Padutharkollai Soleswarar Shiva Temple, Karaikal

Address

Padutharkollai Soleswarar Shiva Temple, Karaikal

Padutharkollai, Tirumalairayan Pattinam circle,

Karaikal district,

Tamil Nadu 609606

Moolavar

Soleswarar / Choleeswarar

Amman

Sivagami Amman

Introduction

• Location: Padutharkollai Village, Tirumalairayan Pattinam Circle, Karaikal District, Tamil Nadu
• Geographical Context:
  • The temple is located on the banks of the Thirumalayarayan River, to the west of Thirumalayarayanpattinam.
  • A beautiful square-shaped pond filled with water lies in front of the temple, adding to its serene environment.
  • The south road serves as the main road leading to the temple, making it easily accessible.

Deities

• Lord Soleswarar (Choleeswarar): The presiding deity of the temple, worshipped as Lord Shiva in the form of Soleswarar, also referred to as Choleeswarar.
• Mother Sivagami Amman: The consort of Lord Shiva, Sivagami Amman, is venerated in the temple.

Architectural Features

• Period: The temple is believed to be over 500 years old, constructed during the Nayak period.
• Design: The temple features conical halls and is entirely built with brick.
  • The sanctum sanctorum consists of Arthamandapam (half-hall) and Mukhamandapam (main hall). The sanctum houses the south-facing idol of Lord Soleswarar and the sanctum for Ambigai (Sivagami Amman).
• Nandi: A separate small hall houses the Nandi (bull, the vehicle of Lord Shiva), placed outside the main sanctum.
• Tenmugan: Inside the sanctum sanctorum, there is a statue of Tenmugan (Lord Vishnu in his form as Tenmugan), with a small mandapam constructed in front of him.
• Lingam: A small lingam can be found at the back of the sanctum.

Other Shrines and Features

• Murugan Sanctum: A sanctum dedicated to Murugan (the son of Lord Shiva) is located within the Prakara (outer courtyard) of the temple.
• Vinayakar: A shrine for Vinayaka (Lord Ganesha) is situated next to the Murugan sanctum.
• Lakshmi: The temple also features a shrine for Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, located adjacent to the Vinayaka shrine.
• Navagraha: The Navagraha (nine planets) is worshipped in a hall within the temple complex, symbolizing the celestial influence on devotees’ lives.

Other Features

• Main Tree: A large tree located on the north side of the temple is believed to be the main tree associated with the temple.
• Temple Well: The temple also houses a well, which may have been used historically for water-related rituals or for providing water during temple events.

Significance

• Cultural and Religious Importance:
  • This temple is a sacred place for devotees of Lord Shiva and Sivagami Amman, attracting people from surrounding areas for worship and special ceremonies.
  • The temple’s design, rooted in the Nayak period, reflects the architectural style of the era and contributes to its historical significance.
  • The presence of deities like Murugan, Vinayaka, Lakshmi, and Navagraha adds to the temple’s importance as a holistic center for religious worship and blessings.

Century/Period

500 years old.

Nearest Bus Station

Padutharkollai

Nearest Railway Station

Karaikal

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple