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 rare Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam finds mention in one of Sundarar’s pathigams, and has beautiful stucco images of various puranams and also stories from the Tiruvilaiyadal. It is last of the 1008 temples installed by king Bhageeratha, and is one of the five Pancha Bootha Sthalams around Chennai. The forest of palasa trees here at one time, gives the place its present-day name as well! But why is the Ganga river also called the Bhageerathi, and what is its connection with this temple?… Read More Gangadheeswarar, Purasaiwakkam, Chennai
Temple on the banks of the Kollidam river, considered the birthplace of Nandi… Read More Vaidyanathar, Tirumazhapadi, Ariyalur
Beautiful Chola temple near Mannargudi connected to Sibi Chakravarti, Suryan and Daksha’s yagna… Read More Bhaskareswarar, Parithiappar Koil, 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
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
Divya Desam that has existed across the four yugams, where Vishnu is worshipped as the resplendent and handsome Soundararaja Perumal… Read More Soundararaja Perumal, Nagapattinam, Nagapattinam
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
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
Paadal Petra Sthalam in Chennai, considered a Guru sthalam, and associated with Sage Bharadwaja and Brhaspati amongst others… Read More Tiruvalleswarar, Padi, Chennai
This is one of 3 Paadal Petra Sthalams on the coastal side of Chennai, one of whose sthala puranams give the nearby locality of Valmiki Nagar, its name. This is where Siva is said to have imparted the science of herbal medicine to Sage Agastyar, and the five Teerthams of the temple are believed to have descended from Siva’s matted locks. The many Lingams in the temple each have their own sthala puranam. The moolavar at this temple used to face east, but why did He turn west (and remain so)? … Read More Marundeeswarar, Tiruvanmiyur, Chennai
Lesser-known temple in Kovalam near Chennai, with some very unusual and interesting aspects of architecture, iconography, and worship practices… Read More Kailasanathar, Kovalam, Kanchipuram
Divya Desam built by Mayan, the architect of the asuras, for which Vishnu let go of his conch and discus!… Read More Kolavilli Ramar, Tiruvelliyangudi, Thanjavur
Divya Desam and Pancha Ranga Kshetram where Vishnu is in Sayana kolam… Read More Appakudathan, Koviladi, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Lord Siva relieved a sage in deer form, from a curse… Read More Aamravaneswarar, Mandurai, 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
Large Divya Desam temple, built in the design of a fort, with a swastika-shaped temple tank… Read More Pundarikaksha Perumal, Tiruvellarai, Tiruchirappalli
Divya Desam temple and Krishan Aranya Kshetram, where a 12-foot tall Perumal is in the garbhagriham, with Sage Markandeya, Prahlada, and a cow and calf representing His sister Parvati… Read More Devadiraja Perumal, Therazhundur, Nagapattinam
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
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
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
Divya Desam where Vishnu married Lakshmi after her penance, witnessed by Devas who now reside as bees… Read More Bhaktavatsala Perumal, Tirukanna Mangai, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam and considered a prarthana sthalam for getting rid of debt… Read More Saraparameswarar, Tirucherai, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam located in Patteeswaram – a place of significant Chola history – and associated with Kamadhenu… Read More Thenupureeswarar, Patteeswaram, Thanjavur
TN Temples Project 