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Painted shrine domes with white bull statues; a tall tower stands in the background under a blue sky
Swayambu

Thirumiyachur Sri Meganathaswamy Temple

Darshan today6:00 am – 12:00 noon, 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm
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Moolavar
Meganathaswamy, Muyarchi Natheswarar,Thirumeni Nathar
Ambal
Lalithambikai, Soundara Nayaki,Shanta Nayaki
Theertham
Surya Pushkarini, Kali Theerththam
Sthala vriksham
Vilvam, Mandharam
Pathigam by
Thirugnanasambanthar

Temple

By V. MuthukumaraswamyVisited 2,000 words · 10 min

Visited on:25th June, 2016 and 10th April, 2017.

Location

Thirumiyachur is located at a distance of about 20 kms from Mayiladuthurai on the Mayiladuthurai to Thiruvarur route. From Mayiladuthurai first travel to Peralam (17 kms) and then to Thirumiyachur (3 kms). Nearest railway station is Peralam which is 2 kms away from this temple.

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

General Information

Moolavar
Sri Meganathaswamy, Sri Muyarchi Natheswarar,
Sri Thirumeni Nathar
Ambal
Sri Lalithambikai, Sri Soundara Nayaki,
Sri Shanta Nayaki
Theertham (Holy water)
Surya Pushkarini, Kali Theerththam
Sthala Vriksham (Sacred Tree)
Vilvam, Mandharam
Pathigam (Hymn) rendered by
Saint Thirugnanasambanthar
  • This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 56 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 considered to be the first (“Aadhi”) Shakti Pedam and the goddess here is referred as “Aadhi Parashakti”.
  • This is the place where “Lalitha Sahasranamam” originated and was first introduced to the world.
  • This temple is counted as one of the seventy Maadak Koils built by King Kochengat Cholan.
  • The vimanam (roof tower) of the sanctum sanctorum has been constructed according to the Gaja Brishtam style of architecture.
  • This east facing temple has a 5-tiered main tower (Rajagopuram) and it has two corridors.
  • The last consecration ceremony (Kumbabishekam) took place on 08.02.2015 and prior to that on 03.11.2000.

History of the Temple

This temple is believed to have been originally built by King Kochengat Cholan.

It was later renovated by King Rajendra Chola and Sembian Maadevi.

There are seven stone inscriptions available in this temple which relate to the periods of Chola and Pandiya kingdoms.

This temple is under the administrative control of the Thiruppukalur Velakurichi Aadheenam.

Front view of the multi-tiered, brightly painted Rajagopuram above the entrance gateway, with shops either side
Painted shrine domes with white bull figures above a stone wall, around an open paved courtyard

Legend

The legend associated with this temple is that of Sage Kashyapa Maharishi. It is believed that this is the birth place of Sage Kashyapa Maharishi’s sons, Arunan and Garudan from his two wives. Arunan was physically handicapped. He was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva and is believed to be the charioteer of Lord Suryan. Arunan wanted to visit Mount Kailash to have darshan of Lord Shiva. He asked Lord Suryan for his permission to go to Mount Kailash. Suryan not only denied him but also laughed at him pointing out his disability.

After praying to Lord Shiva, Arunan was able to take the form of a Mohini (angel) and visit Mount Kailash. Lord Indra fell in love with this Mohini and Vaali is believed to have born to them. When Arunan narrated this incident to Suryan, he did not believe him and teased him even more. He further asked him to prove that he could take the form of a Mohini. Arunan took the form of a Mohini again. It is believed that on seeing the Mohini’s beauty, Suryan fell in love with her and Sukreev was born as their child.

Because of their affairs with Mohini, Lord Shiva cursed Indra and Suryan. Owing to this curse, Lord Indra was dethroned by King Mahabali and Lord Suryan lost his brightness.

