Banapureeswarar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
One of 12 temples connected with the origin of Kumbakonam, and one of the oldest temples in Kumbakonam… Read More Banapureeswarar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
Tag: Vishnu
Jambunathar, Nallicheri, Thanjavur
One of the seven Chakrapalli Saptam Sthanam temples, this is where Vaishnavi – the sakti of Vishnu – worshipped Siva’s feet and anklets, before joining Chamundi in battle. The name Nallicheri is said to derive from the place’s earlier name, Nandicheri, and indeed, the place is known as Nandi Mangai, amongst the 7 temples of the Sapta Sthanam. But what did Nandi accomplish here, which he could not do at even as holy a place as Tiruvaiyaru?… Read More Jambunathar, Nallicheri, Thanjavur
Sivan Cave Temple, Narthamalai, 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
Siva Surya Perumal, Keezhkudi, Ramanathapuram
In this temple, located in a small village that lies back of beyond nowhere, is a rather unique representation of Siva and Vishnu – both separately and together. The temple is said to celebrate the unity and oneness of Siva and Vishnu, despite what the sthala puranam of the Tiruvetriyur temple says, and re-emphasises the primacy of pillar worship. So what makes this temple fascinating, despite a total lack of any history or information available about it?… Read More Siva Surya Perumal, Keezhkudi, Ramanathapuram
Rudrakoteeswarar, Chaturveda Mangalam, 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
Kachabeswarar, Eachangudi, Thanjavur
Prior to the churning of the ocean, Siva asked Vishnu to take on the Kurma Avataram. The tortoise is called Kachabam in Sanskrit, which gives Siva His name here. The temple also has a Mahabharatam connection, which is one of four stories of how the place gets is name. But what is the fascinating story of how this temple, as it stands today, came into existence?… Read More Kachabeswarar, Eachangudi, Thanjavur
Nandeeswarar, Nandipura Vinnagaram, 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
Brahma Gnana Pureeswarar, Keezha Korkkai, Thanjavur
The sthala puranam of this temple is about Brahma losing the Vedas to the demons Madhu and Kaitabha, and regaining them with Vishnu’s help, and also regaining his wisdom after worshipping Siva here. This Chola temple from the time of Kulothunga Chola III has some excellent examples of Chola sculptures, including Adhikara Nandi and Siva as Kirata Murti. But how is this temple connected to the annual ritual of Avani Avittam?… Read More Brahma Gnana Pureeswarar, Keezha Korkkai, Thanjavur
Veetrirundha Varadaraja Perumal, Tirukodiyalur, Tiruvarur
This village temple located near Tirumeyachur, close to the Meghanathar-Lalithambigai temple, is poorly visited, but decently maintained. The sthala puranam here is about Vishnu waiting for Lakshmi, while She was worshipping at the Tirumeyachur temple. But what important aspects of Saivism are celebrated at this Perumal temple?… Read More Veetrirundha Varadaraja Perumal, 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
Veerabhadrar, Vazhuvur, Nagapattinam
Vazhuvur is regarded as the birthplace of Ayyappan. This village temple for Veerabhadrar – often regarded as an aspect of Siva Himself – is closely connected with the Vazhuvur Veeratteswarar temple located nearby, and also to Ayyappan. The temple stands in ruins, but has two very unusual aspects to it, on the depiction of the presiding deity. What are these?… Read More Veerabhadrar, Vazhuvur, Nagapattinam
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
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
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
Adipureeswarar, Tiruvottriyur, Chennai
