14 Famous Temples To Visit In Thiruvarur

Visited on: 23^rd September, 2018.

Location

Keezhvelur is situated at a distance of about 14 kms from Thiruvarur on the Thiruvarur to Nagapatinam route. In fact, it is midway in between Tiruvarur and Nagappattinam.

There is a railway station in Keezhvelur and this temple is about 2 kms away from it. Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are –

Thevur, Sikkal, Nagapattinam, Thirumaraikkadu, Agathiyanpalli and Kodiyakkarai.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 84^th Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauvery 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, one of the 63 Nayanmars.
• This temple is also known as “Kubera Sthalam”.
• This east facing temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 7-tiers.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 01.05.2015 and prior to that on 11.04.1999 and 01.09.1963.

History of the Temple

The legend is that once upon a time, when the Devas and Asuras were churning the “Thiruparkadal” ocean to extract nectar, it is believed that a drop of the nectar fell on the ground at two places – one in north India and the other one at this place. The place where it fell in north India is known as “North Badarikaranyam” (present Badrinath in Uttarakand state) and this place is known as “South Badarikaranyam”. Badri refers to “Elanthai” tree and once this region was a forest densely covered with badri trees. The sthalaviruksham of this temple is also badari tree.

There are three stone inscriptions in this temple - two belong to the Tirubuvana Chakravarthi Raja Raja Cholan and one belongs to Tanjore Maratha king Thulajaji.

As Lord Murugan (“Vel”) worshiped Lord Shiva here, this place gets the name Velur.

The temple is built at an elevation of about 21 feet with 18 steps on the hillock and is known as “Chithira Kooda Parvadam”.

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

Visited on: 15^th September, 2018.

Location

Thiru Palliyin Mukkudal is situated at a distance of about 5 kms from Thiruvarur. Before entering Thiruvarur, there is a place called Gayakarai (This place is now called as Kekkarai / Ramake Road) on the Thiruvarur – Peralam road. From Gekkarai take a diversion road and proceed further for about 4 kms to reach Thiru Palliyin Mukkoodal.
Nearest railway station is Kodikal Palayam (3 kms) and Virkudi (3 kms) which is on the Mayiladuthurai to Thiruvarur line.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are –

Thiruvarur, Thiruvarur Araneri, Aarur Paravaiyin Mandali, Thiru Vilamar, Thiru Virkudi, Thiru Nellikka, Thiru Thenkur, Thiru Kollikkadu, Thiru Nattiyathangudi, Thiru Karayil, Thiru Kantrapur, Thiru Valivalam, Thiru Kaichinam, Thirukkolili and Thiruvaimur. 

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 86^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 does not have a main tower (Gopuram), instead there is an arch at the entrance. It has one corridor (Prakaram).
• This temple has no flag post “Dwajasthambam”.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on January 27, 2003 and prior to that on 02.06.1986.

History of the Temple

The historical names of this place are Ariyan Palli, Palliyin Mukkudal and Kuruvi Rameswaram.

This temple is under the administrative control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Government of Tamil Nadu (HR&CE). The HR&CE officials in Thiruvarur Sri Thiyagarajaswamy temple are looking after this temple.

Visited on: 11^th June, 2018.

Location

Peruvelur (Manakkal Ayyampettai) is situated at a distance of about 8 kms from Thiruvarur on the Kumbakonam-Kudavasal-Thiruvarur route. From Kudavasal, this place is about 12 kms. From Manakkal, this place is about one kilometer away.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are –

Thalayalangadu, Karaveeram, Kaduvaikkarai Puthur, Naalur Mayanam, Thirucherai, Thirukkollamputhur, Kudavasal, Penu Perunthurai, Thiru Naraiyur Siththeecharam, Arisirkarai Puthur, Sivapuram, Karukkudi and Kalayanallur.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 92^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 a “parihara sthalam” for planet Sukran.
• This is the place where “Lalitha Thirisathai” originated.
• This temple is counted as one of the Maadak Koils built by Chola King Kochenganan.
• This east facing temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 3-tiers.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 02.07.2006 and prior to that on 07.09.1969.

History of the Temple

It is believed that this temple is built on top of a small piece of Mount Kailash that had fallen down during a fight between Aadhisheshan and Vayu.

The historical names of this place are Katturainpettai and Kattur Iyampettai. Now it is known as Manakkal Iyampettai.

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

Visited on: 16^th September, 2018.

