Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu

Thevaara Paadal Petra Shivasthalangal


Yoganandheeswarar temple, Tiruviyalur


Temple Information
Location of the templeTiruviyalur, near Kumbakonam
Deity known asYoganandheeswarar, Vilvaranyeswarar, Puradhaneswarar
Female deity known asSoundaranayaki, Santhanayaki
PathigamSambandar
How to reach The Shiva temple, is situated along the Kumbakonam-Tiruvidaimarudur-Veppattur bus route approximately 8 kilometers from Tiruvidaimarudur. Bus services from the nearby town of Kumbakonam are available. The temple is also in close vicinity to another notable Paadal Petra Sthalam, Tirundudevankudi.
Near by temples1. Tirukanjanur - 11 kms -
2. Tirukodikka - 13 kms -
3. Tirumangalakudi - 7.7 kms -
4. Tiruppananthal - 14.3 kms -
5. Tiru-Aappado - 12.6 kms -
6. Tirundudevankudi - 1.5 kms -
Temple addressArulmighu Yoganandheeswarar Temple
Tiruvisanallur
Tiruvisanallur Post
Via Veppattur
Kumbakonam Taluk
Thanjavur District
PIN 612105
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Temple Layout - The temple's architectural design is characterized by its 5-tiered Rajagopuram, an ornate and towering gateway structure, which faces eastward. Upon entering through this gateway, visitors encounter the series - 'Kodimara' Vinayaka, followed by the altar, then the Nandi, and finally the 'dwajasthamba' or the flagpole. This arrangement deviates from the customary layout found in most Shiva temples, where the flagpole typically precedes Nandi. The outer courtyard is notably devoid of any subsidiary shrines. Proceeding through the inner gate, devotees are drawn to the presiding deity of the temple, manifested as a self-formed (Swayam) Linga, oriented towards the east. A remarkable phenomenon occurs on the first three days of the Tamil month Chithirai, when the sun's rays directly illuminate the Shiva Linga. The 'Goshta Murthas' include Nardana Ganapathi, Mahavishnu, Brahma, and Goddess Durga. On the western side of the circumambulating path surrounding the sanctum, stands a separate shrine dedicated to Muruga, accompanied by his consorts Valli and Deivanai. The temple complex also features Panchalingams, a group of five Lingas, as well as a sannidhi or shrine housing the 'Sthala' Vinayaka, specific to this sacred site.

The Lakshmi Narayana Perumal shrine, located in the southwest quadrant of the temple complex, holds immense significance for devotees. The central deity of this shrine is a unique representation of Vishnu in the form of Lakshmi Narayana, where goddess Lakshmi is depicted sitting on the lap of Narayana (Vishnu). This intimate portrayal symbolizes the inseparable divine union of MahaVishnu and his consort Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity. According to long-held beliefs, worshipping Sri Lakshmi Narayana Perumal on auspicious occasions such as his birth star (Thiruvonam), during the Sravana month, on Ekadashi days, and on Saturdays, is considered especially propitious. Devotees hold the conviction that sincere prayers and offerings made to this deity on these sacred days have the power to alleviate sorrows, remove obstacles hindering marriage prospects, and bless couples with the birth of a son/daughter.

Lakshmi Narayana Perumal

The Chaturkala Bhairava at this temple also holds immense significance. Four different manifestations of Bhairava are present here, with each form corresponding to one of the four eras or yugas - namely Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. Devotees believe that worshipping at this powerful shrine, especially by lighting a pepper lamp as an offering, can bestow the divine blessings and protection of Lord Bhairava. It is considered particularly auspicious to perform this ritual on Ashtami days (the eighth day of the lunar fortnight) during the waning and waxing phases of the moon, as well as on Sundays during the inauspicious period known as Rahu Kalam. Those born under Rishabha rasi (Taurus zodiac sign) or the Rishabha Lagna (lunar mansion) are said to greatly benefit from carrying out religious ceremonies and making offerings here. The potent spiritual vibrations emanating from the Chaturkala Bhairava shrine are thought to neutralize negative planetary influences and provide a conducive environment for the fulfillment of devotees' prayers and aspirations.



Sun Dial - The sundial near the southern wall of the temple, dating back approximately 700 years, stands as a testament to the astronomical expertise of the ancient Tamils. This ingenious timekeeping device operates by precisely calculating the sun's trajectory from dawn to dusk. The sundial consists of a meticulously crafted semicircular sphere adorned with numerals carved around its perimeter, representing the hours from 6 am to 6 pm. At the center of this sphere, a brass nail is securely fixed, serving as the gnomon. As the sun traverses the sky, its rays strike the gnomon, casting a shadow upon the engraved numerals. The numeral upon which the shadow falls indicates the current time with remarkable accuracy. The sundial's design and functionality demonstrate the advanced understanding of solar patterns and celestial mechanics possessed by the people of that era. This ancient timepiece not only served a practical purpose but also exemplifies the sophistication of astronomical knowledge and their ability to harness the sun's movement for timekeeping purposes. The enduring presence of this 700-year-old sundial within the temple grounds is a powerful reminder of the rich scientific heritage and intellectual achievements of the Tamil civilization.


Thiruvisanallur is the birthplace of scholar Sridhara Ayyavaal. Ayyavaal, who lived in the 15th century CE, is renowned for his spiritual devotion and miraculous abilities. According to local legend, Ayyavaal prayed fervently to bring the sacred waters of the Ganges River to his village well, as a boon to provide his fellow villagers access to the holy river. Miraculously, it is said that the Ganges indeed began flowing abundantly in Ayyavaal's well, a testament to his divine grace and spiritual attainment. To this day, on the auspicious occasion of the new moon in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November/December), thousands of devoted pilgrims journey to Thiruvisanallur to partake in a ritual bath in the hallowed well-water, believed to bestow the same sanctifying blessings as a dip in the Ganges itself. This annual mass gathering and display of faith and piety stands as an enduring tribute to the life and legacy of Sridhara Ayyavaal and the spiritual heritage of this unassuming village.

Tiruviyalur Temple photos

5 tiered tower
Balipeetam, Nandhi, Dwajasthambam
Chaturkala Bhairavar
Navagraha
Outer corridor
Dakshinamurthy
Narthana Ganpathy
Muruga with his two consorts
Sthala Vinayaka
Pancha Linga
MahaVishnu
Devotees waiting in line to take bath in Sridhar Ayyaval's well