Shivaloka Nathar Temple, Tirumundeeswaram
Location: Tirumundeeswaram (better known as Gramam)
Deity known as: Shivaloka Nathar, Mundeeswarar
Female Deity: Soundara Nayaki, Kaanarkuzhali Ammai
Pathikam: Tirunavukarasar - 1
Gallery - Shivaloka Nathar Temple
How to Reach
The temple is situated along the Panruti–Arasur–Tiruvennainallur road, about 16 km from Villupuram on the Arasur–Ulundurpettai route. Devotees can alight at the Gramam bus stop, which is located close to the temple. Regular bus services operate from Villupuram. Additionally, buses from Tirukoilur via Arasur bound for Villupuram, Panruti, or Ulundurpettai also halt at Gramam, providing convenient access to the temple.
Nearby Temples
| 1 | Tiruvennainallur - 5 kms |
Temple Address
Gramam, Gramam Post
Via Ulundurpettai
Ulundurpettai Taluk
Villupuram District
PIN - 607203
Temple Hours
Morning: 7:00 - 9:00
Evening: 5:00 - 7:00
Nadu Naadu - Travel Tips
Start your journey from the Villupuram New Bus Stand and take a bus bound for Tirukoilur. On the way, you can visit Araganda Nallur and Tirukoilur temples first. From Tirukoilur, board a bus heading towards Cuddalore via Tiruvennainallur. En route, visit the Idaiyaru temple followed by Tiruvennainallur. From there, proceed to Tirumundeeswaram and return to Villupuram via Arasur, completing a spiritually enriching circuit of temples.
Temple Layout
Historical Significance - Uzhavarapani
This temple holds great historical and spiritual significance, as it is one of the sacred sites where Tirunavukkarasar (Appar) performed Uzhavarapani — a form of devoted service involving the cleaning and maintenance of the temple premises. The saint was often seen carrying an Uzhavaram, a long-handled tool he used to clear weeds and debris, symbolizing his deep humility and dedication to Shiva.
Main Structure
The temple faces the east and features a magnificent five-tier Rajagopuram adorned with intricate sculptures. Entering through the gateway, devotees pass through a Maha Mandapam and an Artha Mandapam, which together lead to the east-facing sanctum (sannidhi) of the presiding deity, Shivalokanathar.
Sacred Pond
Adjacent to the temple lies the sacred Brahma Theertham, also known as Mundaka Theertham, which further enhances the temple’s spiritual significance.
Goddess Sannidhi
Goddess Soundarya Nayaki graces Her own separate sannidhi, radiating beauty and compassion as She blesses devotees with Her divine presence.
Sannidhis Around the Sanctum
Encircling the main sanctum are several sannidhis dedicated to various deities. Notably, the shrines of Vinayaka and Lord Muruga are situated behind the main sanctum, with Muruga depicted majestically alongside His consorts, Valli and Deivanai. In the eastern part of the prakaram, there are also sannidhis for Bhairava, Surya, and Chandra, the celestial deities representing the sun and moon.
Unique Features
One of the unique features of this temple is the rare depiction of Dakshinamurthy, who is shown facing south while seated on Nandi — an uncommon and remarkable representation in temple iconography. The dwarapalakas Tindi and Mudi, along with Brahma and Indra, are also believed to have worshipped Shivalokanathar, further enhancing the temple’s spiritual grandeur and historical importance. The temple features exquisite sculptural artistry on its Rajagopuram and enshrines all the significant Goshta Murthams, making it a true architectural marvel that reflects the grandeur of ancient craftsmanship.
Temple Legend
King Chokkalingam's Discovery
During the Dwapara Yuga, a king named Chokkalingam embarked on a hunting expedition when he came across a mesmerizing lotus blooming in a nearby pond. Enchanted by its beauty, he instructed his attendants to retrieve it, but despite their repeated efforts, they were unable to do so.
Driven by an unwavering desire to possess the flower, the king himself entered the pond, determined to pluck it. Yet, despite his sincere efforts, the lotus eluded his grasp, gracefully drifting across the water, as though guided by a divine force.
Frustrated by the lotus’s evasiveness, the king finally shot an arrow at it in desperation. To his astonishment, the lotus began to bleed, turning the waters of the pond a deep crimson hue. Struck with fear and remorse, the king approached the lotus, only to make a startling discovery — within it was enshrined a Shiva Linga, radiating divine brilliance.
Overcome with reverence, the king gently lifted the Shiva Linga from the pond and enshrined it on the bank, marking the spot of the divine revelation. In commemoration of this miraculous event, he constructed a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thus began the origin of this sacred site, which continues to be revered for its profound spiritual significance. The Shiva Linga of the presiding deity still bears the mark of the arrow shot by King Chokkalingam, serving as a lasting symbol of the divine incident. The deity is worshipped as Mudeeswarar or Mundeeswarar, and over time, the temple came to be known locally as Gramam.
Temple Significance
Temple of Appar’s Service
This temple is one of the revered Paadal Petra Sivasthalams in the Nadu Naadu region. A Pathigam (decade of hymns) composed by Saint Tirunavukkarasar in praise of this sacred shrine is featured in the Sixth Thirumurai. This temple holds a distinctive place among the sacred shrines, as it is one of the sites where Saint Tirunavukkarasar (Appar) performed Uzhavarapani — the noble act of cleaning and maintaining the temple premises as an expression of pure devotion. This selfless service by the saint greatly enhances the spiritual sanctity and significance of this holy temple.
Gallery - Shivaloka Nathar Temple
