About Ganga Jadadisvarar Temple
Ganga Jadadisvarar Temple is a Hindu Shiva temple located in Govindaputhur village in Ariyalur District, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Ganga Jadadisvarar and Goddess Pavalakodi, it is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams revered in Tamil Saivite tradition. Built during the Chola period, the temple exhibits Dravidian architecture and is noted for its historical inscriptions, sacred tank and association with the saint Thirugnanasambandar.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a traditional South Indian Shiva temple complex with Dravidian architecture, gopuram, pillared mandapams, a central sanctum housing the Shiva Lingam, and shrines for Parvati and other deities. The temple is set in a quiet rural village environment with a temple tank and stone inscriptions. Visitors can observe daily pujas, explore the courtyard and sculptures, and experience a calm devotional atmosphere.
Key highlights
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One of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams sung by Tamil Saivite Nayanars
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Presiding deity Ganga Jadadisvarar (Shiva) with Goddess Pavalakodi
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Dravidian architecture from the Chola period with inscriptions
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Sacred temple tank and traditional gopuram and mandapams
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Association with Thirugnanasambandar and Appar hymns
History of Ganga Jadadisvarar Temple
The temple is attributed to the Chola period, with inscriptions indicating contributions from Chola kings including Parantaka Chola I. It is an ancient Paadal Petra Sthalam mentioned in the Thevaram hymns of the 7th-century saint Thirugnanasambandar. The architecture and epigraphy reflect Chola art and temple patronage in the region.
Culture & Context
The temple is culturally significant as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of 275 Shiva temples revered in Tamil Saivism. The presiding deity is worshipped as Ganga Jadadisvarar, representing Shiva bearing the Ganga in his matted locks, and the goddess as Pavalakodi. It remains an active place of worship and hosts festivals such as Maha Shivaratri and Pradosham.
Route
| By air |
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