Chathuranga Vallabhanathar Temple

🛕 Lord Shiva | 📍 Poovanur, Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu

Temple Tags: Ancient Temple Chola Temple Famous Temple Nayanmar Temple Paadal Petra Sthalam South India Temple Spiritual Healing Temple Tevaram Temple

✔ Verified by Mandirvaas

📍 Open in Maps

⏰ Darshan

Morning: 06:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening: 04:00 PM – 08:00 PM

📅 Best Time to Visit

October – March → Generally comfortable weather.

📸 Photography

Not Allowed

🔱 Temple Significance

Chathuranga Vallabhanathar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple located at Poovanur in Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Chathuranga Vallabhanathar, while Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Rajrajeswari.

The temple is particularly known for its traditional association with chaturanga, the ancient Indian form of chess.

🏛 Temple History

The traditional legend says that a Chola king's daughter was an expert in the ancient game of Chaturanga. Shiva is believed to have appeared and played the game with her. The deity subsequently came to be known as Chathuranga Vallabhanathar, meaning the Lord who became the master/champion of Chaturanga.

The story gives the temple a distinctive connection with the history and cultural tradition of chess in India.

🪔

Daily Poojas

Regular temple worship schedule

🪔

No daily poojas available.

🔱

Special Rituals

Sacred offerings and temple rituals

🕉️

No special rituals available currently.

🎉 Temple Festivals

No festivals available.

🔔 Darshan Timings & Rules

👕

Dress Code

Traditional/modest dress recommended.

📸

Photography

Not allowed

🍚

Prasad

Available

ℹ️

Prasad Details

Temple prasadam/naivedyam according to temple arrangements.

🧭 Pilgrim Travel Tips

Have darshan of Chathuranga Vallabhanathar.
Visit Rajrajeswari Amman shrine.
Learn about the unique Chaturanga/chess legend.
Observe the traditional Dravidian architecture.
Include Poovanur in a Tiruvarur–Kumbakonam temple circuit.
Morning is generally convenient for darshan.
Pradosham is an important Shiva worship occasion.
Maha Shivaratri is an important festival.
Festival days may attract larger crowds.
Follow temple instructions regarding photography.
Remove footwear before entering.
Carry drinking water during hot weather.
Senior citizens may prefer morning visits.
Combine the visit with other historic temples around Needamangalam and Tiruvarur.
Maintain cleanliness and silence inside the temple.