More popular as the Thyagarajar temple, this temple for Siva as Adi Pureeswarar has several puranams associated with it. Siva came to Brahma’s aid to keep the pralayam waters away, during the creation of the earth. Vattaparai Amman’s shrine here is connected to Kannagi from the Silappathikaram. The temple is also famously associated with Sundarar’s marriage to Sangili Nachiyar. But what are the various dualities at this temple, and the multiple connections it has with the Thyagarajar temple at Tiruvarur?… Read More Adipureeswarar, Tiruvottriyur, Chennai
Tiruvetteeswarar, Triplicane, Chennai
Possibly a Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam, the Lingam here is believed to have been worshipped by Arjuna (from the Mahabharatam) when the gash on the Lingam reminded him of his fight with Siva as a hunter; this is also how Siva here gets His name. Lakshmi worshipped Siva here, to fulfil Her wish of marrying Vishnu. But how are the Nawab of Arcot in particular, and the local Islamic community in general, connected with this temple?… Read More Tiruvetteeswarar, Triplicane, Chennai
Madanagopala Swami, Madurai, Madurai
At Siva’s coronation as the ruler of Madurai, the celestials in attendance found the heat and effulgence unbearable, and requested Vishnu for help. In turn, Vishnu took the form of the cowherd Gopala, and played the flute, mesmerising everyone present and cooling them down. Periyazhvar and his daughter Andal visited here, on their way from Srivilliputhur to Srirangam, for Andal’s marriage to Ranganathar there. The temple has some very unusual architectural aspects, as far as Perumal temples go. But in what infuriating way is this temple in Madurai connected to the Philadelphia Museum of Art?… Read More Madanagopala Swami, Madurai, Madurai
The primordial couple – the stories of Siva-Parvati weddings
Stories of Siva and Parvati’s marriage(s)… Read More The primordial couple – the stories of Siva-Parvati weddings
The legends of Bhikshatanar
This feature explores the various legends around Bhikshatanar – the form of Siva as a naked, wandering mendicant… Read More The legends of Bhikshatanar
Sapta Vitanga Sthalam, maragatha lingam, Muchukunda Chakravarti
The seven temples associated with Muchukunda Chakravarti and the story of the Maragadha lingam.… Read More Sapta Vitanga Sthalam, maragatha lingam, Muchukunda Chakravarti
Varadaraja Perumal, Perambur, Tiruvarur
Perumal temple located in Perambur, famously associated with Bodhendra Saraswati Swamigal and Kanchi Maha Periyavaa… Read More Varadaraja Perumal, Perambur, Tiruvarur
Bhaskareswarar, Parithiappar Koil, Thanjavur
Beautiful Chola temple near Mannargudi connected to Sibi Chakravarti, Suryan and Daksha’s yagna… Read More Bhaskareswarar, Parithiappar Koil, Thanjavur
Krupakupareswarar, Kuthangudi, Tiruvarur
Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam where Parvati located Siva as the effulgence called Hastavarna Jyoti, and therefore a temple for those under the Hastam nakshatram… Read More Krupakupareswarar, Kuthangudi, Tiruvarur
Gopinatha Perumal, Patteeswaram, Thanjavur
Dilapidated but ancient temple in the erstwhile Chola capital of Pazhaiyarai, associated with both the Ramayanam and Mahabharatam… Read More Gopinatha Perumal, Patteeswaram, Thanjavur
Vanchinathar, Srivanchiyam, Tiruvarur
One of 6 sthalams considered equivalent to Kasi, it is said that one can visit Srivanchiyam only if they are destined to. It is believed that Lord Siva himself created the Gupta Gangai tank at this temple. But why do Yama and Chitragupta get priority of worship at this temple? … Read More Vanchinathar, Srivanchiyam, Tiruvarur
Vanduthurainathar, Tiruvanduthurai, Tiruvarur
Temple with exquisite sculptures and architecture, where the story of Ardhanari comes to life… Read More Vanduthurainathar, Tiruvanduthurai, Tiruvarur
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
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
Singaravelar, Sikkal, 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
Navaneetheswarar, Sikkal, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Sage Vasishta crafted a Lingam out of butter made from Kamadhenu’s milk, and famous for Murugan as Singaravelar … Read More Navaneetheswarar, Sikkal, Nagapattinam
