Valivalam Manathunainathar Temple

🛕 Lord Shiva | 📍 Valivalam, 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 – 12:30 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

Valivalam Manathunainathar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple in Valivalam and one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Manathunainathar, while Goddess Parvati is known as Maazhai Onkanni.

The temple was praised in the Tevaram tradition by the three principal Nayanmars Tirugnanasambandar, Tirunavukkarasar (Appar) and Sundarar. The temple also contains shrines associated with Surya, Karamamamunivar, the Pandavas, Kocengannan and Arunagirinathar.

🏛 Temple History

The temple is traditionally associated with the Early Chola king Kocengannan, who is believed to have constructed the temple. It is classified as a Madastalam/Maada Kovil, meaning the shrine is constructed at an elevated level so that elephants cannot enter.

The temple has strong connections with the Nayanmar tradition. Surya, Karamamamunivar, the Pandavas, Kocengannan and Arunagirinathar are all traditionally associated with worship at this shrine.

The temple's traditional names include Manathunainathar and Hridaya Kamalanathar / Iruthaya Kamalanathar. It is an ancient temple, with sources placing its age broadly in the 1,000–2,000-year range.

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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

Prasadam is available according to temple arrangements.

🧭 Pilgrim Travel Tips

Visit during the morning or evening darshan hours for a comfortable visit.
Check the temple timings before travelling, especially on festival days.
This is an important Paadal Petra Sthalam for Shaiva devotees.
Spend time observing the elevated Maada Kovil architecture.
The temple has traditional associations with all three major Nayanmars — Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar.
Look for the shrines associated with Kocengannan, Arunagirinathar, Surya and the Pandavas.
The temple is in a rural area, so arranging private transport can make the pilgrimage easier.
Wear modest traditional clothing.
Remove footwear before entering the temple.
Follow temple instructions regarding photography.
Allow additional time if visiting during major Shaiva festivals.
Combine this temple with nearby Paadal Petra Sthalams in the Nagapattinam–Tiruvarur region.