18 Famous Temples To Visit In Karaikkal

Visited on: 12^th June, 2018.

Location

Thiru Pugalur is situated at a distance of about 7 kms to the west of Sannanallur. Sannanallur is on the Thiruvarur to Peralm route.

It is about 33 kms away from Mayiladuthurai, 20 kms away from Karaikkal, 20 kms away from Thiruvarur and 10 kms away from Nannilam.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are –

Thiru Pukalur Vardhamaneecharam, Ramanadeecharam, Thirumarugal, Thiru Sathamangai, Nannilam, Thiru Kondeecharam, Thiru Panaiyur, Thiru Payatrur and Thiru Chenkattangudi. 

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 75^th Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• Saint Thirunavukkarasar attained salvation (“Mukthi”) and sang his last pathigam here.
• This is one of the 44 Paadal petra sthalams where the “Moovar” (the three saints - Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar) and Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar) had rendered their Pathigams.
• This is the birthplace of Saint Muruga Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars.
• This east facing temple has 2 corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers.
• Visiting this temple is considered auspicious for those born under the influence of “Sadhayam” nakshatram (star).
• This temple is famous for performing “Vastu” pooja.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 27.03.2003.

History of the Temple

There are two Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams in the same complex - Thirupukalur and Thiru Pukalur Vardhamaneecharam.

The historical names of this place are Punnagavanam, Saranyapuram and Rakthaaranyam.

There are 67 stone inscriptions in this temple which date back to the periods of various Chola kings like Raja Rajan, Rajendran, Kulothungan-I and Kulothungan-III. It is believed that this temple was originally built by Raja Raja Cholan-1.

This temple is under the administrative control of (Thiruppugalur) Velakurichi Adheenam and HR&CE.

Visited on: 12^th June, 2018.

Location

Thiru Pukalur is situated at a distance of about 7 kms west of Sannanallur junction on the Thiruvarur to Peralm route. 

It is about 33 kms away from Mayiladuthurai, 20 kms away from Karaikkal, 20 kms away from Thiruvarur and 10 kms away from Nannilam.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are –

Thiru Pukalur, Thirumarugal, Nannilam, Thiru Kondeecharam, Thiru Panaiyur, Ramanadeecharam, Thiru Payatrur and Thiru Chenkattangudi. 

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 76^th Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• Saint Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) attained salvation (“Mukthi”) and sang his last pathigam here.
• This is one of the 44 Paadal petra sthalams where the “Moovar” (the three saints - Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar) and Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar) had rendered their Pathigams.
• This is the birthplace of Saint Muruga Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars.
• This temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers.
• Visiting this temple is considered auspicious for those born under the influence of “Sadhayam” nakshatram (star).
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 27.03.2003. 

History of the Temple

It is interesting to note that this temple (Thiru Pukalur Vardhamanecharam) is situated inside Thiru Pukalur temple’s complex. Thiru Pukalur itself is another Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam where the main deity is Lord Agneeswarar.

This temple’s main deity is Sri Vardhamaneswarar’s and the lord’s shrine is located adjacent to the sanctum of Lord Agneeswarar.

The historical names of this place are Punnagavanam, Saranyapuram and Rakthaaranyam.

The Moovars (three saints) have rendered a total of 9 pathigams here. Out of this, 8 are about Thiru Pukalur and the remaining one is about this temple. The pathigam about this temple was rendered by Saint Thirugnanasambanthar.

It is believed that when the demons were terrorising the devas and the sages, they sought asylum in this place. Hence, this place gets the name “Pukalur” (“pukal” means asylum and “oor” means village in Tamil).

This temple is under the administrative control of (Thiruppugalur) Velakurichi Adheenam and HR&CE.

Location

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 83^rd Shiva Sthalam in Chozha Nadu on Southern bank of the river Cauvery (Thenkarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This temple is very famous for its Murugan, who is praised as “Sikkal Singaravelar”.
• “Soorasamharam” is an important festival celebrated in this temple.
• There is a Maragatha lingam here.
• This is one of the Shakti Peedams.
• This temple is counted as one of the Maadak Koils built by King Kochengat Cholan.
• This east facing temple has three corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 7-tiers.

