Palunkanda Nathar Temple Tiruvaipadi – History, Legends & Architecture

 

Location

• Situated in Tiruvaipadi village, near Thiruppanandal, in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu
• Historical names: Veerakkan and Tiru Aippadi
• Lies on the northern bank of the Cauvery River, part of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams (sacred Shiva temples praised in Thevaram hymns)

Deities

• Moolavar (main deity): Lord Shiva as Palunkanda Nathar
• Consort (Amman): Goddess Periyanayaki
• Sacred tree (Thala Virutcham): Aathi tree
• Sacred water (Theertham): Manniyaru river

Temple Significance

• Association with Chandeshvara Nayanar:
• He was a cowherd at Tiruvaipadi.
• Offered milk from cows to a self-made Shivalinga, symbolizing pure devotion.
• Lord Shiva blessed him, making him one of the 63 revered Nayanmars.
• Literary Praise:
• The temple is glorified in Thevaram hymns by Saint Thirunavukkarasar, making it a Paadal Petra Sthalam.
• Age: Estimated to be 1000–2000 years old, reflecting Chola-period architecture and heritage.
• Spiritual Importance:
• Believed to grant blessings of devotion, prosperity, and protection.
• Pilgrims visit to honor Chandeshvara Nayanar’s devotion and seek Shiva’s grace.

History

• The temple dates back 1000–2000 years, reflecting Chola-era architecture and patronage.
• Known historically as Veerakkan and Tiru Aippadi, it is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams (sacred Shiva temples praised in Thevaram hymns).
• Saint Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) composed hymns in praise of Lord Shiva here, making it spiritually significant.

Legend

• The temple is closely tied to Chandeshvara Nayanar, one of the 63 revered Saivite saints.
• As a cowherd in Tiruvaipadi, he built a Shivalinga and offered milk from his cows in devotion.
• His father, angered by the use of milk, struck the pots; Chandeshvara retaliated by striking him with a stick.
• Lord Shiva appeared, blessed Chandeshvara, and elevated him to divine status as Chandeshvara Nayanar, guardian of Shiva temples.
• This legend emphasizes absolute devotion and surrender to Shiva, even above familial ties.

Architecture

• The temple follows Dravidian style, typical of Chola-period shrines:
• Main sanctum (garbhagriha): Houses Lord Shiva as Palunkanda Nathar.
• Amman shrine: Goddess Periyanayaki.
• Sacred tree: Aathi tree; Theertham: Manniyaru river.
• The temple has a modest gopuram (gateway tower) and prakaram (circumambulatory path).
• The architecture is functional yet symbolic, highlighting the temple’s role as a site of devotion rather than monumental grandeur.

Rituals

• Daily Poojas: Traditional Saiva Agama rituals are performed, including abhishekam (holy bath), alankaram (decoration), naivedyam (food offering), and deepa aradhana (lamp worship).
• Special Worship: Devotees often perform milk abhishekam to honor the legend of Chandeshvara Nayanar, who offered milk to the Shivalinga.
• Pradosham: Bi-monthly Pradosham rituals are observed, emphasizing Lord Shiva’s grace in removing karmic burdens.
• Navagraha Pooja: The temple also houses Navagraha shrines, where devotees perform rituals for planetary peace.

Festivals

• Mahashivaratri: The most important festival, with night-long worship, chanting of Shiva’s names, and special abhishekams.
• Thiruvadhirai (Arudra Darshan): Celebrates Lord Shiva’s cosmic dance as Nataraja.
• Monthly Observances: Amavasya (new moon), Pournami (full moon), and Pradosham days are marked with special poojas.
• Annual Guru Puja of Chandeshvara Nayanar: A unique celebration honoring his devotion and divine elevation.
• Other Saivite Festivals: Kartikai Deepam, Panguni Uthiram, and Aadi Pooram (for Goddess Periyanayaki).

Beliefs

• Devotion Above All: The temple embodies the belief that absolute devotion to Shiva transcends worldly ties, as shown in Chandeshvara Nayanar’s story.
• Guardian Blessings: Chandeshvara Nayanar is revered as the guardian of Shiva temples, and devotees believe he protects offerings and ensures sincerity in worship.
• Prosperity & Protection: Worship here is believed to bring prosperity, family harmony, and divine protection.
• Milk Offering Tradition: Offering milk to the deity is considered especially auspicious, echoing the saint’s legendary devotion.
• Paadal Petra Sthalam Merit: As one of the 275 sacred sites praised in Thevaram hymns, visiting the temple is believed to grant moksha (liberation) and spiritual upliftment.

Temple Hours

• Morning: 7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Evening: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM
  
  

Getting Here

• By Road:
• Nearest town: Thiruppanandal (about 3 km away).
• Well connected by buses from Kumbakonam (22 km) and Thanjavur (45 km).
• By Rail:
• Nearest railway station: Kumbakonam.
• By Air:
• Nearest airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (approx. 100 km).
• Local Access:
• Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available from Thiruppanandal and Kumbakonam.
• The temple lies on the northern bank of the Cauvery River, making it part of the sacred Cauvery belt pilgrimage circuit.

Tips

• Combine Visits: Plan along with nearby Paadal Petra Sthalams like Thiruppanandal, Thiruvaiyaru, and Kumbakonam temples for a circuit.
• Festival Days: Expect crowds during Mahashivaratri, Arudra Darshan, and Chandeshvara Nayanar Guru Puja. Arrive early for darshan.
• Dress Code: Traditional attire is preferred
• Offerings: Milk abhishekam is considered highly auspicious here, echoing Chandeshvara Nayanar’s devotion.
• Stay Options: Lodging available at Kumbakonam; limited facilities near Thiruppanandal.
• Photography: Seek permission before taking photos inside the temple.
• Accessibility: The temple is modest in size, with easy access for elders compared to larger complexes.