Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu

Thevaara Paadal Petra Shivasthalangal


Uchinatheswarar temple, Tirunelvayal


Temple Information
Location of the templeTirunelvoyal
Deity known asUchinatheswarar
Female deity known asKanakambikai
PathigamSambandar
How to reach This Shiva temple is situated in Sivapuri, near Chidambaram. From the entrance of Annamalai University Campus, take a right turn onto the road that leads to this temple which is approximately 5 kilometers from its gate.
Near by Temples1. Tiruvetkalam - 4 Kms -
2. Tirukazhippalai - 300 m -
Temple addressArulmighu Uchinatheswarar Temple
Tirunelvoyal
Sivapuri Post
Via Annamalai Nagar
Chidambaram Taluk
Cuddalore District
PIN 608002

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The Shiva temple is characterized by an east-facing five-tiered Rajagopuram. Adjacent to the temple lies a pond named 'Krupa Samudram,' which functions as the sacred water source for the temple. Within the temple's prakaram, there are sannidhis dedicated to various deities, including Vinayaka, Subramania, Bhairava, the Pancha Lingas, and planetary gods associated with Saturn and the Moon. Upon completing the customary circumambulation of the prakaram and entering the front mandap, one encounters a sannidhi for the Navagrahas and the 'Palli-Arai,' the deity's resting area. After paying respects to the dwarapalakas and passing through the inner gate, the sannidhi of the female deity is visible to the right, where she is depicted in a standing posture. Additionally, there is a Nataraja Sabha, and the presiding deity is a 'swayambhu Linga,' accompanied by a representation of Shiva and Parvati behind it.



The principal deity of this temple is referred to as 'Uchchinatheswarar,' recognized for having satisfied Tirugyanasambandhar's hunger at noon. This site was frequented by Tirugyanasambandhar during his time in Tiruvetkalam.

Saint poet Arunagirinathar has praised Lord Muruga of Tirunelvayal. One of the songs in Tirupugazh is dedicated to this deity, who is portrayed with a single face and four divine arms.

Everyday '5 kala pooja' is performed at this temple. A procession of 'Pancha murthy' happens during 'Vaikasi Vishakam'

The pathikam composed by Tirugyanasambandar is in 2'nd Tirumurai.

Tirunelvayal Temple photos

5 Tiered gopuram
Dakshinamurthy
Balipeetam, Nandi
Sannidhi of Muruga
A view
Uchchinadeshwar Sannidhi