This beautiful late-Chola period temple with Pandya influence, is marked by the long vavvaal-nethi mandapam that takes up the majority of the structural temple’s area. This is reckoned to have been a much larger temple in its heyday, and is a shadow of its former self today. The temple is also part of the Tirumangalam Sivaratri set of 3 temples. How and why is this spiritually important?… Read More Naganathar, Pozhakudi, Mayiladuthurai
In the Narasimha Avataram, Vishnu had to leave His abode quickly to reach Prahalada, and so Lakshmi missed seeing His form as Narasimhar. This temple’s sthala puranam is about how She eventually got to witness this avataram. This Pandya period temple does not feature as a Divya Desam, but according to some experts, there is a reason for this. But what does this temple have to do with the famous mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan? … Read More Lakshmi Narasimhar, Namakkal, Namakkal
This east-facing Siva temple located near Mayiladuthurai does not have a sthala puranam, but more than makes up for it with its simple yet beautiful construction and the 2 Nandis – signifying possible Pandya influence on the temple.… Read More Brahmapureeswarar, Villiyanallur, Nagapattinam
The history of this Paadal Petra Sthalam is embellished with three different sthala puranams – all equally engaging, and all demonstrating Lord Siva as Daya Nidhi – the font of all grace! This includes a little-known story associated with, but not found in, the Ramayanam. The place gets its name from the fact that Siva was worshipped by a monkey here, just as He was at Then Kurangaduthurai near Kumbakonam. But what are some of the unique iconographical aspects at this temple?… Read More Dayanidheeswarar, Vadakurangaduthurai, Thanjavur
Located on the fringes of Pudukkottai town, Tirukokaranam is a Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam that finds mention in one of Appar’s pathigams. The temple actually houses two sets of deities, but is most popular by the name Brahadambal koil. The sthala puranam here is connected to that of the nearby Tiruvengaivasal Vyaghrapureeswarar temple, and involves Kamadhenu’s penance on earth. But why is Brahadambal Amman considered a talking goddess?… Read More Magizhavaneswarar, Tirukokaranam, Pudukkottai
Located on the fringes of Pudukkottai town, Tirukokaranam is a Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam that finds mention in one of Appar’s pathigams. The temple actually houses two sets of deities, but is most popular by the name Brahadambal koil. The sthala puranam here is connected to that of the nearby Tiruvengaivasal Vyaghrapureeswarar temple, and involves Kamadhenu’s penance on earth. But why is Brahadambal Amman considered a talking goddess?… Read More Gokarneswarar, Tirukokaranam, Pudukkottai
Part of the Narthamalai temples, this place – Kadambar Malai – is in fact home to three separate shrines – two for Siva (one of them a full-fledged temple) and one for Amman; in addition, there is a massive 20×6 foot rock cut inscription from the Chola period. The contributors to this temple come from the Pallavas, Cholas and Pandyas, as also the Mutharaiyars. But what is one of the sthala puranams here that is said to give the place its name?… Read More Nagareeswarar, Kadambar Malai, Pudukkottai
Part of the Narthamalai temple complex are these two cave temples – both for Siva. One is called Pazhayili Easwaram while the other is Pathinen Bhoomi Vinnagaram. Why is this place called Vinnagaram (a shortening of Vishnu Nagaram) despite being a Siva temple, and what makes us believe this may be the oldest structure in the area? … Read More Sivan Cave Temple, Narthamalai, Pudukkottai
One of two villages named Surakkudi in the outskirts of Karaikudi, this place is Vanniya Surakkudi. A Pandya king who could not keep up with his weekly visit schedule to Madurai owing to old age, was advised by a celestial voice to build this temple for Sundareswarar and Meenakshi Amman, his favourite deities. This Pandya period temple has seen several renovations, and this is evident in the temple’s mixed but stunning architecture. But why is this place called a Pancha-Linga Kshetram?… Read More Sundareswarar, V. Surakudi, Sivaganga
This Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam is also the smallest of the 9 Nagarathar temples that the region is famous for. The place gets its name from being a forest of Vela trees in ancient times. The story behind the finding of Amman’s murti here is the core sthala puranam of the place. But what are the two other local legends about this temple, that are equally fascinating?… Read More Sandeeswarar, Velangudi, 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