Location

Vilamar is situated at a distance of about 3 kms from Thiruvarur on the Thiruvarur to Tanjore route.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are –

Thiru Nellikka, Thiru Thenkur, Thiru Kollikkadu, Thiru Nattiyathangudi, Thiru Karayil, Thiru Kantrapur, Thiru Chitremam, Thiru Thandalai Neelneri, Thiru Valivalam, Thiru Kaichinam, Thirukkolili, Thiruvaimur, Thiruvarur, Thiruvarur Araneri, Aarur Paravaiyin Mandali and Thiru Palliyin Mukkudal.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 90^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 two corridors. 
• This temple’s main tower is not tiered. In place of the Gopuram, there is a beautiful sculpture depicting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 12.09.2018 and prior to that on 30.08.2004.

History of the Temple

This ancient temple is situated on the southern bank of the river “Oodampokki Aru”.

The historical names of this place are Thiruvadi Kshethram, Sivapatha Sthalam and Thiru Vilamar. However, now this place is locally known as Vilamal.

This temple is under the administrative control of (Thirupugalur) Velakurichi Adheenam.

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.

Visited on: 22^nd September, 2018.

Location

Thiruppanaiyur is located at a distance of about 12 kms from Thiruvarur on the Thiruvarur to Mayiladuthurai (via Andippanthal- Sannanallur-Peralam) route. Take the diversion road from this temple’s arch after Sannanallur and proceed further for about 1.5 kms to reach this temple.
From Andipanthal, cross the Putharu railway crossing and travel further for about 3 kms to reach Panayur.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are –

Nannilam, Thiru Kondeecharam, Thiru Marugal, Thiru Virkudi, Thiru Chengattangudi, Thiruppayatrur, Ramanatheecharam, Sree Vanchiyam, Thiru Pukalur, Thiru Pukalur Varthamaneecharam and Thiru Chathamangai.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 73^rd Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple’s main tower is not tiered. In fact, the tower itself is very small. In place of the Gopuram, there is a beautiful sculpture depicting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy. 
• This temple has two corridors and it does not have a flag post “Dwajasthambam”.
• The great Chola King Karikalan lived in this place in his childhood.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 26.08.1973.

History of the Temple

The historical name of this place is Thalavanam and the temple is known as Thalavaneswaram (“Thalam” means palm tree).

Of the 276 Paadal Petra Shivasthalams, very few temples have Palm tree (Panai) as their Sthala Viruksham. This temple is one of them. The other temples having this sthala viruksham are - Thiru Panaiyur, Thiru Vanparthan Panankattur, Thiru Puravaar Panankattur, Thiru Cheyyar, Thiru Mazhapadi, Thiru Valampuram and Thiruppanandal.

According to history, the great Chola King Karikalan grew up in this temple and lived here for around 10 years so that he could be shielded from his enemies.  Karikalan was born after his father King Ilamchetchenni was killed by his enemies. After his father’s death, Karikalan and his mother were sent to this temple by his maternal uncle, Irumbidar Thalaiyar who was a Sangam era poet. Irumbidar Thalaiyar did so to ensure that the boy could be raised in peace.

At this temple, Karikalan’s mother prayed to the lord asking him to protect them from their enemies. It is believed that Lord Vinayakar here started protecting them. When Karikalan attained the age of 13, with his uncle’s help, he fought and regained his kingdom. It is believed that when the Chola ministers sent a state elephant to look for the prince, the elephant found Karikalan and garlanded him.

At the entrance of this temple, there is an idol of Vinayakar called “Thunai Iruntha Vinayagar” (“thunai” means escort, “iruntha” means side by in Tamil).

There are about 14 stone inscriptions in this temple which date back to the periods of Chola king Kulothungan-I, Sundara Pandiyan, Parakirama Pandiyan, Rajathi Rajan-I and Rajarajan II.

In these inscriptions, the lord is mentioned as Panaiyadiyappan and Panangattiraivan. It is also mentioned that this temple was built in granite in the early 11^th century. The village around this temple is referred to as Rajendra Cholap Panaiyur.

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

Visited on: 12^th June, 2018.

Location

Ramanadeecharam (Thiru Kannapuram) is situated at a distance of about 12 kms from Nannilam. It is about 2.5 kms away from Thiru Pukalur bus stop and 3 kms away from Thiru Chenkattangudi.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are –

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

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 77^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 two corridors and its main tower is not tiered. In place of the Gopuram, there is a beautiful sculpture depicting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy.
• There is no flag post (Dwajasthambam) here.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 11.11.2012.

