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Thillai Vaneswarar Soundranayaki Temple

This temple is about 9 km south of Tiruvegampattu, near the KalayarKoil – Tiruvadanai road. Although the temple is simple, it might be important in Saivism because it could be a Tevaram Vaippu Sthalam. There is some uncertainty because there are two places named Radhanur (one here and one in Thanjavur district), and one of them is mentioned in the Tevaram.

Timings

Opens from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm

Entry Fee

Free of cost

This temple was built as a tribute to the Chidambaram Natarajar temple, also called Thillai, which was located in a mangrove forest. It's possible that Radhanur was also a mangrove forest in the past. Besides this connection, there is no known legend or story about the temple.

This west-facing temple is believed to be nearly 1000 years old, from a time when the Pandyas were possibly ruled by the Cholas. The architecture, especially the design of the pillars in the mandapam, suggests it was built during the late Chola period.


Do's and Don'ts

  1. Respect Dress Code: Dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs below the knees. Some temples may require removing footwear before entering.
  2. Follow Temple Customs: Observe and follow rituals, offerings, and practices as guided by temple priests and local customs.
  3. Maintain Silence: Maintain a respectful and quiet demeanour inside the temple premises, especially during prayers and rituals.
  4. Respect Sacred Items: Treat sacred items, idols, and scriptures with reverence and avoid touching them without permission.
  5. Offer Respect: Bow or offer pranams (obeisance) before entering the sanctum sanctorum and in front of the main deity.


  1. Footwear Inside Temple: Do not wear footwear inside the main temple premises if it's customary to remove them.
  2. Disrupt Rituals: Avoid disrupting ongoing rituals or ceremonies by talking loudly or behaving inappropriately.
  3. Personal Hygiene: Refrain from chewing gum, smoking, or consuming food inside the temple premises.
  4. Public Displays of Affection: Avoid public displays of affection or any behaviour that may be considered disrespectful to the sacredness of the space.
  5. Mobile Phones: Keep mobile phones on silent mode or turn them off to avoid disturbances during prayers and rituals.

Dress Code

For Men:

  1. Upper Garment: Wear a shirt or kurta that covers the shoulders and chest.
  2. Lower Garment: Preferably wear dhoti, veshti, or pyjama that covers the legs below the knees. Jeans or trousers are also acceptable.
  3. Footwear: Some temples require removing footwear before entering the main sanctum sanctorum or inner areas. It's advisable to check local customs or signs at the temple entrance.


For Women:

  1. Saree: Traditional attire like saree with blouse is considered appropriate. Ensure the pallu (end piece) is draped properly.
  2. Salwar Kameez: Salwar suits with dupatta are also acceptable, ensuring they cover the shoulders and knees.
  3. Skirts and Shorts: Avoid wearing short skirts, shorts, or sleeveless tops that expose too much skin.


How to reach

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  1. By Train: The nearest major railway station is in Tiruchirapalli, which is about 90 km away from Radhanur. From Tiruchirapalli, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Radhanur.
  2. By Air: The nearest airport with regular flights is Tiruchirapalli Airport, which is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad. From Chennai, you can proceed by road as mentioned above.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Palar River: Palar River flows relatively close to Radhanur, providing water and historically significant to the region.



Nearby Cities/Towns:

  1. Tiruvegampattu: Located approximately 9 km north of Radhanur, Tiruvegampattu is the nearest town.
  2. Kalayar Koil: It's around 10 km to the northwest of Radhanur.
  3. Tiruvadanai: Located southeast of Radhanur, connected via roads passing through Kalayar Koil.