One of the 9 famous Nagarathar temples in the Chettinadu region, this temple’s sthala puranam is about Kongana Siddhar’s desire to become an alchemist, turning iron into gold, and is also connected with the sthala puranam of the Thanthondreeswarar temple at nearby Iluppaikudi. But what is the reason behind the strange name of Lord Siva at this temple?… Read More Ainootreeswarar, Mathur, Sivaganga
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
Avudaiyar Koil / Tiruperunthurai is associated almost exclusively with the Saivite saint Manikkavasagar. But this temple is said to have been in existence even before the time of Manikkavasagar, and being a Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam, finds mention in one of Appar’s pathigams. Some elements of the original Pandya-period temple remain. But how did Paramaswami, an old man, help the 300 villagers of the time regain their lands from a corrupt minister?… Read More Kailasanathar, Vadakkur, Pudukkottai
This Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam is also the birthplace of Kulachirai Nayanar, one of the 63 Saiva Nayanmars, and minister of Koon Pandyan of Madurai. The place finds mention in the Ramayanam, and gets its name from how the Siva Lingam was originally found here. The temple is located close to the border of what used to traditionally be the Chola and Pandya country. But why is this of significance to the temple’s history?… Read More Jagadeeswarar, Manamelkudi, Pudukkottai
One of 14 Paadal Petra Sthalams in the Pandya region, this temple has existed in all four yugams., and worshipping the 14 Lingams here is regarded as equal to having visited all 14 such temples. The multitude of stories about this temple speaks to its age and hoary past, chiefly about Brahma repenting for his lack of knowledge about the Pranava Mantram. But why is Kali here not viewed directly, but only through the reflection in a mirror?… Read More Vriddhapureeswarar, Tirupunavasal, Pudukkottai
This very interesting temple on the coastal route from Vedaranyam to Rameswaram, features Siva as Ekambareswarar, who self-emanated as a Lingam under a mango tree, much like He did at Kanchipuram. The temple is connected to the Pandya king Sundara Pandyan and the saint Sambandar. But what makes this temple special are an interesting sculpture on the outer wall, and the separate mandapam to the immediate south of the temple. Why are these special?… Read More Ekambareswarar, Sundara Pandiya Pattinam, Pudukkottai
This west-facing temple is a pitru sthalam, and Siva and Amman here receive completely fresh clothes every day. In the Ramayanam, Rama was on his way to Rameswaram and Lanka, to defeat Ravana and bring Sita back, and quenched His thirst here. Agastyar advised Him to take the grace of Siva, since Ravana – a great Siva devotee himself – was otherwise under Siva’s protection. But what aspect of Saivism did Rama embrace, to show His devotion to Siva?… Read More Sarvateertheswarar, Theerthandathanam, Ramanathapuram
Having existed in all four yugams, the temple also has a Mahabharatam connection. The place is today a prarthana sthalam for those seeking relief from the ill effects of their misdeeds committed both knowingly and otherwise. In turn, these are connected to Suryan’s pride and Vaaruni’s playfulness. What are these fascinating stories, which also explain the cover image, about this place with 12 names, and where Siva has 4 names of His own, and is both a Paadal Petra Sthalam and a Tiruppugazh temple?… Read More Aadi Ratneswarar, Tiruvadanai, 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
This Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam is located near Tiruvadanai in the Ramanathapuram district, and finds mention in Appar’s 4th Tirumurai. No sthala puranam is available for this temple, but the temple itself is clearly either late Chola or early Pandya in period, and presents a calm and serene atmosphere.… Read More Kailasanathar, Rajasingamangalam, Ramanathapuram
After being punished at Daksha’s yagam by Veerabhadrar, Suryan lost his effulgence, and worshipped Siva at various places, to no avail. Realising that Vinayakar would be better placed to plead his case to Siva, Suryan came here and worshipped Vinayakar, who helped the former regain his lost powers. The temple also has a strong Ramayanam connection as well. But why does this place have names including Lavanapuram, Suryapuri, Tavasiddhipuri, and Pavavimochana Puram?… Read More Veyil Ugantha Vinayakar, Uppur, Ramanathapuram
This temple for Siva in Anandur – also called Valanai or Valavai – near Tiruvadanai, does not have a sthala puranam that is known, but is referred to in one of Appar’s Tevaram pathigams in passing, making it a Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam. The temple’s renovation began in 2004 and was stalled for over 15 years, before resuming in 2021. But why does the king who built this temple, have a rather unusual set of titles?… Read More Tirumeninathar, Anandur, Ramanathapuram