History of the Temple

Visited on: 2^nd June, 2016 and 23^rd May, 2017.

Location

Thiru Valampuram is situated at a distance of about 12 kms from Sembanarkoil and 6 kms from Poompuhaar. It is situated near Kadaimudi on the bus route of Mayiladuthurai to Poompuhar. It is about 2 kms from Keezhaperumpallam (one of the famous Navagraha temples).

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this temple are – Thiruppallavaneecharam (Poompuhar), Thiruchaikkadu, Thiruvenkadu, Kezhai Thirukkattuppalli, Thirukkalikkamur (Annappan Pettai), Pariyal Veerattam, Thiruchempon Palli, Nani Palli, Thiru Kadaimudi (Keezhur), Thalaichangadu, Aakkur, Thirukkadaiyur and Thirukkadaiyur Mayanam.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 44^th Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This is one of the 44 Paadal petra sthalams where the “Moovar” (the three saints - Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar) and Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar) had rendered their Pathigams.
• This east facing temple has two corridors and it has no main tower.
• There is no flag post (Dwajasthambam) here.
• This temple is counted as one of the Maadak Koils built by King Kochengat Cholan.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 10.02.2008 and prior to that on 08.06.1966.

History of the Temple

As per the Sthala Puranam, this ancient temple is believed to be more than 2000 years old and it was originally constructed by King Abhisithu of Dravida kingdom. The king worshiped the lord here and was blessed with a child.

Also, the nearby place Kaveripoompattinam (Poompuhar) is very famous as it is surrounded by seven forests (“Vanam”) and seven temples. They are –

Thala vanam (this place) is considered as the Ganapathy sthalam,

Chaya vanam is considered to be Lord Shiva’s abode,

Pallava vanam is considered to be Goddess Parvathy sthalam,

Vellai vanam (Thiruvengadu) is considered as the Natarajar sthalam,

Mathanga vanam (Thiru Nangoor) is considered as the Murugan sthalam and

Mullai vanam (Thirumullaivoil) and Punga vanam (Perunthottam) constitute the Bairavar sthalam and Chandikeswarar sthalam respectively.

The historical names of this place are Thalavanam, Munkil Thoppu, Sangamath Thenthurai, Sangenthi, Vaanor Nagari (Vaanagari), Maal Ma Kudi (Mamakudi), Lakshmi Narayanapuram, Perumpallam and Thiruvalampuram.

Of the 276 Paadal Petra Shivasthalams, very few temples have Palm tree (Panai) as their Sthala Viruksham. This temple is one of them. Some of the others are Panaiyur, Panankattur, Puravaar Panankattur, Cheyyar, Thirumazhapadi and Thiruppanandal.

There are six stone inscriptions in this temple which date back to the periods of Chola kings Vikraman, Rajathirajan-II and Kulothungan-III.

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

Visited on: December 16, 2017.

Location

Vaikal is situated at a distance of about 12 kms from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam to Karaikkal route. After crossing Thiruneelakkudi, S.Pudur and Pazhiyanchiya Nallur, take the diversion road and proceed further for about 2 kms to reach Vaikal.

Vaikal is about 4 kms from Thiruneelakkudi as well as Konerirajapuram (Nallam).

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are - Thirunallam (Konerirajapuram), Thiru Kozhambiam, Thiruneelakkudi, Thenkurangadu Thurai (Aduthurai), Thiruvidaimaruthur and Thiruvavaduthurai. 

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 33^rd Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai). 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This temple is counted as one of the Maadak Koils built by King Kochengat Cholan.
• This east facing temple has a single corridor and its main tower does not have any tiers.

History of the Temple

Vaikal is situated on the southern bank of the river Nattaru. This ancient temple is believed to have been constructed by the Cholas.

Once this place was a forest full of Shenbaga trees.Hence this place gets the name Shenbagaranyam and the lord is praised as Sri Shenbagaranyeswarar.

This place’s name “Vaikal” is derived from Vai-kuru-kal meaning a small hill in Tamil.

