This small village temple is likely to have been affiliated to the Chidambaram Natarajar temple, as an adjunct of that temple. Despite the lack of a daily puja, the committed villagers are keen on the temple’s upkeep. This is one of the many temples that desperately need visitors, so please do visit if possible.… Read More Chidambareswarar, Kattalaicheri, Mayiladuthurai
This small temple adjoining the Tirumayam fort, serves as the guardian of the southern entrance to the fort. The temple is itself just a shrine for Muneeswarar, worshipped by the locals. But the historical and iconographic wonders lie beyond the Muneeswarar and into the ancient fort beyond. What are these?… Read More Kottai Muneeswarar, Tirumayam, Pudukkottai
Basic information about the temple Moolavar: Kubera Lingam Ambal / Thayar: – Deity: Siva Historical name: Vriksham: Teertham: Agamam: Age (years): Timing: to & to Parikaram: Temple group: – Sung by: Temple set: Navagraham: Nakshatram: City / town: Avudaiyar Kovil District: Pudukkottai Maps from (click): Current location Karaikudi (35 km) Pudukkottai (52 km) Thanjavur (98… Read More Kubera Lingam, Avudaiyar Kovil, Pudukkottai
Yet another dilapidated temple on the route taken by Rama in His search for Sita. The architectural elements of this excellent temple appear to be of mixed ancestry, but Marungur itself has been recently revealed to have evidence of having been a Sangam era port and marketplace. Anyone with more information on this temple may please contact us.… Read More Sivan, Marungur, Ramanathapuram
An unusual early-Chola temple in the heart of the Pandya country, this temple lies in ruins today. But going by the architecture and detailed inscriptions at this temple, this would have possibly been a large and important temple in its day. Those who are able to support the refurbishment of this dilapidated temple may please reach out in person, to the temple priest.… Read More Tiruvirundeeswarar, Radhanur, Ramanathapuram
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
Ancient temple located near Tirupattur and Karaikudi… Read More Kailasanathar, Kandaramanickam, Sivaganga
This temple dates back to the year 1800, when Siva appeared in the dream of a local. The person later found a Siva Lingam in his garden, and recalling the dream, built this temple.… Read More Somasundarar, Kallal, 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
This small but serene temple in Aralikottai, is located mid-way between Madagupatti and Tirukoshtiyur. The temple – over 1000 years old – boasts of a rich past, from the time of Rajendra Chola I, when the Cholas ruled over this land.… Read More Chozheeswarar, Aralikottai, Sivaganga
Small but serene temple in the heart of Madagupatti town, said to be from the Pandya period, and maintained by the Nagarathar community.… Read More Sundareswarar, Madagupatti, Sivaganga
Often mistaken for the spectacular Atmanathar temple at Avudaiyar Koil (Tirupperunthurai), this temple does not have a sthala puranam of its own, but features some great architectural aspects, and is a classic Nagarathar temple of the Chettinadu region.… Read More Atmanathaswami, Ilayathangudi, Sivaganga
Located just behind the Ilayathangudi Kailasanathar temple, this place features Vishnu as Adi Kesava Perumal, and is replete with beautiful architecture in a range of sizes, and also the representation of Vishnu’s Dasavataram on the pillars.… Read More Adi Kesava Perumal, Ilayathangudi, Sivaganga
This one-shrine temple as it stands today in a rather dilapidated state, is said to have been a much larger temple during the late Pandya / early Chola period. We can only be thankful to the locals, who have saved many of the murtis of the temple, and kept it in a shed nearby.… Read More Rudrapatheeswarar, Velangudi, Sivaganga
This small but serene temple, said to be from the Pandya period, does not have a sthala puranam. But what it lacks in that regard, it more than compensates for, with a very unusual temple layout, representing Siva and Parvati’s kalyana kolam.… Read More Sundareswarar, Kandavarayanpatti, 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
This beautiful Pandya period temple is located halfway between Tirupattur and Tirumayam, and is maintained by the Nagarathar community. Despite the absence of any known sthala puranam, the temple houses excellent sculptures, in addition to the very old murtis of the deities in the various shrines.… Read More Sundareswarar, Keelasevalpatti, Sivaganga
A relatively recent construction, this temple features Siva as Agameswarar. Going by the name, the temple should have some interesting story connected with it, but in the absence of anybody around, it was not possible to get this information. Perhaps a reader may be able to help, and contact us?… Read More Agameswarar, Pillamangalam, Sivaganga
This late Chola-period temple in the Chettinad heartland, lies in a dilapidated state. Fortunately, some of the murtis have been secured and are housed in a newly constructed brick shrine adjacent to the older temple. Hopefully this place will see the light of restoration soon.… Read More Agasteeswarar, Neivasal, Pudukkottai
Temple from the Imperial Pandya period (13th and 14th century CE) with interesting depictions of murtis, particularly Bhikshatanar. … Read More Azhagiya Soleeswarar, Chokkalingapuram, Madurai
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
