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Panchavarneswarar Temple

The Kalyanasundarar Temple, located in Nallur near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, is a significant Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here, Shiva is worshipped in the form of Kalyanasundaranar, represented by a lingam, while his consort Parvati is depicted as Girisundari. This temple holds great historical and religious importance as it is revered in the Tevaram, a 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work composed by the saint poets known as the Nayanars. It is classified as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, making it one of the prominent temples mentioned in these sacred hymns.

Timings

From 07:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


The Kalyanasundaresar Temple in Nallur has been praised in the Tevaram, a 7th-century poetic work by the Nayanar saints Sambandar and Appar. The temple’s original masonry and towers date back to the 9th century CE, as confirmed by inscriptions left by Chola kings, who ruled the region from 850 CE to 1280 CE and were ardent temple patrons. The temple complex itself dates from the time of the 10th-century Chola king, Uttama Chola, with inscriptions from his reign found on the temple walls. An inscription from the 15th year of Raja Raja Chola mentions "Panchavanmahadevi chaturvedimanagalam," another name for Nallur. There are also inscriptions from the Later Chola kings and Hoysala monarchs, documenting gifts to the temple, such as land, sheep, cows, and oil, often given to commemorate the Chola dynasty’s victories.

Additionally, there are inscriptions from the Sangama Dynasty (1336–1485), Saluva Dynasty, and Tuluva Dynasty (1491–1570) of the Vijayanagara Empire, which reflect gifts to the temple from these rulers. Most of the recorded gifts were land endowments, followed by donations of goods, cash, cows, and oil for temple lamps. Since the early 13th century, the temple has been under the care of the Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam.


Puranic Significance :-


  1. Sthalapuranam 1 :


During the divine wedding of Shiva and Parvati at Mount Kailash, the earth began to sink under the immense weight of all the beings gathered to witness the event. To restore balance, Lord Shiva sent Sage Agastya to the South, asking him to sacrifice his desire to witness the wedding. In return, the Lord promised Agasthya that he would be granted the opportunity to see the wedding at this sacred location.

After arriving here and enjoying the divine darshan, Sage Agasthya installed a Linga beside the presiding Linga, known as Sundaralingam, for his worship. This Linga is positioned behind the main Linga in the temple.


  1. Sthalapuranam 2 :


According to scriptures, bathing in the tank of the Kalyanasundarar Temple offers benefits equal to those of bathing in the Mahamaham tank in Kumbakonam. Kundhidevi, the mother of the Pandavas, incurred dosha after having children with the Panchabootham. Seeking relief, she approached Maharshi Narada for guidance. Naradha advised her to bathe in the seven oceans for purification. However, when Kundhidevi expressed her inability to do so as a woman, Naradha suggested that she worship Lord Kalyana Sundareswarar, promising further assistance.

As Kundhidevi prayed, Naradha miraculously brought the waters of the seven oceans (Saptha Sagaram) to the temple tank. Kunti Devi, belonging to the Magam star, bathed in the tank and was relieved of her dosha. Consequently, the temple tank gained equal significance to the Mahamaham tank, offering great benefits to devotees, as stated in scriptures.

Additionally, Lord Kalyana Sundareswarar is known to appear in five different colours each day—copper, pink, golden, emerald green, and a fifth colour that is unnamed and unrecognised. For this reason, He is praised as Panchavarneswarar, the God of five colours.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress Modestly: Wear traditional or modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
  2. Maintain Silence: Keep noise to a minimum, especially in sacred areas.
  3. Participate Respectfully: Join in rituals if invited and observe local customs.
  4. Make Offerings Properly: Offer flowers or fruits in designated areas.
  5. Respect Sacred Spaces: Avoid touching sculptures and sacred objects unless permitted.
  6. Seek Blessings Humble: Bow your head and fold your hands in prayer.
  7. Photography Etiquette: Ask for permission before taking photos, especially during rituals.
  8. Stay in Designated Areas: Follow pathways and avoid restricted areas.


  1. Don't Use Mobile Phones: Keep phones off or on silent inside the temple.
  2. Avoid Loud Conversations: Keep discussions quiet to maintain sanctity.
  3. No Outside Food or Drink: Refrain from bringing food and drinks into the temple.
  4. Don't Photograph Deities: Check for restrictions on photography.
  5. Avoid Intoxication: Do not enter under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  6. Don't Disturb Rituals: Wait for rituals to finish before moving through.
  7. No Public Displays of Affection: Keep displays of affection private.
  8. Dispose of Waste Properly: Use designated bins and avoid littering.


Dress Code

For Men:

  1. Traditional Wear: Dhoti or lungi is preferred, but long trousers are acceptable.
  2. Upper Garments: Wear shirts or T-shirts with sleeves; avoid sleeveless or tight-fitting clothes.

For Women:

  1. Traditional Attire: Sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts are ideal.
  2. Modest Clothing: Tops should have sleeves, and avoid low-cut or sheer fabrics.
  3. Length: Dresses or skirts should cover the knees; full-length pants are acceptable.

How to reach

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Best season to visit :-


The best season to visit the Kalyanasundaresar Temple in Nallur, Tamil Nadu, is typically during the winter months, from November to February.


How to reach :-



  1. By Air: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ) is about 90 km from Kumbakonam. From the Airport: You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kumbakonam, which takes approximately 2-3 hours.
  2. By Train: Kumbakonam Railway Station (KMU) is the closest, located around 7 km from the temple. Train Services: Various trains connect Kumbakonam with major cities like Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore. From the Station: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available for hire to reach the temple.
  3. By Road: Kumbakonam has a well-connected bus terminal with services from major cities in Tamil Nadu. Buses from Chennai, Madurai, Thanjavur, and Tiruchirappalli regularly operate to Kumbakonam.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Kaveri River: This is the primary river near Kumbakonam, located just a short distance from the temple.
  2. Amirtha River: A smaller river that flows nearby and is part of the region's landscape.


Cities:

  1. Kumbakonam: The nearest city, approximately 5 km from the temple, known for its temples and cultural heritage.
  2. Thanjavur: Located about 40 km away, Thanjavur is famous for its historical temples and rich art heritage.
  3. Thiruvarur: Approximately 25 km from the temple, known for its ancient temples, including the Thyagaraja Temple.
  4. Athur: A smaller town around 10 km away, contributing to the local culture and community.