Ksheerapthi Sayana Narayana Perumal, Tiruloki, Thanjavur
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
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
Amritapureeswarar, Tirunangur, Nagapattinam
One of the Ekadasa Rudra Peethams in Nangur, associated with Daksha’s yagam, and connected with the Nangur Ekadasa Divya Desam temples… Read More Amritapureeswarar, Tirunangur, 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
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
Vedapureeswarar, Tiruverkadu, Tiruvallur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Agastyar witnessed the celestial wedding of Siva and Parvati, where the Vedas and Navagraham have worshipped; and the avatara sthalam of Murka Nayanar… Read More Vedapureeswarar, Tiruverkadu, Tiruvallur
Chokkanathar, Chokkalinga Nagar, Madurai
Small but pretty Siva-Vishnu temple located in the heart of residential Madurai… Read More Chokkanathar, Chokkalinga Nagar, Madurai
Tirumeninathar, Tiruchuli, Virudhunagar
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva created a whirlpool with his trident, which drained the flood waters; and also the birthplace of Ramana Maharishi… Read More Tirumeninathar, Tiruchuli, Virudhunagar
Karunelli Nathar, Tiruthangal, Virudhunagar
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
Govindaraja Perumal, Chidambaram, Cuddalore
Divya Desam temple located inside the Chidambaram Thillai Natarajar temple, this shrine is connected with the origin of the Kaveri river, and also to the Ramayanam… Read More Govindaraja Perumal, Chidambaram, Cuddalore
Sabdapureeswarar, Tirukolakkaa, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam closely associated with Sambandar, and considered to be a site of Vishnu’s marriage to Lakshmi, blessed by Siva… Read More Sabdapureeswarar, Tirukolakkaa, Nagapattinam
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
Nellivananathar, Tirunellikkaa, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva blessed sage Durvasa to overcome his anger… Read More Nellivananathar, Tirunellikkaa, Tiruvarur
Ratnagireeswarar, Marugal, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Sambandar revived a boy who died from snakebite… Read More Ratnagireeswarar, Marugal, Nagapattinam
Veeratteswarar, Tiruvirkudi, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam and Ashta Veerattanam temple associated with Jalandhara Samharam.… Read More Veeratteswarar, Tiruvirkudi, Tiruvarur
Sankaaranyeswarar, Thalachangadu, Nagapattinam
This is one of a collective of 5 temples called pancha-aranya kshetrams (temples built in five places that were forests), along with Sayavanam, Pallavaneswaram (Poompuhar), Tiruvenkadu, Keezh Tirukattupalli, all of which are in the vicinity. This maadakoil’s layout itself represents the concept of Somaskandar. But how is this temple connected with Vishnu? … Read More Sankaaranyeswarar, Thalachangadu, Nagapattinam
Valampura Nathar, Melaperumpallam, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam associated with Sage Herandar and Pattinathar, and where Vishnu received his sanku, chakram, mace and lotus… Read More Valampura Nathar, Melaperumpallam, Nagapattinam
Chayavaneswarar, Sayavanam, Nagapattinam
One of 6 sthalams considered equivalent to Kasi, which Indra tried to move to Devalokam but failed… Read More Chayavaneswarar, Sayavanam, 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
Kaliyuga Varadaraja Perumal, Kallankurichi, Ariyalur
The pillar is one of the oldest forms of worship, and at this Perumal temple on the outskirts of Ariyalur, it is a 12-foot tall wooden pillar that is the main deity, which is said to have miraculous powers, is regarded and worshipped as Vishnu. As if to compensate for lack of detail in the garbhagriham, the temple’s mandapam pillars display some fabulous architecture! How did this temple come to be? … Read More Kaliyuga Varadaraja Perumal, Kallankurichi, Ariyalur
