Panangatur Kailasanathar Shiva Temple, Nagapattinam

Address

Panangatur Kailasanathar Shiva Temple, Nagapattinam

Panangatur, Nagai circle,

Nagapattinam District,

Tamil Nadu 609703

Moolavar

Kailasanathar

Amman

Akilandeswari

Introduction

• Location: Panangatur village, Nagai circle, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu, India
• Deities:
  • Lord Shiva as Kailasanathar (in the form of a lingam)
  • Goddess as Akilandeswari
• Facing Direction: East
• Temple Layout: Located on the banks of the Arala River, adjacent to the Karaikal road in the eastern part of Panangatur.

Puranic Significance

• The temple is believed to be over 500 years old, although many parts of the temple are in a dilapidated state.
• The temple houses several lingamurtis (Shiva lingams) scattered around the site, contributing to its historical significance.

Architecture and Design

• East-facing Sanctum: The sanctum dedicated to Lord Kailasanathar is east-facing, typical of Shiva temples, and features a small to medium-sized lingam.
• Mandapam: In front of the sanctum, there is a conical canopy mandapam, which enhances the architectural aesthetics of the temple.
• Ambikai Sanctum: The goddess Akilandeswari is enshrined in a separate sanctum, facing south.
• Nandi Mandapam: The Nandi Mandapam is located outside the sanctum, housing a Nandi (the divine bull of Lord Shiva).
• Karurai Kottam: Contains the deity Tenmugan.
• Prakara Shrines:
  • Vinayagar and Murugan have shrines within the prakara.
  • Perumal (Vishnu) has a separate temple in the northwest.
• Navagraha and Bhairava Shrines: Located in the northeast, these shrines feature the Navagrahas (nine planets), Bhairava, and Sun.

Special Pujas and Rituals

• Periodical pujas are performed regularly, with special pujas conducted on significant occasions and auspicious days.

Historical and Cultural Significance

• The temple’s architecture, dating back to the Nayak period, highlights its historical importance.
• River Location: Situated on the banks of the Arala River, the temple has a serene and spiritually uplifting environment, making it a tranquil place for devotees to offer prayers.

Highlights

• Spiritual Atmosphere: The calm setting of the temple, with its historical artifacts and lingamurtis, makes it a significant place for devotees seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings.
• Architectural Features: The Nayak period architecture and conical canopy mandapam add to the temple’s historical charm.
• Deities and Shrines: In addition to Lord Shiva and Goddess Akilandeswari, the presence of other deities like Vinayagar, Murugan, Perumal, and Navagraha enhances the temple’s spiritual richness.

Century/Period

500 years old

Nearest Bus Station

Panangatur

Nearest Railway Station

Nagapattinam

Nearest Airport

Trichy                            

Location on Map

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