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Paasupatheeswarar Temple

Tiruvetkalam Paasupatheeswarar Temple, located in Chidambaram within the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, India, is a significant Hindu temple originally built by Kanadukathan Pethaperumal Chettiar and renovated with stone in 1914 by A. Pethaperumal Chettiar. Situated inside the Annamalai University complex, the temple spans two acres and is enclosed by concentric rectangular walls. The primary deity is Shiva, known as Pasupatheswarar, with his consorts Satgunambal and Nalla Nayaki. The temple complex features several shrines, with Pasupatheswarar’s shrine being the most prominent. The holy water is called Krupa Kadaksha Theertham, and the sacred tree is a bamboo tree.

Timings

The temple will be kept open between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


Tiruvetkalam Paasupatheeswarar Temple is the 56th Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 2nd sthalam on the north side of the river Kaveri in Chozha Nadu. This temple is situated in Chidambaram, also known as Thillai, which derives its name from the Thillai Tree (Excoecaria agallocha Linn) prevalent in the region. Historically, Chidambaram was known by various names such as Puliyur and PerumpaRa puliyur during the 7th to 8th centuries.

The temple, believed to be over 2000 years old, was originally constructed by the Pallava kings. Later, it was renovated by the Nattukkottai Chettiars. In ancient times, the area was densely populated with bamboo trees, and the historical name of this place is Moonkilvanam.


Puranic Significance :-



Arjuna, the renowned archer of Bharath, was advised by Lord Krishna to perform penance to receive the Pasupatha missile from Lord Shiva, despite already having many weapons from his father, Indra. Following Krishna's counsel, Arjuna came to a place dense with bamboo trees. Duryodhana, intent on disrupting Arjuna’s penance, sent the demon Mookasura in the form of a wild pig to thwart him. To counter this, Lord Shiva, accompanied by Mother Parvati and the Four Vedas in the guise of dogs, arrived as a hunter.

During the confrontation, both Shiva and Arjuna simultaneously shot arrows at the pig, leading to a dispute over whose arrow had killed the demon. This dispute escalated into a fight between Shiva and Arjuna. When Arjuna struck Shiva with his bow, the impact was felt throughout the world. Shiva, in response, tossed Arjuna with His toe, causing him to fall into the Krupa Kadaksham spring. Mother Parvati, enraged by Arjuna's assault on Shiva, was calmed by Shiva, who reminded her of the qualities of a loving mother and addressed her as ‘Sarguna,’ meaning someone with calm traits.

Arjuna was ultimately blessed by the touch of Shiva's feet and granted darshan with Mother Parvati, receiving the Pasupatha missile he desired. The scar from the bow-blow on the Shivalinga remains visible to this day.


Do's and Don'ts

  1. Do pray your Ishta Devata before pilgrimage to the Temple.
  2. Do contact Temple Devasthanam information centre for enquiry, temple information and for Pooja details etc.
  3. Do reserve your travel and accommodation at Temple well in advance.
  4. Take a bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
  5. Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
  6. Do maintain silence and recite Om Namah Shivaya or your Istamantram to yourself inside the temple.
  7. Do observe ancient customs and traditions while in Temple.
  8. Do respect religious sentiments at Temple.
  9. Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only.


  1. Do not come to Temple for any purpose other than worshipping God and Goddess.
  2. Do not smoke at Temple.
  3. Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple.
  4. Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
  5. Do not approach mediators for quick Darshanam. It may cause inconvenience to others.
  6. Do not carry any weapon inside the temple.
  7. Do not wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
  8. Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  9. Do not take much time while performing Sparsa Darshanam to God in Garbhagriha.
  10. Do not buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
  11. Do not encourage beggars at Temple.
  12. Do not spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple.


Dress Code

For Men:

  1. Traditional Wear: It is customary to wear dhoti (a traditional garment) or formal pants with a shirt. In some temples, a dhoti or veshti with a shirt is preferred.
  2. Modest Clothing: Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or casual wear like t-shirts and jeans.

For Women:

  1. Traditional Wear: Women are encouraged to wear sarees, salwar kameez, or other traditional attire. Long skirts and blouses are also acceptable.
  2. Modest Clothing: Ensure clothing covers the shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing revealing or western-style casual attire such as shorts or sleeveless tops.

How to reach

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  1. By Air: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), approximately 85 km (53 mi) from Pondicherry. From the Airport: You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Pondicherry, and then proceed to the temple.
  2. By Rail: Chidambaram Railway Station (CDM), which is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu. From the Railway Station: You can take a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple, located about 2 km (1.2 mi) from the station.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

The Tiruvetkalam Temple is located in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. Nearby rivers and cities include:

  1. Rivers: The temple is situated close to the Kaveri River, which flows through the region.
  2. Cities:
  3. Cuddalore: Approximately 24 km (15 mi) from Chidambaram.
  4. Villupuram: About 30 km (19 mi) away.
  5. Tiruchirappalli: Around 85 km (53 mi) to the west.