The Legacy of the Paadal Petra Shivasthalam
India is home to numerous Shiva temples, with Tamilnadu being particularly renowned for its ancient temples that have stood for over a millennium. 'Paadal Petra Shivasthalam' are 276 temples that have been praised in the verses of Thevaram, composed by the three great Shaivite saints of Tamil Nadu. These sacred hymns, dating back to the 7th-8th centuries, are considered among the finest devotional literature in Tamil.
Each temple holds unique spiritual significance, architectural marvels, and centuries of devotional history that continues to inspire millions of devotees worldwide.
The Significance
The term "Paadal Petra Shivasthalam" literally means "Shiva temples that have been sung about." These are the 276 temples dedicated to God Shiva that have been glorified in the Thevaram, a collection of devotional hymns composed by three great Tamil Shaivite saints between the 7th and 8th centuries CE.
The Thevaram consists of over 8,000 verses spread across 12 volumes. These hymns are not just devotional songs but also literary masterpieces that showcase the richness of Tamil language and poetic tradition.
Each hymn captures the essence of the temple, its deity, local legends, architectural beauty, and the spiritual experiences of the devotees. They serve as both religious texts and historical documents.
In comparison, the Divya Desams are 108 Vishnu temples glorified in the poems of the contemporary Vaishnava Alvars of Tamil Nadu. Of these 276 Shiva temples, 266 are scattered across Tamil Nadu, and all have been in existence for over 1000 years.
Read MoreOur Mission
Our mission is to preserve and share the rich heritage of the 'Paadal Petra' temples with devotees and scholars worldwide. Through this digital platform, we aim to make the profound wisdom and spiritual beauty of these sacred sites accessible to all.
We strive to maintain accurate information about each temple, its history, architectural significance, and the divine hymns that celebrate its glory, ensuring that this invaluable cultural treasure continues to inspire future generations.
Further Reading
Articles on Parihara Sthalangal by Shri N. S. Narayansamy, the founder of this website, were published over a period of two years by the Tamil daily Dinamani's online portal. A hard copy compilation in two parts was later published by Pinnacle Books. Each part features 54 temples and their unique specialties. The books are priced at ₹200 each and are available from the publisher.
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