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Gnanapureeswarar Temple

During the 6th to 7th century, this place was known as Idaichuram, a name which later evolved into the present-day Thiruvadisoolam. It is the 27th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam of Thondai Nadu, located near Chengalpattu. According to Periyapuranam, Sekkizhar mentioned that after receiving the Darshan of Sri Marundeeswarar at Thiruvanmiyur, Thirugnanasambandar visited this temple.

Timings

The temple is open from 7.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


The Thiruvadisoolam temple, located near Chengalpattu, has a rich historical significance as recorded in various inscriptions. It was originally known as Jayangonda Chozhamandalathu Kalathur Kottathu Valla Nattu Thiruvidaichuram during the 6th to 7th century. Lord Shiva at this temple is referred to as Thiruvidaichuram Udayar or Thiruvidaichuramudaya Nayanar, and the goddess is called Imayakodiammai.

The temple was constructed during the reign of Paramesuvaraman-I, and numerous inscriptions have been recorded at the temple, with a total of 15 inscriptions found here. These inscriptions date from the periods of several Chola and Vijayanagara kings, including:

  1. Kulothunga Chozha-I
  2. Vikrama Chozha-I (1128 AD)
  3. Rajanaraya Sambuavaran-I (1340 AD)
  4. Vijayakanda Gopalan
  5. Vijayanagara Kings Viruppanna & Bukkan-II
  6. Achutha Rayar


The inscriptions primarily record gifts of lands, the establishment of Impon Urchavar (a festival for Ambal), and the lighting of perpetual lamps. There is also a manuscript detailing the contributions of Kulothunga Chozha. Specific inscriptions include:

  1. AR 347 of 1906: Regarding the lighting of lamps for the goddess's sannidhi.
  2. AR 336 of 1908: Records the endowment for lighting a perpetual lamp and providing Naivedyam (offerings) to Lord Shiva.
  3. AR 346 of 1908: Mentions the construction of the sanctum sanctorum for the goddess.


Additionally, a 13th-century inscription notes the contribution of Vanavan Mahadevi Chathurvedimangalathu Thiruchuramudaiya Nayanar, and another inscription from the same period records an endowment for perpetual lamps by Sundarapandiyan, with a donation of 60 cows.


During the reign of Kulothunga Chozha-III, another inscription in his 33rd year mentions a sandhi lamp endowment. Another inscription from the 13th century on the north wall records the donation of 32 cows for a perpetual lamp.

Historically, the area surrounding the temple was once fortified, and it was ruled by regional kings Kathavarayan and Sethurayan. A palm leaf manuscript detailing these contributions is preserved at the Government Oriental Manuscript Library in Anna.

This temple thus has a deep connection to the Chola dynasty and the religious and cultural life of the region, with several royal contributions documented in the inscriptions.


Puranic Significance :-


Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress Modestly: Wear traditional or modest attire when visiting the temple.
  2. Respect the Sanctity: Show respect to the temple's rituals, deities, and fellow devotees.
  3. Offer Prayers Reverently: Follow the temple's prayer rituals respectfully during darshan.
  4. Follow the Queue: Stand in the designated lines for darshan and offerings.
  5. Help Maintain Cleanliness: Dispose of waste properly and keep the temple premises clean.


  1. Avoid Photography: Refrain from taking photos, especially in the sanctum or during rituals, unless permitted.
  2. Do Not Enter with Shoes: Remove shoes before entering the temple.
  3. Do Not Disturb Rituals: Do not interrupt or disturb ongoing prayers or ceremonies.
  4. Do Not Bring Non-Vegetarian Items: Avoid bringing any non-vegetarian food or drinks into the temple.
  5. Do Not Touch the Deities: Refrain from physically touching the idols or sacred offerings.
  6. Avoid Loud Conversations: Maintain silence or speak softly in the temple premises.
  7. Do Not Rush: Be patient and allow others their time for prayer and offerings.

Dress Code

For Men:

  1. Traditional Attire: Wearing a dhoti or lungi is preferred, but wearing long pants with a shirt is acceptable.
  2. Shirts: Shirts should preferably be full-sleeved. T-shirts are generally not allowed.

For Women:

  1. Traditional Attire: Wearing a sari, salwar kameez, or chudidhar is recommended.
  2. Modesty: Clothes should be modest and cover the shoulders and knees.

How to reach

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Best season to visit :-


The best season to visit Thiruvidaichuram Temple is during the winter months, from October to March.


How to reach :-



  1. By Air: Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport (MAA) is the closest airport, around 70 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Chengalpattu and then continue to Thiruvadisoolam.
  2. By Train: Nearest Railway Station: Chengalpattu Junction (around 13 km away). From here, you can take a taxi or local transport to reach the temple.
  3. By Road: From Chengalpattu: Thiruvadisoolam is approximately 13 km from Chengalpattu. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Chengalpattu bus stand to reach the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Nearby Rivers:

  1. Palar River: The Palar River is one of the major rivers near the temple, flowing through the region.
  2. Kortalaiyar River: This river is another important watercourse in the vicinity.


Nearby Cities:

  1. Chengalpattu: The temple is near the town of Chengalpattu, which is a significant city in the Kanchipuram district.
  2. Kanchipuram: Located to the northeast, Kanchipuram is an important historical and cultural city, often referred to as a temple city.
  3. Madurantakam: Situated to the south, Madurantakam is another nearby town.
  4. Madhuranthakam: Close to the temple, this town is known for its historical significance and proximity to other temples.