Thenupuriswarar Temple, Patteeswaram

🛕 Lord Shiva | 📍 Patteeswaram, 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: 06:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Evening: 04:00 PM – 09:00 PM

📅 Best Time to Visit

October to March is generally a comfortable period for visiting because of the cooler weather.

📸 Photography

Not Allowed

🔱 Temple Significance

Thenupuriswarar Temple at Patteeswaram is an ancient Shiva temple near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Thenupuriswarar, while Goddess Parvati is worshipped as Gnanambikai / Somakamalambigai.

The temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams praised in the Tevaram and is associated with the hymns of Tirugnana Sambandar. Traditional sources also associate Appar and Sundarar with the sacred site.

The temple is especially famous for the tradition that Lord Shiva moved the Nandi aside so that young Tirugnana Sambandar could have a direct view of the sanctum. The temple's famous Muthupandal festival commemorates this legend.

The temple also has an important Durga shrine, located within the temple complex.

🏛 Temple History

The temple has ancient Chola associations. The original temple complex is traditionally attributed to the Cholas, while substantial portions of the present masonry structure developed during the Nayak period, particularly in the 16th century.

The temple contains inscriptions from different historical periods. Two inscriptions are associated with the medieval period, while several later inscriptions belong to the Nayak period. Govinda Dikshitar, minister of Raghunatha Nayak, is also associated with developments in the Patteeswaram area.

The temple complex covers approximately four acres and is surrounded by large granite enclosure walls. It has several gopurams, including a seven-tiered principal Rajagopuram, along with three rectangular precincts.

A particularly important feature is the position of the Nandi, which is intentionally offset from the direct axis of the sanctum. This is associated with the traditional story of Shiva giving Sambandar an unobstructed view of the deity.

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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 early morning for a more peaceful darshan.
Do not miss the unusual Nandi position, which is one of the temple's most famous features.
The temple is an important Paadal Petra Sthalam for devotees following the Tevaram route.
Include Patteeswaram in your Chola Nadu Cauvery Paadal Petra Sthalam circuit.
The temple is approximately 8 km southwest of Kumbakonam.
The famous Muthupandal festival is associated with the Sambandar legend.
The Durga shrine inside the temple complex is an important additional shrine to visit.
Observe the different forms of Vinayagar found within the temple complex.
The temple has an important connection with the Kamadhenu–Patti legend, from which the name Patteeswaram is traditionally derived.
Rama is traditionally believed to have worshipped Shiva here after the killing of Vali.
The temple has an interesting traditional association with Navagraha worship, with the Navagrahas facing Surya.
For photography, concentrate on the seven-tier Rajagopuram, Nandi, mandapas, sculptures and temple inscriptions.
Combine your visit with Darasuram, Kumbakonam, Swamimalai and nearby Chola temples.
Festival days can be considerably more crowded than normal days.