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Kundaleswarar Temple

This is the 82nd Thevara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 28th shrine located on the northern banks of the River Kaveri in the Chola Nadu region. The place, known as Kurakkaka during the 6th–7th centuries, is now referred to as Thirukurakkaval, situated on the northern banks of the River Uppanar, near Thalainayar and Mayiladuthurai.

Timings

Opens from 6.00 am to 8.00 pm

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


Since the 7th century, Thirunavukkarasar has sung hymns in praise of Lord Shiva at this temple, indicating that the temple likely existed even before his time. Part of the temple structure is made of brick, suggesting that major renovations were not undertaken during the Chola and Vijayanagara periods.

The temple's Maha Kumbhabhishekam (consecration ceremony) was conducted on September 4th, 2017, following renovations. This was five years after my previous visit.


Puranic Significance :-



Lord Sri Rama wished to perform puja to Lord Shiva at Sethukarai in Rameswaram and instructed Anjaneya to fetch a Shivalinga for the ritual. While Anjaneya was away on the mission, Mother Sita created a Shivalinga out of sand, which Sri Rama worshipped. Upon Anjaneya's return with the Shivalinga, he was disappointed to find that the puja had already been completed. Angry, he attempted to break the Linga he had brought with his tail, but was unable to do so.

Realising his hasty actions, Anjaneya sought Lord Shiva’s forgiveness. Along with flowers, he offered his earrings (kundalam) as part of his worship and received the Lord's pardon. Since Lord Shiva was worshipped with these kundalams, He is also revered as Kundalakeswarar.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress Appropriately: Wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
  2. Remove Footwear: Take off shoes before entering the temple.
  3. Observe Silence: Maintain a quiet demeanour.
  4. Follow Rituals: Participate respectfully in rituals and customs.
  5. Offer Prayers Respectfully: Approach the deities with reverence.
  6. Use Designated Paths: Stick to paths for devotees.
  7. Support Local Practices: Engage in local customs and festivals.
  8. Maintain Cleanliness: Dispose of waste properly.


  1. Don't Use Mobile Phones: Avoid calls or photography in restricted areas.
  2. Don't Eat Inside: Refrain from eating or drinking in the temple.
  3. Don't Interrupt Worship: Do not disturb worshippers or rituals.
  4. Don't Wear Inappropriate Attire: Avoid revealing or casual clothing.
  5. Don't Touch Deities or Offerings: Respect the sanctity of idols and offerings.
  6. Don't Engage in Loud Conversations: Keep noise to a minimum.
  7. Don't Bring Non-Vegetarian Food: Follow vegetarian guidelines.
  8. Don't Ignore Temple Guidelines: Adhere to rules set by temple authorities.


Dress Code

For Men:

  1. Wear traditional attire such as a dhoti, lungi, or kurta. Western formal wear like trousers and a collared shirt is also acceptable.
  2. Avoid shorts, sleeveless shirts, or overly casual clothing.

For Women:

  1. Wear traditional attire such as sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts. Modest dresses that cover the shoulders and knees are also acceptable.
  2. Avoid revealing or tight-fitting clothing.

How to reach

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Best season to visit :-


  1. The best season to visit the Kundaleswarar Temple is from November to February due to:
  2. Pleasant Weather: Cooler temperatures make exploration comfortable.
  3. Festivals: Important celebrations like Maha Shivrathri occur during this time, adding to the festive atmosphere.


How to reach :-



  1. By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), located about 130 kilometres away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Mayiladuthurai and then proceed to the temple.
  2. By Train: The nearest railway station is Mayiladuthurai Junction, which is well-connected to major cities. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple. 
  3. By Road: From Mayiladuthurai: The temple is approximately 10 kilometres away. You can hire a taxi or use local buses that run regularly between Mayiladuthurai and Thirukurakkaval.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Uppanar River: The temple is located close to the banks of the Uppanar River, which serves as a significant water source for rituals and activities.
  2. Kaveri River: Approximately 10 kilometres away, the Kaveri River is one of the major rivers in Tamil Nadu, known for its cultural and religious importance.


Cities:

  1. Mayiladuthurai: Located about 10 kilometres from the temple, Mayiladuthurai is a prominent town known for its temples and cultural heritage.
  2. Thalainayar: Situated nearby, this town is also close to the temple and is associated with various temples and festivals.