Suddha Ratneswarar, Oottathur, Perambalur
Tevara Vaippu sthalam where the Lord is said to have curative powers for all ailments… Read More Suddha Ratneswarar, Oottathur, Perambalur
Purushottama Perumal, Uttamar Koil, Tiruchirappalli
In addition to being a Divya Desam – commonly referred to as Uttamar Koil – this temple is also a “Mummurti Kshetram”, having shrines for Vishnu, Siva and Brahma as well as their consorts. Vishnu, wanting to test Brahma, hid inside a Kadamba tree, and revealed Himself only after a worried Brahma searched everywhere and then surrendered to the Lord! This Chola temple is also a Guru kshetram, as all 7 Gurus are enshrined here. Who are these seven, what are the Ramayanam connections here, the link to Bhikshatanar, and who is an Uttamar? … Read More Purushottama Perumal, Uttamar Koil, 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
Gneeli Vaneswarar, Tirupaigneeli, Tiruchirappalli
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva resurrected Yama in order to restore balance of life and death on earth… Read More Gneeli Vaneswarar, Tirupaigneeli, 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
Pushpavaneswarar, Tirupuvanam, Sivaganga
A Paadal Petra Sthalam featured in the Tiruvilaiyadal puranam, and where ashes turned to flowers… Read More Pushpavaneswarar, Tirupuvanam, Sivaganga
Chandramouleeswarar, Tiruvakkarai, Viluppuram
Paadal Petra Sthalam more popular as the Vakra Kali Amman temple, where everything is contrary to nature and convention… Read More Chandramouleeswarar, Tiruvakkarai, Viluppuram
Kailasanathar, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram
Possibly the oldest structure in Kanchipuram, this temple is a veritable feast for the eyes, with its intricate yet extensive art and architecture… Read More Kailasanathar, Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram
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
Veeratteswarar, Vazhuvur, Mayiladuthurai
Tevaram Vaippu sthalam and Ashta Veerattanam temple associated with Gajasamharamurti slaying a rogue elephant… Read More Veeratteswarar, Vazhuvur, Mayiladuthurai
Kokileswarar, Tirukozhumbiam, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam connected to the Siva-Parvati wedding, where Parvati, in the form of a cow, worshipped Siva… Read More Kokileswarar, Tirukozhumbiam, Thanjavur
Sanbakaranyeswarar, Vaikal, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam and a maadakoil, where Lakshmi worshipped after leaving Vishnu, until they reconciled… Read More Sanbakaranyeswarar, Vaikal, Nagapattinam
Someswarar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam also called Kudanthai Karonam, and connected with the story of Kumbakonam
… Read More Someswarar, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur
Vilvavaneswarar, Tiruvaikaavoor, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam associated with the origin of the all-night vigil on Maha Sivaratri… Read More Vilvavaneswarar, Tiruvaikaavoor, Thanjavur
Meghanathar, Tirumeyachur, Tiruvarur
Birthplace of the Lalita Sahasranamam, and Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva pacified Parvati
… Read More Meghanathar, Tirumeyachur, Tiruvarur
Veezhinatheswarar, Tiruveezhimizhalai, Tiruvarur
A Paadal Petra Sthalam associated with the marriage of Siva with Parvati as Katyayani
… Read More Veezhinatheswarar, Tiruveezhimizhalai, Tiruvarur
Umamaheswarar, Konerirajapuram, Mayiladuthurai
A Paadal Petra Sthalam near Kumbakonam, famous for the massive idol of Lord Nataraja
… Read More Umamaheswarar, Konerirajapuram, Mayiladuthurai
Thyagarajar, Tiruvarur, Tiruvarur
Steeped in mysticism and spirituality, this is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalams (prithvi sthalam), and a Paadal Petra Sthalam, located in the heart of Tiruvarur, depicting Siva’s manifestation as Thyagarajar or Somaskandar… Read More Thyagarajar, Tiruvarur, Tiruvarur
Pathaaleeswarar, Haridwaramangalam, Tiruvarur