The historical names of this place are Shenbagaranyam, Mummoorthy Sthalam and Nithyavasapuram.

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

Visited on: September 4, 2017.

Location

Thirunallaru is located at a distance of about 4 kms from Karaikkal. From Mayiladuthurai, Thirunallaru is about 34 kms. The nearest railway station is Karaikkal.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam near this place are – Dharumapuram, Thiruvettakkudi, Thiruthelichery, Thirukkadaiyur and Thirukkadaiyur Mayanam.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 52^nd Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai). 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This is one of the “Saptha (seven) Vidanga Sthalams”.
• This is one of the Shakti Peetam – known as “Braneswari Peetam”.
• This is one of the Navagraha sthalams and it is the most popular temple for Lord Saneeswaran.
• This is one of the 44 Paadal petra sthalams where the “Moovar” (the three saints - Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar) and Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar) had rendered their Pathigams.
• This east facing temple has 3 corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 7-tiers.
• The last consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) took place on 24.03.2006.

History of the Temple

This ancient temple is believed to have been constructed by Chola kings.

The historical names of this place are Aadhipuri, Naleswaram and Nalavidangar.

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

Visited on: July 8, 2017

Location

Thirukadaiyur is situated at a distance of about 22 kms from Mayiladuthurai on the Mayiladuthurai to Karaikkal route.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam near this place are – Thirukkadaiyur Mayanam, Thirunallaru, Dharumapuram, Thiruvettakkudi and Thiruthelichery.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 47^th Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested). 
• This is one of the Atta Veeratta Sthalams.
• This is one of the Sakthi peetams.
• This is one of the 44 Paadal petra sthalams where the “Moovar” (the three saints - Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar) and Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar) had rendered their Pathigams.
• This is the birth place of Kaari Nayanar and Kungiliakalaya Nayanar (both find a place among the 63 celebrated Saivite Nayanmars). Both of them attained salvation here.
• This is the birth place of Abhirami Bhattar who composed the famous “Abhirami Andhathi”.
• This temple is very famous for celebrating 60^th and 80^th birth anniversaries.
• This west facing temple has 5 corridors and it has a 7-tiered main tower (Rajagopuram).
• The last consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) took place on 26.03.1997.

History of the Temple

In Hindu mythology, there are eight special places where it is believed that Lord Shiva vanquished various demons and exhibited acts of bravery. These places are Veeratta Sthalams. In Tamil, this is referred to as “Atta Veerattanam” (“Atta” means eight and “Veeram” means bravery). Thirukkadaiyur is the eighth Veeratta Sthalam where Lord Yama was believed to have been kicked and punished to save Markandeya. The other seven Veeratta Sthalams are –

• Thirukkandiyur where one of Lord Brahma’s five heads was plucked;
• Thirukkovilur where the demon Andhakasuran was vanquished;
• Thiruvathigai where the lord is believed to have done the “Thiripura Samharam”.
• Keezha Parasalur where Dakshan’s yagna was stopped and he was killed;
• Thiruvirkudi where the demon Jalandharasuran was killed;
• Thiru Vazhuvur where the elephant Gajasuran was vanquished;
• Thiru Korukkai where Manmathan was burnt and later blessed.

There are 54 stone inscriptions available in this temple which date back to the periods of Chola and Pandiya Kingdoms and the Vijayanagar emperors Krishnadevarayar and Viruppanna Udayar,  

The historical names of this place are Vilva Vanam, Pinchila Vanam and Kadavur. 

This temple is under the administrative control of Dharumapuram Aadheenam.

Visited on: 12^th March, 2017 and 23^rd May, 2017.