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 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
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 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
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
This village temple located near Tirumeyachur, close to the Meghanathar-Lalithambigai temple, is poorly visited, and in a sorry condition.… Read More Vastrarajara Perumal, Vastrarajapuram, Nagapattinam
This village temple located near Tirumeyachur, close to the Meghanathar-Lalithambigai temple, is poorly visited, and in a sorry condition.… Read More Varadaraja Perumal, Alathur, 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
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
This village temple located near Peralam, on the Mayiladuthurai-Tiruvarur road, is poorly visited, but decently maintained, and appeared recently renovated in October 2021. No sthala puranam could be gleaned from our visit.… Read More Ekambareswarar, Kaduvangudi, Tiruvarur
This village temple located near Peralam, on the Mayiladuthurai-Tiruvarur road, is poorly visited, but decently maintained. No sthala puranam could be gleaned from our visit, but seems to be linked to sage Kashyapa, who has a separate shrine here.… Read More Kailasanathar, Kaduvangudi, Tiruvarur
Ancient Chola temple among many temples dotting the area around and near the banks of the Veeranam Lake, in a rather poor state, desperately needing attention… Read More Kasi Viswanathar, Lalpet, Cuddalore
Small but tranquil temple – one of several such temples dotting the area around and near the banks of the Veeranam Lake… Read More Vedagiriswarar, Elleri, Cuddalore
Village temple near Veeranam Lake, where a horse unknowingly trod upon a Siva Lingam causing it to bleed, and Parvati in the form of a cow offered Her milk to stop the bleeding… Read More Sivalokanathar, Kollimalai Keezhpathi, Cuddalore
Village temple near Veeranam Lake, with some nice and well-done sculptures… Read More Ananteeswarar, Tiruchinnapuram, Cuddalore
Village temple near Veeranam Lake, with some nice and well-done sculptures… Read More Brahmapureeswarar, Maniyam Adur, Cuddalore
Small but serene temple between Tirukovilur and Tiruvaheendrapuram, where the utsava murti Perumal of Tirukovilur spends a night, during the Masi Magham Teerthavari festival of that temple.… Read More Veeraraghava Perumal, Veeraperumal Nallur, Cuddalore
Jain cave temple converted into a cave temple for Siva in the time of Maravarman Sundara Pandyan… Read More Ardhanareeswarar, Thenparankundram, Madurai
Temple for the Tirumurai saint Manikkavasagar, built at his birthplace in Tiruvathavur… Read More Manikkavasakar, Tiruvathavur, Madurai
Vinayakar temple near the Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai, with a unique token system for distributing coconuts… Read More Aalala Sundara Vinayakar, Madurai, Madurai
Ancient Pandya cave temple for Murugan, and the supposed site of Murugan and Devasena’s wedding … Read More Murugan (Ladan Koil), Narasingam, Madurai
Sanctified spot where the Vaishnavite saint Pillai Lokacharyar attained mukti, located at Kodikulam on the outskirts of Madurai… Read More Pillai Lokacharyar Tiruvarasu, Kodikulam, Madurai
A small Vinayakar temple at Kodikulam outside Madurai, to be worshipped first before visiting the Veda Narayana Perumal temple and Pillai Lokacharyar Tiruvarasu shrine… Read More Vinayakar, Kodikulam, Madurai
Constructed on what is today an island in the Palar river, this small yet peaceful temple is located just off the East Coast Road, near Kalpakkam. The temple traces its origins to the Pallava king Nrupatunga, and can be dated to at least the late 9th century. Interestingly, the Nandi for this temple is actually located in another temple nearby! But why is Parvati said to have come to this hillock on Her knees?… Read More Kailasanathar, Parameswaramangalam, Chengalpattu
Temple with a Ramayanam connection, where Vali is said to have worshipped, to be cleansed of the sin of killing the demon Mayavi… Read More Tiruvaleeswarar, Koovathur, Chengalpattu
Pallava era Siva temple that, after a court case, is likely to be reopened soon… Read More Chidambareswarar, Koovathur, Chengalpattu
Newly constructed Chola-era temple on ECR, close to Koovathur… Read More Kanakapureeswarar, Mugaiyur, Chengalpattu
Quiet and beautiful temple in Sadras, near the Malai Mandala Perumal temple… Read More Tiruvareeswarar, Kalpakkam, Chengalpattu
This Pallava-era temple from the 7th century was buried underground. Thanks to the efforts of the locals, the temple was rediscovered in 2012/13 and rebuilt by the residents of the village, after raising funds from various sources. … Read More Tiruvadheeswararmudaiyar, Kadambadi, Chengalpattu
Perumal temple located in Perambur, famously associated with Bodhendra Saraswati Swamigal and Kanchi Maha Periyavaa… Read More Varadaraja Perumal, Perambur, Tiruvarur
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam where sage Agastyar worshipped Siva after vanquishing the demons Vatapi and Ilvala… Read More Agasteeswarar, Kuzhaiyur, Nagapattinam
This Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam finds mention in one of Appar’s pathigams, in which the saint also refers to temples in Purkudi, Makudi, Devankudi, and Neelakudi. This temple is a beautiful example of Chola architecture, set under agamic rules, and unlike other temples, has a shrine for Adi Sankara!… Read More Swetaranyeswarar, Pudhukudi, Tiruvarur