Also referred to as Dakshina Kanchipuram, this is one of the rare Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam temples in the Chettinadu region. Built in the Pandya period about 800 years ago, this temple features splendid architecture from that period, particularly of karanas (dance poses from the Bharatanatyam) and several bas-relief images of Vinayakar. But what is the Ramayanam connection to this temple, where the moolavar is an aasura-Lingam?… Read More Ekambareswarar, Tiruvegampattu, Ramanathapuram
A rare Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam in the heart of the Chettinadu region is a pleasant find. Iraguseri – the name of the place today – is a modern corruption of Iragu Sari, Iravu Seri or Iravaan Serim – is linked to the Ramayanam, as is the nearby temple at Kandadevi. The original Pandya temple was significantly restored in the early 20th century by the Nagarathar community. But what is the reason for Siva’s name at this temple?… Read More Mummudinathar, Iraguseri, Sivaganga
Originally, Siva here was called Siragilinathar. A Pandya king in poor financial state sought to rebuild the temple, and quite literally stumbled at this place. Taking this to be a sign, he dug here to find gold and precious stones, as well as a Lingam which was enshrined by him at the temple built with the new-found wealth, leading to a change in Siva’s name here. But what is the deep Ramayanam connection hat this temple, the place, as well as nearby Iraguseri, share?… Read More Swarnamurtheeswarar, Kandadevi, Sivaganga
Said to have been originally constructed nearly 2000 years ago, this temple’s puranam is about a great sword – the Kotraval – of the king, which Siva made disappear, and then tested the king’s commitment to his subjects. This Nagarathar temple is filled with stunning architecture and carvings, all done in granite, making it even more spectacular. But why is the Amman here named Tiru Nellai Amman, and why is She a guardian deity of all women?… Read More Kotravaleeswarar, Kovilur, Sivaganga
This Nagarathar temple near Karaikudi and Pillaiyarpatti celebrates Siva and Parvati as Sundareswarar and Meenakshi, as they are in Madurai. Also for this reason, this temple is a favoured venue for both fixing and conducting marriages. Dated to the 14th century, this temple is best known for Kottai Vinayakar, built by a feudatory of the Pandyas. But why is Vinayakar named so, and how is this relevant to other places in the region? … Read More Sundareswarar, Kambanur, 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
Sage Vasishta and Kailaya Parvatha Maharishi wished to witness Siva’s tandavam, but instead of appearing from the Lingam, Siva performed His cosmic dance from the skies, possibly giving this place its name. This is regarded as one of the very few places to survive the great floods – pralayam. But what is the reason for Vinayakar here to be covered in vibhuti at all times, and how is that essential to the sthala puranam of this temple?… Read More Kailasanathar, Veliyathur, Sivaganga
Ancient temple located near Tirupattur and Karaikudi… Read More Kailasanathar, Kandaramanickam, Sivaganga
When a newly-wed bride had to face the wrath of her husband’s first wife, who did not believe that the couple was married, she called upon three witnesses – the vanni tree, the temple tank and the Siva Lingam, all belonging to this temple – in front of whom the saint Sambandar had conducted their wedding. Sani faces his Guru, Bhairavar, which is unlike the depiction in any other temple. But what is the strange reason that the abhishekam water and neivedyam vada-malai for Bhairavar are not distributed to devotees?… Read More Sugandha Vaneswarar, Perichi Koil, 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
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
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
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
The temple is the first of the 9 prominent Nagarathar temples in the region, and the community was gifted the village and the temple by the ruling Pandya king. In addition to being a prarthana sthalam for marriage, this is also famous in the region for celebrating milestone birthdays. But what is the interesting story behind the name of the place, which is also home to a famous branch of the Sankara Matham?… Read More Kailasanathar, Ilayathangudi, 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