Location

Aakkur is situated at a distance of about 17 kms from Mayiladuthurai on the Mayiladuthurai to Tharangambadi route. The temple is behind the Aakkur bus stand.  It is about 5 kms from Semponar Koil.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this temple are –Thalaichangadu, Valampuram, Thiruppallavaneecharam (Poompuhar), Chayavanam, Thiruvenkadu, Kezhai Thirukkattuppalli, Thirukkalikkamur (Annappan Pettai), Pariyal Veerattam, Thiruchempon Palli, Nani Palli, Thirukkadaiyur and Thirukkadaiyur Mayanam.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 46^th Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This is the birth place of Sirappuli Nayanar, one of the revered 63 Nayanmars.
• This temple is counted as one of the 70 Maadak Koils built by King Kochengat Cholan.
• This east facing temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 3-tiers.
• There is no flag post (“Dhwajasthambam”) in this temple.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 10.05.2010 and prior to that on 06.04.2001 and 15.09.1960.

History of the Temple

There are six stone inscriptions in this temple dating back to the periods of Chola kings Rajathirajan and Rajarajan, Pandiya king Kopperunsingan, and Vijayanagara king Veera Krishna Devar.

The historical name of this place is Shankharanyam.

There are two temples called “Maadam” in the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams. “Maadam” refers to the fact that the temples are situated on top of a man-made hill. These are “Thoonganai Maadam” at Pennakadam and the “Thanthontri Maadam” at Aakkur (this temple).

Visited on: 12^th March, 2017 and 23^rd May, 2017.

Location

Thalaichangadu is situated at a distance of about 18 kms from Mayiladuthurai on the Mayiladuthurai to Poompuhar (Via Aakkur) route. From Aakkur, it is about 5 kms.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this temple are – Thiru Valampuram, Aakkur, Thiruppallavaneecharam (Poompuhar), Chayavanam, Thiruvenkadu, Kezhai Thirukkattuppalli, Thirukkalikkamur (Annappan Pettai), Pariyal Veerattam, Thiruchempon Palli, Nani Palli, Thirukkadaiyur and Thirukkadaiyur Mayanam.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 45^th Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai). 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested). 
• This temple is counted as one of the Maadak Koils built by King Kochengat Cholan.
• This east facing temple has two corridors and it has no main tower.
•  The last consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) took place on 26.05.2010 and prior to that on 27.01.2003.

History of the Temple

This ancient temple is close to Poompuhar. This place is famous as the birth place of “Madala Marayavan”, a character from Silapathikaram, one of the Sangam epics.

The historical names of this place are Sanguvanam, Sankaaranyam, Thalaisai and Thalaichanganam.

There are 10 stone inscriptions available in this temple. All of them date back to the Chola dynasty. There are special mentions of King Uthama Chola and his mother Queen Sembian Maadevi. In one of the inscriptions, this place is referred to as “Rajaraja Valanattu Nangoor Nattu Thalaichangadu” and “Thalaiyudayavar Koil Pathu”.

Visited on: 12^th March, 2017 and 23^rd May, 2017.

Location

Thiruchemponpalli is situated at a distance of about 10 kms from Mayiladuthurai on the Mayiladuthurai to Porayar route.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this temple are – Thiruppallavaneecharam (Poompuhar), Chayavanam, Thiruvenkadu, Kezhai Thirukkattuppalli, Thirukkalikkamur (Annappan Pettai), Pariyal Veerattam, Nani Palli, Valampuram, Thalaichangadu, Aakkur, Thirukkadaiyur and Thirukkadaiyur Mayanam.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 42^nd Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai). 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This temple is counted as one of the Maadak Koils built by King Kochengat Cholan.
• This east facing temple has no main tower (Rajagopuram) but it has a beautiful arch at the entrance.
• The temple has a single corridor and it has no flag post.
• The last consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) took place in the year 2007. 

History of the Temple

There are six stone inscriptions in this temple dating back to the periods of Chola Kings Kulothungan, Rajathirajan and King Saraboji of Tanjure.

The historical names of this place are Lakshmi Puri, Indirapuri and Skandapuri.

There are few reasons why this place gets the name Sembanarkoil.

One is that Chola kings built and renovated this temple hence it gets the name “Sembian Palli” (“Sembian” is another name for Cholas and “Palli” means village).

Another reason is that the roof of Lord Shiva’s sanctum tower was earlier believed to have been made using many gold (“Sempon” in Tamil) sheets.

Another reason is that the Swayambu lingam of this temple once sparkled like gold. For this reason, the lord is also praised as “Sri Semponpalliyar”.

