Sri Vardhamaneswarar Temple, Tiruppugalur

🛕 Lord Shiva | 📍 Tiruppugalur, Nagapattinam, 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 – 09:00 PM

📅 Best Time to Visit

October to March is generally comfortable for pilgrimage.

📸 Photography

Not Allowed

🔱 Temple Significance

Tiruppugalur Vardhamaneswaram is a sacred Shiva temple situated within the Tiruppugalur Agnipureeswarar temple complex. The presiding deity is Lord Vardhamaneswarar, and the goddess is Karunthazhkuzhali / Manonmani according to different traditional references.

The shrine is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams and is specifically recognized as the 76th Tevara Sthalam south of the Cauvery River in Chola Nadu. Tirugnanasambandar composed a Thevaram hymn in praise of Vardhamaneswarar.

A distinctive feature is that the Vardhamaneswarar and Agnipureeswarar shrines exist together within the same temple complex, making Tiruppugalur particularly important for devotees following the Thevaram tradition.

🏛 Temple History

Tiruppugalur is an ancient Saivaite centre associated with several Nayanmars. The Vardhamaneswarar shrine is traditionally identified with the Thevaram hymn of Tirugnanasambandar.

The Vardhamaneswarar shrine stands beside the Agnipureeswarar shrine within the same temple complex. Traditional accounts describe the presiding deity as Vardhamaneswarar and the goddess as Karunthazhkuzhali. The shrine is also known as Vardhamaneeswaram / Vardhamaneechuram.

The temple is associated with Muruga Nayanar, one of the Nayanmars. Traditional accounts state that Tirugnanasambandar, Appar, Siruthonda Nayanar and Tiruneelanakka Nayanar stayed at Tiruppugalur and worshipped Shiva here.

Another distinctive feature is the presence of the three temporal aspects of Shiva at the broader Tiruppugalur temple complex: Bhootheswarar representing the past, Vardhamaneswarar representing the present, and Bhavishyatheswarar representing the future.

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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

Not available

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Prasad Details

Temple prasadam is available according to temple arrangements.

🧭 Pilgrim Travel Tips

Visit during the morning or evening opening hours for a comfortable darshan.
The Vardhamaneswarar shrine is within the larger Tiruppugalur Agnipureeswarar temple complex.
Allocate enough time to see both the Agnipureeswarar and Vardhamaneswarar shrines.
This is an important Thevaram and Paadal Petra Sthalam for Shaiva devotees.
Devotees interested in Nayanmar history should also look for the traditions associated with Muruga Nayanar.
Check the day's temple timings before travelling because shrine-specific access can vary.
Avoid visiting during peak festival hours if you prefer a quieter darshan.
Wear modest traditional clothing.
Follow instructions regarding photography near sanctum areas.
Vaikasi Visakam is celebrated as an important festival at the Vardhamaneswarar shrine.