About Payarneeswarar Temple
Payarneeswarar Temple is a Hindu Shiva temple located in Udayarpalayam, Ariyalur district, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Payarneeswarar (Shiva) and Goddess Nithyakalyani, it is noted for its Dravidian architecture and Chola-era origins. The temple is recognized as one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams revered in Tamil Saivite tradition. It features a gopuram, pillared mandapas, and stone inscriptions, serving as an active place of worship and cultural landmark in the region.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect an active Dravidian-style Shiva temple complex with a gopuram, pillared halls, stone sculptures and shrines dedicated to Payarneeswarar and Nithyakalyani. The temple courtyard is used for daily worship and festivals. Visitors can observe traditional rituals, view architectural details and inscriptions, and explore the inner mandapas and outer prakaram in a quiet town setting.
Key highlights
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Dedicated to Lord Payarneeswarar (Shiva) with consort Goddess Nithyakalyani
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Dravidian architecture with gopuram, pillared mandapas and stone sculptures
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Recognized as one of the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams revered by Tamil Saivite Nayanmars
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Chola-era origins with stone inscriptions documenting historical patronage
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Active daily pujas and annual festivals including Maha Shivaratri
History of Payarneeswarar Temple
The temple is attributed to the Chola period and retains Dravidian architectural features, pillared mandapas and Tamil stone inscriptions. It is counted among the Paadal Petra Sthalams, temples sung by the Saivite Nayanmars Appar and Sambandar in the Thevaram hymns, indicating its antiquity and continuous worship tradition.
Culture & Context
As a Shiva temple dedicated to Payarneeswarar and Nithyakalyani, it holds religious importance for Tamil Saivites and is an active centre of daily worship, rituals and festivals such as Maha Shivaratri and Pradosham. It reflects Tamil temple culture, architecture and devotional traditions of the region.
Route
| By air |
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