Pancha aranya kshetram where Vishnu turned into a boar to locate the base of the pilar of fire (Siva)… Read More Pathaaleeswarar, Haridwaramangalam, Tiruvarur
Uchira Vaneswarar, Tiruvila Nagar, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva showed the way across the river to His devotees including Sambandar… Read More Uchira Vaneswarar, Tiruvila Nagar, Nagapattinam
Swarnapureeswarar, Semponnarkoil, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Dakshayani worshipped Lord Siva before immolating herself at Daksha’s yagam… Read More Swarnapureeswarar, Semponnarkoil, Nagapattinam
Airavateswarar, Mela Tirumanancheri, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Siva met Parvati on Bhulokam prior to their wedding at Tirumananjeri… Read More Airavateswarar, Mela Tirumanancheri, Nagapattinam
Kampahareswarar (Sarabeswarar), Tribhuvanam, 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
Abhi Muktheeswarar, Manakkal Ayyampet, Tiruvarur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Vishnu (as Mohini) worshipped Lord Siva, and home of the Lalita Trisati… Read More Abhi Muktheeswarar, Manakkal Ayyampet, Tiruvarur
Sivanandeswarar, Tirupandurai, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Murugan regained his power of speech after being punished by Lord Siva… Read More Sivanandeswarar, Tirupandurai, Thanjavur
Yoganandheeswarar, Tiruvisanallur, Thanjavur
This Tevaram Paadal Petra Sthalam, associated with Rohini Nakshatram and Rishabha Rasi, is believed to have existed in all four yugams. Devotees are blessed by Bhairavar, with knowledge, prosperity, health and eventual salvation. The sthala puranam of the temple also talks about a sinner who was given salvation by Siva, despite Nandi’s remonstrances! The temple and the village are also connected with the philosopher-saint Sridhara Ayyaval. But why are seven strands of hair said to be visible on the rear of the Siva Lingam of this temple? … Read More Yoganandheeswarar, Tiruvisanallur, Thanjavur
Pasupatheeswarar, Pandanallur, Thanjavur
Ancient Siva temple and Paadal Petra Sthalam, located close to Kumbakonam and Tiruvidaimaruthur… Read More Pasupatheeswarar, Pandanallur, Thanjavur
Swarnapureeswarar, Alagaputhur, Thanjavur
Ancient Siva temple and Paadal Petra Sthalam located very close to Kumbakonam, and the avatara sthalam of Pugazh Thunai Nayanar… Read More Swarnapureeswarar, Alagaputhur, Thanjavur
Vacheeswarar, Tirupachur, Tiruvallur
This ancient temple, originally built during the time of Karikala Chola, has a Lingam with a scar – the mark made by an axe that was used to dig up the place; this also gives the moolavar His name. Nandi, at the Lord’s instructions, defeated Kali who is in a separate shrine, with her legs bound by chains! Another puranam says Vishnu installed 11 Vinayakars here to overcome a curse. Yet another puranam is about Amman here also being known as Thankadali Amman. What interesting story is behind this name? … Read More Vacheeswarar, Tirupachur, Tiruvallur
Chaturanga Vallabha Nathar, Poovanur, Tiruvarur
The childless King Vasudevan was worshipping at Tirunelveli, when Siva took pity on him and asked Parvati to be born as his daughter, promising to reunite with Her in due course. Over time, the girl became very talented in the game of chess, and insisted on marrying only the person who could defeat Her at the game. The rest of the sthala puranam is about how Siva defeated her at the sport, which also earns Him His name here! … Read More Chaturanga Vallabha Nathar, Poovanur, Tiruvarur
Rudraksheswarar, Thepperumanallur, Thanjavur
Sivan temple with a story of how Sani tried to stop Siva himself… Read More Rudraksheswarar, Thepperumanallur, Thanjavur
Nava Tirupati
9 Navagraham Perumal temples in Tirunelveli district, said to have been worshipped by Nammazhvar… Read More Nava Tirupati
Nagarajar, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari
