Padikasu Nathar Temple

🛕 Lord Shiva | 📍 Azhagaputhur, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

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

✔ Verified by Mandirvaas

📍 Open in Maps

⏰ Darshan

Morning: 07:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Evening: 04:00 AM – 08:00 AM

📅 Best Time to Visit

October to March. Masi Magam and Maha Shivaratri are especially significant; early morning is ideal for a peaceful darshan.

📸 Photography

Not Allowed

🔱 Temple Significance

Padikasu Nathar Temple, also known as Swarnapureeswarar Temple, is a Paadal Petra Sthalam praised in the Thevaram hymns by Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Padikasu Nathar and Goddess Soundaranayagi as the consort. The temple is associated with Pugazhthunai Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars, who was born at Azhagaputhur.

🏛 Temple History

The temple has Chola-period origins and is mentioned as a Maadakoil associated with Kochengat Chola. Inscriptions record donations during the reigns of Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I. The present masonry structure was developed during the Chola period, with later additions attributed to the Thanjavur Nayaks.

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Daily Poojas

Regular temple worship schedule

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No daily poojas available.

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Special Rituals

Sacred offerings and temple rituals

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No special rituals available currently.

🎉 Temple Festivals

No festivals available.

🔔 Darshan Timings & Rules

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Dress Code

Traditional and modest dress recommended.

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Photography

Not allowed

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Prasad

Available

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Prasad Details

Temple prasadam is generally available for devotees. Devotees traditionally offer two coins at the pedestal of the presiding deity and take one back as a talisman.

🧭 Pilgrim Travel Tips

Visit during the morning or evening darshan hours.
The temple is about 6–7 km from Kumbakonam and lies on the Kumbakonam–Thiruvarur route.
Visit the shrine of Pugazhthunai Nayanar, who is traditionally associated with the temple.
The main Shiva Lingam is traditionally regarded as Swayambhu.
The temple has a three-tiered eastern Rajagopuram and two prakarams.
Observe the unusual arrangement where Surya and Chandra face each other near the entrance.
Devotees traditionally worship Swarna Vinayaka before proceeding to the main Shiva shrine.
The temple is important for devotees following the Thevaram and Paadal Petra Sthalam tradition.
Masi Magam and Maha Shivaratri are important annual festivals.
Nayanmar Guru Puja is observed on Karthigai and Ayilyam star days.
Monthly Pradosham, Amavasai, Pournami and Karthigai observances are also followed.
Pilgrims can combine this visit with nearby Sakkottai Amirthakaleswarar Temple, Kumbakonam temples and Thiruvidaimarudur Mahalingeswarar Temple.
Festival days may be crowded, so allow additional time for darshan and parking.
Follow temple instructions regarding footwear, photography and restricted areas.