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Thiruthalinathar Temple

Tiruttalinathar Temple is a prominent Shiva temple located in Tirupattur, near Karaikudi. It holds the distinction of being the 6th of the Thevara Sthalam in the Pandya kingdom of Tamil Nadu. This temple is also one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, revered in the hymns of the Nayanmars. Nearby significant Shiva temples include Rameswaram and Tiruvadanai, both of which are also important Shivastalams.

Timings

Morning: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM & Evening: 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Entry Fee

Free of charge

Sage Valmiki, seeking redemption from his past life of robbery and murder (a story debated and refuted by some Ramayana scholars), performed intense penance in this area, which was thick with Kondrai trees. Over time, he was enveloped by an ant-hill, called Vanmeekam in Sanskrit and Puttru in Tamil. Pleased with his deep penance, Lord Shiva appeared and granted him darshan near the ant-hill. Hence, Lord Shiva here is revered as Puttreeswarar. The town itself came to be known as Thiruppathur, derived from the Tamil words for this sacred event. The temple was built by kings to honour this divine episode.


Legend :


Snakes Vasuki and Karkodakan Worshipped Shiva: According to legend, the serpent's Vasuki and Kaarkotakan worshipped Lord Shiva at this sacred site. Due to this, there is a dedicated shrine for Tirunageswarar in the third prakaram (outer courtyard) of the temple.

Pranavam Manifested as the Kondrai Tree: It is believed that the sacred syllable Pranavam (Om) realised that Shiva and Pranavam were one and the same. As a result, Pranavam is said to have manifested itself in the form of the Kondrai tree in this holy place.

Mahalakshmi's Wish to Witness Shiva's Cosmic Dance: Legend has it that Goddess Mahalakshmi desired to witness Lord Shiva’s Cosmic Dance. In response to her wish, Lord Shiva promised her that she could witness His divine dance at this sacred temple. Accordingly, Shiva revealed a vision of His Gowri Thandavam, a form of cosmic dance, to Goddess Mahalakshmi here.

Lord Shiva Granting Darshan to Sage Valmiki: Sage Valmiki, seeking redemption from his past sinful life, performed penance here, surrounded by Kondrai trees. Over time, an ant-hill (known as Vanmeekam in Sanskrit and Puttru in Tamil) formed around him. Pleased with his penance, Lord Shiva granted him darshan near the ant-hill. Hence, Lord Shiva is revered as Puttreeswarar. The town’s name, Tiruputhur, is derived from this event. The temple was built by kings to commemorate this divine darshan.

Devotees Who Worshipped Lord Shiva Here: Several revered figures are said to have worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple, including Sage Agasthyar, Sage Valmiki, and Jayandhan, the son of Devendran (Indra).


Administration History :



The administration of the temple began with its original construction, likely before the 6th century, followed by reconstructions during the Pandya and Vijayanagara Nayak periods. The Maha Mandapam was built by the Maruthu Pandiyars, and the Rajagopuram was added later during the Nayak era. Currently, the temple is managed by the Kundrakudi Ponnambala Adikal. Historical inscriptions document various endowments and contributions from regional kings, reflecting the temple's sustained significance over centuries.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray: Offer your prayers to your Ishta Devata before embarking on your pilgrimage to the temple.
  2. Contact Information Centre: Reach out to the Temple Devasthanam information centre for inquiries, temple details, and Pooja arrangements.
  3. Reserve Travel: Make travel and accommodation arrangements at the temple well in advance to ensure a smooth visit.
  4. Cleanliness: Take a bath and wear clean clothes before entering the temple premises.
  5. Focus on Worship: Concentrate on the God and Goddess inside the temple to enhance your spiritual experience.
  6. Maintain Silence: Observe silence and quietly recite "Om Namah Shivaya" or your Ishta Mantra while inside the temple.
  7. Observe Traditions: Respect and follow the ancient customs and traditions practised within the temple.
  8. Respect Sentiments: Show respect for the religious sentiments of others visiting the temple.
  9. Offerings: Deposit your offerings only in the designated hundi.
  1. Purpose of Visit: Avoid coming to the temple for any reason other than worshipping God and Goddess.
  2. Smoking: Refrain from smoking on temple premises.
  3. Alcohol Consumption: Do not consume alcoholic beverages within the temple grounds.
  4. Non-Vegetarian Food: Avoid eating non-vegetarian food in the temple area.
  5. Avoid Mediators: Do not approach intermediaries for quick Darshan, as it may inconvenience others.
  6. Weapons: Do not carry any weapons into the temple.
  7. Headgear: Avoid wearing headgear such as helmets, caps, turbans, or hats inside the temple.
  8. Sastanga Pranama: Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  9. Sparsa Darshan: Be mindful and do not take too long while performing Sparsa Darshan in the Garbhagriha.
  10. Spurious Prasadams: Do not purchase spurious prasadams from street vendors outside the temple.
  11. Begging: Refrain from encouraging beggars on temple premises.
  12. Nuisance: Avoid spitting or creating any nuisance in and around the temple.

Dress Code

For Men : Men are expected to wear traditional attire, such as dhoti or lungi, along with a shirt or kurta. Western clothing is generally acceptable as long as it is modest and respectful, avoiding shorts and sleeveless shirts.

For Women : Women should wear traditional attire like sarees, salwar kameez, or churidars, ensuring that the clothing is modest and covers the shoulders and knees. Western attire is acceptable if it is conservative, avoiding short dresses or sleeveless tops.

How to reach

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By Air: The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, located about 74.8 kilometres from the temple.

By Road: The temple can be easily accessed by road, situated approximately 22.8 kilometres from Karaikudi and about 35 kilometres from Sivagangai.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is Karaikudi, which is well-connected to major cities and is just 26.8 kilometres away from the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers :

  1. Vadavaaru River: Located near the temple, this river contributes to the region's scenic beauty and spiritual ambiance.
  2. Kollidam River: Another significant river in the vicinity, known for its cultural importance and connection to local traditions.
  3. Arasalar River: Flowing close to the temple, it adds to the natural landscape and is often associated with local rituals.


Cities :

  1. Thiruppathur: The town where the temple is located, known for its rich history and cultural significance.
  2. Kumbakonam: A nearby city renowned for its numerous temples and as a centre for religious activities in Tamil Nadu.
  3. Thanjavur: A historically significant city known for its temples, art, and architecture, located not far from the temple.
  4. Trichy (Tiruchirappalli): A major city in the region, known for its temples and as a hub for education and commerce.