Thiruneedur Somanathaswami Temple

🛕 Lord Shiva | 📍 Needur (Nidur), Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu

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

✔ Verified by Mandirvaas

📍 Open in Maps

⏰ Darshan

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

📅 Best Time to Visit

October to March is generally comfortable for pilgrimage.

📸 Photography

Not Allowed

🔱 Temple Significance

Thiruneedur is an ancient Shaivite pilgrimage centre where Lord Shiva is worshipped as Somanathaswami / Arul Somanathaswami. The shrine is associated with the worship of Surya, Chandra, Indra and other sacred traditions. The temple is particularly notable for its sand Shiva Lingam, traditionally believed to have been worshipped by Indra. The site is also associated with Munaiyaduvar Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars.

🏛 Temple History

Thiruneedur was known in ancient times as Magizhavanam, Vagularanyam and Magizharanyam. The temple is mentioned in the Tevaram tradition, and hymns were sung in praise of the deity by Tirunavukkarasar (Appar) and Sundarar. The original shrine is believed to have existed before the 7th century and was subsequently reconstructed and developed during the Chola period. Inscriptions from the reigns of Kulothunga Chola I, Rajadhiraja II and Rajaraja III provide historical evidence relating to the temple and the settlement.

One important tradition states that Indra worshipped Shiva here with a Lingam made from the sand of the Cauvery. Shiva is also believed to have granted Indra the vision of his cosmic dance on the day of Margazhi Thiruvathirai. Because of this tradition, the deity is associated with the name Gana Nardhana Sankarar.

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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 recommended.

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Photography

Not allowed

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Prasad

Available

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Prasad Details

Prasadam availability may vary according to the day's poojas and temple arrangements.

🧭 Pilgrim Travel Tips

Visit during the morning or evening darshan session.
Since the temple is a Paadal Petra Sthalam, devotees interested in Tevaram can explore the hymns associated with the shrine.
The temple can be included in a Mayiladuthurai–Sirkazhi Shaivite temple circuit.
During Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri and other festival days, special worship is conducted.
Verify the day's opening hours locally before travelling, particularly during festivals.