Back to Results
Temple Image

Palaivaneswarar Temple

Palaivananathar Temple, located in Papanasam, Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. In this temple, Shiva is worshipped as Papanasanathar, represented in the form of a lingam, while his consort Parvati is depicted as Thavalavennayagal. The temple is one of the revered Paadal Petra Sthalams, celebrated in the 7th-century Tamil Shaiva canonical hymns known as the Tevaram, composed by the Nayanars, the saint poets of Tamil Saivism. The temple complex spans approximately one acre and features a five-tiered gopuram (gateway tower) as its main entrance. The primary shrines are dedicated to Papanasanathar and Thavalavennayagal, and the entire complex is surrounded by large concentric rectangular granite walls. A notable feature of the temple is a granary made of brick from the Vijayanagar Empire period, which is preserved as a monument by the state Archaeological Department. This temple holds great historical and religious significance, drawing devotees for both its architectural beauty and its sanctity as a Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Timings

Morning: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM & Evening: 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Entry Fee

Free of charge

In Darukavanam, some wicked sages performed a Yagna using evil mantras targeting Lord Shiva, creating a ferocious tiger to kill him. Lord Shiva subdued the tiger, killed it, and used its skin as his attire. This event took place at this location, which is known by several names such as Brahmmavanam, Palaivanam, Arasavanam, and Punnahavanam. This temple is one of the Saptha Sthanam (seven sacred places) around Tirunallur.

During the Pandavas' exile, following the advice of Sage Dhaumya, Arjuna came to this temple, worshipped Lord Shiva, and learned all the advanced techniques of archery. He also descended to the netherworld, where he married Uloopi.

Lord Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here to cleanse himself of the sin of killing Ravana. Since his sins were absolved, the place came to be known as Papanasam (where "Papa" means sin, and "Nasam" means to clear).

The temple also houses many Shivalingas, placed serially in the Mandap, each installed on Avudayars, the platforms on which Shiva Lingas are set.


Puranic Significance :


The original structure of the Palaivananathar Temple is believed to have been constructed by the Cholas, while the present masonry structure was built by the Vijayanagar kings during the 16th century. Today, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

According to Hindu legend, Lord Shiva killed a tiger in the forest of Darukavana and wore its skin as a symbol of his victory. Later, during the Mahabharata era, Arjuna, the Pandava prince who was in exile with his brothers, was advised by Sage Dhaumya to visit this forest and seek Lord Shiva's blessings. Arjuna did so, and as a result, he received special skills and divine weapons in archery from Lord Shiva.

The presiding deity, Papanasanathar, is believed to have absolved the sins of many other deities, including Vishnu, Brahma, Rama, Sita, Sage Vashishta, Lakshmana, and other celestial beings. This is how the deity earned the name Papanasanathar, meaning "the one who absolves sins."


Administration History :