One of the 9 important Nagarathar temples in the Chettinad region, the sthala puranam here is similar to the one at Korukkai, and involves Siva burning Kama to ashes. This is conjectured to be a Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam which Appar has referred to in one of his pathigams, and today, is replete with spectacular architecture. But despite being located in the Pandya heartland, what are the various indications that this is a Chola temple?… Read More Jayamkonda Chozheeswarar, Nemam, Sivaganga
Missed by most visitors to the Kunnakudi Murugan temple, is this cave temple for Siva as Thenatrunathar, located on the west of the Kunnakudi hillock. The temple, which is not in active use and is today an ASI maintained site, features three shrines for Siva, in addition to excellent specimens of early Pandya architecture. But what is so special about the dwarapalakas at this temple?… Read More Thenatrunathar, 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
This rare Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam in this part of Tamilakam, ie the Chettinad region, houses one of the 8 Lingams that Nagarajar, the king of serpents, installed and worshipped. The sthala puranam here is about a king who built this temple after he had a dream, and then spent the rest of his life here. But what connects this temple with the Madurai Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple?… Read More Chokkanathar, Muraiyur, Sivaganga
When Brahma undertook a pilgrimage to rid himself of a curse by Sage Durvasa, he installed a temple for Siva here, and is said to worship Siva even today, from the nearby Aravan Malai. Siva is also worshipped as Sarabeswara here, and the temple has a Ramayanam connection as well. But why is Siva named Rudra Koteeswarar here, and what interesting aspect of Siva’s family is part of this temple’s sthala puranam?… Read More Rudrakoteeswarar, Chaturveda Mangalam, Sivaganga
Filled with over 60 inscriptions spanning more than 7 centuries, this temple lies on what was once the land route connecting the eastern seaport of Thondi with its western counterpart at Muziris. Originally built in the time of Kulothunga Chola I, this temple features a combination of Chola and Pandya architecture, and some unusual aspects of temple building and iconography. But this place is also important in the history of Tamilakam. How so?… Read More Swayam Pratheeswarar, Sivapuripatti, Sivaganga
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 small, yet serene village temple from the 14th century Pandya period has been maintained well despite the challenges it faces. As part of his visits to various Siva temples, Sage Vyaghrapada came and worshipped Siva here. This temple is also replete with architectural and sculptural masterpieces, including Bhikshatanar, Chandikeswarar, and the Nandi mandapam. The village of Veeraperumal Nallur itself has an interesting history, connected with the Perumal temple nearby. … Read More Vyaghrapureeswarar, Veeraperumal Nallur, Cuddalore
Originally said to have been built by Siva’s ganas, this Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam finds mention in two pathigams by Appar. When the temple priest’s wedding was cancelled due to a demise in the family, he worshipped here, and the child was miraculously revived. This early Pandya temple features some very interesting architecture. But why are children given up in adoption to Vriddhapureeswarar and Dharmasamvarthini Amman?… Read More Vriddhapureeswarar, Annavasal, Pudukkottai
Tiruparankundram is famous first and foremost, for one of the 6 Arupadai Veedu temples of Murugan. Lesser known is the fact that that temple is actually a Paadal Petra Sthalam for Siva as Satya Gireeswarar. However, just 100 meters from that temple is another Pandya temple, for Meenakshi Amman and Siva as Sokkanathar, featuring some unique and rare depictions of various deities. But what is the very interesting story of how and why Murugan and His Parents came to this place? … Read More Sokkanathar, Tiruparankundram, Madurai
This rock-cut temple is one of the 6 Arupadai Veedu temples dedicated to Murugan, and is located inside the Satya Gireeswarar temple at Tiruparankundram just outside Madurai. In different epics, the temple has a different story associated with it – either as the site of Murugan’s slaying of Soorapadman, or the venue of Murugan’s wedding to Indra’s daughter Devasena. But what is the story of the nine aides of Murugan, who are also enshrined as deities in this temple? … Read More Subrahmanyar, Tiruparankundram, Madurai
This is where Vishnu worshipped after visiting Madurai for the Meenakshi-Sundareswarar wedding, and Siva explained the meaning of the Vedas to Him. The temple is also connected to another son of the soil, and one of the most influential of the Saivite bhakti saints – Manikkavasagar – who was born here and received Siva’s deeksha as well. This beautiful Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam has stunning Pandya architecture, but how is it connected with a Tamil retelling of the Mahabharatam?… Read More Tirumarainathar, Tiruvathavur, Madurai
