Kalappal Azhagiya Nathar Temple - Thiruvarur

Address

Kalappal Azhagiya Nathar Temple – Kalappal village, Thirukkalar, Thiruvarur district- 614710.

Diety

Azhagiya Nathar / Aadhitheswarar. Amman: Prabha Nayaki / Pannermozhiyaa.

Introduction

Azhagiya Nathar Temple is dedicated to God Shiva located at Kalappal Village near Thirukkalar Thevara Paadal Petra Sthalam in Thiruvarur District of Tamilnadu. Kalappal is around 5 Kms South West of Thirukkalar and was called as Kalandhai during Karur Thevar’s times. People refer it now as Kovil Kalappal. Presiding Deity is called as Azhagiya Nathar / Aadhitheswarar. Mother is called as Prabha Nayaki / Pannermozhiyaa. Kootruva Nayanar, one of the 63 Nayanmars was born here and his image is seen in the Temple. It is believed that Kalapalaar/ Kalapirar lived here during ancient times. Hence this place is called as Kalappal. Later it got corrupted to Kalandhai. It is believed that this temple was built by Aditya Chola son of Vijayalaya Chola founder of Later Chola Dynasty. And the temple is 1500 years old temple. Hence this temple is named after him as Aditeechuram. It is considered as Thiruvisaippa Temple and also Thevara Vaippu Sthalam as it got mentioned in Sundarar Hymns. Karuvur Thevar has sung Thiruvisaippa on this temple. Kulasekhara Pandyan Inscriptions in this temple mentions the Lord as Kalappal Udaiyar / Aadhitheswarar. The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Thirukkalar, 13 Kms from Thiruthuraipoondi, 40 Kms from Thiruvarur and 115 Kms from Trichy. Nearest Railway Station is located at Thiruthuraipoondi and Nearest Airport is located at Trichy.