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Pasupatheeswarar Temple

Panthanallur is situated approximately 20 km from Mayiladuthurai along the route to Thiruppananthal. It lies about 8 km northeast of Thiruppananthal and is 18 km from Kumbakonam. This temple is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and is the 35th Shiva Sthalam on the northern bank of the river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu (Vadakarai). The deity here is Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as a Swayambumurthi (self-manifested).

Timings

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-



The temple houses multiple inscriptions from the Chola dynasty dating back to the 10th century. The earliest inscription is from the reign of Rajaraja I. Subsequent inscriptions are from later Chola kings, including Vikrama Chola (1118–1135), Rajadhiraja II (1166–1178), Kulothunga III (1178–1218), and Rajaraja III (1216–1256). There are also inscriptions indicating donations made by the Vijayanagar Empire.

The inscriptions refer to the presiding deity as Pasupathy Devan and Pasupatheeswarar, while the village is mentioned as Pandanainallur and Vadanattu Vilathurnattu Pandanallur.

In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the temple is known for its dance traditions, specialising in Bharatanatyam.


Puranic Significance :-


Umadevi enjoyed playing with a ball, and the Lord decided to turn the four Vedas into balls for her to play with. To ensure that her playtime was undisturbed, the sun did not set. As the weather changed, the gods appealed to the Lord for intervention. The Lord arrived, but Umadevi continued to play without acknowledging Him. In His anger, the Lord threw the ball with His staff. Unable to see where the ball had landed, Umadevi approached the Lord to worship Him.

In response to this, the Lord cursed Ambika to become a cow. He instructed that at the location where the ball fell, worship should be conducted, as He would be lying there beneath a dead body. Taking Tirumala with him in the form of a cow (Kamadenuva), the Lord went to Kanva Munivar's ashram. There, He was worshipped with milk, and Tirumal Nadora, who came with Him, brought milk for the abhishekam of Kanva Muni.

One day, Chinamutu noticed that the cow (Lord in disguise) had no milk. Upon following the cow, she saw the Lord pouring milk from the cow. Laughing, she struck the cow with a stick, causing the cow to jump and its hoof to touch her. This led to the Lord being named Swami Pashupati. The spot where the Lord’s ball fell and went off is now known as Bandhananallur, where a cow's hoof print can still be seen on the saint’s head.

The location is also associated with a story about King Kambeeli, who had his son blinded. The king named his son Pashupati and worshipped the temple, leading to the area being referred to as Kamphosa King's Field due to this legacy.


Administration of the temple :-


The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.



Do's and Don'ts

  1. Conduct Regular Maintenance: Address issues promptly to prevent damage.
  2. Document Everything: Keep records of the temple’s history and conservation efforts.
  3. Engage Experts: Consult specialists for proper restoration.
  4. Involve the Community: Encourage local participation in preservation.
  5. Implement Conservation Practices: Use appropriate materials and methods.
  6. Educate and Train: Provide training on conservation techniques.
  7. Secure Funding: Seek financial support for maintenance and projects.
  8. Protect Artefacts: Safeguard sacred items through proper storage and controls.
  9. Follow Legal Guidelines: Adhere to heritage protection laws.
  10. Promote Awareness: Educate the public about the temple’s significance.


  1. Ignore Small Issues: Address minor problems before they escalate.
  2. Use Unsuitable Materials: Avoid materials that could damage the temple.
  3. Allow Unauthorised Alterations: Prevent unapproved modifications.
  4. Neglect Documentation: Document changes and conservation work.
  5. Disregard Community Input: Involve local members in preservation.
  6. Overlook Environmental Factors: Manage humidity, temperature, and water damage.
  7. Delay Funding Efforts: Secure funds promptly for repairs.
  8. Allow Inadequate Security: Protect the temple from theft and vandalism.
  9. Neglect Cultural Sensitivity: Respect religious practices during preservation.
  10. Overlook Visitor Education: Inform visitors about the temple’s significance.

Dress Code

For Men: Clothing: Wear traditional attire such as dhoti, lungi, or kurta-pyjama. In some temples, a formal shirt and pants are also acceptable.

For Women: Clothing: Wear traditional attire such as saree, salwar kameez, or a long skirt with a blouse. Western clothing should be modest (e.g., long skirts or dresses with sleeves).

How to reach

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Best season to visit :-


  1. Cooler Months (November to February): This period offers pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, making it ideal for visiting temples and exploring the surrounding area.
  2. Festival Seasons: Visiting during major festivals such as Navaratri (September–October), Maha Shivaratri (February–March), and Thirukarthigai (November–December) can provide a richer experience with special poojas, cultural events, and vibrant celebrations.


How to reach :-


  1. By Air: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ): Approximately 137 km from Pandanallur. You can hire a taxi or bus from the airport.
  2. By Train: Kumbakonam Railway Station is the nearest major railway station, located around 66 kilometres from Pandanallur. You can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the station to the temple.
  3. By Road: From Kumbakonam - Take the NH83 (National Highway 83) from Thanjavur towards Pandanallur. The temple is approximately a 30-minute drive from the city. 

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Cauvery River: The temple is situated on the northern bank of the Cauvery River, a significant and sacred river in Tamil Nadu.


Nearby Cities:

  1. Mayiladuthurai: Located around 20 km from the temple, Mayiladuthurai is a major town known for its temples and cultural heritage.
  2. Kumbakonam: About 18 km from the temple, Kumbakonam is a historic city renowned for its numerous temples and religious festivals.
  3. Thiruppanandal: Just 8 km away, Thiruppanandal is another nearby town with religious significance, particularly for its connection to Shaiva traditions.