Since Suryan’s body was blackened, the universe lost the light of the day. Suryan pleaded to the lord to forgive him. The lord asked him to go to Thirumiyachur (this place) and worship him here for seven months. As advised by the lord, Suryan performed rigorous penance here. He placed idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy on an elephant and took them to the clouds. Hence the Sanctum’s tower (Vimanam) is in the shape of “Gaja Brishta” (rear portion of an elephant). The lord is praised as “Sri Meganathar” (“Megam” means cloud in Tamil).

Since he did not regain his brightness even after his penance, Suryan approached Lord Shiva screaming in grief. The goddess who was alone with Lord Shiva got disturbed by Lord Suryan’s cries. She got angry and was about to curse him but the lord pacified her by saying that Suryan was already suffering from a curse and was looking for relief. It is believed that Suryan was relieved of his curse by Lord Shiva.

Since Lord Shiva pacified Goddess Parvathy, she is also praised here as “Shanta Naayagi” (“Shantam means calm in Tamil). Also, when Lord Shiva tried to pacify Goddess Lalithambigai, it is believed that 8 angels called “Vachinies” (personification of speech) emerged from the mouth of Lalithambigai and they started praising the goddess with her 1000 holy names. Pleased with their praises, Goddess Lalithambigai regained her composure.

This pacifying scene is beautifully depicted in a sculpture which can be seen in the outer corridor. This Lord Shiva’s idol is called “Kshetra Puraaneswarar”, and he is seen holding Goddess Parvathi’s cheek to pacify her. From one angle, the Goddess appears to be in anger whereas from the other angle she looks very calm. This sculpture is one of the key attractions of this temple.

Stone Shiva holding Goddess Parvathi's cheek, dressed in silks, in a niche under a blue Tamil name board

Another legend associated with this temple is that Lord Hayagreevar, a disciple of Goddess Lalithambigai, conveyed to Sage Agasthiyar about the significance of “Lalitha Sahasranamam”. On his advice, Agasthiyar came to this temple and worshiped Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy. She is believed to have granted darshan to Saint Agasthiyar in the form of “Navratna” (nine precious stones). After this darshan, the saint rendered his songs “Navaratna Malai” praising the goddess. He has also composed another hymn here called “Rahasyanamasahasram”.

It is believed that Yama, the Lord of Death, worshiped Lord Shiva here by performing an abhishekam using 1008 conches and offering “Pirandai rice” (a green creeper mixed with rice) for his longevity.

As per the sthala puranam, it is believed that this is the birth place of Saneeswarar, Yama, Arunan, Karudan, Vali and Sukreev.

An interesting incident took place here in 1999. It is believed that a devotee from Bangalore was having recurring dreams in which Goddess Parvathy was asking her for a gold anklet (“Kolusu”). This woman went in search of the goddess and visited many temples but could not find the one of which she had dreamt. Finally, she came to know of Goddess Lalithambigai of Thirumiyachur by chance in a magazine. She recognised the goddess as the one from her dreams. She prepared an anklet and visited the temple. She informed the priest about her dreams and requested him to adorn the anklet on the goddess. The priest told her that it would be difficult to adorn it as there is no way for the anklet to go around her feet. However, she insisted him to try. The priest decided to give it a try and to his surprise, he found a small hole in the idol’s ankle which he could use to adorn the anklet. Later, it is said that they could find holes in her nose which is now adorned with a nose pin (“mookuthi) and a waist belt “(oddiyanam”). Now devotees have started offering “Kolusu” to Goddess Lalithambikai frequently.

Deities in the temple

Other than the shrines of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, shrines and idols of lords Vinayakar, Murugan with his consorts, Natarajar, Pathala Lingam, Mahalakshmi, Viswanathar with Visalakshi, Pancha Bootha lingams (Agni Lingam, Appu Lingam, Aakasa Lingam, Vayu Lingam and Prithvi Lingam), a few Nagars (snakes), Ratha Vinayakar, Sekkizhar, Nalvar, the Shivlingams worshiped by Sapthamaathakkal (Braahmi, Maheshwari, Vaishnavi, Gaumari, Vaaraahi, Indraani and Chamundi), Indra Lingam, Yama Lingam, Varuna Lingam, Niruthivi Lingam, Agasthiya Lingam, Kubera Lingam, Esana Lingam, Siddhi Vinayakar, Bairavar and Suryan can be seen in the corridors.

