Peraiyur Naganathaswami Temple, Pudukkottai

Address

Peraiyur post, Pudukkottai District,

Tamilnadu – 622 404,

Phone: 04322-221084

Moolavar

Naganathaswami

Amman

Brahadambal

Introduction

The Naganathaswamy Temple is a famous Shiva temple located in Peraiyur, a village in Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu. Peraiyur is a fertile village shaded by palmyra trees, situated on the south bank of the Vellaru River. The temple is renowned for Naga worship, where devotees, especially women seeking to overcome infertility, offer stone images of Nagas. These stone offerings have accumulated over centuries, creating a unique and breathtaking sight. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Naganathar (Lord of the Snakes), accompanied by his consort Parvati.

Location

Peraiyur is located about 15 km from Pudukkottai, and the temple can be accessed via regular bus services and taxis from Pudukkottai.
Bus Route: It is 3 km from the Pudukkottai-Kuzhipirai-Ponnamaravathi bus route.

Puranic Significance

The temple is dedicated to Siva in his Naganathaswami aspect, often depicted with serpents.
Nataraja (Lord Shiva’s cosmic dancer) is sculpted in a tall stone form at the entrance of the main shrine.
The temple is thought to date back to the 10th century and follows the Chola architectural style. However, it was renovated in later centuries, particularly during the Pandya period.
The original structure is attributed to the Chola dynasty under Rajendra Chozha I (10th century). The present sanctum (garbhagriham) is a Pandya structure, dating back to the 12th or 13th century.
Notable features of the temple:
- Niches with sculptures of Dakshinamoorthy, Lingodbhava, and Brahma.
- A Vijayanagara-style shrine dedicated to Brahadambal (the goddess consort).
- A modern brick Vimanam (temple tower).
- The temple also features a tarn (water body) surrounded by stone naga images installed as votive offerings during Naga Prathishta (snake installation ceremonies).

Beliefs

The Naganathaswamy Temple is a ‘Parikara Sthalam’, believed to rectify malefic effects caused by Raagu and Ketu (planets in Vedic astrology) in one’s horoscope.
Common problems believed to be alleviated by prayers at the temple include:
- Marriage delays
- Childbirth issues
- Kala Sarpa Dosha (a specific astrological affliction)
Devotees believe that worship here can bring prosperity, peace, and blessings in various aspects of life.

Special Features

Naga Worship: The temple is most famous for Naga worship, where devotees install stone images of snakes (Nagakkals) to seek fertility blessings. These snake stones often depict coiled cobras or two intertwined snakes.
The praying area of the temple is unique, as it faces a seasonal tarn (small water body), which fills with rainwater. Around this tarn, rows of Naga stones can be seen, symbolizing the centuries-old practice of offering these stones as part of Naga Prathishta ceremonies.
Other Deities in the temple include:
- Annamalaiyar (a form of Lord Shiva)
- Brahma
- Gajalakshmi (Goddess Lakshmi with elephants)
- Subramania (Lord Murugan)
- Chandikeswarar and Durga in the northern prakara (enclosure).

Festivals

Vasanthourchavam (Spring Festival) during Panguni month (March-April).
Chariot Festival: Celebrated on the 9th day of Panguni month.
Puratasi (October): Special ceremonies on the 10th day, particularly Vijayadasami and Ambu Poduthal (Navaratri procession).