Someswarar temple, Pazhaiyarai Vadathali
Location: Pazhaiyarai Vadathali
Deity known as: Pazhaiyarai - Someswarar, Vadatali - Dharmapureeswarar
Female Deity: Pazhaiyarai - Somakamalambikai, Vadatali - Vimalai Nayaki
Pathikam: Thirunavukarasar - 1 (One common pathigam for Pazhaiyarai and Vadatali)
Gallery - Tirupatteswaram Temple
How to reach
These twin shiva temples are situated about 3 km from Darasuram railway station, which lies on the Thanjavur–Kumbakonam section of the Southern Railway. One of the 108 Divya Desam is located nearby at Tirunandipura Vinnagaram.
Temple Address
Pazhaiyarai
Patteeswaram Post
Kumbakonam Taluk
Thanjai District
PIN - 612703
Temple hours
Morning: 8:00 - 12:00
This temple is open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Since the caretaker’s residence is located nearby, devotees can have darshan at any time.
Nearby Temples
| 1 | Tiru-Valan-Chuzhi - 4.4 kms | |
| 2 | Tiru-Kudamukku (Kumbakonam) - 5 kms |
Travel Tips
Starting from Kumbakonam, you can cover temples SCN019 to SCN024 in a single circuit, as they all lie along the same route. If you plan your visit for either in the morning or evening session, begin with Thirupalaithurai and end with Patteswaram, as Patteswaram is a more prominent temple and is likely to remain open longer.
If you start your trip in the morning, you can complete visiting all these temples by lunchtime. Similarly, if you begin your trip in the evening around 3:30 p.m. from Kumbakonam, you can finish visiting all these temples by dinnertime.
The above circuit is feasible if you are traveling in a dedicated vehicle, your own car, or a private cab. However, it may not be possible to cover all five temples within half a day if you rely on public transport.
Map connecting SC019 to SC024Vadathali – Dharmapureeswarar Temple
The place called Vadathali, near Kumbakonam, lies a short distance from Patteeswaram, en route through Muzhaiyur (a Devara Vaippu Sthalam). The settlement around the temple is small with few houses.
The Vadathali Temple, believed to be one of the Maadakovils built by the Chola king Kochengannan, now stands solitary, receiving very few visitors. It is said that Saint Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) visited this sacred place.
History of Opposition from the Jains
When Saint Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) visited this place, the Jains had built their monastery in front of the temple to conceal it and had covered the deity with a metal lid (Thaazhi). Appar, resolute in his devotion, vowed not to leave without worshipping God Shiva and began a fast unto death at that very spot. Moved by his devotion, God Shiva appeared in the dream of the local king, revealing His presence and instructing the king to subdue the Jains. The following day, the king came to the site, removed the covering, and Vadathali Easwarar revealed Himself in all His glory.
In this temple, apart from the sanctum of the main deity, Dharmapureeswarar, and Goddess Vimalanayaki, there is little else to be seen. The Dharmapureeswarar Temple at Vadathali is the one praised in the Thevaram hymns composed by Appar.
Pazhayarai – Somanatheswarar Temple
From Patteeswaram, proceed along the road towards Avoor. After crossing the Thirumalairajan River bridge and just before reaching the Mudikondan River bridge, turn left at a place called Thenampadugai and travel about 2 km to reach the Pazhayarai Somanatheswarar Temple.
During our visit to this temple in October 2025, we were unable to take photographs or assess its condition, as our visit took place after sunset. (The photographs in the gallery section were taken during an earlier visit to the temple). Though the temple was not well-lit, it appeared majestic, serene, and calm in its quiet isolation. A lone devotee was seated in front of the Goddess’s sanctum, reciting the Thevaram in a clear voice that reverberated throughout the temple. We could not go around the prakaram, as the surroundings were dark and without lights.
Temple Layout
Through the unfinished first gopuram, one enters the temple where the Bali Peeta and the Nandi Mandapa are seen directly in front. In the outer prakaram, on the right-hand side, is the south-facing sannidhi of Goddess Lokambikai. The steps here are beautifully carved with sculptures depicting the story of Prahlada.
The second gopuram, built with three tiers, leads into the front hall (Maha Mandapam). From there, steps on the side provide access to the Artha Mandapam, beyond which lies the sanctum (Garbhagriha) where the presiding deity, Somanatheswarar, is enshrined.
Special Shrines
Veeradurga
The sannidhi of Goddess Veeradurga, situated near the Artha Mandapam, is a significant one. The idol of the Goddess is beautifully carved from a single stone. It is believed that lighting lamps and offering prayers to Her during Rahu Kalam on Tuesdays and Fridays brings success, prosperity, and harmony to the family.
Kailasanathar – The Debt-Relieving Lingam
Close to the Veeradurga sannidhi is the sacred Lingam of Kailasanathar, worshipped for relief from debts and worries. It is believed that lighting lamps and offering prayers to this deity for 11 months, 11 weeks, or on 11 consecutive Mondays or Saturdays helps devotees overcome financial and mental burdens.
Other Shrines
Around the sanctum of the main deity are sannidhis dedicated to the four primary nayanmars, Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivayanai, and the Navagrahas (nine planets). Outside the temple premises lies the sacred tank known as Soma Theertham.
Historical Note
During the period when the Thevaram hymns were composed, Pazhayarai comprised four distinct divisions — Vadathali, Metrali, Keelthali, and Then Thali — each with its own Shiva temple. Of these, only two temples remain today: the Dharmapureeswarar Temple at Vadathali and the Somanatheswarar Temple at Keelthali.
The Mudikondan River flows to the south of the village, while the Thirumalairajan River runs to its north. In ancient times, the Mudikondan River was known as Pazhayaru (the old river), and the settlement along its banks came to be called Pazhayarai. The area on the northern bank was subsequently named Pazhayarai Vadathali.
Gallery - Pazhaiyarai Vadathali Temples