History of the Temple

There are five stone inscriptions in this temple. According to these inscriptions, King Kulothunga Chola renovated this temple and gifted lands in the village called “Sivapatha Sekara Mangalam” for the maintenance of this temple. In these inscriptions, the lord of this temple is referred to as “Sri Rama Nandeechara Mudaiyar”.

The historical name of this place is Rama Nandheecharam which was later changed to Ramanadeecharam and is now known as Thiru Kannapuram.

This is one of the auspicious temples that Lord Ram visited on his way back to Ayothya.

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

Visited on: 11^th June, 2018.

Location

Nannilam is situated at a distance of about 30 kms from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam to Nagore route. It can also be reached from Mayiladuthurai (30 kms) and Thiruvarur (17 kms) on the Mayiladuthurai to Thiruvarur route. Nearest railway station is Nannilam which is 5 kms away from this temple.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are –

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

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 71^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 temple is counted as one of the Maadak Koils built by Chola King Kochenganan.
• This east facing temple’s main tower is not tiered. In place of the Gopuram, there is a beautiful sculpture depicting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 14.09.2008 and prior to that on 15.09.1996.

History of the Temple

The historical names of this place are Sundaravani, Madhuvanam, Devaranyam, Sundaravanam and Bruhathpuram.

This place is surrounded by fertile agricultural land; hence it gets the name Nannilam (“Nalla” means good and “nilam” means land in Tamil).

This ancient temple is located on the southern bank of the river Mudikondan. This place is referred as Nannilam and the temple is known as “Perungkoil” (big temple).

As per stone inscriptions in this temple, the temple was built in the 9^th century by Chola King Kochenganan.

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

Visited on: 11^th June, 2018.

Location

Thiru Kondeecharam is situated at a distance of about 3 kms from Nannilam, en route Sanna Nallur (take the diversion road near the village Thoothukudi).

Nannilam is situated at a distance of about 30 kms from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam to Nagore route. It can also be reached from Mayiladuthurai (30 kms) on the Mayiladuthurai to Thiruthuraipoondi route (Via Nannilam).

From Thiruvarur, this place is about 17 kms on the Thiruvarur to Mayiladuthurai route (Via Nannilam).

Nearest Railway station is Nannilam which is about 3 kms away from this place.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are –

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

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 72^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 east facing temple’s main tower does not have any tiers. In place of the Gopuram, there are beautiful sculptures depicting Lord Shiva, Vinayakar, Murugan and Goddess Parvathy.
• This temple has a beautiful arch at the entrance. 
• This temple has a single corridor and it does not have a flag post (“Dwajasthambam”).
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 10.09.2006.

History of the Temple

This ancient temple is located on the southern bank of the river Mudikondan.

According to legend, in ancient times, this region was densely covered with Vilwa trees. Hence, this place gets the name Vilvaranyam.

The historical names of this place are Vilvaranyam and Thirukkondeecharam. However, now this place is known as Thirukkandeeswaram.

There is a stone inscription in this temple which dates back to the period of Vijayanagara King Veera Krishnadevarayar.

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

Visited on: 15^th September, 2018.

Location

Thiruppayatrur is situated at a distance of about 11 kms from Thiruvarur on the Mayiladuthurai to Thiruvarur route. Take the diversion road from Kangalanchery -Nagore road. Reach Melapputhanur and then take the Thiru Marugal road to reach this temple. This temple is 5 kms away from Thiru Marugal.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are –

Thiru Virkudi, Thiru Chengattangudi, Thiru Marugal, Ramanatheecharam, Thiru Pukalur, Thiru Pukalur Varthamaneecharam and Thiru Chathamangai. 

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 78^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 single corridor and its main tower does not have any tiers. In place of the Gopuram, there are beautiful sculptures depicting the “panchamoorthy” (Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathy, Vinayakar Murugan and Ankarakan).
• This temple has no flag post (“Dwajasthambam”).
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 06.06.2011 and prior to that on 20.08.1975.

History of the Temple

The historical name of this place is Thiruppayatrur but it is now known as Thiruppayathankudi.

There are some stone inscriptions in this temple which date back to the period of Chola King Rajarajan-II.

One of the stone inscriptions here narrates the story of a man named Panchanathavaanan. He was suffering from some eye diseases and he prayed to the lord for a cure. He was cured of his ailments. His family then donated some land to this temple.

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

Visited on: 11^th June, 2018.

