Sri Palavannanathar
Temple – Sivapuri
The Sri
Palavannanathar Temple, located at Sivapuri in Cuddalore district, Tamil
Nadu, is one of the revered Paadal Petra Sthalams of Lord Shiva.
Here, Shiva is worshipped as Palvannanathar, with Goddess Vedanayaki
as his consort. The temple is also popularly called the Bhairava Temple.
Legends &
Significance
- Agastya’s Darshan:
Shiva and Parvati appeared before sage Agastya here, making it one
of the eight places where the sage received darshan.
- Sage Kabila’s Lingam:
Sage Kabila made a lingam which was split by a horse’s hooves.
Disheartened, he tried again, but Shiva and Parvati intervened,
strengthening the lingam with milk from Kamadhenu, hence the name Palvannanathar
(Lord strengthened by milk).
- Absorbing Milk Ablution:
Even today, it is believed that milk poured during abhishekam is absorbed
by the lingam.
- Bhairava Image:
The temple houses a Bhairava idol similar to the one in Varanasi,
adding to its uniqueness.
- Historic Relocation:
Originally located in Karaimedu village, the temple was moved after floods
in the Coleroon River.
Temple Architecture
- Area:
Covers about 1 acre, enclosed by concentric rectangular walls.
- Rajagopuram:
Three‑tier gopuram.
- Mandapas:
Sanctum approached through mukha mandapa and artha mandapa.
- Shrines:
- Ambal shrine (south‑facing).
- Shrines for Oondreswarar and
Minnoli Amman.
- Bhairava shrine.
Festivals & Rituals
- Brahmotsavam:
Celebrated grandly during Vaikasi (May–June).
- Weekly Rituals:
Somavaram (Monday), Sukravaram (Friday).
- Fortnightly Rituals:
Pradosham.
- Monthly Festivals:
Amavasai (new moon), Pournami (full moon), Kiruthigai, Sathurthi.
- Major Festivals:
- Thai Poosam (Jan–Feb)
– most important festival.
- Navratri (Purattasi).
- Annabishekam (Aipasi).
- Thiruvadirai (Margazhi).
- Karthikai Somavaram.
Temple Timings
- Morning:
6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Evening:
4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Getting Here
- Location:
Sivapuri, Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu.
- By Road:
Accessible from Cuddalore and Chidambaram.
- By Rail:
Nearest station – Chidambaram (~5 km).
- By Air:
Pondicherry Airport (~60 km).
Tips for Devotees
- Visit during Vaikasi Brahmotsavam
or Thai Poosam for vibrant celebrations.
- Offer milk abhishekam to experience
the unique tradition of the lingam absorbing it.
- Explore nearby Chidambaram
Nataraja Temple for a complete spiritual circuit.
- Respect temple traditions and dress
modestly.
Why Visit Sri
Palavannanathar Temple?
- One of the Paadal Petra Sthalams
on the northern bank of the Cauvery.
- Unique legend of Kamadhenu’s milk
strengthening the lingam.
- Houses a Bhairava idol similar to
Varanasi.
- Sacred site blessed by sage
Agastya and Valmiki.
- Rich Dravidian architecture with
historic shrines.