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Shivalokanathar Temple

The Sivalokanathar Temple, also known as Thirumundeeswaram or the Sivalokanathar Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva. It is located in the village of Gramam in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, South India. In this temple, Shiva is worshipped as Sivalokanathar and represented by a lingam (a symbol of Shiva). His wife, Parvati, is worshipped as Soundaranayagi. The main deity of the temple is mentioned in the Tevaram, a 7th-century Tamil Saiva scripture written by the Nayanars, who were saint poets. This temple is considered a Paadal Petra Sthalam, a place praised in the Tevaram.

Timings

6 AM to 12 Noon 4 PM to 8 PM.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

In the Dwapara Yuga, a king named Chokkalingam came to this area for hunting and discovered a peculiar lotus flower in a tank. His men couldn't pick the flower as it started circling around the tank. The king shot an arrow at the flower, turning the water in the tank red. Realising it was a Shivalinga, he built a temple on the tank's bank. The place is known as Mouli Gramam, with "Mouli" meaning head or crown, and the lingam still bears a scar on its head.

It is also believed that Lord Shiva gave King Veerapandiyan a sacred bag of ash (Vibhuti), earning the name "Pokkalam Kodutha Nayanar."

The temple's Dwarapalakas (guards) of Lord Shiva are Thindi and Mundi. The place where Thindi worshipped Shiva is called Thindeeswaram (Thindivanam), and the place where Mundi worshipped the Lord is called Mundeeswaram.


Nandi’s History :-



Nandanar was born into a family that made leather for drums. Because of his profession, he was not allowed to enter temples. His dream was to visit the temple at Chidambaram. He worked for a landlord who wouldn't let him go to the temple. One day, the landlord promised Nandanar that he could visit the temple if he could plough forty acres of paddy fields overnight. Nandanar was sad but prayed to Lord Shiva for help. Miraculously, the fields were ploughed overnight. The next morning, the landlord was astonished and realised his mistake, asking for forgiveness.

Nandanar then set out for Chidambaram. On the way, he stopped at Thirupungur to see Lord Shiva but couldn't because Nandi, Shiva's bull, was blocking his view. He sang in praise of Lord Shiva. Shiva, pleased with Nandanar's devotion, asked Nandi to move aside so Nandanar could have a clear view. At this temple, you can see Nandi is moved to the side and isn't sticking out his tongue as usual. The temple guards (dwarapalakas) are also depicted craning their necks as if listening to Lord Shiva's command.


Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to your Ishta Devata before visiting the temple.
  2. Contact the Temple Devasthanam information center for inquiries, temple details, and Pooja arrangements.
  3. Book your travel and accommodation at the temple in advance.
  4. Bathe and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
  5. Focus your attention on God and Goddess inside the temple.
  6. Maintain silence and recite your Ishta Mantra quietly inside the temple.
  7. Follow ancient customs and traditions observed in the temple.
  8. Respect the religious sentiments of others at the temple.
  9. Place your offerings in the hundi (donation box) provided.


  1. Do not visit the temple for purposes other than worshipping God and Goddess.
  2. Do not smoke or consume alcoholic drinks at the temple.
  3. Avoid eating non-vegetarian food within the temple premises.
  4. Do not seek mediators for expedited Darshan (viewing of the deity); it may inconvenience others.
  5. Refrain from carrying weapons inside the temple.
  6. Avoid wearing headgear like helmets, caps, turbans, or hats inside the temple.
  7. Do not perform full prostrations (Sastanga Pranama) inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  8. Be mindful of time when viewing and touching (Sparsha Darshanam) the deity in the Garbhagriha.
  9. Do not purchase counterfeit prasadam from street vendors.
  10. Do not encourage begging activities at the temple.
  11. Refrain from spitting or causing disturbances within the temple premises.


Dress Code

Men:

  1. Ideally wear traditional attire such as dhoti (veshti) with or without angavastram (upper cloth), or mundu.
  2. Alternatively, formal pants and shirts are acceptable, ensuring they are clean and modest.
  3. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or tight-fitting clothes.

Women:

  1. Preferably wear traditional attire such as saree, half-saree, salwar kameez, or churidar suits.
  2. If wearing western attire, opt for modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
  3. Avoid wearing shorts, mini-skirts, sleeveless or low-cut blouses, and tight-fitting outfits.

How to reach

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  1. By Air: The nearest major airport is: Chennai International Airport (MAA): Approximately 150 kilometres away from Gramam. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Gramam. Link given below has directions by car/bus from Chennai Airport to the temple :
  2. By Train: Villupuram Junction: The closest railway station, located about 25 kilometres from Gramam. From Villupuram Junction, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gramam.
  3. By Road: Regular buses ply from Villupuram and other nearby towns to Gramam. You can take a bus to Villupuram and then another bus to Gramam.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. There are several smaller rivers and irrigation canals in the region, supporting agriculture in the fertile plains of Villupuram district.


Cities and Towns:

  1. Villupuram: The district headquarters and a major town, known for its transport junction connecting different parts of Tamil Nadu.
  2. Tindivanam: A nearby town famous for its agricultural activities and as a transit point for travellers heading towards Pondicherry (Puducherry) or Chennai.