Back to Results
Temple Image

Sundareswarar Temple

The Sundareswarar Temple, located in Annappanpettai in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu, was historically known as Kalikamoor. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Sundareswarar, while his consort is known as Azhagammai. This temple is one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams, the revered Shiva temples praised in the early medieval Thevaram hymns by the Tamil Saivite saint Thirugnanasambandar. The place, referred to as Kollikamur in ancient times, is also associated with Sage Parasara, who is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Timings

Morning : 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM & Evening : 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Entry Fee

No entry fee is charged

Sage Shakti, a devout follower of Lord Shiva, was killed by the demon Udhiran while his wife Tirashanti was pregnant. Their son, Parasara, was born saddened by the loss of his father and the widowhood of his mother. As he grew, Parasara became a great scholar in the Vedas and scriptures. To avenge his father's death, he performed a yajna and successfully destroyed the demon Udhiran. However, after committing the act of killing, he sought atonement by visiting many Shiva temples. At this place, Lord Shiva appeared before him in a handsome form and granted him darshan. At Parasara's request, Lord Shiva remained in this place under the name Sundareswara, meaning "the beautiful one." The Lord is also called Vilwavana Nathar, as the area was once dense with Vilwa trees.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray Before Visiting: Offer your prayers to your Ishta Devata (chosen deity) before embarking on your pilgrimage to the temple.
  2. Contact the Temple: Reach out to the Temple Devasthanam Information Centre for inquiries, temple details, and information on pooja (worship) services.
  3. Plan Ahead: Book your travel and accommodation near the temple well in advance to ensure a smooth visit.
  4. Maintain Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
  5. Focus on Worship: Concentrate on the deities and maintain a meditative state while inside the temple.
  6. Observe Silence: Maintain silence and recite your Ishta Mantra (sacred chant) to yourself within the temple premises.
  7. Follow Traditions: Adhere to the ancient customs and traditions observed at the temple.
  8. Respect Religious Sentiments: Show respect for the religious practices and sentiments of others at the temple.
  9. Use the Hundi: Deposit your offerings in the designated hundi (donation box) only.
  1. Avoid Non-Worship Activities: Do not visit the temple for purposes other than worshipping the deities.
  2. No Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited within the temple premises.
  3. No Alcohol: Do not consume alcoholic beverages at the temple.
  4. No Non-Vegetarian Food: Refrain from eating non-vegetarian food in the temple’s vicinity.
  5. Avoid Mediators: Do not approach intermediaries for quick darshan (viewing of the deity), as it may cause inconvenience to others.
  6. No Weapons: Carrying any type of weapon into the temple is not allowed.
  7. Remove Headgear: Do not wear helmets, caps, turbans, or hats inside the temple premises.
  8. Respect Sanctum Etiquette: Do not perform Sastanga Pranama (full prostration) inside the Sanctum Sanctorum (inner sanctum).
  9. Be Efficient in Darshan: Do not linger too long during Sparsa Darshanam (touching or viewing) of the deity in the Garbhagriha (sanctum).
  10. Avoid Spurious Prasadams: Do not purchase prasadam’s (sacred offerings) from unauthorised street vendors.
  11. Do Not Encourage Beggars: Refrain from giving alms to beggars within the temple area.
  12. Maintain Cleanliness: Do not spit or create any form of nuisance in the temple premises.

Dress Code

For Men: Wear traditional attire such as a dhoti or lungi with a shirt or kurta. Avoid wearing jeans, shorts, and T-shirts.

For Women: Opt for traditional wear like sarees, salwar kameez, or churidars. Avoid wearing shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops.

How to reach

Open in Google Maps ↗

By Air: The nearest airport is Pondicherry Airport, located approximately 108 km from Annappanpettai. From the airport, you can travel by road to reach the temple.

By Rail: The closest railway station is Sirkazhi Railway Station, about 18.4 km away. From Sirkazhi Railway Station, you can take a taxi or bus to Annappan Pettai.

By Road: From Sirkazhi Old Bus Stand the temple is approximately 16 km away.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Kollidam River: A significant river in the region, flowing near the temple and adding to the temple’s scenic and spiritual environment.


Cities:

  1. Nagapattinam: The nearest city, located in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, providing access to the temple and serving as a hub for local administration and commerce.
  2. Tiruchi (Tiruchirappalli): A major city in Tamil Nadu, situated further away but still accessible, known for its historical and cultural significance.
  3. Thanjavur: Another prominent city in Tamil Nadu, relatively close to the temple, renowned for its historical temples and cultural heritage.