ள திருவாலங்காடு வதாரண்யேஸ்வரர் (ரஜத சபை, காளி தாண்டவம்). ஸ்தல புராணம் மற்றும் கோவில்… Read More குற்றாலநாதர், குற்றாலம், திருநெல்வேலி
TN Temples Project 