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Sri Thoovaai Nathar Temple

This temple is the 206th Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam and the 89th Sthalam located on the south side of the Kaveri River in Chozha Nadu. Locally, it is referred to as the Thoova Nayanar or Thulanathar Temple.

Timings

The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


The original temple likely existed before the 7th century, as it is mentioned in hymns sung by Sundarar in praise of Lord Shiva. The temple underwent reconstruction during the Chozha period and was further extended during the Nayaka period.

Inscriptional evidence from the temple is attributed to the Chozhas, although these inscriptions are in a damaged condition. During the reign of Kulothunga Chozha, Lord Shiva was referred to as “Thirumandaliyudaya Mahadevar.”


Puranic Significance :-


  1. Sundarar Regains Vision


Saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar once violated a promise he made to his second wife, Sangili Nachiyar, vowing never to part from her. However, he desired to see his first wife, Paravai Nachiyar, and journeyed to Thiruvarur. As a consequence of breaking this promise, he lost his vision.

Determined to regain his sight, Sundarar embarked on a pilgrimage to various Shiva shrines, praying for restoration. In Kanchipuram, Lord Ekambareswarar, at the behest of his consort, Sri Kamakshi, blessed him with sight in his left eye.

Continuing his journey to Tiruvarur, Sundarar prayed to Lord Shiva to restore vision to his right eye. Lord Shiva instructed him to bathe in the tank located in the northeast corner of the temple and worship Him there. Following this divine guidance, Sundarar regained his sight through the grace of Lord Shiva. This miraculous event is commemorated by the eye symbol that appears on the deity during abhishek (ritual bathing) times.


  1. Durvasa Nayanar


According to local history, this temple was once a sand temple submerged under the sea. When the tides threatened to engulf the world, the Devas and Sages sought refuge at the feet of Lord Shiva. In response, the Lord instructed Sage Durvasa to dig a tank at the Agni corner (southeast corner of the land) and to offer prayers there.

Sage Durvasa led the devotees in fulfilling the Lord's command and performed the necessary rituals. Moved by their sincere prayers, Lord Shiva absorbed the wrath of the sea, saving the world from destruction. As a result of this worship by Sage Durvasa, the Lord is also known as Durvasa Nayanar.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Conduct Regular Inspections: Schedule assessments to identify maintenance needs.
  2. Engage the Community: Involve local residents in preservation activities.
  3. Document History and Practices: Record the temple’s history and rituals for education.
  4. Secure Funding: Seek grants and donations for restoration projects.
  5. Implement Sustainable Practices: Use eco-friendly materials for repairs.
  6. Organise Awareness Programs: Educate visitors about the temple's significance.


  1. Neglect Repairs: Avoid postponing necessary maintenance.
  2. Alter Historical Features: Do not compromise the temple’s integrity.
  3. Ignore Environmental Impact: Avoid practices that harm the ecosystem.
  4. Disregard Community Input: Do not overlook local opinions on preservation.
  5. Conduct Unauthorised Work: Ensure only qualified professionals handle repairs.
  6. Limit Access to Information: Do not hide historical information from the public.


Dress Code

For Men :

  1. Traditional Attire: Preferably wear a dhoti or lungi; long trousers and a shirt are acceptable.
  2. T-Shirts: Avoid sleeveless or overly casual T-shirts.

For Women :

  1. Traditional Attire: Wear a sari, salwar kameez, or lehenga; avoid shorts and mini skirts.
  2. Modesty: Clothing should cover shoulders and knees; long skirts or loose trousers are preferred.

How to reach

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Best season to visit :-


  1. The ideal time to visit the temple is during winter (November to February), when the weather is pleasant and many important festivals take place, providing a vibrant cultural experience.
  2. The monsoon season (June to September) is also a good option, as the surroundings become lush and green, creating a picturesque setting with fewer crowds.
  3. It's advisable to avoid visiting during summer (March to May) due to the intense heat, which can make the experience less enjoyable.


How to reach :-


  1. By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ), approximately 90 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
  2. By Train: The nearest railway station is Tiruvarur, well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu. From Tiruvarur station, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
  3. By Road: The temple is accessible by road, and you can drive or take a bus from nearby cities like Thanjavur (about 40 km) or Nagapattinam (about 30 km). Regular buses operate to Thiruvarur from various towns and cities.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

The temple is situated near the Kaveri River, one of the most sacred rivers in South India. The cities and towns nearby include:

  1. Tiruvarur: A historically significant city known for its temples, including the famous Thyagaraja Temple.
  2. Thanjavur: Located further away, it is renowned for the Brihadeeswarar Temple and its Chola-era architecture.
  3. Nagapattinam: A coastal town known for its temples and proximity to the Bay of Bengal.