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Sri Idaivainathar Temple

The Punyakotinathar Temple, located in Thiruvidaivasal village in Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The village is also referred to as Thiruvidaivaai. This temple is the 275th Devaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam, making it a significant site in the region. It is part of the 275 temples of the Thevaram hymns that were sung by the Tamil Shaiva saints. The temple is located on the south side of the Cauvery River in Chozha Nadu, and its mention in the hymns of Thirugnanasambandar, particularly his Kalvettu inscribed on the Karuvarai wall, highlights its spiritual and historical importance. The temple was officially added as the 275th Thevara Sthalam in 1917.

Timings

The temple is open from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Entry Fee

Free of charge

Thiruvidaivasal is believed to have been named after a king from the Surya clan named Vidyayan, who built a temple and worshipped here. The name "Thiruvidaivasal" is also associated with "Vidai," which represents the vehicle and flag of Lord Shiva. The temple's connection with Vidya (wisdom) and the worship of Shiva is reflected in its name. The temple was originally constructed by Kulothunga Chola I and has been known as Thiruvidaivasal even before the time of Thirugnanasambandar. The saint referred to this temple in his hymn, mentioning the phrase "Vidaivaye," solidifying its historical significance.


Administration History :



The administration of the Punyakotinathar Temple has historically been overseen by various local and regional authorities, with significant contributions from the Chola dynasty during the temple's reconstruction. After the Chola period, the temple came under the care of various religious bodies, and today it is managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE), which is responsible for its administration, upkeep, and maintenance. The HRCE ensures the smooth functioning of the temple, including regular rituals, festivals, and the maintenance of its facilities. The temple's historical inscriptions and architectural heritage are preserved, while modern renovations and structural improvements, such as the recent addition of a 3-tier Rajagopuram, are carried out to maintain its sanctity and appeal. The temple continues to attract devotees, with its cultural and spiritual significance upheld by HRCE's efforts in safeguarding its legacy.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Respect the Temple Premises: Always maintain a respectful attitude within the temple. Remove your footwear before entering the temple and keep it in the designated area.
  2. Dress Modestly: Wear traditional and modest clothing. Men should preferably wear dhoti or lungi, while women should wear sarees or churidars.
  3. Participate in Rituals: Engage in the pooja and rituals with reverence. If you are unsure about any customs, feel free to ask the priests or temple staff for guidance.
  4. Offer Prayers Quietly: Maintain silence and a calm demeanor while offering prayers to the deities. This helps preserve the sanctity of the temple environment.
  5. Donate Generously (Optional): If you wish to donate for the upkeep of the temple, contribute generously as per your ability. Donations can be used for temple maintenance and special poojas.
  6. Conserve the Environment: Keep the surroundings clean. Dispose of any waste in designated bins and avoid littering.
  7. Respect the Sacred Spaces: Do not touch the deities or sacred idols. Be mindful of the sanctum and other religious artifacts within the temple.
  8. Follow the Guidelines for Special Poojas: For special prayers and poojas, seek permission from the temple authorities. Some special rituals might require prior booking or specific instructions.
  1. Don’t Disturb the Priests: Avoid interrupting the priests during rituals or while they are performing ceremonies. Wait for an appropriate time to speak with them if necessary.
  2. Don’t Enter the Sanctum Without Permission: The sanctum sanctorum and its inner sections are for temple authorities and priests. Do not enter these areas without permission.
  3. Don’t Use Mobile Phones Inside: Keep your mobile phone on silent mode or switch it off. Avoid taking photographs of the deities unless permitted by the temple.
  4. Avoid Loud Conversations or Noise: Speaking loudly or making unnecessary noise can disturb the peaceful atmosphere. Maintain a quiet and respectful tone while inside the temple.
  5. Don’t Bring Food or Drink Inside: Avoid bringing any food or drink into the temple. If offering food as part of a ritual, make sure it is appropriate and done through the prescribed channels.
  6. Don’t Touch Sacred Objects or Idols: Respect the sanctity of the temple’s objects. Do not touch the idols or sacred items unless instructed by a priest for ritual purposes.
  7. Don’t Disrespect the Temple Grounds: Do not sit on the temple steps, walls, or other sacred places. Avoid any inappropriate behavior in the temple premises.

Dress Code

For Men : Men should wear traditional attire such as dhoti or lungi. Shirts and pants are generally not encouraged inside the temple.

For Women : Women should wear modest attire like sarees or churidars. Avoid wearing short dresses or revealing clothes when visiting the temple.

How to reach

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By Air : The nearest airport to the temple is Trichy Airport (Tiruchirapalli International Airport), approximately 107 kilometers away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Thiruvidaivai village and the temple.

By Rail : The nearest railway station is Thiruvarur Junction, around 21.6 kilometers from the temple. From the station, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Thiruvidaivai.

By Road : The temple is well-connected by road. You can reach Thiruvidaivasal from Thiruvarur, which is about 20.1 kilometers away.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Vennar River: A tributary of the Cauvery River, it flows to the west of the temple, contributing to the region's fertility and spiritual significance.
  2. Vellaiyar River: Situated to the south, this river adds to the water network surrounding the temple.
  3. Pandaiyar River: Located to the north, further enhancing the sacred environment of the area.


Cities:

  1. Thiruvarur: The nearest city, well-known for its historical temples and cultural importance, located a short distance from the temple.
  2. Kumbakonam: A prominent city in the region, known for its many temples and cultural heritage, situated to the northeast of Thiruvidaivasal.
  3. Tiruvarur Town: Close to the temple, it is an important administrative and cultural hub in the district.