Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu

Temple Introduction - The Sacred Origin

Legend has it that Thiruvadanai originated from a single drop of nectar that fell upon the earth and has been in existence in all four yugas. This sacred place holds significant spiritual importance and is known by several names:

Varuni's story

Varuni, the daughter of Varuna—the celestial god of rain—once unknowingly failed to acknowledge Sage Durvasa, who was then absorbed in deep penance. Offended by her inadvertent disregard, the sage pronounced a curse, transforming her with the head of a goat and the body of an elephant. Realizing her mistake, Varuni earnestly sought his forgiveness. Moved by her repentance, Sage Durvasa advised her to worship Lord Shiva at this very place—where even the Sun God had once offered his devotion—to regain her original form. Following the sage’s counsel, Varuni bathed in the sacred Surya Theertham and worshipped Lord Shiva with great sincerity. In time, she was restored to her true appearance. Because of her unique transformation, this place came to be known in Tamil as ‘Aadanai’, derived from ‘Aadu’ (goat) and ‘Yanai’ (elephant). The presiding deity here came to be worshipped as Adanai Nadar.

Sun's worship of the deity

Following Brahma’s guidance, Surya—the revered Sun God—came to this sacred place and created a holy waterbody to perform abhishekam for the radiant, blue-hued, bejewelled Shivalinga. Here, he offered his earnest worship to the deity. This divine linga came to be known as Athirathineshwara, as it was venerated by Aadithya (another name for Surya). Even today, it is believed that when the linga is anointed with milk at noon, it transforms into a captivating shade of blue, reflecting the deity’s ancient connection with the Sun God.