In the “koshtam” (place surrounding the sanctum sanctorum), idols of Narthana Vinayakar, Kshetra Puraaneswarar, Dakshinamurthy, Lingothbavar, Brahma, Vishnu, Chandrasekarar, Rishabaruder and Durgai can be seen.

Doorway of the sanctum with a red Tamil name board, a brass lamp and blue notice boards between worn yellow pillars
A shrine front covered by a blue canopy, with a painted idol in a niche and two men standing at the left
A yellow-walled pillared hall; on its roof a small dome with three painted figures, and a dark doorway below
Five small black stone figures with folded hands, wearing white cloth, below a blue Tamil name board
A small stone shrine with a painted dome and a dark doorway, standing in a paved corridor
Stone Vinayakar dressed in white cloth, in a niche beneath a blue Tamil name board
Stone Chandrasekarar with a smaller figure beside him in red cloth, in a niche beneath a blue name board
Many-armed stone Durgai in an orange silk sari with flowers, standing on a buffalo head, with lamps beside her
Stone Rishabaruder in white cloth with a bull beside him, in a niche beneath a blue Tamil name board

Salient Features

Goddess Parvathy’s posture here is unique and cannot be seen anywhere else as she is depicted in a seated posture. The imposing five feet idol of Goddess Parvathy is installed over Sri Chakra in the sanctum. She is seated majestically, resting her folded right leg on the seat. Her left leg is in “Sukhasana” posture. She is said to be in “Manonmani Swaroopam” and hence is also known as Sri Shantha Nayaki.

Goddess Parvathy of this temple is praised as Sri Lalithambigai. This name itself is quite unique as we cannot see her praised by this name in other temples.

Another significance of this temple is that one can get the darshan of the lords of two temples from a single complex – Sri Meganathaswamy and Sri Sahalabhuvaneswarar.

Behind the sanctum sanctorum, on either sides of Lord Lingothbavar, there are idols of Lord Mahavishnu and Lord Brahma in a worshipping posture. Devotees can enjoy the darshan of all the three lords (Trimurthys) – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva from one place. This is considered to be very auspicious.

Brightly painted shrine domes on stone bases in an open courtyard, with the Rajagopuram rising behind

The shrine of Goddess “Asthabhujanga Durga” (Durgai with 8 hands) in the outer corridor is of special significance. She is holding a parrot in her right hand which is supposed to be taking our messages to Goddess Lalithambigai. Devotees, who want their wishes to come true can convey the same to Goddess Lalithambigai through this Goddess Durgai. We can still see some parrots in this temple.

It is believed that King Kochengat Chola built 70 “Madakkoils”. The distinguishing feature of a Madakkoil is that it is not easily approachable by an elephant. He built these temples at an elevation and there are a few steps that need to be climbed before seeing the lord. Also, the sanctum sanctorum’s (Karpagragam) entrance is narrow such that no elephant can enter it.

The vimana (roof tower) of the sanctum sanctorum is designed in a special style of architecture called the Gaja Brishtam. This makes the vimanam look like the rear of an elephant (Gaja - elephant, brishtam - rear).

In this temple, we can see many beautiful sculptures and towers which speak about the architectural beauty and excellent craftmanship of the Chola period.

It is believed that Lord Suryan (Sun) worships Lord Shiva of this temple by directing his rays on the lingam for seven days (21st to 27th) in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April). Surya Puja is performed here during these days.

Barrel-shaped roof of a shrine with a colourful arched front holding seated figures, under a blue sky
Two painted domes; the nearer shows a seated Vinayakar and blue bull statues on its base
Painted domes with white bull statues beside a rear-shaped apsidal roof, above a stone corridor

Greatness of this temple

Devotees believe that by reciting “Lalitha Sahasranamam” and “Lalitha Navarathnamala” here, they would receive the blessings of Goddess Parvathy.

