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: Sani
Maha Ganapathi, Ganapathi Agraharam, Thanjavur
This temple dedicated to Vinayakar is unique in several ways. The sthala puranams here are both very interesting, and connected to the famine in this region that was overcome in one way or another, by worshipping Vinayakar. The temple is also one of the Swamimalai Parivara devata sthalams. But what unique customs are followed by the temple and the village when it comes to Vinayakar worship, for both daily and annual festivals?… Read More Maha Ganapathi, Ganapathi Agraharam, Thanjavur
Kailasanathar, Veliyathur, 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
Sugandha Vaneswarar, Perichi Koil, 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
Bhairaveswarar, Cholapuram, Thanjavur
This Chola temple is regarded as the moola Sthanam or birthplace for all 64 Bhairavars. Unlike most other Siva temples, there are 11 koshtams (niches) around the walls of the sanctum, each with its own architectural marvels and sculptures. But how is this temple connected to Ravana’s slaying by Rama, in the Ramayanam?… Read More Bhairaveswarar, Cholapuram, Thanjavur
Agasteeswarar, Tirukodiyalur, Tiruvarur
After the Tirumeyachur temple, this is possibly the most popular temple in the region, as it is regarded as the birthplace of both Sani and Yama. Worshipping here is considered as good as, or better than, worshipping at any other Sani sthalam, including Tirunallaru. But both Sani and Yama are worshipped here as benevolent deities (anugraha murtis). How and why is this so?… Read More Agasteeswarar, Tirukodiyalur, Tiruvarur
Sakalabuvaneswarar, Tirumeyachur, Tiruvarur
Even the celestial world is filled with complex stories of intrigue, desire and passions. This temple shares its sthala puranam with that of the Tirumeyachur Meghanathar (Lalithambigai) temple, and is about how all of these led to the birth of Vali and Sugreeva, and Surya then being forgiven by Siva. This Paadal Petra Sthalam was built as a balalayam (Ilankoil in Tamil) and so is older than the Meghanathar temple that it is part of. But why was this temple retained, which is unusual for balalayams? … Read More Sakalabuvaneswarar, Tirumeyachur, Tiruvarur
Punugeswarar, Koranad, Mayiladuthurai
This is one of the 7 temples that comprise the Mayiladuthurai Sapta Sthanam set of temples. The sthala puranam here concerns a civet (punugu or musk) cat which worshipped Siva here, and was blessed by the Lord. The temple is also seems to share a connection with the nearby Moovalur temple, with Brahma and Vishnu worshipping Siva. But why is this place called Koranad, and how is it connected to Nesa Nayanar?… Read More Punugeswarar, Koranad, Mayiladuthurai
Sumukha – 25 thoughts on Vinayakar
Exploring with 25 concepts on Vinayakar, , covering Vinayakar lore, Origins, Iconography, the world of celestials, Vinayakar worship, and interesting stories & representations of Vinayakar in temples in Tamil Nadu… Read More Sumukha – 25 thoughts on Vinayakar
Sukshma Pureeswarar, Cherugudi, Tiruvarur
This temple and village are connected with Sambandar’s Kolaru Pathigam, inspiring the idea that malevolent forces have no effect on those who have placed their faith in Lord Siva. The sthala puranam here is about Siva and Parvati playing chokkattan, and Siva suddenly disappearing. But why is the Linga Swaroopam of Lord Siva here called a Santosha Lingam, and how is that connected to the sthala puranam a happy marriage? … Read More Sukshma Pureeswarar, Cherugudi, Tiruvarur
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
Jambukaranyeswarar, Koonthalur, Thanjavur
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam and Tiruppugazh sthalam, this temple is equally famous for Murugan imparting wisdom, and has an interesting sthala puranam concerning Sage Romaharshana… Read More Jambukaranyeswarar, Koonthalur, 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
Viswanathar / Suryan, Suryanar Koil, Thanjavur
Chief amongst the Kumbakonam Navagraham temples, this is also a Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam, and is closely connected to the Tirumangalakudi Prananatheswarar temple… Read More Viswanathar / Suryan, Suryanar Koil, Thanjavur
Agneeswarar, Tirukollikadu, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam, where Saneeswaran (Sani) gets pride of place despite this being a Siva temple. Sani here is worshipped as Pongu Sani, and is said to bless devotees with prosperity… Read More Agneeswarar, Tirukollikadu, Tiruvarur
