Thenkurangaduthurai Apathsahayeswarar Temple, Aduthurai

🛕 Lord Shiva | 📍 Aduthurai, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Temple Tags: Ancient Temple Chola Temple Nayanmar Temple Paadal Petra Sthalam Sambandar Temple Tevaram Temple

✔ Verified by Mandirvaas

📍 Open in Maps

⏰ Darshan

Morning: 07:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening: 05:30 PM – 08:30 PM

📅 Best Time to Visit

October to March is generally comfortable for pilgrimage.

📸 Photography

Not Allowed

🔱 Temple Significance

Thenkurangaduthurai Apathsahayeswarar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple at Aduthurai in Thanjavur district. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Apathsahayeswarar, meaning the Lord who comes to the rescue of devotees in times of danger, while Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Prabhavalli.

The temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams praised in the Tevaram and is associated with the hymns of Tirugnana Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar.

The temple is situated in the sacred Cauvery region. Its traditional name Thenkurangaduthurai distinguishes it from another Kurangaduthurai associated with the northern side. The name is traditionally connected with the worship of Shiva by the monkey king Sugriva.

🏛 Temple History

The temple has a strong Chola historical association. It is traditionally believed to have been built by Sembiyan Mahadevi, the Chola queen. Around fifteen inscriptions are recorded in the temple, belonging to rulers including Parantaka II, Rajaraja I, Kulothunga I and Virarajendra.

The present temple contains later architectural additions, while the temple's historical core belongs to the medieval Chola tradition. The temple is maintained by Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam, a Saiva monastic institution.

One of the notable historical features is an early Nataraja bronze and stone image, traditionally associated with the patronage of Sembiyan Mahadevi. The temple also has an Appar Arangam near the flagstaff.

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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 clothing is recommended.

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Photography

Not allowed

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Prasad

Not available

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Prasad Details

Prasadam is available according to temple arrangements.

🧭 Pilgrim Travel Tips

Visit in the morning for a quieter darshan.
This temple is an important Paadal Petra Sthalam for devotees following the Tevaram route.
Include this temple in your Cauvery Paadal Petra Sthalam circuit.
It can be combined with nearby temples around Aduthurai, Thiruvavaduthurai, Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai.
Look for the traditional depiction of Sugriva worshipping Shiva.
The temple is associated with Rama, Hanuman and Sugriva through its traditional Ramayana legend.
The temple's name is connected with the monkey (kurangu) worshipping Shiva beside a river (aatru thurai).
Because another Kurangaduthurai exists, this temple is called Then Kurangaduthurai — Southern Kurangaduthurai.
Devotees interested in Chola history should observe the inscriptions and architectural details.
The temple is maintained by Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam.
Masimagam is an important festival.
Aippasi Annabhishekam is another significant annual observance.
Mahashivaratri and Panguni Uthiram are also important festival occasions.
For your documentary photography, the gopuram, Nandi, mandapas, inscriptions and Sugriva-related sculpture are worthwhile subjects.