Devotees also make offerings of rice mixed with “Pirandai” (a green vegetable), placed on a lotus leaf, to the lord and then distribute it to the people. By doing so, it is believed that they would be blessed with longevity and would be relieved from their ailments.

Being a Shakti Peet, it is believed by devotees that by worshiping the goddess here, they would be relieved from all kind of “doshas”.

It is also believed that Lord Saneeswaran and Lord Yama were born to Lord Suryan here. Hence, it is considered auspicious to perform poojas on birth anniversary (“Aayushyahomam”), 61st birthday (“Sashtiyapthapoorthy”) and 81st birth day (“Sadabishekam”).

Important Festivals

A famous pooja that is celebrated here is “Annappaavaadai”. During this pooja, a large quantity of rice mixed with jaggery is placed on the floor and a few litres of ghee is poured on top of it. During this offering, the reflection of the goddess can be seen on the ghee. This pooja is performed three times in a year – on Vijayadasami day during Navratri, Ashtami day in the Tamil month of Masi and Vaikasi full moon day.

“Rathasapthami” in the Tamil month of Thai is another important festival celebrated in this temple. Rathasapthami means the turning of Sun’s chariot (Ratham) marking the beginning of “Utharayana” period. It continues from the Tamil month of Thai (Jan-Feb) to the Tamil month of Aani (June-July) during which the sun travels from the north to south direction.

Almost all other festivals related to Lord Shiva are celebrated in this temple in a grand manner.

Pradosham is also observed regularly.

Temple Timings

From 06.00 AM to 12.00 Noon and 04.30 PM to 08.30 PM.

Temple Address

Sri Meganathaswamy / Sri Sakalapuvaneswarar Temple
Thirumiyachur Post,
Nannilam Taluk,
Thiruvarur District
Tamil Nadu – 609405.
Tele: +91 94448 36526, 94446 98841, 04366 - 239 170.

*
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Today6:00 am – 12:00 noon, 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Phone+91 94448 3652694446 98841, 04366 - 239 170
A paved courtyard with a painted dome on the left, an arched shrine roof on the right, and visitors walking
Close view of painted shrine domes with white bulls and small figures, beside a yellow rounded roof
Painted shrine domes with bull statues inside the walls, and a tiered tower rising above the trees

Highlights

What makes this temple special

* Cards drawn from the temple write-up and photographs. “Read more” takes you to the full passage.

Greatness

What makes this temple great

The Goddess here is seated, and devotees can have darshan of the lords of two temples in one complex.

  1. A seated GoddessGoddess Parvathy's posture here is unique, as she is depicted in a seated posture.
  2. Two temples in one complexOne can get the darshan of the lords of two temples from a single complex.
  3. The three lords from one placeDevotees can have darshan of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva from one place, which is considered very auspicious.
  4. The Gaja Brishtam vimanamThe vimanam of the sanctum is in the Gaja Brishtam style, like the rear of an elephant.
Significance

Its place in the tradition

A Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam, sung by Saint Thirugnanasambanthar and sanctified by many legends.

  1. A Devara Paadal Petra SthalamThis is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams, on the Southern bank of the river Cauveri.
  2. The first Shakti PedamThis is considered to be the first Shakti Pedam, and the goddess is referred to as Aadhi Parashakti.
  3. Where Lalitha Sahasranamam beganThis is the place where Lalitha Sahasranamam originated and was first introduced to the world.
  4. A birth place in the sthala puranamAs per the sthala puranam, this is the birth place of Saneeswarar, Yama, Arunan, Karudan, Vali and Sukreev.
Why devotees come

Why devotees come here

Devotees come for the blessings of the Goddess, for relief from ailments and doshas, and to send their wishes through Durgai.

