17 Famous Temples To Visit In Chidambaram

Visited on: 31^st August, 2018.

Location 

Mela Kadambur is situated at a distance of about 32 kms from Chidambaram on Chidambaram to Kattumannar Koil route (via Eyyalur). It is about 6 kms From Kattumannar Koil and 5 kms from both Thekkiruppa and Omampuliyur. 

Other Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this pilgrimage site are - Thiru Omampuliyur, Thiru Kanattumullur (Kanattampuliyur), Thiru Naaraiyur, Thiru Erukkathampuliyur (Rajendrapatinam) and Thiru Kudalaiyatrur.

Another Shiva temple in Kezhak Kadambur, very close to this place is named “Kadambur Ilamkoil” or “Rudrapathi koil” which is a “Vaippu Sthalam”. This temple is a protected monument under the control of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) owing to many beautiful sculptures adorning this temple.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 34^th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• The vimanam (roof tower) of sanctum sanctorum has been beautifully sculpted completely in granite, resembling a magnificent chariot.
• This east facing temple has two corridors and main tower (Rajagopuram) has 3-tiers.
• Though Nandhi and Balipeetam are present, there is no flag post (“Kodimaram”) present.

History of the Temple

This ancient village is named Kadambur and temple as Karakkoil.

The village is named after temple’s Sthala Viruksham - Kadamba tree. Also, Kadambar ruled this region thus, the name.

It is believed that current stone chariot form of temple was built by the Chola King Kulothungan-I in the year 1113 AD, prior to which, it was a brick structure. The Chettiyars of Devakottai renovated this temple in later years.

Tamil literary sources describe nine categories of temple structures dedicated to Lord Shiva. They are – “Perung koyil”, “Karak koyil”, “Gnazhar koyil”, “Kokudik koyil”, “Ilam koyil”, “Manik koyil”, “Alak koyil”, “Madak koyil” and “Thoongani koyil”.

Amongst them, this temple is a Karakkoil type where the Sanctum Sanctorum (“Garbagraham”) is in chariot like structure pulled by horses with an enchanting appearance. Karakkoil in Sanskrit is Vijayam – meaning victory.

This temple is under the administrative control of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Government of Tamil Nadu (HR&CE).

Visited on: 19^th October, 2017 and 30^th March, 2018.

Location

Thiru Naaraiyur is situated at a distance of about 8 kms from Kattumannar Koil on the Kattumannar Koil to Chidambaram route, near Kumaratchi. It is about 18 kms from Chidambaram.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam near this place are – Omampuliyur, Thirukkadampur, Kanattampuliyur, Erukkathampuliyur (Rajendrapatinam) and Thiru Kudalaiyatrur.

General Information 

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 33^rd Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai). 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has a single corridor and its main tower (Raja Gopuram) has 3-tiers.

• Lord Polla Pillaiyar (Vinayakar) in this temple is a Swayambu murthy and is very popular.

• This is the birth place of Nambiyandar Nambi, who along with King Rajaraja Chola recovered the Saiva Thirumurais from the Chidambaram Shiva temple.

• The last consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) took place on 06.09.2009.

History of the Temple

The most significant aspect of this temple is the Vinayakar – also called “Polla Pillaiyar”.  Polla Pillaiyar means that this idol is not chiselled but has appeared on its own as “Swayambu”. He is very popular and regarded as the most powerful deity here.

This temple is under the administrative control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Government of Tamil Nadu (HR&CE). 

Visited on: 30^th March, 2018.

Location 

Omampuliyur is situated at a distance of about 31 kms from Chidambaram on the Chidambaram to Kattumannarkoil route. From Kattumannar koil, this place is about 8 kms away and from Kaanattam Puliur it is about 6 kms away.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam near this place are – Thiru Naaraiyur (15 kms), Thirukkadampur, Kanattampuliyur (6 kms), Thiruvazhkoli Puthur, Thiru Pazhamanni Padikkarai (Iluppaipattu), Erukkathampuliyur (Rajendrapatinam) and Thiru Kudalaiyatrur.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 31^st Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This is a famous Guru Parihara Sthalam.
• This is a Parihara Sthalam for Revathi Nakshathiram (star).
• In place of the main tower, there is a beautiful arch with sculptures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy.
• This east facing temple has a single corridor and its second main tower has 3-tiers.
• There is no flag post (dwajasthambam) here.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place in the year 2011 and prior to that on 25.06.1992. 

History of the Temple

This ancient temple is situated on the northern bank of the river Kollidam. There are six stone inscriptions in this temple which date back to the periods of Chola King Kulothungan-III and Pallava King Kopperunsinga Devar.

