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: Dakshinamurti
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
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
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
Vanmeekanathar, Tiruvetriyur, Ramanathapuram
This Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam finds mention in the pathigams of all three Tevaram saints – Appar, Sundarar and Sambandar, and is a sthala puranam for those seeking to get married, and those seeking relief from illnesses – particularly cancer. The latter is because of the sthala puranam here, which starts with a rat at Vedaranyam, connects with the Vamana Avataram, and ends with the river Ganga pacifying the earth Goddess Dharma. But how is Vishnu’s relief from illness connected with this temple?… Read More Vanmeekanathar, Tiruvetriyur, Ramanathapuram
Tribhuvana Chakravartheeswarar, Unjanai, Sivaganga
Hidden away near Karaikudi is this beautiful temple for Siva as Tribhuvana Chakravarteeswarar, the ruler of the three worlds. The temple is a refreshing change from the usual Nagarathar temples of the region, and may even be one of the rare Chola temples in what is otherwise Pandya country. The architecture is simple yet mind-blowing, in this little-known Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam! Read more about this temple here.… Read More Tribhuvana Chakravartheeswarar, Unjanai, Sivaganga
Gangajaleswarar, Koothangudi, Sivaganga
This small and poorly maintained temple near Pillaiyarpatti clearly deserves to be visited, and more information about it is needed.… Read More Gangajaleswarar, Koothangudi, Sivaganga
Kandeeswarar, Sembanur, Sivaganga
Despite the lack of a known sthala puranam for this temple, it is clear that the temple has a solid heritage. It has been dated to the 9th century – either the very late Pandyas prior to the Chola uprising, or perhaps very early Chola. In any event, there are clear signs of renovations during the middle and later Chola period.… Read More Kandeeswarar, Sembanur, Sivaganga
Sundareswarar, Pattamangalam, Sivaganga
Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Isitva and Vasitva are considered the eight great siddhis. The sthala puranam here is about how the Kruttikas sought to learn these siddhis, were cursed for their lack of focus, and finally redeemed. The temple is one of those referred to in the Tiruvilaiyadal puranam. But what makes the Dakshinamurti so special here, that the temple is known more for Dakshinamurti than Siva as Sundareswarar?… Read More Sundareswarar, Pattamangalam, 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
Tirumoolanathar, Perangiyur, Viluppuram
During the Chola period, this place was called Perangur, and over time has come to be called by its present name. The temple boasts of some absolutely spectacular pieces of Chola craftsmanship in the various vigrahams, particularly of Vinayakar and Dakshinamurti. But what is unique about the 11-foot long engraving on the rear of the garbhagriham?… Read More Tirumoolanathar, Perangiyur, Viluppuram
Brahmapureeswarar, Pozhakudi, Tiruvarur
This village temple is located very close to the Paadal Petra Sthalam and naga dosham nivritti sthalam at Tirupampuram. Brahma worshipped here, and was relieved of the curse he had suffered for having forgotten his duties of creation. The temple needs more visitors to help it regain its lost prominence, and to support the locals who offer their services to the temple. But why is there a vigraham of a snake next to the Nandi?… Read More Brahmapureeswarar, Pozhakudi, Tiruvarur
Thanthondreeswarar, Agarakothangudi, Tiruvarur
This village temple located near Peralam, on the Mayiladuthurai-Tiruvarur road, is poorly visited, but decently maintained, and had its last kumbhabhishekam in 2014. No sthala puranam could be gleaned from our visit, but going by the Dakshinamurti here, this seems to be an old temple in need of visits.… Read More Thanthondreeswarar, Agarakothangudi, Tiruvarur
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
Arangulanathar, Tiruvarangulam, Pudukkottai
This Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam located very near Pudukottai, is home to several interesting sthala puranams. One of these involves a cache of 3000 golden palm fruit that are believed to be hidden in a cache near the temple, and this also gives the nearby area of Porpanai Kottai its name. Arangulam itself is named for the image of a Siva Lingam (Hara) seen in the temple’s tank (kulam). But what is the fascinating reason behind devotees gifting their children to Brhadambal Amman at this temple?… Read More Arangulanathar, Tiruvarangulam, Pudukkottai
Vyaghrapureeswarar, Tiruvengaivasal, Pudukkottai
When Kamadhenu was delayed in reaching the celestial court, Indra cursed her to be born on Bhulokam. Once here, she started worshipping Siva by bringing water in her ears. On one occasion, a tiger accosted her but she wanted to finish her worship and begged the tiger for permission. She was allowed, and when she came back to offer herself to the tiger, it turned out to be Siva and Parvati, who were testing her! The temple has several sculptural masterpieces, but what is so unique and fascinating about Dakshinamurti at this temple?… Read More Vyaghrapureeswarar, Tiruvengaivasal, Pudukkottai
Mukteeswarar, Theppakulam, Madurai
This Pancha bootha sthalam in Madurai is associated with the celestial elephant Airavata being relieved of the curse he received from Sage Durvasa. This Nayak period temple features beautiful architecture and iconographic depiction of various deities. But what is the interesting reason that this temple, and the adjacent Theppakulam Mariamman temple, do not have gopurams? … Read More Mukteeswarar, Theppakulam, Madurai
Kailasanathar, Parameswaramangalam, Chengalpattu
Small yet peaceful temple located just off the ECR on the banks of the Palar river, near Kalpakkam… Read More Kailasanathar, Parameswaramangalam, Chengalpattu
Amritakadeswarar, Mela Kadambur, Cuddalore
Paadal Petra Sthalam from the medieval Chola period, densely packed with magnificent architecture, in a town that features prominently in Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan… Read More Amritakadeswarar, Mela Kadambur, Cuddalore
Pranava Vyaghrapureeswar, Omampuliyur, Cuddalore
There are 5 places with the suffix “puliyur” where Sage Vyaghrapada was able to witness Siva’s cosmic dance, and this Paadal Petra Sthalam is one of them. The temple is a Guru sthalam, partly the result of Parvati’s inattentiveness, and hence there are 2 Dakshinamurti shrines present here. How did this all come about? … Read More Pranava Vyaghrapureeswar, Omampuliyur, Cuddalore
Patanjaleeswarar, Kanattampuliyur, Cuddalore
Paadal Petra Sthalam where sage Patanjali worshipped Siva and was able to witness the Lord’s cosmic dance – the Ananda Tandavam – again!… Read More Patanjaleeswarar, Kanattampuliyur, Cuddalore
Nadanapureeswarar, Thandanthottam, Thanjavur
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam where Siva danced the Ananda tandavam for the benefit of sage Agastyar and other sages… Read More Nadanapureeswarar, Thandanthottam, Thanjavur
Vataranyeswarar, Tiruvalangadu, Tiruvarur
Regarded as being over 5000 years old, this temple is one of the Kanjanoor Sapta Sthanam temples, and is associated with Parvati marrying Siva on earth as well as Appayya Dikshitar… Read More Vataranyeswarar, Tiruvalangadu, Tiruvarur
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
Masilanathar, Tharangambadi, Nagapattinam
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam in a picturesque location, but lying in a sad state of affairs… Read More Masilanathar, Tharangambadi, 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
Aranyeswarar, Keezh Tirukattupalli, Nagapattinam
Where Indra was absolved of his sins for killing demons and having Sage Dadhichi part with his spine… Read More Aranyeswarar, Keezh Tirukattupalli, Nagapattinam
Vaaimoornaathar, Tiruvaaimoor, Nagapattinam
One of the 7 sapta-vitangam temples, this temple was established by Muchukunda Chakravarti after his victory over Indra, and is considered to be the site of the original Maragatha Lingam. A Paadal Petra Sthalam with various unusual facets, there are 8 Kala Bhairavars (just like at Kasi), a standing Rishabha in front of Thyagarajar, and in a unique arrangement, all Navagrahams face the same direction. But what is absolutely unique about the iconographic depiction of Dakshinamurti at this temple? … Read More Vaaimoornaathar, Tiruvaaimoor, Nagapattinam
