Umamaheswarar temple, TiruNallam
Location: Tirunallam (Koneri Rajapuram)
Deity known as: Uma Maheswarar, MAmani Eswarar
Female Deity: Mangalanayaki, Angavala Nayaki
Pathikam: Tirunavukarasar - 1, Sambandar - 1
Gallery - TiruNallam Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is located about 22 km from Kumbakonam. It can be reached by travelling up to S.Puthur on the Kumbakonam–Karaikkal road. From S.Puthur, a branch road leads to Vadamattam village. Continue on this road to reach the Koneri Rajapuram Cross Road stop. The temple is situated about 1 km from this junction.
Temple Address
Tirunallam (Koneri Rajapuram)
Kumbakonam Taluk
Thanjavur district
Tamil Nadu
Temple Hours
Morning: 6:00 - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 - 8:30 PM
Near by Temples
| 1 | Tiru-Nageswaram - - 16 kms | |
| 2 | Tiruvidaimarudur - 17 kms | |
| 3 | Aduthurai - 12.4 kms | |
| 4 | Tiru-Neelakudi - 9.4 kms | |
| 5 | Vaikal Madakovil - 6 kms | |
| 6 | Tiru-Kozhambam - 5.5 kms | |
| 7 | Tiruvavaduthurai - 13.8 kms | |
| 8 | Sirukudi - 7.2 kms | |
| 9 | Tiru-Veezhi-Mizhalai - 7.2 kms | |
| 9 | Tiru-Anniyur - 3.5 kms | |
| 10 | Tiru-Karuvili-Kottidai - 5 kms |
Temple Video
Historical Significance
Konerirajapuram (Thirunallam) Sri Uma Maheswarar Temple boasts a rich Chola history. The temple complex dates back to the 8th-10th centuries, significantly developed by the devout Chola Queen Sembiyan Mahadevi (grandmother of Rajaraja Chola I).
The temple is home to many inscriptions from royals like Kundavai Nachiyar, making it a vital spiritual, historic and artistic landmark.
World's Largest Bronze Nataraja
This temple features the world's largest bronze Nataraja idol, a stunning Panchaloka statue with intricate carvings standing at an impressive height of about 9 feet.
Sthala Purana
Bhooma Devi worshipped the deity of this sacred place. Mahavishnu, Brahma, Goddess Lakshmi, and revered sages such as Agasthya have also offered their worship to the deity Uma Maheswarar.
The deity Vaithiyanathar cured King Pururava of his skin disease. It is traditionally believed that chanting or performing tapas in His sannidhi yields manifold benefits.
Temple Structure
Entranceway
The temple at Tirunallam has a modest entrance that faces the setting sun. Outside the temple lies Shakthi Theertham, a serene and tranquil water body. Upon entering through the gateway, one reaches a spacious courtyard, from where a long pillared mandapam comes into view. Within this mandapam are the flagstaff (kodimaram), the bali peetam, and Nandi.
Special Features of the Mandapam
The inner ceiling of the mandapam is adorned with colorful paintings depicting the 63 Nayanmars, various Shiva forms, the twelve zodiac signs, sages, and other divine figures.
Main Sanctum (Moolavar Sannidhi)
The main deity, Uma Maheswarar, faces west, while the sanctum of Ambal Angavalanayaki faces east. Uma Maheswarar is enshrined in the form of a Shiva Lingam on a square avudaiyar with an elevated baanam.
Goshta Deities
The Goshta deities around the main sanctum include Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Agasthiya, Jvaraharar, Lingodbhava, Gangadhar, Ardhanareeswarar, and Durga. The east-facing Lingodbhava in the rear koshta, flanked by Brahma and Mahavishnu on either side, is particularly noteworthy.
Other Deities and Sannidhis
- Shanmuka Sannidhi in the outer prakaram
- Vaithiyanathar Sannidhi
- Yagasala Mandapam
- Maha Ganapathi Sannidhi
- Brahma Lingam
- Nataraja Sabha
- Primary four Nayanmars and Vinayaka
- Agasthiya Lingam
- Navagrahas
- Sani Bhagavan, Bhairava, Rahu Durga, Agni
Special Features of the Temple
Famous Thirunallam Nataraja
The form of Nataraja in this temple is especially renowned, as He is believed to be swayambhu (self-manifested). The majestic bronze idol of Nataraja stands at an impressive height of about 9 feet. A beautifully crafted bronze idol of Goddess Sivakami, designed in perfect proportion to His stature, is also enshrined here. What makes this image extraordinary is the presence of natural lines, marks, and textures on the form of Nataraja, resembling folds and scars—an astonishing and unique feature.
Kalyanasundarar
In this temple, Kalyanasundarar appears in the divine wedding posture, with Mahavishnu ceremonially offering Parvati to Him as part of the sacred marriage ritual.
Blessings
Worshipping Kalyanasundarar and Nataraja here is believed to remove obstacles related to marriage and childbirth that may appear in one’s horoscope. Devotees who offer prayers to Vaideeswaraswamy are also said to receive relief from various ailments.
Gallery - TiruNallam Temple
