Shiva Temples of Tamilnadu

Thevaara Paadal Petra Shivasthalangal


Neyyaadiyappar temple, Tiruneithanam


Temple Information
Location of the templeTiruneithanam (Now known as Thillaisthaanam)
Deity known asNeyyaadiyappar
Female deity known asBalambikai
PathigamThirunavukarasar - 5
Sambandar - 1
How to reach This shiva temple is very close to Iyarappar temple, Tiruvaiyaru on the Tiruvaiyaru-TiruKattupalli route.
Near by temples1. Tiru-Pazhanam - 5 kms -
2. Tiruvaiyaru - 2.2 kms -
3. Tiru-Aalampozhil - 8.4 kms -
4. Tiru-Poonthuruthi - 7.5 kms -
5. Tiru-Kandiyur - 4 kms -
6. Tiru-Chotruthurai - 8 kms -
7. Tiru-Vedikudi - 7.7 kms -
8. TiruPerumpuliyur - 3 kms -
Near by Vaippu Sthalam1. Thingalur - 5.8 kms -
Near By Divya Desam1. Sri Hara Chaapa Vimochana Perumal Temple, TiruKandiyur - 4 kms -
Temple addressArulmighu Neyyaadiyappar Temple
Thillaisthaanam
Thillaisthaanam Post
Via Thiruvaiyaru
Thanjavur District
PIN 613203

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Thiruneithanam, the seventh and final temple of the revered 'Sapta Sthanam' temples in Thiruvaiyaru, holds a unique distinction as the sacred site where the palanquins of all seven temples converge during the festive season, creating a captivating spectacle for devotees. Spanning an impressive area of approximately two acres, the Neyyadiyaappar temple boasts a grand five-tiered Rajagopuram that faces eastward, serving as the main entrance to the expansive outer courtyard. As one traverses through the inner gate, past the flagstaff, altar, and the Nandi positioned directly in front of the Rajagopuram, the sannidhi of the presiding deity, Neyyadiyaappar, reveals itself in the inner courtyard or prakaram, facing east in all its divine glory. A circumambulation of the inner courtyard unveils an array of subsidiary sannidhis dedicated to various deities, including Surya, Adhivinayaka, Shani Bhagavan, Saraswati, Mahalakshmi, Kalabhairava, and Chandra, each exuding its own spiritual aura. The Goshta murthas, or the deities enshrined in the niches of the temple walls, depict Dakshinamurthy in a standing form, along with Lingothbhava and Brahma, adding to the temple's rich iconographic tapestry. Within the sanctum sanctorum, the self-manifested Swayambhu Linga of Neyyadiyapar stands tall and slender and a distinctive ritual that sets this temple apart is the hot water abishekam performed immediately after the ghee abishekam to Lord Shiva, a practice steeped in ancient traditions and believed to bestow immense blessings upon the devotees who witness or participate in this sacred ceremony.

The sannidhi of the female deity Balambikai is situated in the outer courtyard of the temple complex, faces southward and the goddess appears in a standing posture. The temple holds great spiritual significance, as it is believed to be a place where several revered figures from Hindu mythology, including Kamathenu, the divine wish-granting cow, Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, and Gautama Muni, a renowned sage, once worshipped this temple's deity.



The sannidhi of Lord Muruga within this temple complex is located in the western side of the prakaram that encircles the central sanctum, situated directly behind the main deity. The great Tamil poet-saint Arunagirinathar, renowned for his devotional hymns, has sung praises of this particular Muruga in his revered work Thiruppugazh. The idol of Lord Muruga in this shrine is sculpted in a standing posture, portraying the deity with a single face and four arms, accompanied by his vahana, the majestic peacock, that serves as his mount. Flanking Lord Muruga on either side are his consorts Valli and Deivanai.

Tiruneithanam Temple photos

5 tiered Tower
Flagpost, Nandhi Mandapam
Sannidhi of Balambika
Nandi Mandapam - another view
2'nd Entrance
Sanctum Vimana
Muruga with his consorts
Enclosure in front of the main sannidhi
Goddess Durga
Double Dakshinamurthy