This temple is under the administrative control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Government of Tamil Nadu (HR&CE).

Visited on: 30^th March, 2018.

Location 

Kanattumullur is situated at a distance of about 22 kms from Chidambaram on the Chidambaram – Kattumannarkoil - Omampuliyur route. It is very close to Muttam village. From Omampuliyur, this place is about 5 kms.

Other Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are - Thiru Omampuliyur (3 kms), Thiru Kadampur, Thiru Naaraiyur, Erukkathampuliyur (Rajendrapatinam) and Thiru Kudalaiyatrur.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 32^nd Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 3-tiers.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 05.04.2012 and prior to that on 20.08.2000.

History of the Temple

This ancient temple is located on the northern bank of the river Kollidam.

The historical names of this place are Mathookavanam, Athishta Miruthika Kshetram and Thiru Kanattu Mullur.

There are some stone inscriptions in this temple which date back to the periods of Chola kings Vikrama, Rajendra and Rajendra-III.

Visited on: 2^nd June, 2016

Location

Sirkazhi is situated at a distance of about 20 kms from Mayiladuthurai and 19 kms from Chidambaram. It is on the Chidambaram to Kumbakonam route.

Sirkazhi has a railway station and this temple is about 2 kms away from the station.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams near this place are – Thirukkolakka, Thirumullaivasal, Thiruvenkadu, Chayavanam, Poompukar, Mahendrapalli, Thirukkurukavur and Achalpuram.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 14^th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This is the 11^th Shakti Peetas – Goddess Parvathy graces this temple as Mahalakshmi.
• This is the birth place of the renowned saint Thirugnanasambanthar - the first of the four Samaya Kuravars (Nalvar).
• This is a Moovar Paadal Petra Sthalam. 
• This is also the birth place of saint Gananatha Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars.

History of the Temple

This ancient temple is more than 1500 years old.

There are 12 historical names for this place – Brahmapuram, Venupuram, Pukali, Venguru, Thonipuram, Poontharaai, Sirapuram, Puravam, Shanbai, Seekazhi, Kochaivayam and Kazhumalam.

This is the birth place of saint Thirugnanasambanthar. There is a separate temple for him in Sirkazhi.

The name Sirkazhi is derived from Goddess Kali, as she is believed to have worshiped the lord here (“Sree” is a respectful prefix and “Kali” refers to the goddess).

This is one of the 27 temples that are under the administration of the Dharumapuram Aadheenam.

Visited on: 12^th March, 2017

Location

Achalpuram is situated at a distance of about 5 kms from Kollidam. Kollidam is on the Chidambaram to Mayiladuthurai route. There is a railway station in Kollidam on the Chidambaram to Mayiladuthurai line.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams near this place are – Sirkazhi, Thirukkolakka, Thirumullaivasal, Mahendrapalli, Thirukkurukavur, Thiruvenkadu, Chayavanam and Poompukar.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 5^th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers.
• It is said that Saint Thirugnanasambanthar attained salvation (mukthi) here during his wedding along with the entire gathering. Hence, this is the only temple where Thirugnanasambanthar can be seen with his wife.
• Thirugnanasambanthar sang his last Pathigam here. 
• The last consecration ceremony took place on 24.06.2010 and prior to that on 29.04.1964.

History of the Temple

The historical name of this place is “Nallur Perumanam” – Nallur is the village where Saint Gnanasambanthar’s bride hails from. “Perumanam” or “periya thirumanam” means a “big wedding” in Tamil. Other historical names of this place are Shivalogam, Thirunallur, Mukthipuram and Thirumanavai. Now it is known as Achalpuram.

This is one of the 27 temples that are under the administration of the Dharumapuram Aadheenam.

Visited on: 12^th March,2017

Location

Thirumullaivasal is situated at a distance of about 12 kms from Sirkazhi. Sirkazhi is on the Chidambaram to Mayiladuthurai route.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams near this place are – Sirkazhi, Thirukkolakka, Thiruvenkadu, Chayavanam, Poompukar, Mahendrapalli, Thirukkurukavur and Achalpuram.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 7^th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested) and the lingam is quite tall.
• This east facing temple has no main tower (Rajagopuram) but it has an arch at the entrance.
• The last Consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) of this temple took place on 07.09.1989.

History of the Temple

This temple is situated near the coast of Bay of Bengal and the sea shore is just half a kilometre away from this temple. The temple is believed to have been built about 1,300 years ago by the Chola King Killivalavan.