  1. For the Goddess's blessingsBy reciting Lalitha Sahasranamam and Lalitha Navarathnamala here, devotees believe they receive the blessings of Goddess Parvathy.
  2. For longevity and relief from ailmentsDevotees offer rice mixed with Pirandai on a lotus leaf to the lord and distribute it, and believe they will be blessed with longevity.
  3. For relief from doshasBeing a Shakti Peet, worshipping the goddess here is believed to relieve devotees from all kinds of doshas.
  4. To convey wishes through DurgaiDevotees who want their wishes to come true convey them to Goddess Lalithambigai through the Durgai shrine in the outer corridor.
The Rajagopuram at the temple entrance
276Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams

A Paadal Petra Sthalam

Legends of Thirumiyachur

Suryan laughed at Arunan's disability and was cursed by Lord Shiva; he worshipped here for seven months to be relieved.

Agasthiyar worshipped here and was granted darshan by the goddess, after which he sang Navaratna Malai.

Yama worshipped Lord Shiva here with an abhishekam and offered Pirandai rice for his longevity.

A devotee from Bangalore, guided by her dreams, offered a Kolusu to Goddess Lalithambigai in 1999.

Kings of the temple

  1. Kochengat CholanThis temple is believed to have been originally built by King Kochengat Cholan.
  2. Rajendra Chola and Sembian MaadeviIt was later renovated by King Rajendra Chola and Sembian Maadevi.

The temple is linked with Chola kings.

Saints of Thirumiyachur

  1. Saint AgasthiyarHe rendered Navaratna Malai praising the goddess, and composed another hymn here called Rahasyanamasahasram.
  2. Saint ThirugnanasambantharThe Pathigam of this temple was rendered by Saint Thirugnanasambanthar.

Saints who sang here.

Festivals

    Annappaavaadai is performed three times a year, and Rathasapthami is another important festival.

    Deities

    The deities of this temple

    * Drawn from the temple write-up and photographs. Where there is no photograph, the card shows the name.

    From the sanctum to the corridors
    Doorway of the sanctum with a red Tamil name board, a brass lamp and blue notice boards between worn yellow pillars
    Moolavar

    Sri Meganathaswamy

    Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).

    Ambalல
    Ambal

    Sri Lalithambikai

    The imposing five feet idol of Goddess Parvathy is installed over Sri Chakra in the sanctum.

    Stone Shiva holding Goddess Parvathi's cheek, dressed in silks, in a niche under a blue Tamil name board
    Shrine in the outer corridor

    Kshetra Puraaneswarar

    He is seen holding Goddess Parvathi's cheek to pacify her. This sculpture is one of the key attractions of this temple.

    Five small black stone figures with folded hands, wearing white cloth, below a blue Tamil name board
    Shrines in the corridors

    Sekkizhar, Nalvar

    Idols of Sekkizhar and Nalvar can be seen in the corridors.

    Stone Vinayakar dressed in white cloth, in a niche beneath a blue Tamil name board
    Idol in the koshtam

    Narthana Vinayakar

    The idol of Narthana Vinayakar can be seen in the koshtam, the place surrounding the sanctum sanctorum.

    Stone Chandrasekarar with a smaller figure beside him in red cloth, in a niche beneath a blue name board
    Idol in the koshtam

    Chandrasekarar

    The idol of Chandrasekarar can be seen in the koshtam.

    Stone Rishabaruder in white cloth with a bull beside him, in a niche beneath a blue Tamil name board
    Idol in the koshtam

    Rishabaruder

    The idol of Rishabaruder can be seen in the koshtam.

    Many-armed stone Durgai in an orange silk sari with flowers, standing on a buffalo head, with lamps beside her
    Idol in the koshtam

    Durgai

    The idol of Durgai can be seen in the koshtam.

    Visit & map

    Sacred geography
    Thirumiyachur Thirumiyachur Ilangkovil Thiru Thilathaipathi Thiruppampuram Sirukudi Thirunallam Thirukkondeeswaram Vanniyur Nannilathu Perungkoil Thiru Kottaru Thirupugalur Vardhamanecharam Thiru Pugalur Thiruppanaiyur
    You are hereThis temple

    Schematic. Distances as recorded on the visit; directions approximate.

    12a6a12p6p
    Darshan today6:00 am – 12:00 noon, 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm
    6:00 – 12:004:30 – 8:30 pm

    Hours as recorded on the visit. Festival days can differ.

