Sri Utharapathiswaraswamy Temple

🛕 Lord Shiva | 📍 Tiruchengattankudi, Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu

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

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⏰ 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

Sri Utharapathiswaraswamy Temple at Tiruchengattankudi is an ancient Shiva temple and one of the important Tevaram Paadal Petra Sthalams of Tamil Nadu. The temple is particularly famous for its connection with Siruthonda Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars, and for its unique Ganesha worship.

The temple is also renowned for Vatapi Ganapati, traditionally believed to have been brought from Vatapi (present-day Badami) by Pallava commander Paranjothi after the Pallava victory over the Chalukyas. Paranjothi later renounced his military life and became the Shaiva saint Siruthondar. The traditional account is important to the temple's identity, although historical sources note that the specific provenance of the Vatapi image is based on oral tradition rather than surviving written records.

🏛 Temple History

The ancient name of Tiruchengattankudi was Ganapatheesaram. The temple is closely associated with Siruthondar, who is celebrated in the Periyapuranam as one of the 63 Nayanmars.

According to the traditional story, Paranjothi served as a commander under Pallava king Narasimhavarman I and participated in the Pallava campaign against the Chalukyas. After the conquest of Vatapi, he is traditionally believed to have brought the Vatapi Ganapati image to his native village, Tiruchengattankudi.

Paranjothi later gave up his military career and became the Shaiva devotee Siruthondar. His devotion and the famous episode involving Shiva testing his devotion form one of the important Periyapuranam traditions associated with this temple.

The temple therefore has a rare combination of Shiva worship, Nayanmar history and Ganapati worship, making it particularly important for both Shaiva and Vinayaka devotees.

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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

Temple prasadam is available according to temple arrangements.

🧭 Pilgrim Travel Tips

Visit during the morning or evening for a comfortable darshan.
Check the temple's opening hours before travelling.
Visit Vatapi Ganapati within the temple complex.
Learn about the history of Siruthonda Nayanar while visiting.
The temple is especially important for devotees following the Tevaram and Nayanmar pilgrimage tradition.
Wear modest traditional clothing.
Follow temple instructions regarding photography.
Allow extra time during major festivals and special poojas.
Combine the visit with other nearby Paadal Petra Sthalams in the Nagapattinam region.
Devotees interested in Ganapati worship should not miss the Vatapi Ganapati shrine.