Sri Aadhimooleswarar Temple

1. Early Construction: The original temple was established during the Pallava period. Inscriptions from this era indicate the presence of Pallava influence and support.
2. Chola Reconstruction: During the Chola period, the temple was reconstructed using stone. Notable inscriptions from this period provide details about various endowments and donations.
3. Inscriptions and Endowments:
4. Pallava Period: An inscription from the 22nd year of King Nandhi Potharayar’s reign (corresponding to Nandi Varman III, 825-850 CE) records an endowment for two perpetual lamps, funded with 60 Kalanju of gold. The Tirupattrurai sabhai was entrusted with this responsibility, ensuring its uninterrupted maintenance.

1. Parantaka I: Inscriptions from this period detail endowments for the temple, including land gifts and donations for the performance of poojas.
2. Kandraditya Chozha: An inscription from this era mentions an endowment by a lady named Sendampunagi for the sacred bath of Lord Shiva.
3. Sundara Chozha: During the 5th reign year (961 CE), an inscription records offerings, maintenance, and the burning of a perpetual lamp. A donation of land and funds was made by Balasiriyan Bhattan Sivan Koothan of Adhanur, including 50 Ezha kasu for taxes.
4. Later Developments:
5. Pallathur Adaikkappa Chettiars: They contributed significantly to the temple’s upkeep and organised the maha Kumbhabhishekam on July 11, 1956.
6. Modern Enhancements: A Thirupathika/Thevaram hymns inscription was added to the temple wall on March 20, 1977.

Puranic Significance :-

According to legend, when Markandeya Maharishi visited the Tiruppaatrurai Adhimooleswarar Temple, he had nothing to offer to Lord Shiva. In response to his sincere prayers, milk miraculously flowed from the head of the Shiva Linga. This divine event led to the place being called Tiruppatrurai, derived from "Thiru" (sacred), "Paal" (milk), and "Thurai" (place or bank).

In another story, a Chola king came to this area for hunting and spotted a white bird. He attempted to shoot it, but the bird flew away. The next time he saw the same bird at the same spot, near its nest, he noticed a scent of milk in the air. Curious, he ordered his men to investigate the area and found an anthill. When they dug into the anthill, milk gushed out. Frightened, the king stopped the digging. That night, Lord Shiva appeared in the king’s dream and revealed that He was residing inside the anthill. Lord Shiva asked the king to build a temple there, which the king did. Due to this event, Shiva is known as Putrirainathar (Lord of the Anthill), and the place became known as Tirupalathurai (Tiru + Paal + Thurai).

This temple is where Chitragupta worshipped Lord Shiva and was appointed as the clerk of Yama, the God of Death. According to legend, Chitragupta was destined to die at the age of 12. His father, Vasudutta, was overwhelmed with grief, but Chitragupta, determined and devout, began worshipping Lord Shiva.

When Yama came to claim Chitragupta’s life, Lord Shiva intervened by sending Mother Parvathi to stop Yama. Mother Parvathi commanded Yama to spare Chitragupta, as he was a devoted follower of Shiva. Obeying her orders, Yama not only left Chitragupta but also appointed him as his assistant. As a result, Chitragupta is believed to remain eternally 12 years old. There is a dedicated shrine for Chitragupta within the temple.



The Adhimooleswarar Temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.