Location

Thalayalangadu is situated at a distance of about 18 kms from Thiruvarur on the Kumbakonam to Thiruvarur route (Via Kudavasal). It is about 8 kms from Kudavasal.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are –

Peruvelur, Karaveeram, Kaduvaikkarai Puthur, Naalur Mayanam, Thirucherai, Thirukkollamputhur, Kudavasal, Penu Perunthurai, Thiru Naraiyur Siththeecharam, Arisirkarai Puthur, Sivapuram, Karukkudi and Kalayanallur.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 93^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 no main tower (Rajagopuram) but it has an arch at the entrance. 
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 08.07.2012.

History of the Temple

During the Sangam era, this place was known as Thalaiyalankaanam. Thalaiyalankaanam was the battle field where Pandiya king Nedunchezhiyan won against the combined armies of Chera and Chola. After this, he assumed the title of “Thalaiyalankaanathu Seru Ventra Pandiyan” (“seru” means war and “ventra” means conquered in Tamil). One of the Sangam epics “Puranaanooru” describes this war in detail. To substantiate this story, there are a few places near this temple having names such as “Pandian Medu”, “Pandian Thidal” etc.

There are certain stone inscriptions in this temple which date back to 12^th century.

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

Visited on: 11^th June, 2018.

Location

Thiru Karaveeram is situated at a distance of about 10 kms from Thiruvarur on the Thiruvarur to Kumbakonam route. Take the diversion road from Vadakandam village and proceed to Karaveeram.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are – Thirukkollamputhur, Peruvelur, Thalaiyaalangadu, Kudavoil (Kudavasal), Thirucheri, Naalur Mayanam, Kaduvaikkarai Puthur (Aandangkoil), Penu Perunthurai, Thiru Naraiyur Siththeecharam, Arisirkarai Puthur, Sivapuram, Karukkudi and Kalayanallur.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 91^st Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).
• This east facing temple’s main tower does not have any tiers. In place of the Gopuram, there is a beautiful sculpture depicting Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy.
• This temple has only one corridor. It does not have a flag post (Dwajasthambam).
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 22.08.1997.

History of the Temple

This ancient temple is situated on the southern bank of the river Vettaru.

According to legend, in ancient times, this region was a forest densely covered with Karaveeram trees. This temple’s Sthala Viruksham is “Pon Alari” / “Sevvarali” (Karaveeram), hence this place gets the name Karaveeram. However, now this place is known as Vadakandam Karaiyapuram.

Another reason why this village got the name Karaveeram is because it is believed that a donkey (“karam” in Tamil) worshiped the lord 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: 1^st April, 2018

Location

Thiru Vanchiyam (Sri Vanchiyam) is located at a distance of about 30 kms from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam - Natchiarkovil - Nannilam route. From Nannilam, it is about 6 kms and from Thiruvarur, it is about 17 kms.

Other Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams near this place are – Nannilam, Thiru Kondeecharam, Thiruveezhimizhalai, Serukudi, Thalaiyalangadu and Thiru Peruvelur.

General Information

• This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 70^th Shiva Sthalam on the Southern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai).
• Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested). 
• This temple is famous for Lord Yama’s shrine. 
• Devotees worship the lord here and seek his blessings for a long and prosperous life.
• This temple is famous as a Rahu-Ketu parihara Sthalam. 
• This place is called as the “Mount Kailash on earth” (“Bhoologa Kailash”). 
• This is one of a few Paadal petra sthalams where the “Nalvar” (the four saints - Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Thirunavukarasar (Appar), Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar) and Saint Manickavasagar had rendered their Pathigams. 
• This east facing temple has 3 corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers.
• The last consecration ceremony (Maha Kumbabishekam) took place on 10.04.1989.

History of the Temple

This is one of the six Shivasthalams on the banks of the river Cauvery which are considered to be very sacred and are equivalent to Kasi (Banaras). These are Thiruvengadu, Thiruvaiyaru, Chaayavanam, Mayiladuthurai, Thiruvidaimarudur and Thiruvanchiam (this temple).

According to Hindu mythology, at the end of every “Yuga”, there is a huge flood (deluge) that leads to the destruction of all living beings on the earth. This is called the “Pralayam”. It is believed that this place was not destroyed even at the end of the “Pralayam”.

It is believed that in each of the four Yugas the idol of Lord Shiva takes a different form. It is considered to be made out of gemstone (Rathinam) in Kretha Yuga, gold in Thretha Yuga, silver in Dvapara Yuga and granite in Kali Yuga.

There are 27 stone inscriptions in this temple which date back to the periods of the later Cholas, Pandiyas and Nayakkars. This temple was originally built by Chola King Rajarajan.

The historical names of this place are Vanchiyapathi, Santhanavanam, Thiruvaraiyur, Bhukailasam and Gandhaaranyam.

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