There are two places with the same name of “Thirumullaivayil”. One is located near Sirkazhi and the other near Chennai. Both of these places are home to very ancient temples. Thirumullaivayil near Seerkazhi is called “Then Thirumullaivasal” and the one near Chennai is called “Vada Thirumullaivoyal” (“Then” meaning south and “Vada” meaning north in Tamil).

“Thirumullaivoyal” or “Thirumullaivasal” gets its name from the belief that Lord Shiva emerged from a Jasmine bush in both these places. “Thiru” is a respectful prefix, “Mullai” means Jasmine and “Vassal” means place in Tamil.

Now this temple is under the control and administration of the Dharumapuram Adheenam.

Visited on: 12^th March, 2017.

Location

Thirukkurukavur is located at a distance of about 6 kms from Sirkazhi. Sirkazhi is on the Chidambaram to Mayiladuthurai route.

It is very near to Thirumullaivasal temple. Other Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams near this place are – Sirkazhi, Thirukkolakka, Achalpuram, Mahendrapalli, Thirumullaivasal, Thiruvenkadu, Chayavanam and Poompukar.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 13^th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai). 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has a single corridor. Although it has no main tower (Rajagopuram) or dwajasthambam (Flag post), there is a beautiful arch at the entrance.
• The water in this temple’s well is believed to turn white on the new moon day in the Tamil month of Thai.
• The last consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) took place on 18.06.1986.

History of the Temple

The historical name of this village is Kurukavur and that of the temple is Velladai. Now the village is known as Thirukkadaavur.

The stone inscriptions available in this temple are from the periods of Kings Rajendra Cholan, Kulottunga Cholan-I, Vikrama Cholan, Parakesari Varman and Rajathirajan. The temple was rebuilt in stone in the 10th century during the period of King Uttama Cholan.

Visited on: 23^rd July, 2016 and 5^th November, 2016.

Note: Presently this temple is under renovation and the expected date for Consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) is 5^th July, 2017. 

Location

Thirukkolakka is situated on the outskirts of Sirkazhi and is about 1.5 kms away from the Sirkazhi bus stand. It is about 4 kms away from Sirkazhi railway station.

Sirkazhi is on the Chidambaram to Mayiladuthurai route.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams near this place are – Sirkazhi, Thirumullaivasal, Thiruvenkadu, Chayavanam, Poompukar, Mahendrapalli, Thirukkurukavur and Achalpuram.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 15^th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has no main tower (Rajagopuram) or dwajasthambam (flag post). But there is an arch at the entrance. 
• Saint Thirugnanasambanthar received golden plates (“thalam”) from Lord Shiva here.

History of the Temple

The historical name of this temple is Thirukkolakka. However, it is now known as Thiru Thalam Udayar Koil.

Visited on: 12^th March, 2017

Location

Mahendrapalli  is situated at a distance of about 12 kms from Kollidam. Kollidam is on the Chidambaram to Mayiladuthurai route. There is a railway station in Kollidam.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams near this place are – Achalpuram, Sirkazhi, Thirukkolakka, Thirukkurukavur, Thiruvenkadu, Chayavanam and Poompukar. 

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 6^th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple’s main tower (Rajagopuram) has 3-tiers and it has a single corridor.
• The last consecration ceremony took place on 22.01.1999.

History of the Temple

This is a small sea shore temple and it was renovated recently. The temple is on the southern banks of river Kollidam. This river merges with the sea about 2 kms away from this temple.

The historical name of this place is Mayendirapalli but now it is known as Mahendrapalli. Another name of this place is “Koyiladippalayam”. 

Visited on: 11^th March, 2017

Location

Thirukkazhippalai is situated at a distance of about 4 kms from Chidambaram and it is very close to Thirunelvoyil (Sivapuri) temple.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams near this place are – Chidambaram, Thiruvetkalam and Thirunelvayil (Sivapuri).

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 4^th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This is the Moovar Paadal Petra Sthalam.
• This temple has a 3-tiered main tower (Rajagopuram) and it has a single corridor. There is no flag post (dwajasthambam) here.
• The last consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) took place on 10.07.2003. 

History of the Temple

It is believed that this is a reconstructed / relocated temple. The original temple was about 12 kms away from this place and was called Kaaraimedu. It was on the banks of the Kollidam river. The old temple was totally destroyed due to floods. A devotee by the name of Palaniappa Mudaliar built a new temple in Sivapuri and relocated all the idols.

Visited on: 11^th March, 2017

Location

Thirunelvayil is located at a distance of about 5 kms from Chidambaram. The temple is 2 kms away from Annamalai University. From the university, take the Kavarapattu road and then take the Perampattu road. The temple is on this road itself.