Kayarohaneswarar, Nagapattinam, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam temple said to have been originally established by the Lakulisa Pasupatas, and connected with Adipaththa Nayanar, where Sage Pundareeka ascended to Kailasam with his mortal body… Read More Kayarohaneswarar, Nagapattinam, Nagapattinam
Nageswaramudayar, Sirkazhi, Nagapattinam
Regarded as the original Rahu temple, this temple is famous for its Rahukala puja… Read More Nageswaramudayar, Sirkazhi, Nagapattinam
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
Tirukoteeswarar, Tirukodikkaa, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam that rids devotees of the fear of death, and where Amman appeared as Vishnu !… Read More Tirukoteeswarar, Tirukodikkaa, Thanjavur
Nellivananathar, Tirunellikkaa, Tiruvarur
This Paadal Petra Sthalam is also one of the 5 Pancha-ka kshetrams (temples in forests, and therefore whose names end with -ka or -kavu) in Tamil Nadu. The temple has a quaint connection with the Ramayanam, and also a close connection with the Cholas, as part of its sthala puranams. But possibly the most important aspect of this place is that the forever-angry sage Durvasa was blessed to overcome his anger, here! How did this happen? … Read More Nellivananathar, Tirunellikkaa, Tiruvarur
Agneeswarar, Tirupugalur, Nagapattinam
Two Paadal Petra Sthalams in a single temple, and mukti sthalam of Appar (Tirunavukkararasar)… Read More Agneeswarar, Tirupugalur, Nagapattinam
Kutram Poruttha Naathar, Thalaignaayiru, Nagapattinam
This puranam of this Kulothunga Chola III era temple is closely linked to that of the nearby Kundala Karneswarar temple, and also a Ramayanam connection. As it is at Sirkazhi, there is a separate shrine for Siva as Sattanathar here. Siva here is believed to have forgiven Indra, but what bad deed (kutram / aparatham) did Hanuman commit, for him to be forgiven here by Aparatha-Kshameswarar? … Read More Kutram Poruttha Naathar, Thalaignaayiru, Nagapattinam
நீலகண்டேஸ்வரர், இலுப்பைப்பட்டு , நாகப்பட்டினம்
When Siva consumed the deadly halahala poison which emerged from the churning of the ocean, Parvati stopped the poison from doing further harm by holding Siva’s neck, which turned the Lord’s neck blue. For this reason, the temple is a prarthana sthalam for women worshipping for longevity of their husbands. This also gives both Siva and Parvati their names here. But why are there 4 more Siva Lingams here, and what is the Mahabharatam connection with the 2 Vinayakars, at this temple? … Read More நீலகண்டேஸ்வரர், இலுப்பைப்பட்டு , நாகப்பட்டினம்
Neelakanteswarar, Iluppaipattu, Nagapattinam
When Siva consumed the deadly halahala poison which emerged from the churning of the ocean, Parvati stopped the poison from doing further harm by holding Siva’s neck, which turned the Lord’s neck blue. For this reason, the temple is a prarthana sthalam for women worshipping for longevity of their husbands. This also gives both Siva and Parvati their names here. But why are there 4 more Siva Lingams here, and what is the Mahabharatam connection with the 2 Vinayakars, at this temple? … Read More Neelakanteswarar, Iluppaipattu, Nagapattinam
Manikka Vannar, Tiruvalaputhur, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra sthalam connected with the churning of the ocean and also Arjuna from Mahabharatam… Read More Manikka Vannar, Tiruvalaputhur, Nagapattinam
Kundala Karneswarar, Tirukurakkaa, Nagapattinam
This temple and the nearby Kutram Porutha Nathar temple at Thalaignayiru are both connected to the Ramayanam. At Thalaignayiru, Siva pardoned Anjaneyar after the latter attempted (unsuccessfully) to move with his tail, the Lingam that Sita had made out of sand. As penance, Anjaneyar was told to install a Lingam here at Tirukurakka and worship it. This temple is one of the 5 pancha-kaa kshetrams. But what is extremely interesting about the location of the Navagraham shrine of this temple? … Read More Kundala Karneswarar, Tirukurakkaa, Nagapattinam
Shikanathar, Kudumiyanmalai, Pudukkottai
A fascinating Pallava temple in the Chola heartland, with extremely intricate architecture throughout the temple. The complex also houses a separate cave temple for Lord Siva, and a huge inscription on classical music.… Read More Shikanathar, Kudumiyanmalai, Pudukkottai
