Umamaheswarar temple, TiruNallam
Location
Tirunallam (Koneri Rajapuram)
Deity
Uma Maheswarar, MAmani Eswarar
Female Deity
Mangalanayaki, Angavala Nayaki
Pathikam
Tirunavukarasar - 1, Sambandar - 1
Gallery - TiruNallam Temple
How to Reach
This Shiva temple is situated about 22 km from Kumbakonam. Travel along the Kumbakonam–Karaikkal road up to S. Puthur, from where a branch road leads to Vadamattam village. Continue along this road to the Konerirajapuram Cross Road bus stop. From there, the temple is located about 1 km away and can be reached by a short walk or local transport.
Temple Address
Konerirajapuram
Konerirajapuram Post
Thanjavur District
PIN – 612201
Temple Hours
Morning : 6:00 - 12:00
Evening : 4:00 - 8:30
Nearby Paadal Petra Shiva Temples
Temple Video
Historical Significance
Konerirajapuram (Thirunallam) Sri Uma Maheswarar Temple has a glorious history dating back to the Chola period. Although its origins are earlier, the temple underwent extensive development between the 8th and 10th centuries under the patronage of the devout Chola queen Sembiyan Mahadevi, the grandmother of Rajaraja Chola I. Numerous stone inscriptions, including those of Princess Kundavai Nachiyar and other Chola rulers, bear testimony to the temple's historical, artistic, and spiritual significance. The temple is especially renowned for housing the world's largest bronze idol of Lord Nataraja. This magnificent Panchaloka (five-metal alloy) image, standing about 9 feet tall, is celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and intricate detailing, making it one of the finest masterpieces of Chola bronze sculpture.
Sthala Purana
Bhoomadevi, Maha Vishnu, Brahma, Goddess Lakshmi, and revered sages such as Agasthya have offered their worship to God Shiva here as Uma Maheswarar. The deity is also revered as Vaithiyanathar, the Divine Healer, who is believed to have cured King Pururava of a severe skin disease. It is traditionally believed that chanting sacred mantras or performing penance in His sannidhi bestows manifold spiritual and material blessings upon devotees.
Temple Structure
Entranceway
The temple at Tirunallam has a modest entrance that faces the setting sun. Outside the temple lies Shakthi Theertham, a serene and tranquil water body. Upon entering through the gateway, one reaches a spacious courtyard, from where a long pillared mandapam comes into view. Within this mandapam are the flagstaff (kodimaram), the bali peetam, and Nandi.
Special Features of the Mandapam
The inner ceiling of the mandapam is adorned with colorful paintings depicting the 63 Nayanmars, various Shiva forms, the twelve zodiac signs, sages, and other divine figures.
Main Sanctum (Moolavar Sannidhi)
The main deity, Uma Maheswarar, faces west, while the sanctum of Ambal Angavalanayaki faces east. Uma Maheswarar is enshrined in the form of a Shiva Lingam on a square avudaiyar with an elevated baanam.
Goshta Deities
The Goshta deities around the main sanctum include Vinayaka, Dakshinamurthy, Agasthiya, Jvaraharar, Lingodbhava, Gangadhar, Ardhanareeswarar, and Durga. The east-facing Lingodbhava in the rear koshta, flanked by Brahma and Mahavishnu on either side, is particularly noteworthy.
Other Deities and Sannidhis
- Shanmuka Sannidhi in the outer prakaram
- Vaithiyanathar Sannidhi
- Yagasala Mandapam
- Maha Ganapathi Sannidhi
- Brahma Lingam
- Nataraja Sabha
- Primary four Nayanmars and Vinayaka
- Agasthiya Lingam
- Navagrahas
- Sani Bhagavan, Bhairava, Rahu Durga, Agni
Special Features of the Temple
Famous Thirunallam Nataraja
The form of Nataraja enshrined in this temple is especially revered, as it is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested). The majestic bronze idol, standing about 9 feet tall, is the largest bronze image of Nataraja in the world. Beside Him stands an exquisitely crafted bronze idol of Goddess Sivakami, perfectly proportioned to complement His imposing stature. What makes this sacred image truly extraordinary is the presence of natural lines, folds, and marks on the idol, resembling the texture and contours of human skin. These unique features, traditionally believed to have manifested naturally, add to the divine aura of the idol and make it one of the most remarkable masterpieces of Chola bronze art.
Kalyanasundarar
In this temple, Kalyanasundarar is enshrined in the divine wedding posture, while Maha Vishnu is depicted ceremonially offering Goddess Parvati to Him as part of the sacred marriage ritual. It is traditionally believed that worshipping Kalyanasundarar and Nataraja here helps remove obstacles related to marriage and childbirth that may be indicated in one’s horoscope. Devotees who offer prayers to Vaideeswaraswamy are also believed to receive relief from various ailments and be blessed with good health.
Gallery