    Plan the day around it

    Address and phone

    Sri Meganathaswamy / Sri Sakalapuvaneswarar Temple, Thirumiyachur Post, Nannilam Taluk, Thiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu – 609405.

    +91 94448 36526

    *

    A day of darshan nearby

    5 more sthalams within reach, nearest first: 11.4 km in straight lines.

    Map of Thirumiyachur and the sthalams nearby, in route order: Thirumiyachur Ilangkovil, Thiru Thilathaipathi, Thiruppampuram, Sirukudi, Vanniyur. Thirumiyachur 1 2 Thiru Thilathaipathi 3 Thiruppampuram 4 Sirukudi 5 Vanniyur 2 km N
    Drawn from coordinates. Straight-line distances; roads are longer. Faint dots are other sthalams within 50 km.
    1. 1 Thirumiyachur IlangkovilSri Sakalabuvaneswarar Temple0.1 km from the last stop
    2. 2 Thiru ThilathaipathiSri Madhimuktheswarar Temple2.5 km from the last stop
    3. 3 ThiruppampuramSri Seshapureeswarar Temple2.2 km from the last stop
    4. 4 SirukudiSri Sukshumapureeswarar Temple3.7 km from the last stop
    5. 5 VanniyurSri Agnipureeswarar Temple3 km from the last stop
    Open this route in Google Maps →

    Temple plan

    Front view of the multi-tiered, brightly painted Rajagopuram above the entrance gateway, with shops either side
    01

    The entrance and towers

    In this temple, we can see many beautiful sculptures and towers which speak about the architectural beauty and excellent craftmanship of the Chola period.

    1 / 5

    Summary written with AI help from the temple write-up.

    Pathigam

    Saint Thirugnanasambanthar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam.

    Devotees visiting this temple should make it a practice to recite this Pathigam.

    V. Muthukumaraswamy

    Saint Thirugnanasambandar visited this temple and sang this Pathigam. Verse 1 of 11.

    Kāyach chevvik kāmaṟ kāynthu kaṅkaiyaip
    pāyap paṭarpuṉ saṭaiyiṟ pathiththa paramēṭṭi
    māyach chūr'aṉ tṟaṟuththa mainthaṉ thāthaithaṉ `
    mīyach chūrē thozhuthu viṉaiyai vīṭṭumē

    The verse praises the lord who burned Kaman, the god of love, in his anger and placed the Ganga in his spreading matted hair. He is the father of the son who destroyed the demon Sura. Worshipping him at Thirumiyachur ends the effects of one's deeds.

    Tap any Tamil word for its meaning

    Verse text and transliteration as given in the write-up. Word meanings and the English meaning are AI-assisted drafts.

    All eleven verses

    1. 01

      காயச் செவ்விக் காமற் காய்ந்து கங்கையைப்பாயப் படர்புன் சடையிற் பதித்த பரமேட்டிமாயச் சூர்அன் றறுத்த மைந்தன் தாதைதன்`மீயச் சூரே தொழுது வினையை வீட்டுமே

      Kāyach chevvik kāmaṟ kāynthu kaṅkaiyaip / pāyap paṭarpuṉ saṭaiyiṟ pathiththa paramēṭṭi / māyach chūr'aṉ tṟaṟuththa mainthaṉ thāthaithaṉ ` / mīyach chūrē thozhuthu viṉaiyai vīṭṭumē

    2. 02

      பூவார் சடையின் முடிமேற் புனலர் அனல்கொள்வர்நாவார் மறையர் பிறையர் நறவெண் டலையேந்திஏவார் மலையே சிலையாக் கழியம் பெரிவாங்கிமேவார் புரமூன் றெரித்தார் மீயச் சூராரே

      Pūvār saṭaiyiṉ muṭimēṟ puṉalar aṉalkoḷvar / nāvār maṟaiyar piṟaiyar naṟaveṇ ṭalaiyēnthi / ēvār malaiyē silaiyāk kazhiyam perivāṅki / mēvār puramūṉ tṟeriththār mīyach chūrārē