Veeratteswarar, Vazhuvur, Mayiladuthurai
Tevaram Vaippu sthalam and Ashta Veerattanam temple associated with Gajasamharamurti slaying a rogue elephant… Read More Veeratteswarar, Vazhuvur, Mayiladuthurai
Madhuvaneswarar, Nannilam, Tiruvarur
Maadakoil built by Kochchenga Cholan, and where Siva protected the devas by changing them into bees… Read More Madhuvaneswarar, Nannilam, Tiruvarur
Meghanathar, Tirumeyachur, Tiruvarur
Birthplace of the Lalita Sahasranamam, and Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva pacified Parvati
… Read More Meghanathar, Tirumeyachur, Tiruvarur
Umamaheswarar, Konerirajapuram, Mayiladuthurai
A Paadal Petra Sthalam near Kumbakonam, famous for the massive idol of Lord Nataraja
… Read More Umamaheswarar, Konerirajapuram, Mayiladuthurai
Thoovai Nathar, Tiruvarur, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva protected the world and the celestials from the pralayam (great deluge), and one of the earliest examples of sand/mud temples in the evolution of of temple construction… Read More Thoovai Nathar, Tiruvarur, Tiruvarur
Saranatha Perumal, Tirucherai, Thanjavur
This Divya Desam temple and Vaishnava Navagraha Sthalam (for Sani’s son Mandi) near Kumbakonam, is connected with the Story of how Kumbakonam came into existence. The temple is also known as the pancha sara kshetram, as it covers 5 essences (or Sarams) at one go. The Kaveri river was upset at not being regarded as the holiest of rivers, and so performed penance upon Vishnu, who granted her three wishes. What unique iconographic representation is there at this temple, as a result of this event?… Read More Saranatha Perumal, Tirucherai, Thanjavur
Vataranyeswarar, Tiruvalangadu, Tiruvallur
This is one of the Pancha Sabhai – the five dance halls –where Lord Siva danced different Tandavams. In a dance-off, He danced the Urdhva Tandavam here to defeat Kali (Parvati). The temple is closely connected with Karaikal Ammaiyar – one of only two women Nayanmars – who walked on her head to reach this place…and for that reason, Sambandar refused to step on such hallowed ground. But why did 70 elders of the village commit ritual suicide at the nearby Sakshi Bootheswarar temple, and how is that part of this temple’s puranam?… Read More Vataranyeswarar, Tiruvalangadu, Tiruvallur
Rudraksheswarar, Thepperumanallur, Thanjavur
Sivan temple with a story of how Sani tried to stop Siva himself… Read More Rudraksheswarar, Thepperumanallur, Thanjavur
Mayakoothar, Perunkulam, Tirunelveli
Dedicated to Sani, this temple celebrates Vishnu’s victory over Asmasuran, which He achieved while dancing on the asura – this also gives the Lord His name here. There is no Navagraham shrine here, since Vishnu Himself depicts all the planetary deities. But why is this place called Balikavanam? … Read More Mayakoothar, Perunkulam, Tirunelveli
Kailasanathar, Srivaikundam, Tirunelveli
Nava Kailasam temple located on the banks of the Tambraparani river, and a Sani sthalam… Read More Kailasanathar, Srivaikundam, Tirunelveli
Darbaranyeswarar, Tirunallar, Karaikal
One of the Kumbakonam Navagraham temples, this Paadal Petra Siva Sthalam is dedicated to Sani, and is therefore also a Sani-dosha parikara sthalam. The temple is also connected to the legend of Muchukunda Chakravarti and is a Sapta Vitanga Sthalam. Tirunallaru is also connected with the story of King Nala, and his separation from and reunion with his wife Damayanti. But how is Sambandar’s pathigam on this temple connected with the saint’s spiritual exploits at Madurai? … Read More Darbaranyeswarar, Tirunallar, Karaikal
அவிநாசியப்பர், அவிநாசி, திருப்பூர்
அவிநாசி கோவைக்கு வடகிழக்கில் ஈரோடு செல்லும் சாலையில் அமைந்துள்ளது. வினாசம் என்றால் அழிவு, அ-வினாசம் என்றால் அழியாதது. சில ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு ஒரு சிறுவன் முதலையால் விழுங்கப்பட்டு, சுந்தரர் பதிகம் பாடியவுடன் உயிர்ப்பிக்கப்பட்ட கதையிலிருந்து டவுன் அதன் பெயரைப் பெற்றது.“காசியில் வாசி அவிநாசி” என்று ஒரு பழமொழி உண்டு, இந்த ஸ்தலம் காசிக்குச் சமமானது என்பதைக் குறிக்கிறது. இங்கும் சிவபெருமானை வழிபடும் பக்தன் இதே போன்ற ஆசீர்வாதங்களைப் பெறுகிறான். இக்கோயிலில் உள்ள அவிநாசியப்பர் மற்றும் பைரவர், காசி… Read More அவிநாசியப்பர், அவிநாசி, திருப்பூர்
Avinashiappar, Avinashi, Tiruppur
Paadal Petra Sthalam associated with Sundarar’s bringing a dead child back to life… Read More Avinashiappar, Avinashi, Tiruppur
TN Temples Project 