Neyyadiappar Temple

Neyyadiappar Temple is a Hindu Shiva temple located in Thillaistanam village in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, on the Thanjavur-Tiruvaiyaru road. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Neyyadiappar or Ghrutapureeswarar and Goddess Balasundari, it is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams revered in the Tevaram hymns. Notable for its Chola architecture, ghee-associated lingam legend, and Dravidian gopuram and mandapas.

Visitors can expect a traditional South Indian Shiva temple complex with a multi-tiered gopuram, pillared mandapas, stone inscriptions and a sanctum housing the Shiva lingam. The temple is set in a quiet village environment near the Cauvery river basin. Visitors can observe Dravidian architecture, sculpted pillars, shrines for Parvati and other deities, and participate in darshan and rituals during opening hours.

The temple is attributed to the Chola period, with later contributions from subsequent dynasties. It is recognized as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, having been hymned by the 7th-century Saivite saints Appar and Sambandar in the Tevaram. Inscriptions and architectural style reflect Chola craftsmanship. Legend associates the lingam with ghee, giving the deity the name Neyyadiappar/Ghrutapureeswarar.

A significant Shaivite pilgrimage centre dedicated to Shiva as Neyyadiappar and Goddess Balasundari. Revered as one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, it holds religious importance for devotees of Tamil Shaivism. Rituals include abhishekam and daily pujas, with festivals such as Maha Shivaratri observed.