Thirupunkur Sivalokanathar Temple

🛕 Lord Shiva | 📍 Thirupunkur, Mayiladuthurai, 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 – 12:00 PM
Evening: 04:00 PM – 08:30 PM

📅 Best Time to Visit

October to March is generally comfortable for pilgrimage.

📸 Photography

Not Allowed

🔱 Temple Significance

Thirupunkur Sivalokanathar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple in Thirupunkur, Mayiladuthurai district. The presiding deity is Sivalokanathar, also known as Sivalogamudaiya Nayanar. The Goddess is Sokkanaayaki / Soundaranayaki. The temple is especially famous for the traditional story of Nandanar, for whom Lord Shiva instructed Nandi to move aside so that Nandanar could have darshan of the Lord.

🏛 Temple History

Thirupunkur is traditionally associated with the sacred Pungu tree, from which the name of the place is derived. The temple has a long Shaiva tradition and is associated with the hymns of the three great Tevaram saints—Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar.

The most famous sthala tradition concerns Nandanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars. According to tradition, Nandanar came from nearby Adhanur to worship Sivalokanathar. As he could not enter the temple, he stood outside and tried to see the deity. The large Nandi in front of the sanctum obstructed his view. Moved by Nandanar's devotion, Lord Shiva instructed Nandi to move slightly aside. Nandi is therefore seen positioned away from the direct central line of sight to the sanctum.

The temple also has a Ganapati Theertham, traditionally associated with Nandanar, and the Pungu tree is the sthala vriksha.

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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 is recommended.

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Photography

Not allowed

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Prasad

Available

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Prasad Details

Prasadam may be available during regular worship and special occasions.

🧭 Pilgrim Travel Tips

Visit during the morning or evening darshan hours.
Do not miss the distinctive Nandi positioned away from the sanctum, associated with the Nandanar tradition.
This is an important destination for devotees following the Paadal Petra Sthalam and Tevaram pilgrimage circuit.
The temple can be combined with other important Shiva temples around Mayiladuthurai and Sirkazhi.
Confirm timings locally before travelling, particularly during festivals and special pooja days.