Paal-Vanna-Nathar temple, Tiru-kazhipalai
Location: Tiru-kazhipalai
Deity known as: Paal-Vanna-Nathar
Female Deity: Vedha-Nayaki
Pathikam: Sambandar - 2, Thirunavukarasar - 5, Sundarar - 1
Gallery – Paalvannanathar Temple, Tirukazhipalai
How to Reach
Originally, this Shiva temple was located about 13 kilometers southeast of Chidambaram, on the northern bank of the Kollidam River. After it was destroyed by floods, the main deity, Paalvanna Nathar, along with the parivara devatas, was relocated to a newly built temple at Sivapuri, near Tirunelvoyal, which is about 4 kilometers from the Chidambaram bus stand.
Temple Address
Tirukazhippaalai
Sivapuri Post
Via Annamalai Nagar
Chidambaram Taluk
Cuddalore District
PIN – 608002
Temple Hours
The temple priest resides nearby; visitors are advised to contact him prior to visiting the temple.
Near by Temples
| 1 | Tirunelvayal - 300 m | |
| 2 | Tiruvetkalam - 4 kms |
Location Map
Temple History
There are times when natural calamities reshape the landscape. In this instance, floods in the Kollidam River destroyed the original temple that existed during the period of the Thevaram hymns. The temple was originally located about 13 kilometers southeast of Chidambaram, on the northern bank of the Kollidam. After its destruction, the main deity, Paalvanna Nathar, along with the parivara devatas, was relocated to a newly constructed temple at Sivapuri, near Tirunelvoyal. True to His name, the Linga of the presiding deity is white like milk. It is also believed that Sage Vanmeeka worshipped and venerated this deity.
During his pilgrimage to various Shiva temples, Kapila Rishi arrived at this place, which was once a serene forest of Vilva trees. Using the white-colored sand of the area—enriched by the milk of grazing cows—the sage fashioned a Shivalinga. This sand linga was later damaged by the hoof of a king’s horse. When the distressed sage wished to replace it, Shiva and Parvati appeared before him and instructed that the linga should remain as it was, even in its broken state. They revealed that the divine cow Kamadhenu had sanctified the sand with her milk and assured that devotees who worship this linga would be blessed with a fulfilling life. Even today, the white linga bearing the hoof mark is revered in the temple, with Shiva and Parvati depicted as a divine couple behind it.
Temple Layout
The temple is distinguished by its three-tiered Rajagopuram. On either side of the entrance stand two Adhikara Nandi figures with their consorts. Notably, the customary Dwajasthambam is absent. The prakaram houses sannidhis for Surya, Vinayaka, Krodha Murthy, Mahavishnu, Mahalakshmi, Subramanya, Kala Bhairava, and Chandra. Proceeding through an inner entrance leads to a mandapam where the Dwarapalakas can be seen.
To the right of this mandapam is the south-facing sannidhi of Goddess Vedhanayaki. In the Nataraja Sabha, Sivagami Ammai is depicted on a pedestal along with two companions. The presiding deity can be worshipped in the sanctum, which is guarded by Dwara Vinayaka and Dwara Subramanya. The main deity’s linga, consecrated by Sage Kapila, is notable for its white color and small bana. Its upper portion has a distinctive square shape with a central depression resembling a cup, where milk collects during the abhishekam, while other ritual offerings are performed only to the Avudayar.
Significance – Kala Bhairava Sannidhi
The image of Kala Bhairava in this temple is especially noteworthy, as it closely resembles the Bhairava of Kashi. It is widely believed that worshipping this deity here bestows benefits similar to those gained from venerating Kasi Bhairavar. Owing to this significance, the temple is locally known as the Bhairava temple. Special rituals and poojas are performed for this deity on the eighth day after the full moon.
Gallery – Paalvannanathar Temple, Tirukazhipalai
