Padavedu Kailasa Parai Sri Uma Maheswarar Temple – Thiruvannamalai

Address

Padavedu Kailasa Parai Sri Uma Maheswarar Temple Padavedu Link Rd, Pudhur, Thiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu 632315

Deity

Sri Uma Maheswarar/ Kailasanadhar Amman: Uma Devi.

Introduction

The Padavedu Kailasa Parai Shiva temple, located in Padavedu Village in the Thiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Despite its historical significance, it is currently in a state of disrepair and is not a popular destination for visitors. :

Puranic Significance:

The Padavedu Kailasa Parai Shiva temple is believed to be approximately 1000 years old.
It is situated on top of a small hillock known as Kailasa Parai, located on the northern border of Padavedu.
This temple is significant due to its unique Gajaprashta style of architecture. The Gajaprashta style refers to the back of the temple’s sanctum sanctorum resembling the shape of an elephant’s back.
Within the temple, you can find a big and beautiful idol of Lord Shiva as Sri Kailasanadhar along with his consort Uma Devi.
Unfortunately, the temple has fallen into a state of disrepair, and the idols, including Lord Shiva, have been vandalized. All four hands of Lord Shiva’s idol are broken.
One distinctive feature of this temple is the rare depiction of Lord Shiva in human form, making it a unique place of worship.
The hillock on which the temple is situated has a sunai (water stream). It also offers panoramic views of the surrounding Padavedu area.

Despite its current condition, the Padavedu Kailasa Parai Shiva temple holds historical and religious significance. Efforts to preserve and restore such ancient temples can help protect our cultural heritage and provide future generations with the opportunity to explore their rich history.