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam referenced in one of Appar’s pathigams, mentioned as part of Siva’s journey from Tirumeignanam (Naalur) to Tiruvarur… Read More Dharmapureeswarar, Vadakandam, Tiruvarur
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam where Lakshmi is said to have make Her home, after She came out of the ocean when it was churned by the Devas and asuras… Read More Sivalokanathar, Mamakudi, Nagapattinam
500-year old west-facing Siva temple, with Amman facing east, making this a Guru sthalam… Read More Mukteeswarar, Manigramam, Nagapattinam
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
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam considered to have been installed by the Pandavas during their exile… Read More Arunachaleswarar, Keelaiyur, Tiruvarur
This small temple in a nondescript village is actually a Vaippu Sthalam that features in the Tevaram, mentioned by the Saivite saint Sundarar in one of his pathigams. Sages Agastyar and Vitangar worshipped here. But despite the fine examples of Chola architecture, the temple lies uncared for, except by the residents of the village. This is one of several such temples that needs our collective support.… Read More Agasteeswarar, Vidangalur, Nagapattinam
Considered the unofficial 7th padai Veedu of Murugan, this is one of the temples where Murugan received his Vel from Parvati, before battling Soorapadman… Read More Singaravelar, Sikkal, Nagapattinam
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam where Siva and His entourage are said to have visited, on their way to Tiruveezhimizhalai… Read More Tirulokanathar, Thakkalur, Karaikal
This Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam does not have a sthala puranam of its own that has been identified for this temple. However, the temple is located in what appears to be the remnants of the lost city of Kaveripoompattinam, which is mentioned in Sangam literature. This simple temple has behind it, a history of the lost city of Neithalankaanal. What is this history?… Read More Munivasagaswami, Neithavasal, Nagapattinam
Small but pretty Siva-Vishnu temple located in the heart of residential Madurai… Read More Chokkanathar, Chokkalinga Nagar, Madurai
Basic information about the temple Moolavar: Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Ambal / Thayar: Sridevi, Bhoodevi Deity: Perumal Historical name: Vriksham: Teertham: Agamam: Vaikanasa Age (years): 1000-2000 Timing: to & to Parikaram: Temple group: – Sung by: Temple set: Navagraham: Nakshatram: City / town: Vanathirajapuram District: Nagapattinam Maps from (click): Current location Mayiladuthurai (5 km) Kumbakonam (34… Read More Lakshmi Narayana Perumal, Vanathirajapuram, Nagapattinam
This small, dilapidated temple has recently found prominence amongst followers of Chola history and Chola temples. Mostly made of brick, this temple today is a shadow of what would likely have been an imposing temple in Chola times. Brahma and the naga kannikas are said to have worshipped here. But why is the location of this temple important in Chola history?… Read More Brahma Nandeeswarar, Patteeswaram, Thanjavur
Small but beautiful old Perumal temple near in Murappanadu… Read More Lakshmi Narayana Perumal, Murappanadu, Tirunelveli
Serene Perumal temple near the banks of the Tambraparani, in Murappanadu, Tirunelveli district… Read More Anjel Srinivasa Perumal, Murappanadu, Tirunelveli
Small but beautiful and simple Pandya style Siva temple on the banks of the Tambraparani river… Read More Kasi Viswanathar, Murappanadu, Tirunelveli
This small but beautiful, unique west-facing Siva temple in Kodaganallur, near one of the Nava Kailasam temples, is regarded as highly powerful, owing to it being a west-facing Siva temple. The village of Kodaganallur gets its name from the fact that Karkotaka, the snake, attained liberation here. However, the most interesting part of this temple is the placement of various deities, despite this being a west-facing temple. How so?… Read More Abhimukteeswarar, Kodaganallur, Tirunelveli
Small but beautiful ancient Perumal temple near Kalakkad… Read More Varadaraja Perumal, Kalakkad, Tirunelveli
One of three temples that make up the Divya Desam of Tirukurungudi, this one associated with Vishnu on Parkadal… Read More Tiruparkadal Nambi, Tirukurungudi, Tirunelveli
Basic information about the temple Moolavar: Yogeswarar Ambal / Thayar: x Deity: Aiyanar/Sastha Historical name: Vriksham: Teertham: Agamam: Age (years): Timing: 6.30 to 7.30 & 6.30 to 8.30 Parikaram: Temple group: – Sung by: Temple set: Navagraham: Nakshatram: City / town: Putheri District: Kanyakumari Maps from (click): Current location Nagercoil (6 km) Kanyakumari (23 km)… Read More Yogeswarar, Putheri, Kanyakumari
Located at the site where Vibhishana sought refuge in Rama, this is the only historical structure that survived the 1964 cyclone that washed away Danushkodi… Read More Dhanushkodi and Kodandaramar Temple
There are a few other temples and sites in Rameswaram that are linked to the Ramayana. Ramar Padham This is located on the Gandhamadhana Parvatham, a small hillock located about 3 km north-west from the Ramanathaswami temple, and can be reached by car. This is the highest point on Pamban Island. There is a pair of… Read More Other temples / sites in Rameswaram
TN Temples Project 