Tiruttalinathar Temple, Tirupputhur
Location: Tiru-Puthur
Deity known as: Tiru-Thalinathar, Tiru-Thaleeswarar
Female Deity: Shivakami, Soundarya Nayaki
Pathikam: Tirunaavukarasar -1, Sambandar - 1
Gallery - Tiruttalinathar Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is located between Madurai and Karaikudi, approximately 65 km from Madurai, 20 km from Karaikudi, and 35 km from Sivagangai.
Tirukodunkundram – another Paadal Petra temple in Pandiya Naadu, is located about 26 km away.
Temple Address
Tirupputur
Tirupputur Post
Sivagangai District
PIN - 623211
Temple Hours
Morning: 9:00 – 12:00
Evening: 5:00 – 8:00
Temple Location
Temple Significance
The omnipresent divine grace pervades every sanctum, blessing all who seek His presence. Among the many temples that radiate such spiritual splendour, the Sri Tiruthalinathar Temple at Tiruppathur in Sivagangai District stands distinguished.
Origin of the Name
The divine manifestation of Shiva as Tiruthalinathar in this temple is attributed to the deep devotion of Sri Mahalakshmi. She longed to witness one of Shiva’s sacred dance forms, the ‘Gauri Thandavam.’ Responding to her devotion, Shiva performed this dance at this very site, solely for the grace and delight of Sri Mahalakshmi.
According to the Sthala Purana, the name ‘Tiruthalinathar’ originates from this very incident, wherein ‘Thiru’—denoting Mahalakshmi—worshipped the deity of this temple.
Tiruputtur - The Place Name
It is believed that Sage Valmiki took the form of a snake hill (‘putru’) and performed penance here, which is why the place came to be known as Tiruputhur
Temple Architecture
Tiruputtur may be a small town, yet the grandeur of the Thiruthalinathar Temple inspires awe. The temple features a prominent east-facing gopuram and enclosed within are three prakarams.
Prakarams and Sannidhis
The outermost prakaram is a spacious courtyard. The second prakaram houses the sannidhis of Subramanya with His consorts Valli and Deivaanai, Vinayaka, Yoga Bhairavar, Tirunageswarar, and the Navagrahas. The innermost prakaram contains sannidhis for Surya, Mahalakshmi, Mahaganapathy, Dakshinamurthy, Varunalingam, Visalakshmi Amman, Agasthiyalingam, Chandeswarar, and Durgai.
Historical Significance
The Pandiya kings, particularly the Marudhu Pandiyas, were ardent patrons of this temple. Several inscriptions from their period can still be seen within the temple premises.
Sthala Vruksham & Theertham
- Sthala Vruksham: Kondrai (Golden Shower Tree)
- Associated Water Bodies: Thiruthali Theertham and Shivagangai Theertham
YogaBhairavar - The Primal Bhairava
The temple is popularly known as the ‘Vairavan Temple’ owing to the prominence of Yoga Bhairavar in the second prakaram. This Bhairava is revered as ‘Adhi Bhairava,’ the primal and most ancient form of Bhairava.”
Unique Features
- Seated Posture : In the east-facing sannidhi, Yoga Bhairavar appears as a youthful deity with prominent teeth, holding a fruit in one hand while the other rests upon His thigh. Traditionally, Bhairava is portrayed standing, holding a trident and accompanied by a dog. However, in this temple, Bhairava is depicted in a seated posture, immersed in yoganidra.”
- Legend : This unique manifestation of Yoga Bhairava is believed to have occurred to protect Jayantha, the son of the celestial king Indra. An idol of Jayantha can be seen near the entrance of the temple.
- Special Offerings : On Shashti and Ashtami days, Bhairavar is adorned with punugu (civet oil) and a vadai maalai, while a special dish made from samba rice is offered as nivedanam.
The Presiding Deity - Tiru-Thalinathar
The east-facing sanctum of the presiding deity, Tiru-Thalinathar, is situated on an elevated platform. In front of the sanctum lies a pillared mandapam, where the pillars are adorned with exquisite sculptures, including Rishabavahanar, Narthana Ganapathy, Venugopal, Narasimhar, and several others.
The sannidhi of the Goddess Shivakami is situated parallel to that of the presiding deity.
Tirunageswarar Sannidhi
A separate sannidhi for Nageshwarar is located next to the Yogabhairavar sannidhi. It is believed that the revered serpents Vasuki and Karkotakan worshipped God Shiva at this very spot, which led to the establishment of the dedicated shrine for Tirunageswarar.
Divine Worshippers
Goddess Saraswati, Mahalakshmi, and Jayantha—the son of Indra—are all believed to have worshipped Lord Tiruthalinathar here. It is said that those who pray to Sri Mahalakshmi at this temple are blessed with prosperity and well-being.
Unique Features of the Temple
YogaNarayana - A Rare Form
Another unique merit of this temple is the presence of a sannidhi for Yoga Narayana. While we are familiar with Yoga Narasimha, Yoga Anjaneya, and Yoga Dakshinamurthy, it is rare to find Sriman Narayana in a yogic posture—making this sannidhi truly distinctive.
Nataraja - Gouri Thandava Moorthy
Nataraja, depicted here in the form of Gauri Thandava Moorthy along with Shivakami, is both graceful and captivating. The temple also features five ‘musical’ pillars, each embellished with exquisite sculptures.
Other Sannidhis
- Goddess Durga
- Vinayaka (beneath the 'Vanni' tree)
- Navagrahas - resembling the seated ones at Piranmalai
Tirupugazh Sthalam
Saint-poet Arunagirinathar has composed two Thiruppugazh hymns in praise of Lord Muruga at this temple. Muruga is enshrined here with His two consorts, Valli and Deivanai, standing majestically in a four-armed form, with His peacock positioned behind Him.
Spiritual Significance: The rare presence of both Yoga Bhairava and Yoga Narayana makes this temple an ideal destination for those embarking on their spiritual journey.
More Photos - Tiruttalinathar Temple