Kerala-style Siva temple dedicated to Lord Nagaraja, lord of the snakes… Read More Nagarajar, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari
Thothadri Nathan, Nanguneri, Tirunelveli
Bhoomadevi lost her purity after Madhu and Kaitabha’s slaying by Vishnu caused a world-pervading odour. She worshipped Vishnu here, who blessed her to be cleaned of the impurities. This is a swayam-vyakta kshetram, and eleven of the murtis here are considered to be swayambhu murtis. But how is this temple unique, as regards the Vaishnavite philosophy of Saranagati? … Read More Thothadri Nathan, Nanguneri, Tirunelveli
Vriddhagireeswarar, Vriddhachalam, Cuddalore
Paadal Petra Sthalam which is considered an ancient temple, and a primordial hill created by Siva himself… Read More Vriddhagireeswarar, Vriddhachalam, Cuddalore
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
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
Pushpavaneswarar, Mela Tirupoonthuruthi, Thanjavur
Paadal Petra Sthalam temple created by Indra, and the place where Appar carried Sambandar on the latter’s palanquin… Read More Pushpavaneswarar, Mela Tirupoonthuruthi, 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
Magudeswarar, Kodumudi, Erode
Vayu and Adiseshan contested a show of strength, using Mount Meru as a pillar. In this struggle the top of Mount Meru broke in to five pieces (some say seven) and fell in various places as gems, including at Tiruvannamalai, Ratnagiri (Tiruvatpokki), Eengoimalai, and Pothigaimalai. A diamond fell here, and became a swayambhu lingam. Given Adiseshan’s connection, this temple is also well known for clearing nagadosham, and since snakes are tamed with a magudi, Siva here is called Magudeswarar. But what is unique about Vinayakar’s depiction at this temple? … Read More Magudeswarar, Kodumudi, Erode
Arunachaleswarar, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruvannamalai
Pancha Bootha Sthalam and Paadal Petra Sthalam, associated with the original legend of Siva as the pillar of fire; and home of Ramana Maharishi and His ashram… Read More Arunachaleswarar, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruvannamalai
Kutralanathar, Kutralam, Tirunelveli
Paadal Petra Sthalam where Agastyar converted a Vishnu temple into a Siva temple, and from where he witnessed the celestial wedding of Siva and Parvati… Read More Kutralanathar, Kutralam, Tirunelveli
Sankaranarayanar, Sankarankoil, Tirunelveli
Known for the Aadi Tapas festival celebrating Parvati’s penance, this is where Siva and Vishnu appeared together in a single form… Read More Sankaranarayanar, Sankarankoil, Tirunelveli
Tiruthalinathar, Tiruppathur, Sivaganga
Paadal Petra Sthalam in the Pandya Nadu region with a unique Navagraham arrangement… Read More Tiruthalinathar, Tiruppathur, Sivaganga
Kodunkundranathar, Piranmalai, Sivaganga
Paadal Petra Sthalam with three aspects and forms of Lord Siva at three levels… Read More Kodunkundranathar, Piranmalai, Sivaganga
Vedaranyeswarar, Vedaranyam, Nagapattinam
Paadal Petra Sthalam located near the coast in south India, home of the four Vedas… Read More Vedaranyeswarar, Vedaranyam, Nagapattinam
Jambukeswarar, Tiruvanaikka, Tiruchirappalli
Pancha bhoota sthalam associated with water, where Siva and Parvati are present in guru-sishya representation, and a temple connected to the origin of Kochchenga Cholan and maadakoils… Read More Jambukeswarar, Tiruvanaikka, Tiruchirappalli
Nellaiappar, Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli
Once a large bamboo forest and paddy fields, this Paadal Petra Sthalam and Pancha Sabhai temple is home to Siva’s Muni tandavam, and considered one of the places where Vishnu visited to solemnize the wedding of his sister Parvati and Siva
… Read More Nellaiappar, Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli
Thanumalayan, Suchindram, Kanyakumari
Dravidian architecture temple that is home to the trinity – Siva, Vishnu and Brahma… Read More Thanumalayan, Suchindram, Kanyakumari
TN Temples Project 