Pallavanathar temple, Tiru-Pallavaneecharam
Location: Tiru-Pallavaneecharam
Deity known as: Pallavaneswarar
Female Deity: Soundara Nayaki
Pathikam: Sambandar - 2
Gallery – Pallavaneswarar Temple, Tirupallavaneecharam
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is located in Poompuhar village—historically known as Kaveri Poompattinam, a renowned port city of the pre-Sangam and Sangam eras. Regular bus services connect Poompuhar with nearby towns like Sirkazhi and Mayiladuthurai, making it easily accessible for devotees. The temple is situated about 19 km from Sirkazhi, offering a convenient pilgrimage destination for those exploring the ancient Chola coastline.
Temple Address
Pallavaneecharam
Kaviripoompattinam Post
Sirkazhi Taluk
Mayiladuthurai District
PIN – 609105
Temple Hours
Morning: 7:00 – 12:00
Evening: 4:00 – 7:30
Nearby Temples
| 1 | Tiru-Kalikaamur – 11 kms | |
| 2 | Tiru-Chaai-Kaadu – 650 Meters | |
| 3 | Tiru-Ven-kaadu – 4.4 kms |
Location Map
Temple Layout
Gopuram & Outer Prakaram
The Shiva temple at Pallavaneecharam stands as a remarkable testament to the region’s ancient maritime heritage, preserving a legacy that has withstood the passage of time and the forces of nature. According to legend, a significant portion of the once-flourishing port city was lost to the destructive impact of a powerful tsunami, leaving this sacred temple as one of the few enduring links to its illustrious past. As one approaches the temple, the imposing five-tiered gopuram rises prominently, drawing immediate attention. Upon entering through the gateway, Athikara Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva, can be seen positioned to the left, standing in vigilant guardianship.
Upon entering the outer prakaram, one encounters a sannidhi dedicated to Surya, the sun god, along with four Shiva lingas situated nearby. Adjacent to these is the sannidhi of Pattinathar, depicted in a humble posture with his hands in the namaskara mudra. Close to the sannidhi of Vinayaka stands an impressively large idol of Subramaniya. Further along is the sannidhi of Gajalakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, followed by another sannidhi that enshrines Sani, Bhairavar, and Chandra together.
Inner Enclosure & Moolavar
Venturing into the outer mandapam, the sannidhi of the Goddess is located on the right, while the main sanctum of the presiding deity, Pallavaneswarar, stands directly ahead as one enters. Here, the majestic Linga rises prominently with a notably broad baanam. The Sabapathi Sabha within the inner enclosure bears a striking resemblance to the iconic structure found in the renowned Chidambaram temple. The Navagrahas, enshrined in their respective sannidhis, are uniquely oriented westward, facing the main deity. Within the inner prakaram, Muruga is seen in a commanding standing posture with his consorts, notably without the usual peacock mount. In the goshta, there are two forms of Durga, along with a sannidhi that houses two Chandikeshwarar deities. Close to this temple lies the confluence of the River Kaveri with the sea, regarded as a highly revered theertham associated with this temple.
Sthala Purana
Kaveri Poompattinam — The Ancient Port Capital
Pallavaneecharam, once known as Kaveri Poompattinam, was a thriving maritime center celebrated in Tamil literature as the capital of the early Chola kings. Tirugyanasambandar vividly describes this bustling coastal city as a sight to behold—adorned with beautifully constructed multi-storeyed houses, lofty walls, and well-maintained gardens teeming with bees and beetles. The landscape was further enriched by shimmering water bodies filled with blooming lotuses. The atmosphere resonated with melodious music, and its inhabitants were admired for their virtuous way of life. In its prime, Kaveri Poompattinam stood as a magnificent and vibrant coastal capital, a true jewel of the Chola realm.
Pattinathar — The Saint of Poompuhar
Kaveri Poompattinam is revered as the birthplace of the saint Pattinathar. Within the temple, a north-facing sannidhi houses his iconic idol in a posture of deep devotion, with hands folded in the namaskara mudra. The vimana above this sanctum is richly adorned with sculptural representations of Pattinathar, along with figures of his wife, his mother, and God Shiva, who is believed to have incarnated as his son. Unlike many other temples, the traditional Brahmotsava festival is not observed here. Instead, the “Pattinathar festival” holds prominence and is celebrated over a period of twelve days. The tenth day is considered particularly significant, marking the divine moment when Shiva is said to have granted Pattinathar the blessing of moksha. From this sacred birthplace, Pattinathar began his spiritual journey, ultimately attaining mukthi at the temple of Tiruvotriyur in the Thondai region, a milestone that further established his enduring legacy.
Pathikam
The pathikams on Tirupallavaneecharam were composed by Tirugnanasambandar and are preserved in the First and Third Tirumurai. These two pathikams extol the spiritual significance of worshipping Pallavaneswarar and celebrate the boundless divine grace of the deity enshrined at this sacred ancient port
Gallery – Pallavaneswarar Temple, Tirupallavaneecharam
