Palunkanda Nathar Temple

🛕 Lord Shiva | 📍 Thiruvaipadi, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

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

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⏰ Darshan

Morning: 07:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening: 05:00 PM – 07:30 PM

📅 Best Time to Visit

October to March is generally comfortable for temple travel. For a quieter visit, choose a weekday morning. If visiting during Shivaratri or Chandeshvara Nayanar Brahmotsavam, expect larger crowds but a more festive atmosphere.

📸 Photography

Not Allowed

🔱 Temple Significance

Palunkanda Nathar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple at Thiruvaipadi near Thiruppanandal in Thanjavur district. The temple is closely associated with Chandeshvara Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars. According to tradition, Chandeshvara worshipped a Shiva Lingam by offering milk from the cows he tended. The temple was praised in the Thevaram hymns of Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) and is listed among the Paadal Petra Sthalams.

🏛 Temple History

The temple's history is strongly connected with Chandeshvara Nayanar. Tradition says that Visara Saruman, later known as Chandeshvara, cared for cattle and used their milk for worshipping a Shiva Lingam. Shiva was pleased with his devotion and gave him the title Chandeshvara. The temple's historical name is recorded as Tiru Aippadi, and the temple is traditionally considered 1,000–2,000 years old.

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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.

🧭 Pilgrim Travel Tips

Visit during the morning or evening for a comfortable darshan.
The main highlight is the connection with Chandeshvara Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars.
Visit the Chandikeswarar shrine, which is located close to the sanctum and has special importance at this temple.
The temple is associated with Thirunavukkarasar's Thevaram, making it important for devotees following the Tevaram tradition.
The presiding deity is a Swayambhu Murthy, according to the temple's traditional account.
The temple's Periyanayaki Amman shrine is located within the temple complex; devotees can include it in their darshan.
Other notable shrines/images include Bhairava, Surya and Sani Bhagavan in the Mahamandapa.
Chandeshvara Nayanar Brahmotsavam is celebrated after Shivaratri around February–March; festival days can be more crowded.
Wear modest clothing and remove footwear before entering the temple.
Follow temple instructions regarding photography and restricted areas.
Allow around 30–60 minutes for a relaxed darshan and to see the main shrines.
The temple can be combined with other important Thiruppanandal, Kumbakonam and Thiruvidaimarudur temples for a Shaiva pilgrimage circuit.
Carry drinking water when travelling during hot weather, particularly if visiting several temples in one day.
Check the temple's current timings before travelling, especially on Shivaratri and festival days.