Usually, the village around the temple does not have a separate name and is referred to by the name of the temple itself. Following this norm, the village here is called Sembanar Koil. 

Visited on: 29^th September, 2016 and 23^rd May, 2017.

Location

Thiruppallavaneecharam is located at a distance of about 22 kms from Mayiladuthurai on the Mayiladuthurai to Poompuhar route. This temple is located just after the Kannaki Arch but before entering Poompuhar town.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this temple are – Chayavanam, Thiruvenkadu, Kezhai Thirukkattuppalli, Thirukkalikkamur (Annappan Pettai), Pariyal Veerattam, Thiruchempon Palli, Nani Palli, Valampuram, Thalaichangadu, Aakkur, Thirukkadaiyur and Thirukkadaiyur Mayanam.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 10^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).
• Poompuhar is the place of confluence of the river Cauveri with the Bay of Bengal.
• Both Chayavanam and Pallavaneecharam temples are situated in Poompuhar.
• This is the birth place of Saint Pattinathar.
• This east facing temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers. There is no flag post (Kodimaram) here.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 17.03.2008 and prior to that on 05.04.1995 and 20.08.1958.

History of the Temple

The temple faces the Bay of Bengal. River Kaveri enters the sea very near to this temple, hence the place around it is called “Kaveri Puhum Pattinam”. This has later been changed to Kaveripoompattinam. It is also called Poompuhar. Another ancient name of this place was “Puhar Nagaram”. Puhar in Tamil means the estuary of the river.

In the Chayavanam temple’s inscriptions dating to the period of Vikrama Cholan, this place is referred to as “Rajathiraja valanaattu Nangoor Naattu Kaveripoompattinam”. Kings like Sembiyan, Musukundan, Manuneethi Cholan and Karikala Cholan had used Poompuhar as their port capital and have added to its glory.

It is believed that a Pallava king built this temple and worshiped Lord Shiva here. Hence this place also gets the name “Pallavaneecharam” and the lord is praised as “Sri Pallavaneswarar”.

After the Chola period, a major part of the Poompuhar town was submerged in the Bay of Bengal. A few small villages still remain and bear silent witness to the cruelty of times. Chayavanam (Thiruchaikkadu), Pallavaneecharam, Melapperumpallam, Keelaperumpallam and Kezyayur are some of the important villages of the ancient city Poompuhar that still exist today.

Visited on: 29^th September, 2016 and 23^rd May, 2017.

Location

Thiruchaikkadu is situated at a distance of about 20 kms from Mayiladuthurai on the Mayiladuthurai to Poompuhar route. From Sirkazhi, it is about 17 kms.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this temple are – Thiruppallavaneecharam (Poompuhar), Thiruvenkadu, Kezhai Thirukkattuppalli, Thirukkalikkamur (Annappan Pettai), Pariyal Veerattam, Thiruchempon Palli, Nani Palli, Valampuram, Thalaichangadu, Aakkur, Thirukkadaiyur and Thirukkadaiyur Mayanam.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 9^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 one of the 6 Shiva Sthalams on the banks of the river Cauvery that are considered to be equal in significance to Kasi (Banaras). The others being (1) Thiruvaiyaru, (2) Mayiladuthurai, (3) Thiruvenkadu, (4) Thiruvidaimaruthur, and (5) Thiruvanchiyam.
• This is the birth place of Eyarpagai Nayanar, one of 63 Nayanmars. It is believed that Eyarpagai Nayanar and his wife attained salvation here.
• This temple is counted as one of the seventy Maadak Koils built by King Kochengat Cholan.
• Both Chayavanam and Pallavaneecharam temples are situated in Poompuhar.
• This east facing temple has 2 corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 3-tiers. There is no flag post here.
• There are two beautiful entrance arches – one on the eastern side and the other on the southern side.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 24.05.2010 and prior to that on 19.08.1956.

History of the Temple

Poompuhaar was the capital of the Chola kingdom.