    3. 03

      பொன்னேர் கொன்றை மாலை புரளும் அகலத்தான்மின்னேர் சடைக ளுடையான் மீயச் சூரானைத்தன்னேர் பிறரில் லானைத் தலையால் வணங்குவார்அந் நே ரிமையோர் உலகம் எய்தல் அரிதன்றே

      Poṉṉēr koṉtṟai mālai puraḷum akalaththāṉ / miṉṉēr saṭaika ḷuṭaiyāṉ mīyach chūrāṉaith / thaṉṉēr piṟaril lāṉaith thalaiyāl vaṇaṅkuvār / an nē rimaiyōr ulakam eythal arithaṉṟē

    4. 04

      வேக மதநல் லியானை வெருவ வுரிபோர்த்துப்பாகம் உமையோ டாகப் படிதம் பலபாடநாகம் அரைமே லசைத்து நடமா டியநம்பன்மேகம் உரிஞ்சும் பொழில்சூழ் மீயச் சூரானே

      Vēka mathanal liyāṉai veruva vuripōrththup / pākam umaiyō ṭākap paṭitham palapāṭa / nākam araimē lasaiththu naṭamā ṭiyanampaṉ / mēkam uriñchum pozhilchūḻ mīyach chūrāṉē

    5. 05

      விடையார் கொடியார் சடைமேல் விளங்கும் பிறைவேடம்படையார் பூதஞ் சூழப் பாட லாடலார்பெடையார் வரிவண் டணையும் பிணைசேர் கொன்றையார்விடையார் நடையொன் றுடையார் மீயச் சூராரே

      Viṭaiyār koṭiyār saṭaimēl viḷaṅkum piṟaivēṭam / paṭaiyār pūtañ chūzhap pāṭa lāṭalār / peṭaiyār varivaṇ ṭaṇaiyum piṇaisēr koṉtṟaiyār / viṭaiyār naṭaiyoṉ tṟuṭaiyār mīyach chūrārē

    6. 06

      குளிருஞ் சடைகொள் முடிமேற் கோல மார்கொன்றைஒளிரும் பிறையொன் றுடையா னொருவன் கைகோடிநளிரும் மணிசூழ் மாலை நட்டம் நவில்நம்பன்மிளிரும் மரவம் உடையான் மீயச் சூரானே

      Kuḷiruñ chaṭaikoḷ muṭimēṟ kōla mārkoṉtṟai / oḷirum piṟaiyoṉ tṟuṭaiyā ṉoruvaṉ kaikōṭi / naḷirum maṇichūzh mālai naṭṭam navilnampaṉ / miḷirum maravam uṭaiyāṉ mīyach chūrāṉē

    7. 07

      நீல வடிவர் மிடறு நெடியர் நிகரில்லார்கோல வடிவு தமதாங் கொள்கை யறிவொண்ணார்காலர் கழலர் கரியின் உரியர் மழுவாளர்மேலர் மதியர் விதியர் மீயச் சூராரே

      Nīla vaṭivar miṭaṟu neṭiyar nikarillār / kōla vaṭivu thamathāṅ koḷkai yaṟivoṇṇār / kālar kazhalar kariyiṉ uriyar mazhuvāḷar / mēlar mathiyar vithiyar mīyach chūrārē

    8. 08

      புலியின் உரிதோ லாடை பூசும் பொடிநீற்றர்ஒலிகொள் புனலோர் சடைமேற் கரந்தார் உமையஞ்சவலிய திரள்தோள் வன்கண் அரக்கர் கோன்தன்னைமெலிய வரைக்கீழ் அடர்த்தார் மீயச் சூராரே

      Puliyiṉ urithō lāṭai pūsum poṭinītṟar / olikoḷ puṉalōr saṭaimēṟ karanthār umaiyañcha / valiya thiraḷthōḷ vaṉkaṇ arakkar kōṉthaṉṉai / meliya varaikkīzh aṭarththār mīyach chūrārē