The Palaivananathar Temple has been under the care of several dynasties, starting with the Cholas, who originally built and expanded the temple. Inscriptions from Pallava and Vijayanagara periods also indicate contributions towards its development. During the Vijayanagara Empire, further structural improvements were made, including the granary. In modern times, the temple is maintained by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. The State Archaeological Department is also involved in preserving its historical monuments.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to Your Ishta Devata: Begin your pilgrimage by seeking the blessings of your personal deity.
  2. Contact the Temple Information Centre: For inquiries regarding temple details, pooja arrangements, and other information, reach out to the Devasthanam information centre.
  3. Reserve Travel and Accommodation: Make your travel and accommodation arrangements well in advance to ensure a smooth pilgrimage.
  4. Maintain Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean clothes before entering the temple as a sign of respect.
  5. Focus on the Deities: Concentrate your thoughts and prayers on the God and Goddess within the temple.
  6. Practice Silence and Recite Mantras: Maintain a quiet demeanour and recite "Om Namah Shivaya" or your personal mantra silently to yourself while inside the temple.
  7. Observe Customs and Traditions: Adhere to the ancient customs and traditions of the temple during your visit.
  8. Respect Religious Sentiments: Be mindful and respectful of the religious sentiments of others while in the temple.
  9. Deposit Offerings Appropriately: Place your offerings in the designated hundi only.
  1. Avoid Non-Worship Activities: Do not come to the temple for purposes other than worshipping the deities.
  2. No Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited within the temple premises.
  3. No Alcohol Consumption: Do not consume alcoholic beverages while at the temple.
  4. No Non-Vegetarian Food: Eating non-vegetarian food is not permitted within the sacred space.
  5. Avoid Mediators for Quick Darshan: Do not approach intermediaries for expedited darshan, as it may inconvenience other devotees.
  6. Leave Weapons Behind: Weapons of any kind should not be carried inside the temple.
  7. Remove Headgear: Do not wear helmets, caps, turbans, or hats while within the temple grounds.
  8. Do Not Perform Sastanga Pranama Inside the Sanctum Sanctorum: Respect the sanctity of the sanctum by not performing this gesture there.
  9. Be Mindful During Darshan: Do not linger unnecessarily while performing Sparsa Darshan in the Garbhagriha.
  10. Avoid Spurious Prasadams: Do not buy offerings or prasadams from street vendors outside the temple.
  11. Do Not Encourage Begging: Refrain from giving to beggars in and around the temple area.
  12. Maintain Cleanliness: Do not spit or create a nuisance within the temple premises.

Dress Code

For Men: Men are expected to wear a shirt and trouser, dhoti, or pyjamas with an upper cloth. Shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans, and short-length T-shirts are not permitted.

For Women: Women should ideally wear a saree or half-saree with a blouse, or a chudidhar with pyjamas and upper cloth. Similar to men, women are not allowed to wear shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans, or short-length T-shirts.

How to reach

Open in Google Maps ↗

Best time to visit :

The ideal time to visit this temple is during the winter season, specifically from September to March. During these months, the weather is pleasant, making it conducive for pilgrims and visitors to engage in worship and exploration.


By Air: Trichy Airport is the nearest airport to Papanasam. Visitors can fly to Trichy and then hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple, which is approximately 40 kilometres away from the airport.

By Rail: Kumbakonam Railway Station serves as the closest railway station to the temple. Travellers can take a train to Kumbakonam and then opt for local transportation, such a auto-rickshaws or taxis, to reach the temple.

By Road: The temple is accessible by road, with local buses and taxis available from various nearby cities. The Kumbakonam Bus Stand provides regular bus services, making it easy for visitors to travel to the temple from surrounding areas.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers :

  1. Kudamurutti River: This river flows near the Palaivananathar Temple in Papanasam, providing a serene environment for the temple and its devotees. It is often associated with sacred rituals and is an important water source in the region.
  2. Cauvery River: While not directly adjacent, the famous Cauvery River is located nearby and holds great significance in Hindu mythology. It is considered a holy river, and many temples along its banks, including the Palaivananathar Temple, benefit from its spiritual importance.
  3. Vettar River: This river runs through the Thanjavur district and is significant for irrigation and agriculture in the area. Its proximity to the temple adds to the natural beauty and sanctity of the region.


Cities :

  1. Thanjavur: Located approximately 20 kilometres away, Thanjavur is a historical city known for its rich cultural heritage and temples. It serves as a major hub for tourists visiting various temples in the region.
  2. Papanasam: The temple is situated in Papanasam itself, a small town with significant religious importance due to the presence of the Palaivananathar Temple and nearby shrines.
  3. Kumbakonam: About 30 kilometres from the temple, Kumbakonam is known as the "Temple City" and is famous for its numerous temples and festivals. It attracts many pilgrims and tourists alike.
  4. Avoor: This nearby village is significant for its historical temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is mentioned in the hymns of Thirunavukkarasar. It lies within close proximity to Papanasam.
  5. Karur: Approximately 60 kilometres away, Karur is an ancient town with historical significance and numerous temples, contributing to the spiritual landscape of Tamil Nadu.