This temple finds mention in Paranjothi Munivar’s Tiruvilaiyadal puranam, and is one of the pancha bootha sthalams in Madurai, and also one of the 4 inner garland (ull-avaranam) temples of the famous Meenakshi Amman temple. The child-saint Sambandar is believed to have sung the famous _Mandiramaavadhu Neeru_ (மந்திரமாவது நீறு) pathigam here, which provided relief to the king Koon Pandiyan (who later himself became a Nayanmar). But how did Madurai get the name Aalavaai, and how is that connected to this temple?… Read More Then Tiruaalavaai Sokkanthar, Madurai, Madurai
As against the norm of sins being pardoned only in subsequent births, this is a place where Siva forgives one’s sins in their current birth itself, and hence the name of the moolavar here. Surprisingly, Chandikeswarar is given equal prominence as Siva, as he is said to recommend devotees’ prayers to the Lord. One of the Pancha Bootha Sthalams in and around Madurai, this temple has a fascinating sthala puranam, which involves Siva worshipping Himself as a Siva Lingam that He installed! How is this possible?… Read More Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar, 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
Stories of Siva and Parvati’s marriage(s)… Read More The primordial couple – the stories of Siva-Parvati weddings
Quiet and beautiful temple in Sadras, near the Malai Mandala Perumal temple… Read More Tiruvareeswarar, Kalpakkam, Chengalpattu
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam in a picturesque location, but lying in a sad state of affairs… Read More Masilanathar, Tharangambadi, Nagapattinam
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
இந்த கோவில் ராமாயணத்துடன் மிகவும் நெருங்கிய தொடர்புடையது. இத்தலத்தின் பண்டைய பெயர் திரு உசாதனம். தமிழில் உசவு அல்லது உசவுத்தல் என்பது எதையாவது விசாரிப்பது அல்லது கேட்பது. ராமர் இக்கோயிலுக்கு வந்து, சிவபெருமானிடம் இலங்கைக்கு பாலம் கட்ட ஆலோசனை கேட்டார், அதனால் அந்த இடத்திற்கு அந்த பெயர் வந்தது. பதிலுக்கு, சிவன் ராமருக்கு மந்திரோபதேசம் கொடுத்தார், அதனால் அவருக்கு மந்திரபுரீஸ்வரர் என்று பெயர் வந்தது. இங்கு ராமாயணத்துடன் வேறு பல தொடர்புகள் உள்ளன. சுந்தரரின் தேவாரம் ராமர்,… Read More மந்திரபுரீஸ்வரர், கோவிலூர், திருவாரூர்
This Paadal Petra Sthalam temple has several Ramayanam connections, including Rama praying here, asking for guidance on building the bridge to Lanka. This puranam is also the source of the Tamil name of this place – Usathanam. Another sthala puranam here relates to Garuda, and why as a consequence, the Lingam here is said to be white in colour. But what is the very interesting reason for this place being called Kovilur, and even Aadi Chidambaram? … Read More Mandirapureeswarar, Kovilur, Tiruvarur
Nava Kailasam temple located on the banks of the Tambraparani river, and a Sukra sthalam
… Read More Kailasanathar, Senthapoomangalam, Thoothukudi
This Perumal temple on the banks of the Tambraparani is likely from the early Pandya period, though the inscriptions here are from the later Pandyas in the 12th and 13th century CE. The temple is most famous for the special pujas conducted for Garuda, who is depicted carrying the pot of nectar (amrtam) here. But what is the reason for the name of the place, and also why the temple is a sarpa dosha nivritti sthalam?… Read More Brihan Madhavan, Kodaganallur, Tirunelveli
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
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
மதுரை மன்னன் சோழந்தகன் தீவிர சிவபக்தனாக இருந்ததால் சிவனுக்கு பூஜை செய்யாமல் உணவு உண்ணாமல் இருந்தான். அவரது ஆட்சியில் சிவபக்தியினாலும், பக்தியினாலும் இப்பகுதி உரிய நேரத்தில் மழை பெய்து வளமான பயிர்கள் விளைந்தது. அவருக்கு கீழ் மக்கள் மிகவும் மகிழ்ச்சியாக இருந்தனர். ஒரு நாள் அரசன் காட்டுக்கு மான் வேட்டையாடப் புறப்பட்டான் ஆனால் அன்று முழுவதும் அவனால் மான் கிடைக்கவில்லை. நாளின் முடிவில், ராஜா மிகவும் சோர்வாகவும் பசியாகவும் இருந்தார், அவர் கிட்டத்தட்ட மயக்கமடைந்தார். அவருடன் வந்த… Read More திரு ஆப்புடையார், செல்லூர், மதுரை
Paadal Petra Sthalam on the outskirts of Madurai, on the banks of the Vaigai river… Read More Tiru Aappudayar, Sellur, Madurai
Sambandar visited Madurai at the request of the queen of Madurai, when the king Koon Pandiyan started supporting Jainism, resulting in the decline of Saivism. This temple is best known for the interesting story of Sambandar overcoming the Jain monks in treating the king of his colic disease. But why did Sundarar prayed to Siva from a boat in the river, and not come to this temple itself? … Read More Edaganathar, Tiruvedagam, Madurai
TN Temples Project 