Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu

Temple Layout & Shrines

Temple Layout

Towns situated along the seashore are traditionally known as "Pattinam". According to the Sthala Puranam, this place came to be known as Nagapattinam because it was inhabited by a community known as the Nagas. Another tradition states that the temple derives its name from Adisesha, one of the eight great serpents (Ashta Nagas), who worshipped Lord Shiva here. This sacred temple is one of the Saptha Vidanga temples and is a large east-facing one with a three-tiered rajagopuram, two prakarams, and an imposing entrance gateway. The temple is renowned for its tri-glories - Moorthy, Sthalam and Theertham. It is also one of the 64 Shakti Peetams, where Goddess Neelayadakshi resides. She is revered alongside the celebrated forms of the Divine Mother as Kanchi Kamakshi, Madurai Meenakshi, Kashi Visalakshi, and Nagai Neelayadakshi.

Main Sanctum

Pundarika Maharishi performed intense penance at this site, praying for liberation while retaining his physical body. Deeply moved by the sage's unwavering devotion, Shiva granted his wish by taking him to the divine abode in the same physical body (kayam), thereby bestowing moksha upon him. This divine act is the origin of the name Kayarohaneswarar, by which the presiding deity is worshipped. As a lasting testament to this legend, a beautifully sculpted idol of Pundarika Maharishi can be seen on a pillar on the eastern side of the inner prakaram, commemorating the tradition that he consecrated the Shiva Lingam at this temple.

Goddess Neelayadakshi

Goddess Neelayadakshi appears here as a youthful maiden and is also revered as Karun-Thandan-Kanni. As she manifests in this unique form, she is enshrined in a separate temple rather than being enshrined beside the main deity. The Goddess sannidhi, comprising a graceful gopuram, artha mandapam, maha mandapam, and a beautifully sculpted Nandi facing the sanctum, is an excellent example of traditional temple architecture. The walls of the sanctum are adorned with vibrant paintings depicting the sacred legend of Pundarika Maharishi attaining moksha after worshipping the deity at this holy place. Other notable features of the temple include the shrine of Nagabharana Vinayaka, the massive stucco Nandi standing before the main sanctum, an exquisite six-faced Muruga with twelve arms carved from a single stone, and a rare Panchamukha Vinayaka. The temple also houses a shrine for Thyagarajar, who is worshipped here in the form of Sundara Vidangar.

Prakaram Shrines

Nagabharana Vinayakar has a separate sannidhi near the temple entrance and is unique in being depicted adorned with serpents as ornaments. The temple's associated water bodies include Pundarika Theertham, located to the west of the temple, and Deva Theertham, situated near the Mukthi Mandapam.

Tiruppugazh Sthalam

This temple is glorified in the Tiruppugazh hymns of Arunagirinathar. Muruga, enshrined in a separate sanctum, is depicted in a magnificent east-facing form, seated on His peacock mount with twelve arms, all exquisitely carved from a single stone. His two divine consorts stand gracefully on either side, enhancing the beauty of the shrine. Arunagirinathar composed three Tiruppugazh hymns in praise of Muruga worshipped at this temple.