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Pralayakaleswarar

This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 2nd Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu. This temple is a treasure trove for epigraphists as hundreds of inscriptions dating back to the ninth century are seen. As space was not sufficient, some of them are inscribed even on curved surfaces!! Unfortunately, latter day vandalism has shown its ugly face as well. In one of the pillars in Amman Sannadhi, while three sides contain inscriptions of the 11th century, the fourth side mentions King George Coronation.

Timings

6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

Entry Fee

No Entry Fee

ORIGIN/HISTORY:



  1. This is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and 2nd Shiva Sthalam in Nadu Naadu.
  2. This temple is a treasure trove for epigraphists as hundreds of inscriptions dating back to the ninth century are seen. 
  3.  As space was not sufficient, some of them are inscribed even on curved surfaces!! Unfortunately, latter day vandalism has shown its ugly face as well. In one of the pillars in Amman Sannadhi, while three sides contain inscriptions of the 11th century, the fourth side mentions King George Coronation.
  4. Lord Shiva in this temple is a Swayambhu Murti (self-manifested).
  5. This temple has two corridors and its main tower (Rajagopuram) has 5-tiers.
  6. The vimanam (roof tower) of the sanctum sanctorum has been constructed according to the Gaja Brishtam style of architecture.
  7. This is the birthplace of Saint Kalikamba Nayanar - one of the 63 Nayanmars and Saint Meykandar - the first of the four “Santhana Kuravars”. He is considered a pioneer of Saiva philosophy.
  8. Saint Marai Ganasambanthar, the third “Santhana Kuravars” is also believed to have lived here.
  9. The last consecration ceremony took place on 10.05.1989. Before that, the consecration ceremonies were held on 18.03.1981 and 13.07.1973.
  10. It is believed that this temple was built in the early Chola period. The historical names of this place are - Soundarya Chola Puram, Thiru Kadanthai, Parvathi Puram, Pushpavanam and Dhayarasapathi. The lord of this temple is praised as Sri Sudarkozhunthu Nathar and Sri Kaivazhangeesar. 
  11. According to legend, there was once a flood which was consuming the entire world. This was the only place left that wasn’t submerged in water. 
  12. Devas (celestial gods) rushed to this place and prayed to Lord Shiva to protect all beings by preventing the water from entering this place. Lord Shiva directed Nandhi to prevent the flood water from entering here. 
  13. Nandhi, till then facing Lord Shiva, turned to the opposite direction, swallowed the incoming flood water and saved this place from getting submerged. 
  14. Hence, the lord of this place is praised as “Pralaya Kaleeswarar” – “the lord who protected the world”. Nandhi, is still facing the opposite direction, that is, facing the entrance of the temple.
  15. Another legend is that once Indira, the king of Devas needed flowers from earth to perform Shiva puja at his abode. 
  16. He sent two maidens to earth to bring flowers. 
  17. Although the maidens found flowers there in plenty, they did not return back to the celestial world and instead decided to stay in this place itself after seeing a Shiva lingam here. 
  18. They started worshipping this Shiva lingam. When they did not return, Indira sent the divine cow Kamadenu to bring them back.
  19.  Kamadenu found the maidens but instead of taking them back she joined them in their worship of the Shiva lingam. 
  20. When Kamadenu also did not return, Indra was perplexed and sent his white elephant Iravadham in search of them. Iravadham found them worshipping Lord Shiva and decided to join them. 
  21. He stood near the lingam in such a way that prevented sunlight from falling directly on the Shiva lingam so as to not let the lord feel the heat of the sun. 
  22. Finally, Indira himself came down to earth and saw everyone worshipping the lord. He also joined them in the worship. 
  23. Later on, all of them returned together to the celestial world with the blessings of Lord Shiva.
  24. The name of this place “Pennadam '' is believed to have originated from this legend. “Penn'' means angel (maidens), “Aa” means divine cow (Kamadenu) and “Kada” means elephant (Iravatham).
  25. Another legend associated with this temple is that of Anandavalli Ammaiyar, an ardent Shiva devotee, who used to worship the lord here regularly. 
  26. Once there was a heavy flood in the river Vellaru that prevented her from reaching the temple.
  27.  She decided to perform her daily worship from the other bank of the river itself. Although she completed her worship, she could not see the lord. Lord Shiva realised this and as a token of his appreciation for her devotion, he raised the ground level by about 40 to 50 feet. 
  28. Even today, the shrine is in an elevated position and one has to climb up some steps to enter it.
  29. Another legend associated with this temple is that of Anandavalli Ammaiyar, an ardent Shiva devotee, who used to worship the lord here regularly.
  30. Once there was a heavy flood in the river Vellaru that prevented her from reaching the temple.
  31. She decided to perform her daily worship from the other bank of the river itself. Although she completed her worship, she could not see the lord.
  32. Lord Shiva realised this and as a token of his appreciation for her devotion, he raised the ground level by about 40 to 50 feet.
  33. Even today, the shrine is in an elevated position and one has to climb up some steps to enter it.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress modestly: Opt for conservative clothing that covers shoulders and knees. This is a sign of respect for the sanctity of the temple.
  2. Maintain decorum: Speak softly and avoid loud noises or boisterous behavior.
  3. Remove footwear: It is customary to remove shoes and socks before entering the temple sanctum.
  4. Follow temple queue: If there's a queue or line for darshan (viewing the deity), politely wait your turn.
  5. Offer puja materials: If you wish to make an offering, purchase puja items like flowers, fruits, or incense from vendors outside the temple.
  6. Seek blessings: While offering puja or during darshan, take a moment to silently pray or chant mantras.
  7. Photography: Inquire with the temple authorities about their policy on photography. Some temples might restrict photography inside the sanctum.


  1. Smoke or chew tobacco: Smoking and tobacco chewing are generally not permitted within the temple grounds.
  2. Litter: Dispose of puja materials and offerings only in designated spots.
  3. Point feet or touch idols: Avoid pointing your feet or directly touching the idols with your hands.
  4. Disrupt others: Be mindful of other devotees praying or meditating.
  5. Loud mobile phones: Keep your phone on silent mode and avoid loud conversations.


Dress Code

  1. Dress code for men: Men can wear a dhoti (mundu) or kurta pyjama. Long pants and shirts are also acceptable.
  2. Dress code for women: Women can wear sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts with kurtas.


How to reach

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By Air:

The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), which is about 100 kilometres from Pennadam. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Pennadam.


By Train:

Pennadam has its own railway station, Pennadam Railway Station (PNDM), which is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu. You can check for direct trains to Pennadam or connect via nearby major stations like Virudhachalam Junction.



By Road:

Pennadam is well-connected by road. You can drive to Pennadam or hire a taxi from nearby cities. Here are some approximate distances:

  1. From Chennai: About 230 kilometres via NH32.
  2. From Cuddalore: About 90 kilometres via SH68.


Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:



Vellar River: This river flows close to Pennadam and is a significant waterway in the region.


Cities:


  1. Virudhachalam: This city is located approximately 15 kilometres from Pennadam and is known for its significant religious and cultural landmarks.
  2. Tittakudi: Another nearby town, around 20 kilometres from Pennadam, known for its local markets and traditional Tamil culture.
  3. Cuddalore: This coastal city is about 60 kilometres from Pennadam and serves as an important commercial and administrative centre in Tamil Nadu.