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Sri Nedungalanathar Temple

This temple is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and is recognized as the 8th Shiva Sthalam located on the southern banks of the Cauvery River in Chola Nadu. The deity worshipped here is Lord Shiva, who is represented as a Swayambumurthi, meaning he is self-manifested. Nearby, there are several other significant Devara Paadal Petra Sthalams, including Thiru Erumbiyur (Thiruverumbur), Mukkeecharam (Uraiyur), and Tiruchirapalli (Malaikottai). The sanctity of this Sthalam is said to be comparable to that of Kashi.

Timings

From 06:30 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 04:30 PM to 08:00 PM.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


In Tamil, Thiru Nedungalam translates to "vast plains." In the Devaram, this place is referred to as Nedungala Maanagar, indicating that it was once a large city in ancient times, though it is now a small village. It is also known as Southern or Dakshina Kailash.

The stone inscriptions found here date back to the era of various Chola kings, including Parakesari Varman, Rajaraja Cholan, Rajarajan II, Kulothungan III, and Aditya Karikalan II. Additional inscriptions trace back to the Pandya, Hoysala, and Vijayanagara kingdoms.

The deity worshipped here has several names, including Nedungalathu Mahadevar, Nedungalanatha Swamy, Nedungalathu Nayanar, Kalanthai Nayakar, Sundaramurthy, and Kayilayathu Mahadevar. The temple is managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE) of the Tamil Nadu government.


Puranic Significance :-


  1. Arthanareeswarar


Lord Shiva is revered as Artha Nareeshwarar because he separated his left half to unite with Mother Parvathi. In temples, while Lord Shiva typically occupies the central position in the sanctum sanctorum, he is positioned slightly to the right, leaving the left side for Mother Ambica. Although the sanctum contains only a Shiva Linga, devotees believe that Mother Parvathi is also present in a formless aspect.


  1. Utsavar without Right Thumb


It is significant that the procession deity, Lord Somaskanda, is depicted without his right thumb. According to the puranas, an angry king cut off the thumb when Somaskanda disguised himself as a witness to protect a devotee.


  1. Thirunedungulam


The name Tiru Nedungalam in Tamil translates to "a vast place in plains."


  1. Mother Parvathi’s Penance


Mother Parvathi performed penance at this location, during which Lord Shiva appeared in the guise of a thief. Parvathi, frightened by his presence, hid herself in a garden of Thazhai plants at a place called Olimadhi Cholai. Eventually, Lord Shiva took Parvathi to Kailash.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress Modestly: Wear respectful attire.
  2. Remove Footwear: Take off shoes before entering.
  3. Be Respectful: Maintain a peaceful demeanour and speak softly.
  4. Follow Guidelines: Adhere to temple rules, including photography restrictions.
  5. Observe Rituals: Learn about and participate respectfully in rituals.
  6. Make Offerings: Follow customs for offerings and prayers.
  7. Keep Clean: Dispose of waste properly.
  8. Donate Respectfully: Use designated donation channels.
  9. Be Mindful of Photography: Only take photos where allowed.
  10. Show Respect to Deities: Bow your head or offer a prayer.
  1. Avoid Disruption: No loud conversations or laughter.
  2. Don't Enter Restricted Areas: Stay away from off-limits zones.
  3. Don't Touch Idols: Avoid touching deities unless permitted.
  4. No Non-Vegetarian Food: Don't bring non-vegetarian items or alcohol.
  5. Avoid Revealing Clothing: Dress conservatively.
  6. Don't Use Mobile Phones: Keep phones silent or off.
  7. Respect Customs: Don't mock rituals or practices.
  8. Mind Personal Space: Be considerate of others.
  9. No Pets: Leave pets at home.
  10. Don't Rush: Take your time to appreciate the atmosphere.


Dress Code

For Men :

  1. Traditional Attire: Wear a dhoti, lungi, or kurta with pyjamas. This is often preferred in many temples.
  2. Modest Clothing: Avoid shorts, sleeveless shirts, or overly casual wear.
  3. Clean and Neat: Ensure that clothing is clean and well-maintained.

For Women :

  1. Traditional Attire: Opt for a saree, salwar kameez, or a long skirt with a modest top.
  2. Modest Clothing: Avoid revealing or tight-fitting clothing, sleeveless tops, and shorts.
  3. Cover Shoulders and Knees: Ensure shoulders and knees are covered to maintain respectfulness.

How to reach

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Best season to visit :-


The best time to visit temples is generally during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is cooler and more pleasant. This season coincides with major festivals like Pongal and Shivaratri, allowing visitors to experience vibrant celebrations. Post-monsoon (October to November) is also favourable, offering mild weather and festivals like Diwali.


How to reach :-



  1. By Air : The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport(TRZ). From the Airport: Hire a taxi to reach Thirunedungalathar Temple, which is approximately 30 km away.
  2. By Train : The nearest railway station is Tiruchirappalli Junction. From the Station: Hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach Thirunedungalathar Temple, which is approximately 18 km away from the station. Follow local routes or ask for directions to Thirunedungalathar Temple in Thirunedungulam.
  3. By Bus : Look for buses heading towards Thirunedungulam from major towns or cities. Stop: Get off at the nearest bus stop to Thirunedungalathar Temple. Local Transport: Use auto-rickshaws or local taxis to cover the last mile.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

The temple is located near the Cauvery River, which is considered sacred. The nearest cities to the temple include Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) and Thanjavur, both of which are significant cultural and historical centres in TamilNadu. These cities are well-connected and provide access to various temples and other important landmarks in the region.