Someswarar temple, Pazhaiyarai Vadathali
Location
Pazhaiyarai Vadathali
Deity
Pazhaiyarai - Someswarar, Vadatali - Dharmapureeswarar
Female Deity
Pazhaiyarai - Somakamalambikai, Vadatali - Vimalai Nayaki
Pathikam
Thirunavukarasar - 1 (One common pathigam for Pazhaiyarai and Vadatali)
Gallery - Pazhaiyarai Vadathali Temples
How to reach
These twin Shiva temples are situated about 3 km from Darasuram railway station, which lies on the Thanjavur–Kumbakonam section of the Southern Railway. One of the 108 Divya Desams is located nearby at Tirunandipura Vinnagaram.
Temple Address
Pazhaiyarai
Patteeswaram Post
Kumbakonam Taluk
Thanjavur District
PIN – 612703
Temple Hours
Morning : 8:00 - 12:00
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
Travel Tips
Starting from Kumbakonam, you can cover temples SCN019 to SCN024 in a single circuit, as they all lie along the same route. If you plan your visit for either in the morning or evening session, begin with Thirupalaithurai and end with Patteswaram, as Patteswaram is a more prominent temple and is likely to remain open longer.
If you start your trip in the morning, you can complete visiting all these temples by lunchtime. Similarly, if you begin your trip in the evening around 3:30 p.m. from Kumbakonam, you can finish visiting all these temples by dinnertime.
The above circuit is feasible if you are traveling in a dedicated vehicle, your own car, or a private cab. However, it may not be possible to cover all five temples within half a day if you rely on public transport.
Map connecting SC019 to SC024Vadathali – Dharmapureeswarar Temple
The place called Vadathali, near Kumbakonam, lies a short distance from Patteeswaram, en route through Muzhaiyur (a Thevara Vaippu Sthalam). The settlement surrounding the temple is a small, quiet village with only a handful of houses. Believed to be one of the Maadakovils built by the Chola king Kochenkannan, the Vadathali Temple now stands in serene solitude and is visited by only a few devotees. Despite its tranquil setting, the temple holds immense spiritual significance, as it is revered as one of the sacred shrines visited and worshipped by Saint Thirunavukkarasar (Appar).
When Thirunavukkarasar (Appar) visited this place, the Jains had concealed the temple by constructing a monastery in front of it and had covered the Shiva Linga with a metal lid (*Thaazhi*). Determined not to leave without worshipping God Shiva, Appar undertook a fast unto death at the site, praying with unwavering devotion. Deeply moved by the saint's steadfast faith, God Shiva appeared in the dream of the local king, revealing His hidden presence and commanding him to remove the obstruction and restore the temple. The next day, the king came to the site, cleared the monastery, removed the metal covering, and Vadathali Easwarar manifested once again in all His divine glory, granting darshan to Appar and the devotees.
In this temple, apart from the sanctum of the main deity, Dharmapureeswarar, and Goddess Vimalanayaki, there is little else to be seen. The Dharmapureeswarar Temple at Vadathali is the one praised in the Thevaram hymns composed by Appar.
Pazhayarai – Somanatheswarar Temple
From Patteeswaram, take the road towards Avoor. After crossing the Thirumalairajan River bridge, continue until just before the Mudikondan River bridge. Turn left at Thenampadugai and travel about 2 kms to reach the Pazhayarai Somanatheswarar Temple.
During our visit to this temple in October 2025, we were unable to take photographs or assess its condition, as our visit took place after sunset. (The photographs in the gallery section were taken during an earlier visit to the temple). Though the temple was not well-lit, it appeared majestic, serene, and calm in its quiet isolation. A lone devotee was seated in front of the Goddess's sanctum, reciting the Thevaram in a clear voice that reverberated throughout the temple. We could not go around the prakaram, as the surroundings were dark and without lights.
Passing through the unfinished first gopuram, devotees enter the temple, where the Bali Peeta and the Nandi Mandapa stand directly opposite the entrance. In the outer prakaram, on the right, is the south-facing sannidhi of Goddess Lokambikai. The steps leading to Her shrine are adorned with beautifully carved sculptures depicting scenes from the life of the great devotee Prahlada, adding to the artistic and spiritual significance of the temple. The three-tiered second gopuram leads into the Maha Mandapam. From there, a flight of steps on the side provides access to the Artha Mandapam, beyond which lies the Garbhagriha, where the presiding deity, Somanatheswarar, is enshrined in all His divine glory.
Sannidhis of Significance
Veeradurga
The sannidhi of Goddess Veeradurga, situated near the Artha Mandapam, is a significant one. The idol of the Goddess is beautifully carved from a single stone. It is believed that lighting lamps and offering prayers to Her during Rahu Kalam on Tuesdays and Fridays brings success, prosperity, and harmony to the family.
Kailasanathar – The Debt-Relieving Lingam
Close to the Veeradurga sannidhi is the sacred Lingam of Kailasanathar, worshipped for relief from debts and worries. It is believed that lighting lamps and offering prayers to this deity for 11 months, 11 weeks, or on 11 consecutive Mondays or Saturdays helps devotees overcome financial and mental burdens.
Other Sannidhis
Around the sanctum of the main deity are sannidhis dedicated to the four primary nayanmars, Muruga with His consorts Valli and Deivayanai, and the Navagrahas (nine planets). Outside the temple premises lies the sacred tank known as Soma Theertham.
Historical Note
During the period when the Thevaram hymns were composed, Pazhayarai comprised four distinct divisions — Vadathali, Metrali, Keelthali, and Then Thali — each with its own Shiva temple. Of these, only two temples remain today: the Dharmapureeswarar Temple at Vadathali and the Somanatheswarar Temple at Keelthali.
The Mudikondan River flows to the south of the village, while the Thirumalairajan River runs to its north. In ancient times, the Mudikondan River was known as Pazhayaru (the old river), and the settlement along its banks came to be called Pazhayarai. The area on the northern bank was subsequently named Pazhayarai Vadathali.
Gallery