 Other Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams near this place are – Chidambaram, Thiruvetkalam and Thirukkazhippalai.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 3^rd Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has a single corridor and it has a 5-tiered main tower (Rajagopuram).
• The last consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) took place on 11.09.2008. Before that, the ceremonies were held on 01.09.1982, 16.06.1957 and 24.05.1928.

History of the Temple

The historical name of this place is Thirunelvoyil.  “Thiru” a respectful prefix, “nel voyil” means “sprawling paddy fields at the entrance of the village”. However, now this place is called “Shiva Puri”.

Visited on: 11^th March, 2017

Location

Thiruvetkalam is located at a distance of about 4 kms from Chidambaram and it is near the Annamalai University campus.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams near this place are – Chidambaram, Thirunelvoyil (Sivapuri) and Thirukkazhippalai.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 2^nd Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has a 3-tiered main tower (Rajagopuram) and it has two corridors.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 02.07.2006. 

History of the Temple

In ancient times, this place was densely populated with bamboo trees. It is believed that this temple is more than 2000 years old and it was built by Pallava kings. At a later date, it was renovated by the Nattukkottai Chettiars. The historical name of this place is Moonkilvanam.

Visited on: 23^rd July, 2016 and 5^th November, 2016.

Location

Thiruthinai Nagar is at a distance of about 25 kms from Cuddalore. Take the Cuddalore to Chidambaram route to reach Mettupalayam (20 Kms). From Mettupalayam, take a diversion route and travel for about 5 kms to reach Thiruthinai Nagar.

The nearest railway station is Puduchathiram. It is at a distance of about 6 kms from Thiruthinai Nagar on the Chidambaram to Cuddalore route.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 5th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has a single corridor and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 3-tiers.

History of the Temple

This temple is situated on the banks of river Pennai and is believed to have been built in the 6^th century. The historical name of the village around the temple is "Thiru Thinai Nagar”. It has now been changed to "Theerthanagiri".

Visited on: July 23, 2016 and November 05, 2016.

Location

Thiruchopuram (Thiyagavalli) is situated at a distance of about 18 kms from Cuddalore on the Cuddalore to Chidambaram route. One has to take left turn near Aalappakkam railway station, pass through the railway crossing and then travel 2 kms along the same route to reach Thiruchopuram (Thiyagavalli village). From Chidambaram it is about 22 kms.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and is the 6^th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva graces this temple as a Swayambhumoorthy (self-manifested).
• This west facing temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) does not have any tiers.

History of the Temple

The temple is very close to the shores of the Bay of Bengal and is believed to have been built by Thiyagavalli, the wife of the Chola King Kulothungan-III (also known as Thirubhuvana Chakravarthi).

Visited on: 10^th March, 2017

Location

Erukkathampuliyur is situated at a distance of about 7 kms from Sri Mushnam on Virudhachalam to Jayamkondam route. From Virudhachalam it is about 12 kms, from Pennadam 18 kms and from Chidambaram around 50 kms.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 4^th Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This is the birth place of Saint Thiru Neelakanta Yazhpanar.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 02.09.1996.

History of the Temple

Sage Viyakrapathar, also called “Pulikkal Munivar” in Tamil, whose legs are believed to have been like those of a tiger (tiger is puli in Tamil), worshiped the lord here. Also, the Sthala Viruksham of this temple is the white “erukku” (Calotropis) plant, hence this place gets the name “Erukkathampuliyur” (“Atham” means forest in Tamil). Now this village is called as Rajendra Pattinam. 

Visited on: 17^th February, 2017

Location

Kudalaiyatrur is situated at a distance of about 8 km from Sri Mushnam.

It is about 25 kms from Chidambaram on Chidambaram to Sethyathoppu route.

On the Vadalur – Sethyathoppu – Kumbakonam route, after Sethyathoppu, first reach Kumarakudi village and then proceed to Kanur. In Kanur there is an arch for Selliamman Koil and this temple is about one km away from that arch. Another village near this temple is Kavalakudi, which is also about one km away.

Other Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are – Erukkathampuliyur (Rajendrapatinam), Thiru Naaraiyur, Thiru Omampuliyur, Thiru Kadampur and Thiru Kanattumullur.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 3^rd Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This temple was destroyed by the flooding of Manimuthaaru river and has been reconstructed after that.
• This temple has a single corridor and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 3-tiers.
• The Moolavar vimanam (shrine of the main deity) has two tiers.
• There is no flag post in this temple.
• The last Consecration ceremony (Kumbhabishekam) took place on 08.02.2015. Prior to this, the consecration ceremony was held on 29.08.1961.