Pataleeswarar Temple

Pataleeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thirupathiripuliyur, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu. Revered as a Paadal Petra Sthalam praised in the 7th-century Tevaram hymns, it is known for its Dravidian architecture, towering gopuram and shrine to Goddess Periyanayaki. Associated with Chola and Pallava patronage, the temple remains an active place of worship and a significant cultural landmark on the banks of the Gadilam River near Cuddalore town.

Visitors can expect an active Dravidian-style temple complex with a multi-tiered gopuram, pillared mandapams, and stone sculptures. The main sanctum enshrines Lord Pataleeswarar (Shiva) with a separate shrine for Goddess Periyanayaki. The temple courtyard includes subsidiary shrines, a temple tank area, and open spaces for circumambulation. The surroundings are urban with market streets, and visitors can observe daily pujas, rituals, and traditional architecture.

Pataleeswarar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple traditionally dated to early Pallava origins with later contributions from Medieval Cholas. It is revered as a Paadal Petra Sthalam, mentioned in the 7th-century Tevaram hymns by Tamil Saivite saints Appar, Sambandar and Sundarar. Inscriptions and architectural style reflect Chola patronage and subsequent renovations.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva worshipped as Pataleeswarar and Goddess Periyanayaki (also called Periyanayagi). It is an important Shaivite pilgrimage centre and Paadal Petra Sthalam. Legends associate the site with the worship of Shiva by sages and with the sacred Patira tree (Thirupathiri). Daily rituals, festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Pradosham are observed with traditional Tamil Shaivite customs.