According to legend, in ancient times, this region was a forest densely covered with “Chai” plants (“Korai” in Tamil). Hence thisplace gets the name “Chayavanam” (“Vanam” means forest in Tamil). Other historical names of this place are Chaikadu and Melayur.

There are 13 stone inscriptions available here – 10 are from the period of the Chola kingdom (Vikraman, Rajarajan, Kulothungan-III and Rajendran) and the rest of the 3 are from the time of Pandiya kingdom (Sundara Pandiyan). In one of the inscriptions, this place’s name is mentioned as “Rajathiraja valanaattu Nangoor Naattu Kaveripoompattinaththu Thiruchaikkadu”.

Visited on: September 4, 2017

Location

Thirukkottaram is situated near village Velangudi on the Kumbakonam to Karaikkal route (via Nedungadu). From Karaikkal, this place is at a distance of about 12 kms.

In Velangudi, there is a cross road with an entrance arch on the main road which leads to the temple. The temple is one kilometre away from this arch.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this temple are – Thirumiyachur, Thirumiyachur Ilamkoil, Thilathaipathy, Thiru Anniyur, Thiruppampuram, Serukudi, Thiruvizhimizhalai, Ambal Maakalam and Ambar Perunthirukkoil.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 53^rd Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai). 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has a 3-tiered main tower (Rajagopuram) and it has a single corridor.
• The last consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) took place in the year 2009. Prior to that it was held in 1987 and 1937.

History of the Temple

This ancient temple is situated on the banks of river Vaanchiyaru. As per the stone inscriptions available here, this temple was built by the Chola King Kulothungan and the lord’s name is mentioned as “Rajendra Chozheeswaramudaiya Mahadevar”.

This temple is now under the administrative control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE) Board of Tamil Nadu Government. However, the temple is not being maintained properly and is in a bad state. It is sad to see that the main tower as well as the towers in the sanctum are covered with a lot of weeds and plants. Even the grounds in the corridors are full of shrubs.

Visited on: 12^th August, 2017

Location

Sethalapathy is situated at a distance of about 25 kms from Mayiladuthurai on the Mayiladuthurai to Thiruvarur route. First travel to Poonthottam (20 kms) and then to Sethalapathy (5 kms). Nearest railway station is Poonthottam which is about 3 kms away from this temple.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this temple are – Thirumiyachur, Thirumiyachur Ilamkoil, Thiru Anniyur, Thiruppampuram, Serukudi, Thiruveezhimizhalai, Thiru Kottaram, Ambal Maakalam and Ambar Perunthirukkoil.

Another notable temple near this place is the temple for Goddess Saraswathy in Koothanur.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 58 Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai). 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested). 
• This is a famous “parihara sthalam” for conducting ancestral rites similar to that performed it in Rameswaram.
• This east facing temple’s main tower (Rajagopuram) has 3 tiers. However, the back side of the tower is flat (without any reliefs). The temple has a single corridor.
• The sanctum’s tower is called “Dhuvithala Vimanam”.
• The last consecration (Kumbabishekam) ceremony took place on 08.07.2012 and prior to that on 25.08.1999.

History of the Temple

The temple is situated on the southern banks of the river Arisilaru which is flowing in the north to south direction. Rivers flowing in such direction are called “Uthiravahini”.

The historical names of this place are Thilathai Pathi and Thilatharpanapuri. However, now it is known as Sethalapathy. The historical name of the temple is Madhimutham.

Visited on: July 8, 2017

Location 

Thirukadaiyur Mayanam is situated at a distance of about 2 kms from Thirukadaiyur.

Thirukadaiyur is situated at a distance of about 22 kms from Mayiladuthurai on the Mayiladuthurai to Karaikkal route. 

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam near this place are – Thirukadaiyur, Thirunallaru, Dharumapuram, Thiruvettakkudi and Thiruthelichery. 

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 48^th Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai). 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This is one of the 44 Paadal petra sthalams where the “Moovar” (the three saints - Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar) and Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar) have rendered their Pathigams.
• This temple is one of the 55 west facing Shivasthalams in Tamil Nadu.
• There is no main tower (Rajagopuram) in this temple. However, there is a 3-tiered second tower. This temple has two corridors.
• The last consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) took place on 10.09.2014. 

