Pillaipanangudi Rajarajeswarar Shiva Temple, Nagapattinam

Address

Pillaipanangudi Rajarajeswarar Shiva Temple, Nagapattinam

Pillaipanangudi, Nagai circle,

Nagapattinam District,

Tamil Nadu 611002

Moolavar

Rajarajeswarar

Amman

Rajarajeshwari

Introduction

• Location: The Pillaipanangudi Rajarajeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in Pillaipanangudi, a town located in the Nagai circle of Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu, India. The town of Panangudi is divided into two towns: Pillaipanangudi and Chinnapanangudi. The temple is positioned on the western side of the big lake in the front of the town, making it a prominent and serene place of worship.
• Temple Structure: The temple faces east, with the sanctum of the Lord directed towards the east and the goddess’s sanctum towards the south. A long hall precedes the Lord’s sanctum, and Nandi (the sacred bull) is placed in front of the hall. The temple features multiple shrines and unique architectural elements that attract devotees and tourists alike.

Puranic Significance

• Presiding Deities: The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Rajarajeswarar (a form of Lord Shiva), and the goddess is Rajarajeswari. Both deities are worshipped with reverence in their respective sanctums. Lord Shiva is housed in the main sanctum, while the goddess is positioned in a separate sanctum facing south.
• Significant Shrines and Features:
  • Nandi: The sacred bull Nandi sits at the entrance of the main hall, as is typical in Shiva temples.
  • Tenmugan: The deity Tenmugan is located in the Karurai Kottam (a hall dedicated to him).
  • Additional Shrines: The temple also has separate shrines for other deities:
    • Vinayagar (Lord Ganesha).
    • Murugan (Lord Kartikeya).
    • Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) within the Prakara Sthalam (outer courtyard).
  • Navagrahas: The Navagrahas (Nine planets) are housed in a hall in the northeast section of the temple complex.
  • Bhairava: Bhairava, the fierce aspect of Lord Shiva, is enshrined in a small house within the temple complex.
  • Anjaneyar (Hanuman): A shrine for Anjaneyar (Lord Hanuman) is located in a hall towards the north of the temple.
• Sacred Pond and Royal Tree: In front of the temple is a large pond, which adds to the temple’s serene ambiance. Nearby, the royal tree is considered significant and is an integral part of the temple’s religious landscape.

Historical Significance

• Age of the Temple: The Pillaipanangudi Rajarajeswarar Temple is believed to be 1000 years old, with a rich history tied to the region. Although the current structure is a new temple built after the old temple was destroyed, it retains much of the ancient charm and significance that attracts devotees from near and far.

Century/Period

1000 years old

Nearest Bus Station

Pillaipanangudi

Nearest Railway Station

Nagapattinam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

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