    9. 09

      காதின் மிளிருங் குழையர் கரிய கண்டத்தார்போதி லவனும் மாலுந் தொழப் பொங் கெரியானார்கோதி வரிவண் டறைபூம் பொய்கைப் புனல்மூழ்கிமேதி படியும் வயல்சூழ் மீயச் சூராரே

      Kāthiṉ miḷiruṅ kuzhaiyar kariya kaṇṭaththār / pōthi lavaṉum mālun thozhap poṅ keriyāṉār / kōthi varivaṇ ṭaṟaipūm poykaip puṉalmūzhki / mēthi paṭiyum vayalchūzh mīyach chūrārē

    10. 10

      கண்டார் நாணும் படியார் கலிங்க முடைபட்டைக்கொண்டார்சொல்லைக் குறுகா ருயர்ந்த கொள்கையார்பெண்டான் பாக முடையார் பெரிய வரைவில்லால்விண்டார் புரமூன் றெரித்தார் மீயச் சூராரே

      Kaṇṭār nāṇum paṭiyār kaliṅka muṭaipaṭṭaik / koṇṭārsollaik kuṟukā ruyarntha koḷkaiyār / peṇṭāṉ pāka muṭaiyār periya varaivillāl / viṇṭār puramūṉ tṟeriththār mīyach chūrārē

    11. 11

      வேட முடைய பெருமா னுறையும் மீயச்சூர்நாடும் புகழார் புகலி ஞான சம்பந்தன்பாட லாய தமிழீ ரைந்தும் மொழிந்துள்கிஆடும் அடியார் அகல்வா னுலகம் அடைவாரே

      The last verse names Thirugnanasambandar of Pukali, and says that devotees who recite these Tamil verses will reach the high world.

      Vēṭa muṭaiya perumā ṉuṟaiyum mīyachchūr / nāṭum pukazhār pukali gñāṉa sambanthaṉ / pāṭa lāya tamizhī rainthum mozhinthuḷki / āṭum aṭiyār akalvā ṉulakam aṭaivārē

    Photos

    Photographs

    20 photographs, in the order they appear in the write-up. Captions are AI-assisted.

    Painted shrine domes with white bull statues; a tall tower stands in the background under a blue sky
    Front view of the multi-tiered, brightly painted Rajagopuram above the entrance gateway, with shops either side
    Painted shrine domes with white bull figures above a stone wall, around an open paved courtyard
    Stone Shiva holding Goddess Parvathi's cheek, dressed in silks, in a niche under a blue Tamil name board
    Doorway of the sanctum with a red Tamil name board, a brass lamp and blue notice boards between worn yellow pillars
    A shrine front covered by a blue canopy, with a painted idol in a niche and two men standing at the left
    A yellow-walled pillared hall; on its roof a small dome with three painted figures, and a dark doorway below
    Five small black stone figures with folded hands, wearing white cloth, below a blue Tamil name board
    A small stone shrine with a painted dome and a dark doorway, standing in a paved corridor
    Stone Vinayakar dressed in white cloth, in a niche beneath a blue Tamil name board
    Stone Chandrasekarar with a smaller figure beside him in red cloth, in a niche beneath a blue name board
    Many-armed stone Durgai in an orange silk sari with flowers, standing on a buffalo head, with lamps beside her
    Stone Rishabaruder in white cloth with a bull beside him, in a niche beneath a blue Tamil name board
    Brightly painted shrine domes on stone bases in an open courtyard, with the Rajagopuram rising behind
    Barrel-shaped roof of a shrine with a colourful arched front holding seated figures, under a blue sky
    Two painted domes; the nearer shows a seated Vinayakar and blue bull statues on its base
    Painted domes with white bull statues beside a rear-shaped apsidal roof, above a stone corridor
    A paved courtyard with a painted dome on the left, an arched shrine roof on the right, and visitors walking
    Close view of painted shrine domes with white bulls and small figures, beside a yellow rounded roof
    Painted shrine domes with bull statues inside the walls, and a tiered tower rising above the trees