History of the Temple

As per Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva destroyed and created Lord Brahma five times at five different places. Each such incident took place at an interval of “one karbam”. One karbam consists of hundreds of thousands of years. These 5 places are known as “Mayaanam” (“Mayaanam” means burial ground in Tamil). They are - Kasi Mayaanam, Kachchi Mayaanam (Kanchipuram), Thirukkadavur Mayaanam, Kazhi Mayaanam (Sirkazhi) and Veezhi Naalur Mayaanam.  Since this place is very near to Thirukkadavur, this Mayaanam gets the name “Thirukkadavur Mayaanam”.

The historical names of this place are Brahmapuri, Vilvaranyam, Siva Vedapuyri and Thirumeignanam.

Visited on: 8^th July, 2017

Location

Thiruvettakkudi is situated at a distance of about 9 kms from Karaikkal. On the Karaikkal to Tharangampadi route, there is a village called Varichikkudi at a distance of about 7 kms. From this village, take a diversion road and proceed further for about 2 kms to reach Thiruvettakkudi. A beautiful arch can be seen at the entrance of the diversion road.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam near this place are – Thirunallaru, Dharumapuram, Thiruthelichery, Thirukkadaiyur and Thirukkadaiyur Mayanam. 

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 49^th Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai). 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has a 5-tiers main tower (Rajagopuram) and it has a single corridor.
• The last consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) took place on 28.05.1999.

History of the Temple

As Lord Shiva came to this place in the guise of a hunter, this place is called Thiruvettakkudi (“Thiru” is a respectful prefix, “Vedan” means hunter and “Kudi” means village in Tamil).  This place is also known as “Ambikapuram” because Goddess Parvathy is believed to have been born in this place in a fisherman’s family (“Ambikai” means goddess and “puram” means village in Tamil).

The historical names of this place are Punnagavanam, Devakodipuram and Ambikapuram but now it is known as Thiruvettakkudi.

Visited on: July 8, 2017

Location 

Thiru Thelicherry is located in Karaikkal on the Bharathiyar Road. It is right at the entrance to the Karikkal town while coming from the Poraiyar route. There is a railway station in Karaikkal.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam near this place are – Thirunallaru, Dharumapuram, Thiruvettakkudi, Thirukkadaiyur and Thirukkadaiyur Mayanam.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 50^th Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai). 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This west facing temple’s main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers and it has 2 corridors.
• Karaikkal is the birth place of saint Karaikkal Ammaiyar, one of the 63 revered Nayanmars.
• The last consecration (Kumbabishekam) took place on 07.06.2004 and prior to that on 09.05.1971.

History of the Temple

Karaikkal is one of the oldest port cities and business centres of South India. Now Karaikkal is a part of Puducherry. 

It is believed that Lord Shiva here has seen the pasage of four “Yugas”. As per the sthala purana, this place was known as Brahma Vanam in Kretha Yugam, Sameevanam in Thretha Yugam, Ananda Vanam in Dwapara Yugam and Mukthi Vanam in the present Kaliyugam.

The historical names of this place are – Mukthi Sthalam, Sivathalam, Suriyathalam, Guhathalam and Gaurithalam.

Visited on: 8^th February, 2017 and 8^th July, 2017.

Location

Dharumapuram is situated at a distance of about 3 kms from Thirunallaru on the Thirunallaru to Karaikkal route. From Karaikkal also this temple is about 3 kms only. The nearest railway station is Karaikkal.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam near this place are – Thirunallaru, Thiruvettakkudi, Thiruthelichery, Thirukkadaiyur and Thirukkadaiyur Mayanam.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 51^st Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai). 
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple has a 5-tiered main tower (Rajagopuram) and it has two corridors.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 09.02.2017 and prior to that on 20.04.1969. 
• This is the birth place of Saint Thiru Neelakanda Yazhpanar’s mother. Yazhpanar is one of the 63 Nayanmars.

History of the Temple

This is one of the 27 temples that comes under the administrative control of Dharumapuram Aadheenam.