Deva Pureeswarar, Thevur, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where the celestials worshipped Siva to be rid of the sin of Indra killing Vritrasura; and the temple features a very unique depiction of Durga… Read More Deva Pureeswarar, Thevur, Tiruvarur
Kediliappar, Keezh Velur, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Murugan worshipped Siva to be rid of the sin of killing Soorapadman, and a Kubera sthalam… Read More Kediliappar, Keezh Velur, Tiruvarur
Yazh Moori Nathar, Dharmapuram, Karaikal
Paadal Petra Sthalam, and avatara sthalam of Neelakanta Yazhpanar Nayanar, where Siva Himself played the yazh to accompany Parvati’s sweet music… Read More Yazh Moori Nathar, Dharmapuram, Karaikal
Naduthariappar, Koil Kannaappur, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva emerged from a wooden peg used to tie cattle, and with something unique about the title to all the lands in the village … Read More Naduthariappar, Koil Kannaappur, Tiruvarur
Agneeswarar, Kanjanoor, 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
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
Vamanapureeswarar, Tirumaanikuzhi, Cuddalore
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva reduced his size in order for Vishnu as Vamana, to worship Him… Read More Vamanapureeswarar, Tirumaanikuzhi, Cuddalore
Tiruvalleswarar, Padi, Chennai
Paadal Petra Sthalam in Chennai, considered a Guru sthalam, and associated with Sage Bharadwaja and Brhaspati amongst others… Read More Tiruvalleswarar, Padi, Chennai
Chokkanathar, Chokkalinga Nagar, Madurai
Small but pretty Siva-Vishnu temple located in the heart of residential Madurai… Read More Chokkanathar, Chokkalinga Nagar, Madurai
Pasupateeswarar, Tiruvetkalam, Cuddalore
Located inside the Annamalai University campus at Chidambaram, this Paadal Petra Sthalam’s puranam is connected to the Mahabharatam. After Arjuna was defeated by a hunter (Siva in disguise), this is where he received the Lord’s blessings and also the Pasupatastram. The depiction of Parvati – with Her hair unbound – is stunning! But how are the some of the places nearby connected with the Mahabharatam story? … Read More Pasupateeswarar, Tiruvetkalam, Cuddalore
Sivakozhundeeswarar, Teerthanagari, Cuddalore
At this Paadal Petra Sthalam, the sthala puranam is about an couple who would feed at least one devotee every day, feeding an old man millets, and he helping the couple cultivate their land in exchange. The temple also has a Ramayanam connection, associated with Jambavan! Among other interesting stories here is one as to why the Apasmara Purusha is not at Dakshinamurti’s feet. But why is this place called Teerthanagari? … Read More Sivakozhundeeswarar, Teerthanagari, Cuddalore
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
Tiru Payatrunathar, Tirupayathangudi, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Lord Siva acted as a partner in crime and helped a devotee evade taxes!… Read More Tiru Payatrunathar, Tirupayathangudi, Nagapattinam
Kannayira Nathar, Tirukaravasal, Tiruvarur
This Paadal Petra Sthalam is connected with the legend of Muchukunda Chakravarti and the maragatha Lingam that he was given by Indra. Despite the popular name of Siva as Kailasanathar in several temples, Amman’s name – Kailasa Nayaki – is rather unique here.but this place also has a story featuring Vinayakar, which has a familiar ring to all of us – fear of the tax man! What is this story? … Read More Kannayira Nathar, Tirukaravasal, Tiruvarur
Arul Somanathar, Needur, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam near Mayiladuthurai where Indra prayed to be able to witness Siva’s cosmic dance… Read More Arul Somanathar, Needur, Nagapattinam
Neiyyaadiappar, Thillaisthanam, 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
Aadi Mooleswarar, Tirupattrurai, Tiruchirappalli
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva himself guided a king to the buried Lingam, which later was installed in the temple… Read More Aadi Mooleswarar, Tirupattrurai, Tiruchirappalli
Maatruraivaradeeswarar, Tiruvasi, Tiruchirappalli
Paadal Petra Sthalam near Trichy, where Lord Siva caused Sundarar to change his song from a complaint to one of praise… Read More Maatruraivaradeeswarar, Tiruvasi, Tiruchirappalli
Paraithurainathar, Tiruparaithurai, Tiruchirappalli
Historically known as Darukavanam, this Paadal Petra Sthalam is the start of one of the stories of Bhikshatanar… Read More Paraithurainathar, Tiruparaithurai, Tiruchirappalli
Bhaktajaneswarar, Tirunavalur, Viluppuram
Birthplace of Sundaramurti Nayanar and a temple that has been in existence in all four yugams… Read More Bhaktajaneswarar, Tirunavalur, Viluppuram
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
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
Vijaya Natheswarar, Tiruvijayamangai, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam near Kumbakonam and Swamimalai, connected to the Mahabharata
… Read More Vijaya Natheswarar, Tiruvijayamangai, Thanjavur
Vilvavaneswarar, Tiruvaikaavoor, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam associated with the origin of the all-night vigil on Maha Sivaratri… Read More Vilvavaneswarar, Tiruvaikaavoor, Thanjavur
Saatchinathar, Tiruppurambayam, 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
Veezhinatheswarar, Tiruveezhimizhalai, Tiruvarur
A Paadal Petra Sthalam associated with the marriage of Siva with Parvati as Katyayani
… Read More Veezhinatheswarar, Tiruveezhimizhalai, 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
Kadaimudi Nathar, Keelayur, Nagapattinam
Brahma appears to be the most penitent character in Hindu mythology, and this is yet another place he worshipped Siva…this time, to guard the world till its end – this gives the moolavar His name at this temple. This Paadal Petra Sthalam is a rather simple temple built in the time of Parantaka Chola, but features some very unique iconography and architecture. Read about those in detail, here.… Read More Kadaimudi Nathar, Keelayur, Nagapattinam
Abatsahayeswarar, Ponnur, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Rati worshipped Lord Siva and was able to restore Kama… Read More Abatsahayeswarar, Ponnur, Nagapattinam
Uktavedeeswarar, Kuttalam, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam and one of the sites connected with the celestial wedding of Siva and Parvati… Read More Uktavedeeswarar, Kuttalam, Nagapattinam
Arasaleeswarar, Ozhindhiampattu, Viluppuram
Sage Vamadeva sat Arasu tree here, hoping Siva would appear and bless him. Understanding his plight, the Lord appeared to him as a Swayambhu murti. Siva here gets His name from the connection with the arasu tree. King Satyavardhan, observing no fresh flowers in his garden, set out to find the thief when he stumbled on the Lingam here. But what is different about Dakshinamurti at this temple? … Read More Arasaleeswarar, Ozhindhiampattu, Viluppuram
Rudraksheswarar, Thepperumanallur, Thanjavur
Sivan temple with a story of how Sani tried to stop Siva himself… Read More Rudraksheswarar, Thepperumanallur, Thanjavur
Abatsahayeswarar, Alangudi, Thanjavur
Guru-sthalam near Kumbakonam and part of the Kumbakonam Navagraham temples; and connected with the legend of samudra-manthan (churning the ocean of milk)
… Read More Abatsahayeswarar, Alangudi, Thanjavur
Abatsahayeswarar, Tirupazhanam, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam and one of the 7 temples associated with Nandi’s wedding and the Tiruvaiyaru Sapta Sthanam festival… Read More Abatsahayeswarar, Tirupazhanam, Thanjavur
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
Agneeswarar, Mela Tirukattupalli, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Agni was able to get rid of all the sins that were burnt during yagams that were conducted… Read More Agneeswarar, Mela Tirukattupalli, Thanjavur
Ardhanareeswarar, Tiruchengode, Namakkal
Paadal Petra Sthalam associated with Siva and Parvati as Ardhanareeswarar… Read More Ardhanareeswarar, Tiruchengode, Namakkal
Brahmmapureeswarar, Tirukkadaiyur, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam and a Mayana Koil associated with Siva’s destruction of Brahma’s ego… Read More Brahmmapureeswarar, Tirukkadaiyur, Nagapattinam
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