Gyanaparameswarar Temple, Tirunaalur Mayanam
Location
Tirunaalur Mayanam
Deity
Gyanaparameswarar, Palaasava-Nathar
Female Deity
Gnanambikai, Periyanayaki
Pathikam
Sambandar - 1
Gyanaparameswarar Temple Photos
How to Reach
This shiva temple is situated at Nalur, on the Kumbakonam–Tirucherai–Kudavasal route, just beyond Tirucherai. After passing through Nalur, a short distance along a road that branches off to the left before the Athikkadai Bridge, towards Kudavasal, leads to this temple, which is now known as Tirumeigyanam. It is located approximately 2.5 km from Kudavasal. When we visited the temple in July 2026, at around 4:00 p.m., it was found to be closed. Our cab driver therefore took us to another nearby temple bearing the same name, which is also a Thevara Vaippu Sthalam. Visitors are advised to confirm the temple's opening hours before planning their visit. The Paadal Petra Temple can be identified by a water or tap located outside the premises, which serves as a useful landmark. Please refer to the first photograph to identify this feature.
Temple Address
Nalur Mayanam
Tirucherai Post
Thirumeygnanam
Kumbakonam Taluk
Thanjavur District
PIN – 612605
Temple Hours
Morning : 7:00 - 9:00
Contact
Family members of Mr. Kaliyamoorthy (Chairman of the Temple Trustee Committee)
9486767962, 7502056284
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
Temple Significance & History
Significance of the Mayana Temples
Among the temples that have received hymns in the Thevaram, four are known as Mayana Temples. They are: 1) Nalur Mayanam, 2) Tiru-Kadaiyur Mayanam, 3) Kazhi Mayanam, and 4) Kachchi Mayanam. Of these, the first three are Tevara Paadal Petra Temples, while Kachchi Mayanam is a Tevara Vaippu Sthalam.
Temple History
Nalur is a village situated along the Kumbakonam–Tirucherai–Kodavasal route, beyond Tirucherai. It is itself a Thevaram Vaippu Sthalam, where the presiding deity is Palasavaneswarar. After passing through Nalur, just before reaching the Athikkadai Bridge, a road branches off to the left. A short distance along this road leads to the Temple of Nalur Mayanam, which is now known as Thirumeigyanam. The Gyanaparameswarar Temple in the village of Tiru-Meigyanam is identified with Tirunalur Mayanam, praised by Thirugnanasambandar in his Thevaram hymns. It is said that this deity was worshipped by all the four Vedas and, during the Chola period, was known as a Chaturvedimangalam.
Temple Structure
Sannidhis
Built in the architectural style of the Chola period, this east-facing temple has a single entrance. Outside the entrance are the Nandi Mandapam and Bali Peetam, while the Gyanatheertham is situated outside the temple. On entering through the gateway, one reaches the outer prakara. Along the western side of the prakara, a row of Shiva Lingas representing Amritakadeswarar, Sattanathar, Ekambareswarar and Sriveezhiyazhagar can be seen. Further along are the sannidhis of Nagaraja, Chandikeswari, Dakshinamurthy and Atma Lingam. The sannidhi of Muruga with Valli and Deivanai is also located in the prakara. On the northern side, Vishnu Durga is enshrined in the Goshta, while a Navagraha sannidhi is also found in the outer prakara.
Presiding Deity Sannidhi
After completing the circumambulation of the prakara, one enters the sanctum mandapam, which leads to the sanctum where the presiding deity is enshrined facing east. Shiva is worshipped here as a Swayambhu Murti, a self-manifested form. The deity is believed to have been worshipped by Sage Apastamba and the four Vedas, adding to the sanctity of this temple. The sanctum tower is distinctive in its rounded form, while the Goddess faces south.
Thevaram Significance
The hymn composed by Tirugyanasambandar in praise of the deity of this place is included in the Second Thirumurai. The people of this village traditionally speak of a snake frequently appearing on the form of the deity. They associate this with the opening verse of Thirugnanasambandar's hymn, which describes Shiva with serpent, the cool crescent moon and the fragrant datura flower adorning His red matted hair.
Gnanaparameswarar Temple Photos
